On 9 September, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) published Scotland’s Historic Environment Audit (SHEA) for this year.

The audit brings together the most recent evidence on Scotland’s historic environment and gives insight into how it is altering, the advantages it provides, and the issues it is facing.

In Scotland, there are over 55,000 protected historic places, thousands of traditional buildings, archaeological sites, museums, archives and community organisations. 

SHEA is Scotland’s national evidence base for the historic environment. Data published in SHEA 2026 shows that Scotland’s historic environment contributed £6.1 billion to the economy in 2024 and supported roughly 84,700 full-time equivalent jobs. While heritage tourism generated around £2.3 billion, a bigger share of economic activity, £3.8 billion, came from the repair and maintenance of traditional buildings and the supply chains that support that work.  

The audit also estimates 17 million visits to Scotland’s historic environment last year and has identified strong public support for heritage as well as its benefits to wellbeing, with 86% of people agreeing that Scotland’s heritage needs to be looked after well. 

Stephen Uphill, chief executive of Historic Environment Scotland, said: “Scotland’s historic environment contributes far more than many people realise. 

“It supports jobs and investment, provides homes and workplaces, strengthens communities, and contributes to wellbeing.”

Uphill added: “The evidence published today demonstrates that heritage continues to play an important role in everyday life across Scotland, while helping us understand the challenges and opportunities facing the historic environment in the years ahead.

“Good decisions depend on good evidence. By bringing together data and trends from across the sector, SHEA helps inform policy, investment and action to ensure Scotland’s historic environment continues to benefit people and places across the country.” 

Culture cabinet secretary Màiri McAllan said: “These reports highlight the wide-reaching impact of our historic environment, both within Scotland and for visitors from across the world. 

“Our historic environment is more than a record of our past. It is a living, flourishing asset that shapes identity, place and belonging, and provides employment.”

 McAllan added: “I recognise the challenges facing traditional buildings, from rising maintenance costs and skills shortages to the impacts of climate change. 

I am committed to working across government to ensure our historic environment remains at the heart of our national identity for current and future generations.”