Built Environment forum Scotland (BEFS) has announced that, following their encouragement, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has established a database using its existing GIS data so users can search for designated assets by constituency and council ward.
Saskia Smellie of BEFS said: ‘In the lead up to Scotland’s local government elections in May, BEFS has been encouraging HES to establish this public interface and are delighted to say that this resource now exists.’
‘It takes the form of a searchable map and it will be updated quarterly. And while one or two glitches are still being ironed out, being able to share exactly what is in a politician’s ward or constituency should prove a useful advocacy tool.’
IHBC Director Seán O’Reilly said: ‘We are delighted to welcome this public service initiative from HES. We are sure that, as BEFS has suggested, the mapping tool will, through the electorate, help remind elected members in local authorities and in the Scottish Parliament of the huge values in, and great diversity of, the historic environments that they represent.’
‘This is not a substitute for other services or resources in the sector, but another useful platform to allow Scotland’s public to engage more effectively with its valued architecture and places, and with those responsible for their care and enhancement’.
