They are the historic sites that stand testament to Scotland’s storied past.
The country’s ancient castles, historic battle sites and mysterious stone circles tell tales of the kings and queens, bloody wars and mythology that make up Scottish heritage.
Worth £620 million to local tourism, these important sites create an estimated 20,000 jobs across the country, covering construction, creative and tourism industries.
However some of the skills needed to maintain them are in danger of dying out - prompting Historic Environment Scotland to launch a new action plan to ensure its workforce continues to have the skills needed to conserve the sites.
The Skills Investment Plan, launched in partnership with Skills Development Scotland, aims to protect traditional, artisan techniques, as well as creating a drive to recruit future staff and volunteers and increase training.
Welcoming the new plan, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop, said: “Scotland’s historic environment is significant in a number of ways, from its sizeable economic impact to the fundamental role it plays in our cultural identity and wellbeing.
“The delivery of Our Place in Time, Scotland’s strategy for the historic environment, relies on partnership working, and so the publication of this Skills Investment Plan is a key step towards fulfilling our strategic ambitions.
“Strengthening and deepening our pool of talent in this sector is essential for ensuring Scotland’s historic environment can be valued, cared for and enjoyed for years to come.”
Some of the skills under threat include traditional joinery, lime plasterers and historic gardeners.
The new plan will develop a traditional craft hub and technical conservation innovation centre in a bid to ensure their future, as well as working to attract future talent and improving workforce development.
Historic Environment Scotland also hopes to build on its existing volunteer base of around 17,000 people, particularly focusing on getting more young people involved.
Alex Paterson, Chief Executive of Historic Environment Scotland, said: “The development of this plan has been supported by a wide range of individuals and organisations who helped identify and prioritise the key actions which will address the skills challenges and opportunities in the sector.
“Its success will rely on public, voluntary and commercial organisations from across our sector and beyond working in partnership.
“Working together to deliver this plan will help us to ensure that we have the talent and skills we need to understand, care for and promote the historic environment for the benefit of Scotland’s people, now and in the future.”
Gordon McGuinness, Director of Industry and Enterprise at Skills Development Scotland, added that the plan will have a significant impact on Scotland’s heritage.
“The broad range of skills required by the historic environment sector reflects its diverse nature, encompassing everything from traditional building skills, surveying and archaeology to digital skills, leadership, management and marketing,” he said.
“The Skills Investment Plan provides a framework through the which the industry can respond to the challenges and opportunities before it, developing further its skills base and providing exciting career opportunities.
“This plan has the potential to make a significant impact that could be felt far beyond the sector, given its key role in maintaining and promoting Scotland’s cultural heritage and identity.”
Anyone interested can view the full plan at www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk/media/45467/historic-environment-sip.pdf.
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