About the list

What is the list?

The list includes the address of the building (which is the statutory element), the architectural description and may also include details of the date and architect if known, the building type and style, a category, map reference and any relevant source material.


The list is compiled by Historic Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Ministers and the Inspectorate undertakes its compilation, administration and maintenance.

Once Scottish Ministers have decided to list a building or buildings, the revised list is sent to the local planning authority.

How is the list kept up to date?

The list is constantly under review and buildings can be added to the list by three main methods:

• By comprehensive re-survey of geographic areas
• By thematic study looking at one particular building type (e.g. hospitals)
• By individual proposals for buildings to be added to the list.
  

Buildings can also be removed from the list if they are found no longer to meet the listing criteria. This may be because the building in question has been demolished or altered in such a way as largely to destroy its special architectural interest, or because an interested party, usually the owner, has demonstrated to our satisfaction that the building is no longer of sufficient architectural or historical interest to merit listing.

How can I access the list?

The list can be accessed via the following sites:

• Planning offices
• Historic Scotland

RCAHMS and Historic Scotland also record all listings on a map basis known as PASTMAP.

How are owners & occupiers notified of listing?

Formal notification of listing falls to the local authority, however, wherever possible Historic Scotland will issue informal notification of listing, together with supporting material.

Listed buildings are sometimes removed from the List. The local authority will again issue formal notification of this. However, Historic Scotland will where appropriate and possible, have consulted with the owner on any proposal to delist and when concluded will issue informal notification of the property’s removal from the List.

What provision is there for appeal against listing?

Although there is no formal right of appeal against listing, Historic Scotland is always prepared to consider people's views. Listing decisions are made solely in relation to the architectural or historic interest of a building, and any reassessment of a building will be made on the same basis.

If you wish to make an appeal against a listing, please write to; Listing Team, Historic Scotland Inspectorate, Room 2.20, Longmore House, Salisbury Place, Edinburgh, EH9 1SH. It would be helpful if you set out the reasons why you consider that the property is no longer of special interest and include up-to-date photographs of the building.

How to propose a building for listing

Buildings can be proposed for inclusion on the list by individuals, groups or public bodies. Please use the Listing Proposal form on the right hand side of this page to provide as much information about the building as possible.

We welcome captioned photographs to allow us to make an initial assessment. Historic Scotland does not normally assess buildings which form the subject of current planning application or appeals.

Building Preservation Notices

Planning authorities can serve building preservation notices to protect unlisted buildings which they consider to be of special interest and which are threatened by demolition or extensive alterations. The building will be protected by the same legal provisions as a building which has been listed.

The notice is effective for up to six months, during which time the Scottish Ministers will decide whether or not the building in question should be listed.

Can the listing be amended?

List entries can be amended and or reassessed, where appropriate. If you have identified errors or have information to add, please write to: Historic Scotland Inspectorate, Listing Team, Room 2.20, Longmore House, Salisbury Place, Edinburgh, EH9 1SH.