How to propose a building for listing

Listing Proposals

The listing team receives around 300 listing proposals each year from private individuals, local authorities and amenity bodies. Anyone can propose a building for listing, preferably on completion of the appropriate form and including supporting material. Listing proposals give us the opportunity to assess individual buildings across the country outwith a resurvey or thematic study.


Historic Scotland will list a building which is found to meet the criteria for special architectural or historic interest (see criteria in the SHEP, Annex 2). We will not normally do this when the property is the subject of a current planning application, planning permission or appeal.  We may however, exceptionally, on a case by case basis, list despite the presence of extant planning when one or more of the following apply:

• The building is subject to a Building Preservation Notice.
• The works proposed are minor and would not affect the overall character and merit of the building.  This may include outline applications and applications for change of use.
• The building is the subject of a building warrant rather than a formal planning application.
• The building is of national or greater significance when assessed against the listing criteria.
• The local authority and the owner or agent had been notified as part of the formal listing consultation process that Historic Scotland is considering listing the building prior to submission of the planning application.
• The building falls within a World Heritage Site and it can be demonstrated that it makes a significant contribution to its outstanding universal value.

Listing Proposal Form [pdf, 229kb]

Listing Proposal Form [word doc, 371kb]