11 November 2009

Media Releases

Scotland’s historic environment is a vital part of the country’s economy, Culture Minister Michael Russell told parliament today. Speaking in a debate on the legacy of buildings and monuments, the Minister for Culture, External Affairs and the Constitution encouraged debate on how it can best be used to boost tourism, construction and regeneration. The Minister said: “Clearly, there is enormous potential here to make creative coalitions in Scotland across all these boundaries, to realise the full value of our historic environment to our people and our economy. The potential here is staggering.”

5 November 2009

Media Releases

Do you have a view on how modern architecture fits into our towns and cities? Ahead of a conference looking at how we value post war architecture, Historic Scotland is looking for people to contribute their opinions and comments to be addressed by panel of experts. The conference, Scotland: Building For the Future, will take place at the Bonar Hall at the University of Dundee on Tuesday 24 November 2009. It will be opened by Michael Russell, the Minister for Culture, External Affairs and the Constitution.

4 November 2009

Media Releases

This year Historic Scotland will once again be closing the roads through Holyrood Park on Bonfire Night as a special safety measure. Rangers and police will also patrol the area throughout the evening. The strategy was successfully trialled last year in a bid to avoid wildfires caused by fireworks. These fires destroy plants, kill wildlife and can damage archaeology beneath the ground.

3 November 2009

Media Releases

Culture Minister Michael Russell will call for the fostering of a spirit of collaboration at the opening of the Built and Historic Environment Summit in Glasgow today (3rd November). The summit, the first of its kind since devolution, will bring together over 100 representatives from Scotland’s key heritage and built environment bodies to discuss the future of the sector. The heritage industry alone is worth in excess of £2.3 billion to the Scottish economy, and supports more than 60,000 full time employees.

2 November 2009

Media Releases

In centuries past the vast Mons Meg siege cannon was hauled across Scotland to demolish the castle walls of the king’s enemies. But even though its wheels were entirely made of wood and iron it seems it could suffer the medieval equivalent of a flat tyre. While it has been stood quietly on the ramparts of Edinburgh Castle for some years without moving, the sheer pressure of the six-ton barrel and the two-ton carriage has distorted the metal band round one of the wheels.