ALGAO Scotland: Role of Archaeological Services to Local Authorities in Scotland

Sophie Nicol, our Historic Environment Manager, recently drafted a new guidance document, with help from other ALGAO Scotland members, to showcase the important role Local Authority Archaeologists (LAA) play in managing the historic environment within the planning system and relevant policies. The guidance, titled Role of Archaeological Services to Local Authorities in Scotland, was adopted by ALGAO Scotland at their recent EGM and briefly outlines the main policy requirements, as well as some of the roles and responsibilities of this crucial service.

Incredibly, for every £1 spent on a Local Authority Archaeology service, £15 is generated for the local economy, alongside UK wide annual savings of an estimated £1.3 billion to the construction industry through reduced delay costs (Landward Report, 2019). The LAA role provides advice that is proportionate, consistent, informed, impartial and timely, with reasoned decision making. This advice informs and enables appropriate development while ensuring compliance with policy(s) and legislation.

You can read the guidelines here.