Built Environment Forum Scotland (BEFS) has issued its summary of key points raised in the consultation on the new Historic Environment Strategy, while other bodies such as the RIAS and National Heritage Training Group have also submitted responses.
BEFS writes:
The key themes highlighted in the BEFS response are as follows:
· The collaborative approach advocated in the Strategy is welcomed but the question that arises is how this aspiration will be delivered collectively?
· The document identifies challenges but the linkage to proposed actions is unclear – baseline evidence is needed to inform proposed activities.
· Local authorities are already under extreme financial pressure and local expertise within is already at risk. This makes the historic environment increasingly vulnerable to ill-informed decision-making.
· The impact of a new large charitable body upon existing charitable organisations within the historic environment sector must be fully evaluated.
BEFS, our Members and Associates look forward to continued dialogue with the Historic Environment Policy Unit of the Scottish Government as the Historic Environment Strategy and merger programme progress.
For links to members’ responses, including the RTPI and IHBC, and the BEFS Timeline for the Historic Environment Strategy for Scotland and the merger of Historic Scotland and RCAHMS see: LINK
For the IHBC’s response see: LINK
For the RIAS response see: LINK
For the NHTG response see: LINK
