How to apply for scheduled monument consent

We strongly recommend all applicants seek advice from Historic Scotland before applying for scheduled monument consent.  Pre-application discussions will help you to identify any supporting documents that you might need to submit with your application, and can avoid delays during the application process.


All applicants must complete a scheduled monument consent application form.  This can be completed and submitted electronically or by post.  The scheduled monument consent application pack contains the application form and guidance on how to fill it out.  

Historic Scotland offers a free pre-application checking service where we will be happy to comment on draft applications and give you advice as to whether they contain sufficient information to be validated.


An important aspect of the application process is the Ownership Notification Form (included in the application pack).  If you are not the sole owner of the monument to which the works relate, you must serve notice of your intention to apply for scheduled monument consent on all owners, occupiers or agricultural tenants.  Owners have 3 weeks to make representation about the works you have proposed.  Your application will not be validated unless the correct notification has been served.


For an application to be validated, it must contain sufficient information to allow the impact of the proposed works on the monument to be assessed.  This may include:

• a plan showing the area where the works are proposed
• a method statement outlining how you intend to carry out the proposed works
• drawings showing particular aspects of the works

The level of supporting documents required to determine a scheduled monument consent application will vary, depending on the works proposed.


Historic Scotland has a range of guidance documents which provide further advice on applying for scheduled monument consent for certain types of work.  For guidance on other types of work, please contact us directly and a Heritage Management Officer will provide tailored advice.

• Tree felling within a scheduled area
• Fencing works within a scheduled area
• Minor excavation works within a scheduled area

Scheduled monument consent for some minor works can be processed through a fast track system.


Scottish Historic Environment Policy
Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979
Historic Environment (Amendment) (Scotland) Act 2011


eApplication Forms

Scheduled Monument Consent e-Application Form Part A [Word, 816kb]
Scheduled Monument Consent e-Application Form Part B [Word, 701kb]
Scheduled Monument Consent e-Application Form Part C [Word, 735 kb]

PDF Application Forms and Guidance Notes

Scheduled Monument Consent Application Form Part A [PDF, 70kb]
Scheduled Monument Consent Application Form Part B [PDF, 34kb]
Scheduled Monument Consent Application Form Part C [PDF, 46kb
Scheduled Monument Consent Application Guidance Notes [PDF, 57kb]