Historic gardens to be protected

Historic gardens and designed landscapes are to receive protection in legislation, similar to that given to important buildings, under plans by the Scottish Executive.

Ministers have put forward proposals for a more rigid system of protection for such gardens, many of which are in the grounds of listed buildings.
For about 20 years, the government has been identifying the nation's most important gardens and designed landscapes.

The list includes 346 sites and gives them a degree of protection. They are monitored for the government by Historic Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage, but there is no statutory duty of protection, unlike historic buildings.

An executive spokesman said: "Our gardens and designed landscapes are an invaluable resource for the people of Scotland and for others who come to our country.

"Scottish ministers believe the quality of this resource to be of importance on a national and international level.

"Ministers believe, too, that we have a duty to pass this asset on to future generations in good condition, so that they might enjoy them as we can and do.

"Scottish ministers' aim is to ensure that we have appropriate, relevant, achievable policies to secure the best for this rare but shared resource."

The executive is starting a consultation on how to offer similar protection in law to gardens and designed landscapes.

Currently, work or change to an inventory site does not need special consent unless it is a major development or it is connected to work at an adjacent listed building.

It is suggested that a consent regime for works or alterations that would affect the special character of a site could be introduced, or a voluntary management plan could be put in place.