Stone leads debate on sustainability of heritage sites including Castle of Mey

Far North MP, Jamie Stone, urged Government ministers to support historic estates, such as the Castle of Mey, in the face of the global climate emergency.

Mr Stone highlighted the value of historic buildings, referencing their potential to put rural communities on the global map and generate revenue for small businesses. The MP pointed to the revenue that sites such as the Castle of Mey and Dunrobin bring into their surrounding communities.

The MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross also stressed his concerns for the sustainability of heritage sites in the face of the global climate emergency. Referring to current planning regulations and Listed Building Consent, Mr Stone detailed the ways in which existing practical frameworks inhibit energy efficiency.

In closing, Mr Stone recommended the pursuit of green energy projects in the heritage sector as the most important means of keeping heritage in the Highlands, and elsewhere in the UK, alive.

Commenting, he said: “In my constituency, heritage sites like Dunrobin Castle and the Castle of Mey are great sources of pride for their communities. Not only that, they attract tourists from all over the world who generate vast amounts of revenue for businesses all across the Highlands. This is why the value of these historical assets should not be underestimated. We must do all we can to ensure their survival for future generations.

“Of course, it is not only about money. The reality of the current climate emergency is growing ever more urgent. Preventing the pursuit of these green initiatives with outdated practical frameworks is not good enough. We need reform and we need it now.”

Responding, the Rt Hon Stuart Andrew said: "Members rightly raised the importance of their contribution to our economy, with the role of heritage sites as tourist attractions. I recognise the high importance of tourism to this country as an industry.

"Heritage has a unique role to play in wider environmental sustainability. Our natural and historic environments are inextricably interlinked and by protecting one we can benefit the other. We need to maximise the potential of heritage to drive wider environmental goals around biodiversity, protecting habitat and sustainably managing our rural environment."

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