Castles on sand

Published on Tuesday 14 February 2012 00:00

Raymond Young’s statement (Letters 13 February), that “conservation was not at the heart of [Historic Scotland]” in 2007, would be laughable if comparison with the current situation was not so painful.

In the past, a balance in decision-making was maintained between HS being an integral part of Scottish Government (and therefore under direct ministerial control), and the professional staff’s conservation advice.

Historic Scotland never just said “No” – it always said, quite rightly, “think carefully about your plans for irreplaceable historic structures”.

Now, it seems the departure of many senior professional staff can only have reduced the experience and knowledge necessary to argue what at times can be difficult and complex cases.

While at one time the Ancient Monuments Board and the Historic Buildings Council provided some sort of independent and informed external scrutiny they no longer exist.

With all respect to Raymond Mr Young, I regret that I feel, having been secretary to HS’s non-executive board, that it has neither the range of expertise nor the independence that the former bodies had. While the old balance between political decision-making and professional advice held, Historic Scotland’s status as an executive agency was acceptable.

But what is the use of a conservation system that can routinely be overturned by the application of political influence?

It seems to me now that a more robust and sustainable balance between conservation and other interests can only be achieved by HS moving to a status analogous to Scottish Natural Heritage, at arm’s length from ministers of whatever party.

Dr Gordon J Barclay MA, PhD, FSA, FSA Scot

(Historic Scotland head of policy 2006-9)

Derby Street

Edinburgh

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cajwbroomhill

Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at 09:12 AM

Yes, indeed! Heaven and good judgements help, e.g., Pert City Hall, whose fate is soon to be decided between HS and the Scott. Gov. Let civilisation and beauty prevail over costly, barbaric destruction.

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