Question reference: S5W-22913
- Asked by: Tavish Scott, MSP for Shetland Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
- Date lodged: 30 April 2019
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Current status: Answered by Fiona Hyslop on 8 May 2019
Question
To ask the Scottish Government how it balances the stewardship of important archaeological sites in the care of Historic Environment Scotland and the importance of access to those sites for visitors at sites such as Jarlshof in Shetland, and therefore, for what reason it has not yet responded to the Member's letter of 4 March 2019 on this issue, and whether it considers this acceptable.
Answer
Policy for properties in care is predicated on delivering Scottish Ministers’ priorities for the historic environment in Scotland. These priorities include contribution to Scotland’s intellectual, economic and social wellbeing, both now and in the future and in particular, public access, engagement and education.
The stewardship of archaeological sites in the care of the Scottish Government is delegated to Historic Environment Scotland (HES). Scotland’s strategy, Our Place in Time, sets out how greater access to and interpretation and understanding of the significance of the historic environment is being encouraged.
I have responded to the Member's letter about Jarlshof and apologies for the delay. The letter details further that there are important value for money considerations about the proposals.