Hansard

I, too, congratulate Chic Brodie on his very good motion and wish the friends of Seafield house campaign every success for the future in its very worthy cause.

The Scottish Conservatives are very supportive of our historic houses and buildings. We recognise their vital place in preserving Scotland’s rich history and culture, and we acknowledge the key part that they play in Scotland’s world-class tourism offering and in attracting numerous visitors to Scotland from elsewhere in the United Kingdom and indeed all over the world.

That is particularly true in my Highlands and Islands region, where many jobs, often in remote communities, are sustained by castles and stately homes that are open to the public. In that respect, it was wonderful to see Inverary castle feature so prominently in the “Downton Abbey” Christmas special. I hope that the programme will give the area a big boost and attract extra visitors to a very special town where the local people and businesses depend on the castle.

Well over a third of our international visitors cite our heritage and culture as the principal reason for coming to Scotland. Blair castle is a must for visitors to Perthshire, and the same can be said of Glamis castle and Scone palace.

Last night, we met members of the Historic Houses Association Scotland at an event sponsored by Graeme Dey. I pay warm tribute to those who are involved in that association for their excellent work. I read with great interest their extremely good, commonsense response to the Scottish Government’s land reform review group. HHA Scotland members provide paid employment to around 2,000 people, and around 2,000 more are in employment as a consequence of the letting of business space by the owners. Its members also offer a wide range of educational activities for young people. There are more than 60 educational programmes, and the fact that the bulk of Scotland’s built heritage is in independent ownership means that, in most instances, that work does not cost the taxpayer anything.

We are aware of the significant challenges that the managers of historic properties face in preserving them and making them economically viable. Graeme Pearson highlighted that issue. It is a sad fact that, since 1945, more than 200 of Scotland’s great houses have been demolished and are thus gone for ever. Central Government and its agencies, local government and the charitable sector must continue to work together and develop ever more innovative solutions that allow us to preserve and, indeed, enhance what we have. Alcohol licensing for historic houses could be applied in a more proportionate way. Perhaps the Government might look at that issue. HHA Scotland is also asking the Scottish Government to promote a low-cost, consistent approach to tourism signs across Scotland to stimulate the local tourism sector.

Another point that should be remembered is that ancient historic buildings are not necessarily suited to some modern draught exclusion and energy efficiency remedies. For example, double glazing would spoil the look of many historic buildings. Broad-brush measures do not necessarily work; individual solutions must be sought and thought about.

Equally, perhaps fire safety authorities might look more carefully at large historic properties in order to find systems that are affordable and which allow the buildings to continue to accommodate habitation. Obviously, human safety is paramount, but buildings without people are like bodies without souls.

Not all our historic heritage is about castles and fortified houses. There are very fine examples of architecture in our small towns, such as the wee picture house in Campbeltown, the Rothesay pavilion in Bute and the old burgh hall in Dunoon. I apologise to Ayrshire people for mentioning some things in Argyll.

When I travel abroad and meet would-be visitors to Scotland, as I sometimes do, they invariably ask about our built heritage and our exciting, if sometimes bloody, history. Many people abroad go to sleep dreaming of coming to Scotland to see the wonderful treasures, buildings and chattels that we have. We in Scotland must not let them down.

17:32