This year, Save Britain’s Heritage listed 42 Scottish buildings in its at-risk register, almost increasing Scotland’s representation two-fold, reports The Herald. 

According to the charity, the increase has been caused by a number of issues, but it is symbolic of a bigger crisis in the safeguarding of historic Scottish buildings, signified by the fire and demolition at Glasgow’s Union Corner during March.

The new additions being added to the register include the early 20th-century Metering House at Lower Glendevon Dam in Perth & Kinross; the category A-listed Lennox Castle in Lennoxtown; two listed Art Deco cinemas in Edinburgh; and the 1960s Scottish Ambulance Service Building in Glasgow, which was designed by Skinner, Bailey & Lubetkin.

The new Scottish additions have been nominated by the public, conservation specialists and local authorities. 

Save Britain’s Heritage has said that being listed on the register can create pressure for the owner to commit to a course of action, or support local campaigners by giving their building nationwide recognition. 

The charity has also been attempting to tackle a “dangerous” loophole within Scotland’s legislation that enables listed buildings to be knocked down using emergency public safety powers – without a requirement to justify the knocking down of the buildings. 

During June 2024, in collaboration with MSPS Paul Sweeney and Carol Mochan, the charity started a petition in the Scottish Parliament calling for better protections. It garnered over 4,000 signatures.

The charity’s efforts to end the loophole came after its campaign to safeguard category B-listed Ayr Station Hotel, which was demolished on public safety grounds two years ago following damage caused to a wing by arsonists. 

The charity’s conservation officer Lydia Franklin, said: “Yet threats to Scotland’s built environment persist – from emergency works that risk flattening more than necessary, to the slower but just as deadly issues of neglect and decay.”

The charity’s heritage engagement manager Amy Popham, said: “As the record number of nominations we’ve received this year demonstrates, these buildings are held in huge affection by the people whose lives they enhance.

“They believe these buildings are worth fighting for and so do we. By highlighting these terrific local landmarks we hope people will come forward with creative ideas for their future.”