Historic environment conservation
From ancient hillforts and medieval tower-houses to abandoned townships and coastal tank traps, we look after a unique and valuable collection of historic sites within Scotland’s national forests and land.
They include ancient cairns and burial chambers, stone circles and ceremonial rock art, brochs and duns, abandoned farms and relict field systems.
Some sites are over 8,000 years old – flint scatters left by Mesolithic hunter-gatherers – while others tell the story of our more recent history, such as the extensive anti-tank defences along the Moray coast. Some are familiar landmarks on the Scottish landscape, but an amazing number are largely unknown. Some have only been recently discovered – and even more may survive unknown and unrecorded.
We are proud to look after these remarkable examples of our cultural heritage – to protect, conserve and present them for the enjoyment and benefit of current and future generations.
Learn about our work
Archaeological investigation
Only by developing our knowledge can we understand how best to protect, conserve and present each site.
Improving access to archaeological sites
Learn how we conserve and present our cultural heritage for our visitors.
Outdoor archaeological learning
Exploring evidence from our shared past can help us understand the world we live in.
Outdoor archaeological learning