The listing process

Most buildings are listed following a comprehensive re-survey of a particular geographic location or as a result of a  listing proposal. The work is undertaken by a team of Historic Scotland Inspectors who usually make an assessment visit to each property.




While reasonable effort is made to contact owners and occupiers during this process, this is sometimes not possible, particularly for unoccupied buildings and those in multiple occupation and/or ownership. It is of course desirable but it is not a legal requirement.

Historic Scotland Inspectors do carry photographic ID cards for identification.

Research will then be carried out by the Inspector to help understand the importance of the building.

After consultation with the local planning authority, the owner, where possible, and an independent third party, Historic Scotland will then make a recommendation on behalf of the Scottish Ministers to include a building on the list if it meets the listing criteria.

The list is organised into local authority areas and then into parishes, burghs or city wards.



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.