Simple terms explainer

Councils must look after the designated monuments within their ownership, including preservation of the building’s character, prevention of its deterioration, and taking into consideration appropriate management and mitigation measures when required. This includes both Scheduled sites and Listed Buildings. Use of metal-detectors on a Scheduled site owned by the council is strictly prohibited unless prior permission is granted by the council and Historic Environment Scotland. Councils have a role in enforcing and monitoring unauthorised activities on these sites. The duty expectation is also that the councils demonstrate leadership in heritage stewardship.