Historic Scotland (HS) and the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), have provided an update on the planned merger, describing a new ‘lead body responsible for investigating and recording, with the business case for the new organisation due to be presented to government at the end of February.
The statement reports that ‘The values of that new body have been scoped out and include demonstrating passion for the historic environment, preserving the knowledge, expertise and research capabilities of its staff, working with objectivity and curatorial independence, and acting as a linchpin for cooperation and collaboration across Scotland’s heritage’.
HS and RCAHMS together write that the:
…two organisations which look after Scotland’s unique built heritage and collections for future generations, have been working together to create a new lead public body for the historic environment in Scotland.
Since autumn 2012, consultation with the sector, stakeholders, the public and staff, has explored how to merge the complementary functions and services of the two organisations and considered which type of governance model would best safeguard and deliver these in the new body.
The intention is to create a lead body responsible for investigating and recording, caring for and protecting, and sharing and celebrating the historic environment – and which enables others to do the same. The values of that new body have been scoped out and include demonstrating passion for the historic environment, preserving the knowledge, expertise and research capabilities of its staff, working with objectivity and curatorial independence, and acting as a linchpin for cooperation and collaboration across Scotland’s heritage.
During this period, Historic Scotland has also been carrying out a fundamental review of the Scottish Historic Environment Policy (SHEP). The aim of the review is to ensure that the sector can both protect and promote the historic environment and secure the optimum outcome for Scotland in terms of economic, social and cultural benefits. This provides an ideal opportunity to consider the future strategy and policy direction of the wider historic environment alongside the shape and purpose of the new body.
Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs, said: ‘Scotland has a unique historic environment and both Historic Scotland and RCAHMS play key roles in managing, understanding and preserving it for the nation. Establishing a single body, better equipped to protect, record and preserve, is an ambitious task, particularly in what is an increasingly challenging financial environment. However, it is a task that I believe will help deliver more robust and sustainable functions. I have been impressed with the commitment and collaboration shown by the two organisations and the invaluable input from the wider sector.
‘The Government is committed to ensuring the continuity and security of employment for staff with the no compulsory redundancies, and we are equally committed to delivering a merged body that will deliver for Scotland’s historic environment for the benefit of future generations.’
Professor John Hume, Chairman of RCAHMS, and Raymond Young of Historic Scotland’s Advisory Committee said ‘RCAHMS Commissioners and Historic Scotland Advisors are working together to help evaluate and advise on the best governance model for the new organisation. We recognise this as an opportunity to deliver a positive and effective impact on the whole historic environment sector.’
The Business Case for the new organisation is due to be presented to Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs at the end of February and will then be considered by the Cabinet. If the Business Case is approved by Ministers, the process will require legislation, with a possible Bill in the 2013/14 Parliamentary session, and the aim of creating the new organisation by 2015/16.
RCAHMS Article: LINK
