The Inventory Resurvey Programme

Historic Scotland is carrying out a comprehensive resurvey of the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes in Scotland, which was first published in 1987. This is a systematic, area-by-area programme of fieldwork, research, assessment and consultation. Its aim is to enhance the quality of information within the Inventory reports and to provide a more up-to-date resource.

As part of the resurvey exercise, we revise all existing Inventory reports, taking into account new information that has come to light. We may also amend Inventory boundaries, add sites to the Inventory, and remove sites that no longer meet the criteria for inclusion.

We consult owners, where possible, and the relevant local authority on all of our proposals.



Individual gardens and designed landscapes outwith resurvey areas can be proposed for inclusion at any time. Please contact the Listing and Designed Landscapes Team

Please note that a site can only be included in the Inventory if it meets the criteria for determining national importance. When a site is considered for inclusion, no factors other than its level of importance, condition and integrity can be taken into account.



Historic Scotland undertakes fieldwork to gardens and designed landscapes together with desk-based research of historical sources.

The site visit helps us to identify the extent of the site, assess its historical integrity, and to describe more accurately the range of features it contains. Desk-based research involves a review of documentary sources that mention or depict the garden or designed landscape, such as books, photographs, sketches or journal articles. Historical maps and plans, meanwhile, form one of the most important sources of evidence in helping us to understand the development of the landscape through time.

The research undertaken for the Inventory is not exhaustive, and there is much more to be learned through further documentary research and through field survey and investigations. We welcome any additional information that landowners, interested bodies or individuals can provide.