What is a scheduled monument?

A scheduled monument is a monument of national importance that Scottish Ministers have given legal protection under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979.  Although the majority are on land, a small number lie under the sea.

Over 260,000 archaeological sites and monuments, architectural objects and marine sites are recorded in Scotland, of which around 8,000 of the most important examples are presently scheduled.

Archaeological sites and monuments

Archaeological sites and monuments are part of our national and local identity. They contribute to our history and education, tourism, sustainability, local distinctiveness, placemaking and quality of life.  It is a finite and non-renewable resource that contains unique information and reflects the lives of people who lived in Scotland over the past 10,000 years.