A Scheduled Ancient Monument (SAM) is any archaeological or historical site which is considered to be of national importance and has been protected under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. This legal protection is intended to preserve the monument for the future. Where a Scheduled Ancient Monument is affected by any kind of work- even work intended to improve it, the permission of the Scottish Government must be obtained before any work can be carried out. This is known as Scheduled Monument Consent. Scheduled Monument Consent is needed in addition to planning permission.
Historic Scotland, an Executive Agency within the Scottish Government, is charged with the responsibility of administering the law regarding scheduled monuments. Sites are identified for inclusion within the Schedule based upon an assessment of their condition, period, rarity, situation, fragility and/or related documentation.
For further information regarding scheduled monuments please contact us or contact Historic Scotland directly.