The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Heritage sites at risk from climate change
Flooding and erosion threat to historic buildings
More than half of heritage sites managed by Historic Environment Scotland (HES) are at risk from climate change, according to a new report.
Analysis of 352 historic sites and monuments found 89% were exposed to “damaging” environmental effects.
Taking into account factors such as the presence of site staff and conservation teams, 53% were thought to remain “at risk” from hazards such as flooding and erosion, with 28 sites classified as very high risk and 160 as high risk.
HES, which manages properties on behalf of Scottish ministers, said climate change and extreme weather were putting “additional stresses” on historic buildings and “acting as a multiplier” to their natural deterioration.
Work to mitigate these effects has already begun at some sites, including rock containment at Edinburgh Castle and coastal protection works at Blackness Castle in West Lothian.
HES warned of “resource challenges” as it estimated investment of £65 million will be needed over the next 10 years to ensure the “satisfactory condition” of its properties, with an extra £2.1m needed each year thereafter to sustain that condition.
Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop, who commissioned the report, confirmed Scottish Government funding of £6.6m to support conservation work, repairs and visitor facilities at sites including Doune, Stirling and Edinburgh castles.
She said: “From Doune Castle to Skara Brae, these iconic buildings and monuments represent more than 6,000 years of Scottish history and include a number of internationally-significant sites that attract thousands of visitors every year.
“By their nature, they are often difficult to care for and require specialist expertise to repair.
“Adding to this challenge, it is well understood that climate change is speeding up the natural process of decay at heritage sites across the world.
“Historic Environment Scotland’s new conservation study gives us a detailed understanding of the impact on our own heritage sites and tells us what is required to protect and preserve them for the future.”
Dr David Mitchell, HES director of conservation, said the report would “provide a basis for investment decisions over the next decade and determine how we will manage over 300 of Scotland’s most cherished places and associated collections for future generations.”