What We Do

Remit

HEACS is the advisory Non-Departmental Public Body which provides Scottish Ministers with strategic advice on issues affecting the historic environment. HEACS was established in 2003 under the Public Appointments & Public Bodies etc (Scotland) Act 2003.

At its inception, HEACS was charged by the then Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport with providing informed and independent advice on:

• the state of the historic environment;
• how the historic environment is identified and protected;
• how the historic environment is presented and promoted to foster public understanding, enjoyment and support;
• how the historic environment contributes to the wider context: for instance, education, the economy, tourism, arts and culture, leisure and the promotion of social justice; and
• how an adequate supply of skills, materials and resources is ensured to safeguard the historic environment for future generations.

While the 2003 Act defined the historic environment as 'any or all of the structures and places in Scotland of historical, archaeological or architectural interest or importance', HEACS has understood that this may be interpreted in as wide a way as possible: the historic environment thus ranges from archaeological or designed landscapes to the contents of historic buildings.

The Minister also stated that HEACS was not expected to become involved in individual cases.

Aims

The aims of HEACS were revised at a review meeting in November 2005. Council aims to:

1. offer independent, sound and well-informed advice to Scottish Ministers;
2. identify and develop its own wider agenda of strategic issues and topics on which it may also prepare and offer advice;
3. work in ways which recognise and involve key stakeholders as part of a commitment to openness;
4. develop effective communications;
5. work within recognised good practice frameworks; and
6. be an effective advocate for Scotland's historic environment.

Announcement of intention to abolish HEACS

At the end of January 2008 the First Minister announced the Government's decision to abolish all advisory councils during the course of this Parliament, including HEACS, as part of its reform of the public sector landscape. At a subsequent meeting with Linda Fabiani MSP, Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Culture, the Minister asked HEACS to continue in being until the end of its current term (31 May 2009) and to complete its current work programme. Council met on 14 March and reaffirmed its commitment to the important topics on which Scottish Ministers have requested Council's advice. Council has therefore agreed to complete its current work and, as requested, will continue in being until 31 May 2009. Please see the news release issued on 18 June 2008 for further information.