Chamber and committees

Historic Environment Scotland, which is a non-departmental public body, is working with the British Geological Survey to develop a natural stone database for Scotland that will enable public access to records and information on building stone types, quarries from which stone has been sourced and buildings in which it has been used. This database, which is due to be launched in 2017, will help the Scottish stone industry promote the historic and future use of stone resources. Historic Environment Scotland is funding the British Geological Survey to identify further opportunities for it to work with the Scottish stone industry to secure resources for the conservation of our historic environment.

Historic Environment Scotland promotes the use of technically appropriate and locally sourced stone and regularly advises on testing and matching materials. The body encourages local authorities to make this a requirement when approving planning applications for listed building consent for alterations, extensions or demolitions works. It is hoped this will raise awareness of the importance of using the correct stone type and help stimulate supply of an appropriate local material.

Historic Environment Scotland also promotes the use of traditional Scottish materials through the Engine Shed: Scotland’s Building Conservation Centre, which plans to open in Stirling later in 2016. Historic Environment Scotland is required to operate within public procurement frameworks, which reflect EU procurement rules and require open and fair competition. Within this context, Historic Environment Scotland will work closely with the indigenous building stone industry to promote the use of locally sourced materials.