A review of the structure and functions of Historic Scotland has recommended that it remains as a government agency responsible to the Scottish Executive. The review was announced in December 2002 by the then Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport, Mike Watson. The current Minister, Frank McAveety, has accepted all the recommendations, and has begun work to implement them.
     He said: “The review has concluded that all of the functions currently delivered by Historic Scotland are necessary, and that the organisation should remain as an executive agency within the Scottish Executive Education Department.
     “However, the review has identified a clear need for significant cultural change within the organisation and I have asked the chief executive of Historic Scotland and the Head of Scottish Executive Education Department to start work on a programme to deliver the necessary changes.  As part of this process independent external members will be appointed to the Historic Scotland management board.
     “I especially welcome the recommendation that, following consultation with stakeholders, all of the policies which impact on the historic environment should be pulled together into an overarching policy statement.
     “Today I am publishing a paper outlining the key principles which will underpin this policy statement and form the basis of discussions with stakeholders.”
     The review report contains 20 recommendations, and will be available on the Historic Scotland website.

Source: Scottish Executive (12 February 2004)