How Information is Presented

Historic Scotland aims to provide concise and accessible reports that clearly signal why a garden or designed landscape is of national importance at the time of designation. These reports include a map showing the Inventory boundary.



Each Inventory report describes the garden or designed landscape and the reasons for its inclusion. We provide information on location and setting, historical context and the different components within the site. We also provide a succinct indication of its overall significance as measured against the criteria for determining national importance. The criteria are set out in full in the Scottish Historic Environment Policy.

The earlier Inventory entries (i.e. published 1987), may not contain as much detail as later entries. Inventory reports compiled from 2009 onwards also list source material and references in order to aid further research.



The Inventory map indicates the extent of the garden and designed landscape. The boundary defines the overall area considered to be of significance on the basis of research undertaken. Current land ownership does not have a bearing on defining the boundary. We use historic documents and maps together with evidence collected during fieldwork in order to define the boundary of a garden or designed landscape. Sometimes, features such as policy walls and gates provide a clear indication of where a boundary can be drawn. In other circumstances, it is less clear-cut, and professional judgement must be exercised in determining the most logical boundary line.


Accompanying images are shown alongside most Inventory reports.