What is the Inventory?

The Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes in Scotland is a list of nationally important sites that meet the criteria published in the Scottish Historic Environment Policy.

Following a pilot project in the early 1980s, the Inventory was first compiled and published in 1987. Three supplementary, regional editions were published from 2001-2005.

The Inventory provides information on sites in order to raise awareness of their significance and to assist in their protection and management for the future. The Inventory is a major resource for enhancing the appreciation and enjoyment of gardens and designed landscapes, for promoting education, and for stimulating further research.

Historic Scotland compiles and maintains the Inventory on behalf of Scottish Ministers. The Historic Environment Amendment Act 2011 made it a statutory duty for Historic Scotland to do so from 30 June 2011.


The majority of gardens and designed landscapes in the Inventory are in private ownership. Inclusion of a site in the Inventory does not mean that there are established, formal, access arrangements. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code provides general information on access to the countryside.

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