More than half of heritage sites and monuments managed by Historic Environment Scotland (HES) are at risk, according to a recent report, as analysis of 352 historic sites and monuments found 89 per cent were exposed to ‘damaging’ environmental effects, though mitigation calculations can reduce the count to 53%.
The report, entitled ‘A progress report on the conservation and management of properties in care of Scottish Ministers,’ explains that it is intended to ‘provide an update on progress one year on, in relation to the properties in care, with a particular focus on conservation’.
The report states:
Initial results from the desk-top environmental risk assessment show that of the 352 sites, 89% are exposed to environmental factors in a way that is considered unacceptable i.e. damaging to the site or monument fabric (Inherent Risk: very high or high – see chart). Taking into account our site operations and maintenance regime (presence of site staff, conservation teams etc.) the number of sites classified as ‘at risk’ is reduced to 53%.
The BBC writes:
The report by Historic Environment Scotland found more than half of the 352 sites it manages are at risk from hazards such as flooding and erosion.
It also said climate change and extreme weather were putting ‘additional stresses’ on historic buildings.
In its report, which was commissioned by Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop, it found that 89% of its sites were exposed to damaging environmental effects.
Taking into account factors such as the presence of site staff and conservation teams, 53% were thought to remain at risk from hazards such as flooding and erosion, with 28 sites classified as very high risk and 160 as high risk.
HES warned of ‘resource challenges’ as it estimated investment of £65m would be needed over the next ten years to ensure the ‘satisfactory condition’ of its properties.
HES writes:
A priority for HES is the development of a comprehensive Investment Plan. The conservation element is a key part, but the investment plan will also address other HES responsibilities, including the needs of visitors and the conservation and management of the archives which we inherited from the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS). This Investment Plan is planned for completion in spring 2017.
