The listing process

Anyone can propose a building for listing or de-listing, a review of an existing listing or apply for a Certificate of Intention not to List (COINTL). We receive around 350 proposals per year. Proposals can be made by email or post. The proposal form is available on our website at www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/listedbuildings.

Basic information is required for considering a case. This should include information on the location of the building, up-to-date photographs of the exterior and, if possible, the interior and any historical information about the property. Details on any planning permissions and the level of risk to the structure would also be helpful.


Once we receive a proposal research is then carried out. This may include a site visit. The aim of the research is to assess the proposal against the listing criteria which include: age and rarity, architectural and historic interest, and close historical association. Full information on our selection criteria can be found at Annex 2 of the Scottish Historic Environment Policy document at www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/shep.

When undertaking research into a building a wide range of sources may be considered and, depending on the type of proposal, this stage can take a number of weeks to complete. If we find that the building does not meet the criteria for listing we will write to the relevant parties at this stage.


Following research, we consider the merit of the building. If we find that the building may be of interest (or not of interest in the case of de-listing and COINTL requests) we reach an interim decision on the proposal. The local planning authority is then consulted along with the owner, where possible. For potential new listings we may also consult with an independent third party.

Consultation usually takes around one month. For more complex sites or larger projects this stage can take longer.


Following consultation we meet to discuss the responses and make a final recommendation which is put forward as a formal listing, de-listing, a change of category, or in the case of a COINTL proposal, we may issue a Certificate.

If listed, the building is added to the Scottish Ministers’ Lists of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest. List descriptions can be found on our website at www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/historicandlistedbuildings.  A map-based search facility is available through Pastmap at www.pastmap.org.uk.




Our booklet Scotland’s Listed Buildings – A Guide for Owners and Occupiers [PDF, 757kb] and  the Scottish Historic Environment Policy (SHEP) 2011 provide more information on listing.

We are happy to provide further guidance on all aspects of the listing process and you can contact the Listing and Designed Landscapes Team by telephone, email or post.


Listing Process Form [pdf, 252kb]


Historic Scotland will list a building which is found to meet the criteria for special architectural or historic interest (see criteria in the Scottish Historic Environment Policy, Annex 2, at www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/shep). Each case is considered on a case by case basis and, in exceptional circumstances, we may not list a building which is found to meet the criteria for listing. We may not, in similar circumstances, review existing listings.

These circumstances may include planning applications which affect the character of the building, an appeal period or appeal against refusal of planning permission, and/or other development proposals. This policy is under review and will be revised as part of a wider examination of the Scottish Historic Environment Policy due for completion within the period of our Corporate Plan 2012-15.