Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has published a new report, Talking About Heritage, following one of the country’s largest-ever consultations on heritage.
The consultation gathered views from more than 6300 people through in-person and online workshops, surveys, and social media comments.
Workshops targeted groups less frequently heard in heritage conversations, such as refugees and new Scots, with the Scottish Refugee Council facilitating a session at the St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art, including a tour of Glasgow Cathedral.
Participants explored what heritage means to them, drawing on personal history, memory, and new experiences of life in Scotland.
Elizabeth McCrone, director of heritage at HES, said: “Scotland’s heritage is for everyone, and it is created by everyone in Scotland.
“Talking About Heritage has given us valuable information about what matters to people, and we’ll be using that to directly shape the ways we recognise, value, and care for heritage.
“It’s amazing that more than 6000 people talked to us about what heritage means to them.
“I’d like to thank everyone who took part in the conversation, whether that was on Instagram, in a workshop, or by filling out our survey.
“We want to keep building relationships with communities to ensure their voices are heard.
“This national conversation was only one step towards this, and we’re delighted to be able to use the results to shape how we work on behalf of the people of Scotland in the future.”
Refugees and new Scots emphasised the importance of heritage as something shaped through “use and participation”.
They cited Glasgow Botanic Gardens as a cultural gathering place and the University of Glasgow for its support of migrant communities, as well as its architectural and historical value.
Concerns were raised about climate change affecting heritage, with strong support for measures to address environmental risks.
Participants also stressed the interconnectedness of built and natural heritage, noting that a building’s setting and landscape are as important as the structure itself.
The report found that 88% of respondents valued the “experience of being there” most about heritage.
People felt especially connected to heritage while travelling between places (59%), spending time with family and friends (57%), and on holiday (46%).
Cultural traditions and practices featured prominently in the consultation, as did calls to reflect the histories of marginalised communities and to embrace multiple, even conflicting, heritage stories.
A total of 70% of participants wanted heritage recording to go beyond buildings, calling for the inclusion of stories, memories, and cultural practices.
Daniel McMahon, casework volunteer coordinator at Scottish Refugee Council, said: “As someone who has organised trips and social events with New Scots, I know that visiting heritage sites is always a popular activity and helps people feel more connected to Scotland, beyond their local neighbourhood.
“Yet we often come across material and immaterial barriers that make it difficult for people to get to or engage with heritage sites.
“The team at Historic Environment Scotland facilitated the workshop for Scottish Refugee Council Volunteers at the phenomenal venue of Glasgow Cathedral.
“They had an approach to consultation which puts inclusivity and recognition front and centre.
“Initiatives like this are so important so that everyone, including New Scots, can reflect on the past and shape the future of Scotland.”
The consultation highlighted several priorities for future heritage work, including improved accessibility, climate resilience, and ongoing engagement with local communities.
Participants also called for greater clarity, consistency, and transparency in statutory heritage processes and a desire to be involved in documenting and recording heritage.
To read the full report, visit the Historic Environment Scotland website.
