Why is this National Indicator important?
Our historic environment helps to define our nation and it is a key building block for a successful future for Scotland. The historic environment of Scotland and the many who are contributing to its conservation and development are playing a major role in economic growth, tourism, sustainable development and regeneration.
Our measure of success will be to decrease the percentage of A-listed buildings on the Buildings At Risk Register (BARR). A-listed buildings are high-profile, important assets whose condition provides a good general indicator of the health of the wider historic environment. Government can work together with local authorities, private individuals and voluntary sector organisations to improve these buildings to a standard that removes them from BARR, and where appropriate, identify future viable uses for them.
What will influence this National Indicator?
The main influences are the state of the economy and how much owners (private, public sector and voluntary sector) invest in the repair and maintenance of their buildings, whether or not influenced by grants for repairs or maintenance. Access to traditional craft skills and materials is also relevant in influencing how well A-listed properties are maintained.
What is the Government's role?
The Government sets policy for listing of buildings of special architectural or historic interest, promotes good practice in the care of buildings and funds the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland to maintain BARR. It works in partnership with local authorities and others to encourage positive action to remove buildings from BARR. Historic building repair grants are available to owners of listed buildings at serious risk from neglect or disrepair. The Government's Listed Building Consent policy provides listed buildings with statutory protection within the planning system. This allows the relevant planning authority to decide whether to allow owners to demolish, alter or extend a listed building. In 2011-12 Historic Scotland is making available £12.6m to support and enhance the historic environment. The Government is also investing in traditional skills, being on course to open a National Conservation Centre in 2014.
How is Scotland performing?
In 2011, 8.2% of A-list building (buildings of national or international importance) entries were on the Buildings at Risk Register (BARR). This is based on 267 A-list building entries assessed as at risk out of a total population of 3,247 A-list building entries. This compares to the position in 2009 when 8.7% of A-list entries were on the BARR, based on 277 A-list building entries assessed as at risk out of a total population of 3,199 A-list building entries. This resulted in an improvement of 0.5 percentage points in the performance between 2009 and 2011.
The data for this chart is available at the bottom of the page
Source: Historic Scotland
Criteria for recent change
The evaluation is based on: any difference within 0.3 percentage points of last year's figure suggests that the position is more likely to be maintaining than showing any change. A decrease of 0.3 percentage points or more suggests the position is improving; whereas an increase of 0.3 percentage points or more suggests the position is worsening.
Further Information
For information on general methodological approach, please click here.
Scotland Performs Technical Note
Who are our partners?
Local authorities
Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland
Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC)
Built Environment Forum Scotland (BEFS)
Further Education Colleges and Universities
Private, Public and Voluntary Sector Building Owners
Related Strategic Objectives
Wealthier and Fairer
Smarter
Greener