The Stirling Heritage Strategy 2025-2028 will protect and manage listed buildings, monuments and other important landscapes, archaeological sites and conservation areas.

Its production has been led by the Stirling City Heritage Trust alongside the council and a range of partner organisations, including Historic Environment Scotland, National Trust for Scotland, Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park and Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce.

It was approved by the Finance, Economy and Corporate Support Committee last week.

An action plan to support the Heritage Strategy will also be prepared with Stirling City Heritage Trust, the council and partner organisations, setting out short, medium and longer term actions to protect and enhance the many assets across the Stirling area.

The decision to develop a Heritage Strategy was taken in November 2023 following the dismantling of the Christie Clock. A report relating to the Christie Clock will be considered at the next full Council meeting on Thursday, 12 December.

Councillor Jen Preston, vice convener of the finance, economy and corporate support committee, said: “Stirling has internationally recognised assets, many of which have shaped the course of Scottish history.

“We are proud of our rich tapestry of buildings, battlefields, structures, artefacts and archaeology. They not only contribute to our sense of place and environment, but also support Stirling’s economy, tourism sector and community wellbeing.

“However, we recognised there was a lack of a strategic framework to protect and understand the care and conservation needs of these assets.

“Working with our partner organisations and local communities, we are committed to protecting, preserving and enhancing them all through this important Heritage Strategy.”
There are 1,441 listed buildings, four historic battlefields, 32 conservation areas, 183 scheduled monuments, five museums and six archive collections in the Stirling Council area.

Following consultations earlier this year with local people, as well as local, regional and national organisations, the Heritage Strategy has set out a series of seven aims.

These include conserving and preserving existing assets, improving partnership working, engaging communities, promoting traditional skills and supporting heritage education.

Stirling City Heritage Trust manager, Dr Lindsay Lennie, added: “The Trust was pleased to lead on the delivery of this important new strategy for Stirling. The area has some of Scotland’s most important heritage and it requires careful management and a strategic approach involving local partners and key heritage organisations.

“We look forward to working with Stirling Council and other stakeholders to meet the strategic aims of the strategy and the vision that Stirling’s historic environment will be valued and protected.”

The Stirling Heritage Strategy 2025-2028 can be downloaded alongside the agenda papers for the Finance, Economy and Corporate Support Committee meeting of Thursday, 21 November.

The meeting also be view on Stirling Council’s i-portal platform.