C O N T E X T 1 4 2 : N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 5 25 faces.This includes a key partnership between national and local government and others in the regulatory area, in the joint Historic Environment Group. The model also includes work dedicated to measuring the success of the strategy,which has been led by the Built Environment Forum Scotland.The approach throughout has been an inclusive and open one, mirroring the wider development of Our Place inTime itself.The IHBC has been closely involved in the process, and Seán O’Reilly and other members have participated in the discussions around how to ensure high-quality conservation, and they have been working to align the Self Starter initiative with the strategy outcomes. What difference do we see the strategy making? One of the outcomes of the discussions that led to the strategy was the transfer of strategic policy fromHistoric Scotland into the core Scottish Government. The policy lead now sits in the Culture, Europe and External Affairs directorate. Mainstreaming the historic environment across government in this way will place it closer to the heart of decision-making and create a sustainable approach to the environment. It helps to champion the historic environment as a major asset offering many LukeWormald is strategic policy manager in the culture and historic environment division of the Scottish Government. benefits across portfolios. Government will take an enabling and facilitating role to encourage the successful management of Scotland’s historic environment by empowering local communities. We believe that successful partnership working across this multidisciplinary sector will ensure that the common vision is achieved. The holistic view of environmental management will recognise the values of both the natural and cultural environment, and can be mindful of relative priorities in both areas. The sector will be better equipped to articulate the value of the historic environment and its contribution to objectives around, for example, climate change duties. We also believe there is a key role in supporting local communities, to empower the public to take ownership of the historic environment as an asset that enhances their daily lives. There is a critical part for experts and specialists to bring their skills and expertise to bear on this work. The role of conservation officers in placemaking is a good example of this. With Historic Environment Scotland now fully in existence, it is an exciting and busy time for Scotland’s heritage. Refurbishment work under way at Bridgeton Cross, Glasgow, in 2009 (Photo: Rebecca Madgin) Far left: Stirling railway station (Photo: Carlos Delgado,Wikimedia Commons) Eilean Donan Castle (Photo: Diliff, Wikimedia Commons)
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