Built Heritage
Most of the surviving buildings in the Scottish Borders date from the seventeenth century onwards. This is due both to the limitations of materials used for building and also the centuries of strife and conflict. The earlier survivals include the great Border Abbeys, some defensive towers and the medieval burgh plans.
This rich heritage includes many small towns, large mansions, industrial and agricultural buildings as well as recent developments.
This inherited history shapes our "sense of place" and gives the Borders its own character and identity.
We undertake a number of roles with regard to our built heritage:
- Provide advice and statutory controls for Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas
- Assistance through grant aid
- Identification and promotion of re-use of Buildings at Risk
- Promotion and interpretation through Doors Open Day and Town Trails
- Recognising and promoting good examples of design: Scottish Borders Council Design Award Scheme 2007








