Historic Environment Scotland publishes new 6 month Action Plan in response to Covid 19

Historic Environment Scotland has published its 6-month Action Plan until March 2021 and sets out how it will prioritise and continue to resume its core activities over the next six months.

Article Source: Historic Environment Scotland
Last Updated: 20 October 2020 12:07

Historic Environment Scotland has published its 6-month Action Plan until March 2021.

The Plan comes on the back of HES’ first 6-month Action Plan, which was produced in April in response to Covid-19 in place of an Annual Operating Plan and sets out how HES will prioritise and continue to resume its core activities over the next six months.

The Plan sets out priorities for the organisation, whilst recognising the need to plan for a different tomorrow and focus on key areas where heritage can make a significant contribution.

This includes a focus on the green recovery, contributing to the economic recovery of communities, seeking opportunities to widen participation and reduce inequalities, and enhancing digital engagement.

Key areas include:

• Progress and augment HES’ work to improve access, widen participation and reduce inequalities in Scotland’s historic environment

• Exploring approaches to creating jobs and skills development opportunities, to allow the heritage and related sectors to play its part in recovery in line with the sector’s Skills Investment Plan

• Responding to climate challenges by developing a Climate Change Adaptation Plan that builds on HES’ learning from the lockdown and supports the transition to a resilient low-carbon organisation

• Redefining the visitor offer at HES sites, ensuring a collaborative approach with the tourism sector to deliver high-quality, sustainable experiences that contribute to local economic recovery while minimizing the impact on the environment

• Progress the design of HES’ refreshed grant programmes and deliver the new Historic Environment Recovery Fund on behalf of Scottish Government to support the economic recovery and financial sustainability of organisations working with the historic environment.

Alex Paterson, Chief Executive of Historic Environment Scotland said; “The first six months of the financial year have, along with every other organisation, been challenging in terms of the impact on our operations, and those who operate within the wider heritage sector.

“Although we’ve faced significant challenges over the period, we’ve also risen to them, from re-opening over 75% of our year-round sites by mid-September to enhancing opportunities for digital engagement and working with partners to look at the challenges and opportunities facing the sector.

“In setting out the next six months, we will continue to deliver core operations, recognising that we need to be agile and adapt to the evolving and challenging circumstances affecting us all. In addition, we will be developing our thinking and plans in areas we believe will be important as we plan for a different tomorrow.

“By doing this we can ensure that we’re in the best place possible to contribute to our outcomes, support the historic environment sector in emerging from the crisis and ensure we and the wider sector make a strong contribution to both the wellbeing and economic recovery of Scotland and its people”.

To read the Action Plan and find out more about HES’ ambitions to deliver for Scotland visit www.historicenvironment.scot

Image credit: Historic Environment Scotland - Tantallon Castle

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Edinburgh News

Hibs women support Scottish charity with Nuby this Christmas

Two Hibernian Women players have helped bring festive cheer to local families this Christmas, donating Santa Surprise Boxes to a Scottish charity on behalf of baby brand Nuby.

Brand new craft event encourages mindfulness, creativity and relaxation

Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting customers along to an afternoon of creativity, connection, and cake this January, with a brand-new Crafternoon Tea Club.

Hauf and hauf revival as Edinburgh drinks partnership hits the pub

A modern twist on a traditional Scottish serve is being poured across Edinburgh this festive season, as two of the city's leading independent drinks producers announce a flavour-led collaboration.

Opening New Years Day: Turner in January triumphantly returns to the National Galleries of Scotland

Following the incredible success of last year's blockbuster exchange with the National Gallery of Ireland, Scotland's own much-loved Turners are back in Edinburgh for 2026!

Christmas has arrived in Glasgow, The IRN BRU Carnival returns for its 106th year

Europe's largest indoor fun fair, The IRN-BRU Carnival, has opened to the public at Glasgow's SEC with its greatest show to date!

Historic Edinburgh pub set for major investment in the New Year

A much-loved Belhaven pub in the heart of the Old Town is set to ring in the New Year in style with a brand-new look and elevated offering as it undergoes a significant programme of refurbishment.

Castle of Light offers special priced tickets for spectacular closing night

Experience the award-winning after-dark event at Edinburgh Castle one final time, with a special £10 ticket available for the final night (Sunday 4 January 2026).

Edinburgh Rugby scores new deal with city centre sports bar

Edinburgh Rugby has scored a new deal with one of the city’s most popular sports bars, which will see all the buzz from Hive Stadium pop-up in the Grassmarket.

A Goal So Good it is a Work of Art!

It’s a winner! A spectacular new photograph is now on show at National Galleries Scotland: Portrait to celebrate Scotland’s men reaching the FIFA World Cup 2026.

First Footin goes Global with Live Streaming announced from iconic venues

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay has announced the event will include live streaming for the first time, opening the New Year’s Day performances to audiences around the world.

Distillers Fair returns for its 25th year at the The Scotch Whisky Experience

This December, The Scotch Whisky Experience invites guests to raise a dram to a quarter-century of discovery as the Distillers’ Fair returns for its 25th year.

National Galleries of Scotland celebrate the return of Surrealism collection

Scotland’s world class collection of surrealist art is back home in Modern One and free to visit from 17th December 2025.

The Johnnie Walker Experience named Europe and The World Leading Spirit Tourism Experience again.

Two in a row: The Johnnie Walker Experience has once again been named Europe and The World’s Leading Spirit Tourism Experience at the 2025 World Travel Awards(WTA).

Dynamic Earth Announces Appointment of New Chief Executive Officer

Dynamic Earth is pleased to announce the appointment of Gwilym Gibbons as its new Chief Executive Officer, following a rigorous and far-reaching recruitment process.

Edinburghs Christmas adds themed skating sessions

Edinburgh's Christmas has added new special themed skating sessions to run throughout the season.

Vue Edinburgh Omni set to dazzle with new Laser by Barco technology

Film fans in Edinburgh can now enjoy the latest releases in even greater clarity and colour with the arrival of Laser by Barco projection technology at Vue Edinburgh Omni.

Deer Park backs Livingston FC Community young footballers with kit sponsorship

Deer Park is helping to kickstart the footballing journey of young players by sponsoring new training kits, match kits, and rain jackets for the Livingston FC Community’s 2017 age group.

DF Concerts & Events launches The DF Academy

DF Concerts launches the DF Academy to strengthen pathways between education and Scotland's live music & events industry.

Dance Base to celebrate 25th year in Grassmarket home

2026 represents a landmark year for Dance Base, Scotland’s National Centre for Dance, as the organisation celebrates 25 years in its purpose-built home in the heart of Edinburgh’s Grassmarket.

Edinburgh Zoo welcomes second rare sloth bear

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo has welcomed a second male sloth bear, named Rajath.

Innis & Gunn unveils 1875 Arctic Ale in tribute to legendary North Pole expedition

A ‘KNOCK-OUT’ new beer has been unveiled inside an ice sculpture in Edinburgh to celebrate 150 years since the legendary North Pole expedition it was originally brewed for.

National Galleries of Scotland get their skates on to recreate iconic Skating Minister

To celebrate World Ice Skating Day on 14 December, the National Galleries of Scotland got their skates on to recreate one of the most iconic paintings, Sir Henry Raeburn’s Skating Minister.

Everyman presents Nationwide preview screenings of Sentimental Value

See the highly anticipated new comedy drama before anyone else, with preview screenings at Everyman cinemas nationwide.

Enlightenment an Immersive Experience set to transform McEwan Hall in Edinburgh

Swiss art collective PROJEKTIL brings its vivid light and sound show to Edinburgh from 31 January, following acclaimed runs in Glasgow, Liverpool and Leeds

Edinburgh International Book Festival and Celtic Connections unveil major new partnership

Edinburgh International Book Festival and Celtic Connections unveil major new partnership bringing together Scotland's most celebrated writers and musicians!

Hogmanay celebrations at Lost Shore set to kick 2026 off with a bang

Lost Shore Surf Resort, Europe’s largest inland surf destination, is gearing up for a spectacular start to 2026 with a packed programme of festive events.

Chief Executive of The Scotch Whisky Experience awarded highest international honours in the whisky world

The Scotch Whisky Experience is proud to announce that Chief Executive Susan Morrison has been inducted into the Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame,

DF Concerts & Events celebrates a year of sustainable and inclusive events

DF Concerts & Events is celebrating the success of their sustainability initiatives delivered across their major summer events in 2025.

Isaac McHale and Stuart Ralston Burns Night in Edinburgh

On Sunday 25th January, for one night only, Isaac McHale returns to his native Scotland for a Burns Night dinner with Stuart Ralston at his Michelin-starred Lyla.

Funded Debut Fringe for Scottish comedians returns for 2nd year

Scottish comedy producer Brass Tacks Comedy is once again offering one Scottish or Scotland-based comedian a funded Edinburgh Festival Fringe debut for 2026, supported by Red Bull UK.

Popular Listings

Corn Exchange Haddington Edinburgh Playhouse Festival Theatre Edinburgh Howden Park Centre Livingston Kings Theatre Edinburgh National Museum of Scotland O2 Academy Edinburgh The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh Traverse Theatre Usher Hall

Historic Environment Scotland publishes new 6 month Action Plan in response to Covid 19

Historic Environment Scotland has published its 6-month Action Plan until March 2021 and sets out how it will prioritise and continue to resume its core activities over the next six months.

Sponsored Links

Latest Edinburgh News

Sponsored Links

Sponsored Links

Popular Events

Popular Listings