Historic Environment Scotland

Earlier this year, we were out and about across the country to ask groups and individuals what they thought about the historic environment, what it means to them, and how it touches their lives.
That feedback has informed the draft of our new Corporate Plan 2019-22, which is now out for public consultation.
The historic environment belongs to all of us, and this is your chance to have your voice heard on how to shape its future. For more information, and to have your say, visit our website: http://ow.ly/YLa330lDe5S

Did you know that deep in the Clackmannanshire countryside you can visit a beautiful Japanese Garden? This taste of Japan was brought to the centre of Scotland by Adventurer Ella Christie in the 1920s, and has recently been fully restored for new generations to enjoy.
Uncover the story of Japanese Garden Cowden in our latest blog post ⬇
http://ow.ly/nTdU30lDaw6

Explore the archaeology of graffiti as our archaeologist Alex Hale takes you on a virtual tour of sites such as Midmar Kirk stone circle, Scalan Mills and Stanley Mills. You can join the immersive 3D tour, co-produced by Daegyeom Heo from the University of Aberdeen, today from 12pm! This is part of a collaborative project with Scottish Graduate School for Arts & Humanities.

On 5 September, Steven Robb, Deputy Head of Casework at HES will be joining the discussion at 'Talk of the Steamie' on the importance and cultural significance of Public Wash-houses to working class communities. Held at @GovanhillBaths and tickets are free http://ow.ly/WHSv50ik2Ru

This Heritage Awareness Day we will be exploring historic links between Scotland and Europe.
In the summer of 1831 Sir Walter Scott's health was fading. He was eventually persuaded to take an extended trip to the Mediterranean for rest and recuperation in warmer climes.
Scott had originally planned to travel by land but King William IV swiftly intervened. He issued a royal command that Scott be given a passage on man-of-war HMS Barham.
... Sir Walter stayed in Malta and Naples, before moving on to Rome. He began the overland journey back to Scotland on 11 May 1832. The route took him through Italy and Germany via Florence, Venice, Verona, the Brenner Pass, Augsburg, Mainz, and down the Rhine.
Scott reached his home at Abbotsford exactly two months later. He died there on 21 September 1832 and was buried beside his wife at nearby Dryburgh Abbey.
Join us on Thursday 20 September to share your favourite #ScottishConnections: http://ow.ly/RhqX30lB8oj
See More

Today we launched our brand new 'Digifest' programme, which will be hosted by the Engine Shed from 8-20th October!
FREE activities will allow visitors to explore the heritage sector's latest technologies including 3D modelling, augmented reality and virtual reality.
Come and see ground-breaking technology and hear from an impressive line-up of speakers and high-profile industry experts from Google, the Smithsonian Institution and gaming giant Ubisoft.
... Read more about the event here: ow.ly/cIs430lBm8j
See More

There are over 8,000 scheduled monuments in Scotland. They span centuries, with the oldest monuments dating back 8,000 years when people first settled here all the way to Second World War anti-invasion defences.
These nationally important sites are legally protected, so most works affecting them need consent from us – including archaeological excavations.
We’ve recently published guidance on applying for Scheduled Monument Consent for archaeological excavations – download it from our website: http://ow.ly/vui530lzdH0

To help launch our Gaelic Language Plan, we commissioned poet Daibhidh Eyre to write a poem in Gaelic and Scots. We then joined up with Double Take Projections to project the poem onto 8 historical sites across Scotland. Watch “Òran nan Clachan” below and find out more at: http://ow.ly/fMiZ30lAzPx
Airson taic a chumail ri sgaoileadh a’ Phlana Ghàidhlig againn, chuir sinn obair ionnsaidh a’ bhàird Daibhidh Eyre gus bàrdachd a sgrìobhadh ann an Gàidhlig is ann am Beurla Ghallda. Chaidh Double Take Projections an uair sin air an rathad thar oidhcheanan fada airson nam facal a thilgeil air ballachan eachdraidheil air feadh na dùthcha. Thoiribh sùil air ‘Òran nan Clachan’ gu h-ìosail is ionnsaich barrachd an seo: http://ow.ly/fMiZ30lAzPx

Did you know some Outlander scenes were filmed at Blackness Castle? Come along to On Location: Blackness this weekend to find out more about the locations and techniques used for filming, explore the medieval encampment, learn Gaelic songs and get involved with crafts and stonemasonry.
Keep an eye out for Jacobites, Mary Queen of Scots and Robert the Bruce...
Entry is free for members: http://ow.ly/vPSL50ijFVn

Volunteers needed! As part of our new five-year Gaelic Language Plan, we’re launching Gaelic volunteer programmes at Dunstaffnage Castle and the Arnol Blackhouse. The plan aims to acknowledge and promote Gaelic language and culture as an important and valuable part of Scotland’s historic environment. You can find out more and download the full plan at: http://ow.ly/VLDQ30lzwin
Luchd-obrach saor-thoileach a dhìth! Mar phàirt de ar Plana Gàidhlig ùr, tha sinn a’ cur romhainn prògraman a leasachadh airson luchd-obrach saor-thoileach a thrusadh aig Caisteal Dhùn Stàidhinis agus an Taigh Dubh Àrnoil. Tha am plana ag amas ri brosnachadh mothachadh cànan is cultar na Gàidhlig mar nì prìseil ann an àrainneachd eachdraidheil na h-Alba. Fàigh a-mach barrachd is luach a-nuas am plana an seo: http://ow.ly/Fp5I30lzwio

In March 1972, Edinburgh’s Usher Hall hosted the 17th annual Eurovision Song Contest.
The Lothian Road venue hosted performances from 18 European nations with the interval act and voting taking place in dramatic surroundings at Edinburgh Castle . These archive images show workers preparing the auditorium for the big night and Greek singer Vicky Leandros, who won the competition for Luxembourg with a dramatic ballad called "Après Toi" (After You). The New Seekers represented t...he United Kingdom and finished in second place.
We'll be celebrating more of our #ScottishConnections with Europe on Thursday 20 September. Find out how to share your favourite historic links at http://ow.ly/GnBn30lxkWT
See More

Do you like history, buildings or archaeology? Do you enjoy visiting museums and galleries where you get to look at old documents and objects from the past? Then you might just be the person we're looking for!
As part of Year of Young People, we're offering a Library Archiving & Engagement Traineeship - perfect for someone looking for a career working in an archive, museum or art gallery.
The deadline for applications is Friday 31st August - good luck! https://www.historicenvironment.scot/…/ archives-and-engage…/

While the recent spell of great weather might feel a bit like a distant memory, it has led to another very exciting discovery - a rare Pictish symbol stone in Aberdeen! Pictish stones are some of Scotland's most distinctive monuments - find out more about this stone was unearthed on our website: http://ow.ly/EpXf30lwMRS

Many notable Scots have lived, worked and adventured in Europe. This plaque at the Gateway to the Glens Museum in Kirriemuir commemorates Sir Hugh Munro (1856-1919).
Munro discovered a passion for mountaineering aged 17 while living in Stuttgart and climbing in the Alps. He founded the Scottish Mountaineering Club in 1889 and published "Tables giving all the Scottish mountains exceeding 3,000 feet in height" in 1891. Today these peaks are known as the Munros in his honour. Ho...w many have you climbed?
On 20 September, we'll be celebrating Heritage Awareness Day by exploring our #ScottishConnections with Europe.
Find out how you can get involved at http://ow.ly/aV6f30luG85
See More

On 20 September, we'll be celebrating Heritage Awareness Day by exploring our #ScottishConnections with Europe.
Scottish author AJ Cronin spent the last 25 years of his life in Lucerne and Montreux, Switzerland 🇨🇭, but did not forget his links with home.
In 1972 he wrote: "although I have travelled the world over I must say in all sincerity that my heart belongs to Dumbarton. In my study there is a beautiful 17th century coloured print of the Rock... I even follow with great... fervour the fortunes of the Dumbarton football team."
What is your favourite Scottish connection with Europe? Get involved at http://ow.ly/so4p30lvEaT
See More

Have you ever wondered what happens to a planning application when we get consulted? Who are the people involved and how do they make their decisions?
Our teams behind the scenes explain in our latest blog post: http://ow.ly/nGR930ltKHh

We'll be celebrating Scotland's historic links with Europe on Heritage Awareness Day 2018.
Did you know that a monument made from Dumfriesshire marble sits in the centre of the Spanish village of Teba? It commemorates the Battle of Teba, which was fought in August 1330 and involved an errant of Scottish knights led by Sir James Douglas.
Around his neck, Douglas wore a case containing the heart of his former king, Robert the Bruce.
... Before he was killed in the battle, "Black Douglas" is said to have thrown the heart of Robert the Bruce into the melee with the words "go first as thou hast always done."
Douglas' body and the heart of Bruce were returned to Scotland, the latter buried at Melrose Abbey.
What is your favourite #ScottishConnection? Find out how you can get involved on 20 September at http://ow.ly/vQqX30ltNQL
See More

While the recent spell of great weather might feel a bit like a distant memory, it has led to another very exciting discovery - a rare Pictish symbol stone in Aberdeen! Pictish stones are some of Scotland's most distinctive monuments - find out more about this stone was unearthed on our website: http://ow.ly/EpXf30lwMRS