A report commissioned by Historic Environment Scotland (HES) and carried out by Lichfields UK examining how the Inventory of Historic Battlefields: Battlefield Planning Best Practice is working within the Scottish planning system has been published.
The report, which HES commissioned in 2021, focuses on battlefield policy, guidance and planning casework across Scotland and engaged stakeholders involved in the investigation and management of battlefields within the planning system.
The report concludes that while the Inventory and the policy protections which exist around it are functioning as intended, there are some changes which could improve its working. These include providing greater clarity both in terms of designation and guidance for those working with battlefields, and managing battlefield archaeological impact more effectively.
Following the publication, HES had launched a consultation to gather feedback from anyone interested in historic battlefields to inform the organisation’s next steps as it considers the recommendations.