Listed Buildings

Listing is the process that identifies, designates and provides statutory protection for buildings of special architectural or historic interest. To determine whether a building is of special architectural or historic interest, Historic Environment Scotland will examine its cultural significance under two main headings – Architectural Interest and Historic Interest. The architectural interest of a building generally relates to its design, designer, materials, setting and the extent to which these characteristics survive, whereas the historic interest of a building generally relates to its age, rarity, social historical interest and associations with people or events that have had a significant impact on Scotland’s cultural heritage. The aim of listing such buildings is to protect or enhance their special character by affording them statutory protection. The categories for listing are: -

  • Category A – Buildings of special architectural or historic interest which are outstanding examples of a particular period, style or building type
  • Category B – Buildings of special architectural or historic interest which are major examples of a particular period, style or building type
  • Category C – Buildings of special architectural or historic interest which are representative examples of a particular period, style or building type

There are over nine hundred listed buildings (see map)

Buildings at Risk

The Buildings at Risk Register for Scotland records buildings of national architectural or historic interest which are considered to be under threat. The register, which is maintained by Historic Environment Scotland (HES), comprises mainly listed buildings, but may also include unlisted buildings which may or may not be located within a conservation area. Other heritage assets, such as scheduled monuments, are not considered for inclusion on the register. To be considered ‘at risk’ and be included on the register, a building will generally meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • Vacant with no identified new use
  • Suffering from neglect and / or poor maintenance
  • Suffering from structural problems
  • Fire damaged
  • Unsecured / open to the elements
  • Threatened with demolition

The register can be viewed at www.buildingsatrisk.org.uk

Scheduled Monuments

A scheduled monument is a site that has been protected against unauthorised change under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. When assessing a monument for scheduling, Historic Environment Scotland will consider whether the cultural significance of the monument is of national importance. Historic Environment Scotland are the consenting authority in respect of applications for Scheduled Monument Consent. In the first instance, enquiries regarding a scheduled monument should be directed to Historic Environment Scotland.

There are 86 scheduled monuments in South Ayrshire (see map).

Historic Environment Scotland is an agency of the Scottish Government responsible for the listing and safeguarding of the nation's historic buildings. Historic Environment Scotland safeguards the historic environment by scheduling monuments of national importance and by listing historic buildings of special architectural or historic interest. The agency also conserves properties in the care of Scottish Ministers and provides financial assistance to other owners towards the costs of conserving and repairing outstanding monuments and buildings.

Planning