Historic Environment Scotland (HES), the heritage body in charge of listing buildings in Scotland, has today unveiled a toolkit to help local groups across the country answer the question ‘What’s Your Heritage?’. The toolkit is part of a once in a generation opportunity for the people of Scotland to have their say about the historic environment and how it should be looked after. HES is asking people to consider the places and structures that have special meaning for them with a view to updating the way it assesses sites and buildings of significance.

Over 1,000 people across Scotland have contributed their views so far using an online survey, and HES is organising workshops in collaboration with a number of groups across Scotland. The variety of responses already received, from battlefields to childhood homes, shows Scotland’s passion and interest in exploring what heritage means. HES is now calling for local groups, organisations and clubs to get involved by running their own events using the new toolkit.

Head of Designations, Elizabeth McCrone said: “Scotland’s Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology is the perfect time to be opening up the conversation about how we assess the interest of our historic environment. We’re thrilled to be working with organisations like the West Dunbartonshire Council Scottish Commission for Learning Disability, Positive Prison Positive Futures, Perth and Kinross Council and many more. Now we’re inviting people to get hands-on and organise their own workshops.

“You don’t have to be an expert in heritage or archaeology, we are appealing to all ages, backgrounds and locations. This is a landmark project for us, and we want to hear your views and ideas. The responses will help shape future policy and how we identify and look after places and buildings that matter to you. We can only achieve this with the help of local people on the ground.”

Commenting on the new resource, Working 4 U Manager Stephen Brooks, West Dunbartonshire Council said: “I think the “What’s Your Heritage?” Workshop Toolkit is a great product to engage with the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology and in particular with young people. I was happy to learn it’s not a ‘one size fits all’ resource and that it can be tailored to the needs of the group. The workshop will help assist local people to influence the future of policy / designation and to help young folk understand more about heritage. We look forward to contributing to the campaign.”

The ‘What’s Your Heritage?’ Workshop Toolkit is free to download and contains everything needed to organise a workshop. It includes an introductory video, photographs, a presentation, research tips and briefing materials, as well as items to help promote your workshop including a social media brief, draft poster and press release.

Workshops will take place in February and March. After this, feedback will be reviewed and summarised in a report which will inform the next steps in policy changes.

Register for a toolkit and fill out the online survey by visiting https://www.historicenvironment.scot/whatsyourheritage/