Historic Scotland is an agency within the Scottish Government and is directly responsible to Scottish Ministers. Its responsibilities are wide spread and encompass tourism and education through the 345 properties in its care; safeguarding the nation’s heritage through its role in the planning system and leading the way in research and training in traditional building skills and materials.

As part of this, Historic Scotland is responsible for maintaining the national list of buildings of special architectural or historical importance. This recently included a resurvey of the buildings within the Cairngorms National Park. An exhibition and booklet as a result of the resurvey can be downloaded from www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/historicbuildings.

Historic Scotland’s mission is safeguarding the nation's historic environment, and promoting its understanding and enjoyment.