SMITH: HISTORIC SCOTLAND MUST ENGAGE WITH FIFERS

5.18.22pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 23rd Apr 2008

Speaking during a debate in the Scottish Parliament this afternoon, North East Fife MSP, Iain Smith called for Historic Scotland to engage more effectively with local communities.

Mr Smith cited the listing of Madras College's Kilrymont Road Building and the scheduling of Crail Airfield as examples of situations where Historic Scotland had placed restrictions on the development of sites without taking proper account of the needs of local people.

Commenting, Mr Smith said:

"At present, the process by which Historic Scotland chooses to designate a building to be listed or monument to be scheduled is shrouded in mystery.

"Although Historic Scotland is required to consult with local authorities before making a designation, there is no requirement to consult with the communities affected. This means that although Historic Scotland does a great deal of excellent work, there are also cases where designations course problems.

"This happened with Madras College when the 1960's Kilrymont Road building, which many people think is ghastly, was listed making it more difficult to resolve the School's accommodation problems. The scheduling of the whole of Crail Airfield has meant that rather than being developed in a way that serves the local community, it is being used for purposes such as trash and drag racing which cause considerable inconvenience.

"I believe that the role of Historic Scotland would be greatly enhanced if it was to engage more effectively with local communities."