Aberdeenshire Council Archaeology Strategy

2014-17

The strategy is primarily an Aberdeenshire Council working document to help manage and deliver key priorities of the Archaeology Team for the next 3 years.

“We will aim to provide the best protection, management and promotion of the historic environment of Aberdeenshire for the benefit of all.”

Page | 1

1. INTRODUCTION

From mountain to sea, Aberdeenshire boasts a rich and valuable resource in its historic environment. The archaeological sites, from the unique recumbent stone circles to individual castles, are internationally recognised for their importance and attract numerous visitors every year. What’s more, the historic environment is an essential component of the character of Aberdeenshire and helps make it one of the most desirable places to live and visit1. The Archaeology Team has the job of understanding, evaluating, safeguarding, and promoting the historic environment within Aberdeenshire and other local authorities. This involves partnership working across a diverse range of bodies including national agencies, academic institutions, public and private sector bodies, landowners, community groups and individuals. The core of the Team’s work is based around the sustainable development of the historic environment in the planning process. This strategy shows where the Archaeology Team clearly delivers, or contributes to, Scottish Government and Aberdeenshire Council Priorities, and provides a structured approach to service delivery.

2. SCOPE OF STRATEGY The strategy is primarily an Aberdeenshire Council working document to help manage and deliver key priorities of the Archaeology Team. The Strategy also provides opportunities to improve efficiency, participation and collaboration with key stakeholders and partners and embed best practice in the delivery of the Archaeology Team. The strategy provides a structured approach to service delivery for the next 3 years. Through the period of the strategy there will be a requirement to consider the challenges of our changing environment and the changing needs of our present, and potential, user groups. To reflect these changes and challenges, an Annual Action Plan will be prepared which will provide detailed actions on the delivery of the strategy and reflect new and emerging priorities.

3. ABERDEENSHIRE COUNCIL ARCHAEOLOGY TEAM VISION It is Aberdeenshire Council’s vision to be the best area and the best council in Scotland. It is the vision of the Archaeology Team that the benefits gained from Aberdeenshire’s unique historic environment should be available to those who live, work and visit Aberdeenshire, and that the value of these resources, and the need to protect and enhance them for future generations through sustainable management, is understood. This vision for the Archaeology Team can be summarised: “We will aim to provide the best protection, management and promotion of the historic environment of Aberdeenshire for the benefit of all.”

1 Bank of Scotland Rural Areas Quality of Life Surveys 2006-14

Page | 2

4. ABERDEENSHIRE COUNCIL ARCHAEOLOGY TEAM - RESOURCES Aberdeenshire Council’s Archaeology Team is part of the Specialist Services Team within Infrastructure Services. The Archaeology Team comprises 2.8 (fte equivalent) staff made up of 2.2 Archaeologists and 0.6 Sites & Monuments Record Assistant posts. The Team is based in Woodhill House, and covers not only Aberdeenshire, but also Moray and Angus Council areas with which Service Level Agreements are in place.

5. POLICY CONTEXT – The Golden Thread In order to understand the connection between the work undertaken by the Archaeology Team and the various national and local strategies, plans and policies, the following summarises the link between them all (see Appendix 1 for a detailed breakdown of each strategy, plan and policy): A) National Strategy & Policy

1. Scottish Government National Outcomes

2. Our Place in Time – The Historic Environment Strategy for Scotland a. Scottish Historic Environment Policy b. Scotland’s Historic Environment Data Strategy

3. National Planning Framework 3

a. Scottish Planning Policy b. Planning Advice Note 2/2011

4. National Tourism Development Framework

B) Aberdeenshire Council Strategies & Plans

1. Aberdeenshire Council Single Outcome Agreement 2013-23 2. Aberdeenshire Council Community Plan 2011-15 3. Aberdeenshire Council Plan 2013-17 4. Infrastructure Services Service Plan 2013-16 5. Local Development Plan (2012 and 2016)

C) Archaeology Team Strategy & Plans

1. Archaeology Team Strategy 2014-17 a. Archaeology Annual Team Plan b. Archaeology Annual Individual Workplans

Page | 3

Scottish Government Purpose

To focus government and public services on creating a more successful country, with opportunities for all to flourish, through increasing sustainable economic growth.

Scottish Government National Outcomes (A1)

National Outcome 10

We live in well-designed, sustainable places where we are able to access the amenities and

services we need

National Outcome 12

We value and enjoy our built and natural environment and protect it

and enhance it for future generations

National Outcome 13

We take pride in a strong, fair and inclusive national identity

National Outcome 15

Our public services are high quality, continually improving, efficient and

responsive to local people's needs

SG National Plans, Policies & Strategies (A2-4)

A2) Our Place in Time – The Historic Environment Strategy for Scotland

A3) National Planning Framework 3

A4) National Tourism Development Framework

A2a) Scottish Historic

Environment Policy

A2b) Scotland’s Historic Environment Data Strategy

A3a) Scottish Planning Policy

A3b) Planning Advice Note 2/2011

Aberdeenshire Council Vision

Serving Aberdeenshire from mountain to sea – the very best of Scotland

Aberdeenshire Council Plans & Strategies (B1-5)

B1) Aberdeenshire Council Single Outcome Agreement 2013-23

B2) Aberdeenshire Council Community Plan 2011-15

B3) Aberdeenshire Council Plan 2013-17

B4) Infrastructure Services Service Plan 2013-16

B5) Local Development Plan

Archaeology Team Vision

We will provide the best protection, management and promotion of the historic environment of Aberdeenshire for the benefit of all.

Archaeology Strategy (C1)

C1) Aberdeenshire Council Archaeology Strategy 2014 - 2017

Archaeology Plans (C1a-b)

C1a) Annual Team Plan

C1b) Annual Individual Workplans

Aberdeenshire Council Archaeology Team Golden Thread

Page | 4

6. ARCHAEOLOGY STRATEGY OBJECTIVES The Archaeology Strategy Objectives have been drawn together to reflect the above strategies, plans and policies. The strategy objectives provide a common framework for a customer and performance focussed service which works in partnership with stakeholders to deliver a high quality, efficient service which provides best value. The Annual Action Plan, Appendix 2, provides the detailed actions the Team will take to achieve the strategy objectives not just for Aberdeenshire but also Moray and Angus Councils, and indicates how the core outcomes of the Team will be measured. The Archaeology Team will use the strategy and the action plan to develop individual annual work programmes which will reflect the specific historic environment needs and aspirations of the North East of Scotland. The objectives are divided into the three principal areas of work as reflected in the Archaeology Team’s Vision. Archaeology Team Objectives - Protection The remit of the Archaeology Team is to record all known archaeological sites, between 10,000 BC and 1945 AD, to provide expert advice and information on those sites, and to ensure that all sites are protected where possible for future generations.

Objective

Description

Golden Thread Relevance (see Sect 5)

1 Develop, maintain and update the Sites & Monuments Record (SMR)

A1, A2a, A2b, A3a, A3b, A4, B1, B2, B3, B4, B5

2 Provide input into national policy and guidance development

A1, A2, A2a, A2b, A3a, A3b, B5

3 Provide input into Local Development Plan process

A3, A3a, A3b, B5

4 Provide input into historic asset designation process

A2, A2a, A2b, B3a

5

Work in partnership with relevant individuals, groups and organisations at national, regional and local level to share knowledge and best practice

A1, A2, A4, B1, B2, B3, B4

6

Develop and support projects that protect the historic assets in the area, or which increase our understanding of the historic environment of the area

A1, A2, A4, B1, B2, B3, B4

Archaeology Team Objectives – Management The remit of the Archaeology Team is to provide advice, support and expertise to ensure conservation and change within the historic environment is managed in a considered, sustainable way, in line with national and local policies.

Page | 5

Objective

Description

Golden Thread Relevance (see Sect 5)

7 Provide consultation advice and support to the Development Management Process

A1, A3, A3a, A3b, B5

8 Provide consultation advice and support to the Forestry Process

A1, A2, A2a

9 Provide consultation advice and support to the Agri-environment Process

A1, A2, A2a

10 Provide consultation advice and support to the Utility Process

A1, A2, A2a, A3b

11 Provide consultation advice for property enquiries

A1, A2, A2a

12 Provide advice and support for human remains discovery and reporting

A1, A2, A2a

13 Provide advice and support for artefact discovery and reporting

A1, A2, A2a

14 Provide advice and support to Scheduled Monument Consent process

A1, A2, A2a, A3, A3a, A3b, B5

15

Provide and exchange information and advice to colleagues, government, charitable, private, commercial and public individuals and organisations on the historic environment

A1, A2, A3, A4, B1, B2, B4, B5,

16 Work in partnership with relevant individuals, groups and organisations

A1, A2, A4, B1, B2, B3, B4

17 Establish and explore opportunities for sharing services with other local authorities

A1, A2,

Archaeology Team Objectives - Promotion The remit of the Archaeology Team is to help promote understanding and enjoyment of the historic environment to everyone, and to ensure it is at the heart of community wellbeing, economic development and sense of place.

Objective

Description

Golden Thread Relevance (see Sect 5)

18 Develop, maintain and update Archaeology section of corporate website

A1, A2b, A3b, A4, B1, B2, B3

19 Provide training days as appropriate

A1, A3a, A3b, B4, B5, B6

20

Develop and support projects which increase public participation and enjoyment of the historic environment in the area

A1, A2, A4, B1, B2, B3, B4

Page | 6

21 Develop promotional material on the historic environment of the area, focussing on tourism opportunities

A1, A4, B1, B2, B3

22 Participate in relevant promotional events which highlight the historic environment of the area

A1, A4, B1, B2, B3

23 Work in partnership with relevant individuals, groups and organisations

A1, A2, A4, B1, B2, B3, B4

In addition to the above three strands of objectives, the Archaeology Team will also undertake the following: Archaeology Team Objectives - Operational

Objective

Description

Golden Thread Relevance (see Sect 5)

24 Develop and maintain a Team Strategy and Action Plan

C1, C1a, C1b

25 Ensure staff CPD requirements are met as required by the Institute for Archaeologists (IfA)

A2a, A3b, C1, C1b

26 Maintain Key Performance Indicators

A2, B5, C1

27 Produce performance reports

A2, B4, C1

28

Maintain continuous service improvement

B1, B3, B4

In addition to the above, the Archaeology Team supports and contributes to various organisations’ strategies, including the Forestry Commission for Scotland, the National Trust for Scotland, and Historic Scotland. The Team’s work also supports the following legislation, policy and guidance:

Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development)(Scotland) Amendment Order 2011

Historic Environment (Amendment)(Scotland) Act 2011

Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979

The Ancient Monument (Class Consents) (Scotland) Order 1996

Marine (Scotland) Act 2010

Page | 7

Planning Advice Note 40 Development Control

Planning Advice Note 52 Planning in Small Towns

Planning Advice Note 54 Planning Enforcement

Planning Advice Note 71 Conservation Area Management

Planning Advice Note 72 Designing Safer Places

Planning Advice Note 78 Inclusive Design Scotland

Page | 8

Appendix 1 – Golden Thread Details for Strategies, Policies & Plans relating to Archaeology Strategy

A1) Scottish Government National Outcomes

Fifteen National Outcomes describe what the Scottish Government wants to achieve over the next ten years. The key outcomes which inform the Archaeology Team are detailed below.

National Outcome 10 - We live in well-designed, sustainable places where we are able to access the amenities and services we need National Outcome 12 - We value and enjoy our built and natural environment and protect it and enhance it for future generations National Outcome 13 - We take pride in a strong, fair and inclusive national identity

Working with local authorities, national and built heritage bodies and our creative industries to help all of our communities explore and celebrate their local and national culture and creativity, and to share this around the world.

Promoting our natural and historic built environments and developing Scotland as a green tourism destination.

Using culture in the promotion of Scotland - making Scotland a great place to live, work or visit and helping to manage our reputation as an independent minded and responsible nation.

National Outcome 15 - Our public services are high quality, continually improving, efficient and responsive to local people's needs

Simplify the delivery of public services and to make partnerships work across organisational boundaries.

A2) Our Place in Time – The Historic Environment Strategy for Scotland

Vision – Scotland’s historic environment is understood and valued, cared for and protected, enjoyed and enhanced. It is at the heart of a flourishing and sustainable Scotland and will be passed on with pride to benefit future generations.

Cross-cutting Strategic Priorities

Ensure that decision making is informed and that sound evidence-based information is available at all levels of decision making.

Encourage high-quality leadership and collaborative working at all levels and facilitate the creation of partnerships to achieve outcomes that enhance the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of Scotland.

Mainstream the historic environment – ensuring the historic environment lies at the heart of a modern, dynamic Scotland.

Understand: Investigate and Record

Continue to develop knowledge and apply new technologies and techniques to improve what we know, often through strategic partnerships, to aid our understanding of the historic environment.

To make knowledge about our historic environment as accessible and useful as possible to the widest audience – and to ensure its long term preservation for future generations.

Protect: Care and Protect

Page | 9

Continue to develop a holistic and sustainable approach to the management of the historic environment.

Continue to apply (and develop) effective and proportionate protection and regulation with controls and incentives.

Value: Share and Celebrate

Enhance participation through encouraging greater access to and interpretation and understanding of the significance of the historic environment.

Support historic environment tourism and encourage access by making full use of our heritage assets to promote Scotland to domestic and international audiences.

A2a) Scottish Historic Environment Policy

The Scottish Historic Environment Policy (SHEP) document sets out Scottish Ministers’ policies for the historic environment, and provides a framework that informs the day-to-day work of a range of organisations that have a role and interest in managing the historic environment.

Key Outcome 1 – that the historic environment is cared for, protected and enhanced for the benefit of our own and future generations. Key Outcome 2 – to secure greater economic benefits from the historic environment Key Outcome 3 – the people of Scotland and visitors to our country value, understand and enjoy the historic environment. Policy Principles

Actions taken in respect of Scotland’s historic environment should secure its conservation and management for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations;

There should be a presumption in favour of preservation of individual historic assets and also the pattern of the wider historic environment; no historic asset should be lost or radically changed without adequate consideration of its significance and of all the means available to manage and conserve it;

Scotland’s historic environment should be managed in a sustainable way, recognising that it is a social, cultural, economic and environmental resource of great value;

All of the people of Scotland should be able to enjoy, appreciate, learn from and understand Scotland’s historic environment, and be assisted in that through access, research, knowledge, information and education and proactive conservation investment, without compromise to cultural significance.

The relevant bodies with responsibilities for any aspect of the historic environment should ensure, as appropriate, that:

the regimes affording protection to the historic environment are fit for purpose;

effective use is made of the statutory provisions available to protect the historic environment;

the historic environment is afforded due respect in all their activities;

the highest standards are set for, and applied to, the broad range of conservation practices;

appropriate and effective systems are established for monitoring and recording the condition of the historic environment;

suitable knowledge, skills, materials and technologies are available to enable conservation and management to be carried out in ways that safeguard the intrinsic archaeological, architectural, historical, physical and cultural significance of the heritage;

Page | 10

support, advice, encouragement, and clear and comprehensive guidance are readily available to all whose activities have an impact upon the repair, maintenance, management, protection and conservation of the historic environment;

training and education to enhance the quality of conservation practice and actions are widely available;

they work in partnership where there are shared interests. Scottish Ministers’ policies for the historic environment are closely related to other important cross-cutting policy areas:

access to historic sites and the wider historic environment supports education, lifelong learning, internal and external tourism, and provides opportunities for exercise that promotes healthy bodies and minds;

the care, repair and maintenance of the historic environment provides employment in town and country, provides a major contribution to the turnover of the Scottish construction industry and supports the survival and expansion of traditional skills;

attractive and richly textured townscapes and rural landscapes promote Scotland as a good place to live and work;

the maintenance and regeneration of the historic environment helps support strong, safer communities;

the care, repair and maintenance of the historic environment has a significant part to play in wider sustainability polices;

so much of our environment is ‘historic’ that there are major links to policy on architecture, land management, planning and building standards;

there are close links between the historic environment and wider land-use and nature conservation policies that sustain a healthy landscape, diverse ecosystems and vigorous rural communities.

A2b) Scotland’s Historic Environment Data Strategy

Scotland’s Historic Environment Data (SHED) Strategy is a partnership to help protect, promote and enhance Scotland’s historic environment through coordinated activity to improve the quality, systems and processes for SHED. The partnership includes government agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and academic institutions, and will support the public’s involvement in the care and enjoyment of the historic environment through the improved and more efficient provision of information.

Aim 1: To make major improvements and enhancements to the sharing of, linking and access to the information about the historic environment. Aim 2: To develop standards and consistency within and across the data. Aim 3: Improved content, responding to user wishes and needs. Aim 4: Improved efficiency, including data creation, keeping data updated, reducing duplication, seeking additional resources, and addressing data security. Aim 5: Training and promotion, and seeking user input leading to continuing improvements.

A3) National Planning Framework 3

This is a long term spatial strategy for Scotland and is an expression of the Government Economic Strategy, and the plans for development and investment in infrastructure.

Page | 11

Outcome 1 – A successful, sustainable place; We will create high quality, diverse and sustainable places that promote well-being and attract investment.

2.8 We will support growth in priority sectors and locations, and promote a place-based approach to development. We want to capitalise on the distinctive potential of each of our cities as economic drivers, reinvigorate our towns and encourage innovation in our rural areas. Much can be gained by focusing on our energy resources; on the natural and cultural assets that underpin our tourism and food and drink sectors; on our highly educated and skilled people; on our emerging growth sectors including life sciences and creative industries; on our established strengths in financial services and higher education; and on our existing infrastructure in the transport, energy and industrial sectors.

Outcome 3 – A natural, resilient place; We will respect, enhance and make responsible use of our natural and cultural assets.

4.6 The historic environment is an integral part of our well-being and cultural identity. Scotland currently has five World Heritage Sites, and many historic cities, towns and villages with a rich variety of buildings and townscapes. Our archaeological sites reflect our long history of human settlement.

4.13 Natural and cultural assets in and around urban areas have a key role to play in supporting sustainable growth, maintaining distinctiveness and promoting quality of life.

A3a) Scottish Planning Policy

The purpose of the SPP is to set out the national planning policies which reflect Scottish Ministers’ priorities for operation of the planning system and for the development and use of land.

135. NPF3 recognises the contribution made by our cultural heritage to our economy, cultural identity and quality of life. Planning has an important role to play in maintaining and enhancing the distinctive and high-quality, irreplaceable historic places which enrich our lives, contribute to our sense of identity and are an important resource for our tourism and leisure industry.

136. The historic environment is a key cultural and economic asset and a source of inspiration that should be seen as integral to creating successful places. Culture-led regeneration can have a profound impact on the well-being of a community in terms of the physical look and feel of a place and can also attract visitors, which in turn can bolster the local economy and sense of pride or ownership.

137. The planning system should: o promote the care and protection of the designated and non-designated

historic environment (including individual assets, related settings and the wider cultural landscape) and its contribution to sense of place, cultural identity, social well-being, economic growth, civic participation and lifelong learning; and

o enable positive change in the historic environment which is informed by a clear understanding of the importance of the heritage assets affected and ensure their future use. Change should be sensitively managed to avoid or minimise adverse impacts on the fabric and setting of the asset, and ensure that its special characteristics are protected, conserved or enhanced.

138. Strategic development plans should protect and promote their significant historic environment assets. They should take account of the capacity of settlements and surrounding areas to accommodate development without damage to their historic significance.

139. Local development plans and supplementary guidance should provide a framework for protecting and, where appropriate, enhancing all elements of the

Page | 12

historic environment. Local planning authorities should designate and review existing and potential conservation areas and identify existing and proposed Article 4 Directions. This should be supported by Conservation Area Appraisals and Management Plans.

140. The siting and design of development should take account of all aspects of the historic environment. In support of this, planning authorities should have access to a Sites and Monuments Record (SMR) and/or a Historic Environment Record (HER) that contains necessary information about known historic environment features and finds in their area.

146. Where planning control extends offshore, planning authorities should ensure that development will not significantly hinder the preservation objectives of Historic Marine Protected Areas.

149. Planning authorities should seek to protect, conserve and, where appropriate, enhance the key landscape characteristics and special qualities of sites in the Inventory of Historic Battlefields.

150. Planning authorities should protect archaeological sites and monuments as an important, finite and non-renewable resource and preserve them in situ wherever possible. Where in situ preservation is not possible, planning authorities should, through the use of conditions or a legal obligation, ensure that developers undertake appropriate excavation, recording, analysis, publication and archiving before and/or during development. If archaeological discoveries are made, they should be reported to the planning authority to enable discussion on appropriate measures, such as inspection and recording.

151. There is also a range of non-designated historic assets and areas of historical interest, including historic landscapes, other gardens and designed landscapes, woodlands and routes such as drove roads which do not have statutory protection. These resources are, however, an important part of Scotland’s heritage and planning authorities should protect and preserve significant resources as far as possible, in situ wherever feasible.

A3b) Planning Advice Note 2/2011 – Archaeology and Planning

This PAN is intended to inform the day-to-day work of a range of local authority advisory services and other organisations that have a role in the handling of archaeological matters within the planning process.

Government policy is to protect and preserve archaeological sites and monuments, and their settings, in situ wherever feasible. Where preservation in situ is not possible, planning authorities should consider applying conditions to planning consents, listed building consents and conservation area consents to ensure that an appropriate level of excavation, recording, analysis, publication and archiving is carried out before and/or during development.

10. It is essential that every planning authority has access to a Sites and Monuments Record (SMR) / Historic Environment Record (HER) (a record of all known sites), curated by a professional archaeologist on behalf of the local authority or a dedicated heritage body.

11. Information held within SMRs / HERs represents an indispensable tool for the formulation of development plans and the determination of planning applications. More generally, the creation and analysis of a SMR / HER is an important first stage in the positive management and preservation of the historic environment for the purposes of education and recreation, and as an input to local history, conservation and tourism projects.

12. An effective SMR / HER will be regularly maintained and updated and easily accessible to the public. It requires 4 main features to be effective:

o professionally competent curatorship and analysis; o a list and description of all known monuments and archaeological sites

and finds within the geographic area, to support accurate assessment of their importance;

o a map record (commonly at a scale of 1:10,000) or digital application

Page | 13

which identifies the location and extent (where known) of each monument, site and find-spot; and

o detailed additional supporting information for specific sites, such as photographs, survey and excavation reports and references to relevant published and unpublished sources, plus links or cross-references to other sources of information, such as the lists of statutorily designated historic environment assets created and maintained by Historic Scotland and the national inventory of sites and monuments held by the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historic Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS).

Local Development Plans, and where appropriate supplementary guidance, should contain policies to protect archaeological sites.

Early consultation with the local authority archaeologist is essential to assess the likely impact of development proposals and to set out the parameters and scope of possible mitigation measures.

Planning authorities should ensure they have access to professional archaeological advice, working with a properly maintained SMR / HER.

A4) National Tourism Development Framework

The Tourism Development Framework for Scotland: (role of the planning system in delivering the Visitor Economy Framework) has been prepared to assist and promote growth in Scotland’s visitor economy to 2020. It Supports both the national tourism strategy (Tourism Scotland 2020) and the vision in the National Planning Framework in supporting sustainable economic growth.

Our historic environment is at the core of Scotland’s cultural heritage. It includes ancient monuments, archaeological sites and landscape, historic buildings, designed landscapes and gardens – many of which are popular destinations in their own right. Provide Authentic Experiences - consider the range of things to see, do and experience within and around the chosen location. This includes the improvement of existing visitor attractions and the overall improvement of the visitor experience along with new opportunities. Some key characteristics include a need:

o To present and interpret Scotland’s heritage, culture and landscape; o To be innovative, offer quality and take advantage of Scotland’s local products,

not only in food and drink but also in other areas; and o For recognition of the importance of the landscape, scenery and natural

environment and its accessibility to visitors, whether for gentle or more adventurous pastimes – all of which promote a more healthy lifestyle.

Theme 1 – Digital Connectivity Theme 5 – Nature, Heritage & Activities Theme 6 – Destination Towns & Cities

o Development planning authorities together with other local and national stakeholders are encouraged by VisitScotland to consider the development opportunities along our designated path network to enhance their tourism potential.

o Development planning authorities together with other local and national

stakeholders are encouraged by VisitScotland to examine the tourism potential from our forests and woodlands

o Working in partnership with Marine Scotland, BMF Scotland, and other local and

national stakeholders, VisitScotland encourages development planning authorities to examine the tourism potential around our coasts and seas

Page | 14

o Working in partnership with Scottish Canals and other local and national

stakeholders, VisitScotland encourages development planning authorities to continue to promote the tourism potential of our canals and waterways

B1) Aberdeenshire Council Single Outcome Agreement 2013-23

Aberdeenshire will be recognised as a great place to live, work, invest with opportunity for all

o Increase capacity, innovation and product development to increase value of business and leisure tourism

o Promotion of place

Successful, inclusive, resilient communities with the confidence, capability and capacity to tackle the things that matter to them

o Work together to develop volunteering opportunities o Increase number of volunteers o Assist community groups and social enterprises in taking over assets and

services from the Council o Develop cultural, educational and environmental projects that celebrate and are

inspired by Aberdeenshire

B2) Aberdeenshire Council Community Plan 2011-15

Community Wellbeing

Aberdeenshire offers the best rural quality of life in Scotland

Jobs and the Economy

To be a key visitor destination in Scotland

Strong local economy and local communities through contributions of volunteers

Sustainable Environment

Aberdeenshire’s cultural heritage and historic environment is maintained for future generations

Developing our Partnership

Successful, achieving communities with the confidence and capability to tackle the things that matter to them

B3) Aberdeenshire Council Plan 2013-17

Lifelong Learning

Enhance Community Learning & Participation

Support & Enhance Access to Leisure & Cultural Opportunities

Strong & Sustainable Communities

Promote & Support Sustainable Development

Protect and Promote Aberdeenshire’s Heritage and Natural Environment

Promote Aberdeenshire locally, globally, internationally as a location for life, work

Page | 15

& leisure

Public Service Excellence

Effective Resource & Asset Management

B4) Infrastructure Services Service Plan 2013-16

Manage Aberdeenshire’s unique environment, use of land and resources in the interests of current and future generations through the development of a framework of access strategies, land-use plans, master plans, policies and guidelines and by managing development through the planning system in accordance with the objectives of the Local Plan.

Work with other public bodies, private and voluntary sector partners to continually improve the quality, efficiency and level of services provided for all stakeholders in order to demonstrate Best Value and to help the Council achieve its aim of being the best council.

B5) Local Development Plan 2012 and 2016

The Vision of the Plan is for the policies to say that all development must give an appropriate level of protection to internationally, nationally and locally designated sites of built heritage, archaeological and environmental importance. They must also use any opportunities to improve the natural and built environment as a whole. Aberdeenshire Council supports the protection, improvement and conservation of the historic environment. There will be a presumption against development that would have a negative effect on the quality of these historic assets. Different parts of the historic environment require to be subject to specific guidance and controls to make sure that we maintain and improve their value. The way we will do this is published separately in the following supplementary guidance. SG Historic Environment1: Listed buildings SG Historic Environment2: Conservation areas SG Historic Environment3: Historic gardens and designed landscapes SG Historic Environment4: Archaeological sites and monuments SG Historic Environment5: Battlefields

Page | 16

Appendix 2 – Archaeology Team Action Plan 2014-15

Protection - Objectives Actions Annual Performance Indicator

Objective 1 - Develop, maintain and update the Sites & Monuments Record (SMR)

1. Maintain and update Aberdeenshire SMR 2. Maintain and update Angus SMR 3. Maintain and update Moray SMR 4. Develop SMR SQL databases to include additional metadata

fields as identified 5. Add Listed Building Data to Aberdeenshire, Moray & Angus

SMRs 6. Add Maritime Data to Aberdeenshire SMRs 7. Provide and exchange data extracts to key partners (Local

Authorities, Pastmap, National Trust Scotland, Forestry Commission Scotland, Royal Society Protection Birds, Historic Scotland, Royal Commission Ancient Historical Monuments Scotland (RCAHMS))

8. Maintain Online Access to the Index of Archaeological investigationS (OASIS) Validation process (via Archaeology Data Service)

9. Digitise any physical paper and photographic records 10. Develop Sites & Monuments Record technical functionality to

enhance public accessibility 11. Establish and maintain concordance with Canmore (National

dataset)

I. No of new records added

to Aberdeenshire SMR II. No of new records added

to Angus SMR III. No of new records added

to Moray SMR IV. No and average response

time for supply of data extracts

Objective 2 - Provide input into National policy and guidance development

1. Finalise Scottish Historic Environment Data (SHED) Strategy

for Scotland and launch with partners 2. Represent Aberdeenshire Council on SHED Strategy

Programme Board 3. Input into Association of Local Government Archaeological

Officers (ALGAO) Scotland consultations & workshops 4. Attend workshops or other events as invited by Scottish

N/A

Page | 17

Government, Historic Scotland and other key partners 5. Input into internal and external Council consultations

Objective 3 - Provide input into Local Development Plan process

1. Develop and agree Supplementary Guidance on the historic

environment for Aberdeenshire 2016 Local Development Plan

2. Assess Bid Sites for Aberdeenshire 2016 Local Development Plan

3. Develop and agree Supplementary Guidance on the historic environment for Moray 2016 Local Development Plan

4. Assess Bid Sites for Moray 2016 Local Development Plan

(Angus LDP is currently up-to-date)

I. Up to date Historic

Environment Policies within Aberdeenshire LDP

II. Up to date Historic Environment Policies within Moray LDP

III. Up to date Historic Environment Policies within Angus LDP

Objective 4 - Provide input into historic asset designation process

1. Provide advice and recommendations to Historic Scotland

on new designations 2. Provide advice to organisations and landowners on

submitting assets for designation

N/A

Objective 5 - Work in partnership with relevant individuals, groups and organisations at national, regional and local level to share knowledge and best practice

1. Represent Aberdeenshire, Moray & Angus Councils at

ALGAO Scotland (currently Chair) 2. Member of Sites & Monuments Record (SMR) Forum

Scotland 3. Host Cross-Team Meetings with NE Scotland Museums,

Archives and Libraries Services 4. Input into Cross-Team meetings with Built Environment 5. Liaise with North East Society for Archaeological Research

(NESARS), Moray Society, Elgin Museum, University of Highlands & Islands

6. Liaise with landowners 7. Liaise with Historic Scotland (including Field Officers)

I. Formally agreed Council

representative on ALGAO II. Host 3 Cross-Team

meetings for Museums, Archives and Libraries per year

Page | 18

8. Liaise with Royal Commission for Ancient and Historical Monuments Scotland (RCAHMS)

Objective 6 - Develop and support projects that protect the historic assets in the area, and which increase our understanding of the historic environment of the area

1. Support Kindrochit Castle Project, Braemar (Year 2) 2. Develop Inverurie Churchyard Pictish Stones Project,

Inverurie 3. Support Maiden Stone Project, Garioch 4. Support Dandaleith Pictish Stone Project, Moray 5. Input into and support Aberdeenshire Council’s Historic

Assets Management Project 6. Support NE Artefact Review Project (Year 3), Moray &

Aberdeenshire 7. Support NE Roundhouse Research Project (Year 3), Moray

& Aberdeenshire 8. Support Dee Tributaries Project (Year 2), Upper Deeside 9. Support Den of Boddam Publication Project, Peterhead 10. Support NE Crannog Project, Aberdeenshire 11. Support Cullykhan Project (Year 2), Pennan 12. Develop and support Banff Castle Assemblage Project,

Banff 13. Develop Grampian Regional Council legacy projects –

Human Remains Project, Aberdeenshire 14. Provide support, advice and data to projects which contribute

to the historic environment of the area 15. Develop a Regional Research Framework 16. Support Elgin Conservation and Regeneration Scheme 17. Develop Findhorn WWII Valentine Tanks Survey 18. Input outcomes of projects into Sites & Monuments Record

N/A

Page | 19

Management - Objectives Actions Annual Performance Indicator

Objective 7 - Provide consultation advice and support to the Development Management Process

1. Monitor and respond to all Weekly Planning Lists 2. Provide consultation advice and support for Masterplan

and Major Pre-Application Process 3. Provide consultation responses, advice and support for the

Planning Application Process 4. Provide training for Development Management staff 5. Provide advice and support to commercial contractors

undertaking archaeological mitigation works (including Briefs, WSIs, DSRs, and PERDs)

I. Annual average

response time to Planning Applications

I. Annual % of Planning Applications responded to within 14 days

II. Annual total number of Planning Applications dealt with

III. Annual total number of Archaeological mitigations conditioned

IV. Annual total number of Pre-scoping, Masterplan and Major Pre-Applications dealt with

Objective 8 - Provide consultation advice and support for forestry applications

I. Provide consultation responses, advice and support for the

Forestry Felling Application Process II. Provide consultation responses, advice and support for the

Forestry planting and woodland creation Process III. Provide consultation responses, advice and support for the

Forest Plan Process

II. Annual total number of

Felling Forestry Applications dealt with

III. Annual average response time to Felling Forestry Applications

IV. Annual % of Felling Forestry Applications responded to within 28 days

Objective 9 - Provide consultation advice and support for agri-environment applications

1. Provide consultation responses, advice and support for the

Scotland’s Rural Development Scheme Application

I. Annual total number of

SRDP Applications dealt

Page | 20

Process (including funded Forest Plans and Woodland Creation)

2. Provide advice to landowners on the removal of field boundaries

with II. Annual average response

time to SRDP Applications

III. Annual % of SRDP Applications responded to within 28 days

Objective 10 - Provide consultation advice and support for utility applications

1. Provide consultation responses, advice and support for the

Utility Application and Development Process

I. Annual total number of

Utility Applications dealt with

Objective 11 - Provide consultation advice for property enquiries

1. Provide information and advice to solicitors and private

individuals on any historic environment constraints on potential property purchases

N/A

Objective 12 - Provide advice and support for human remains discovery and reporting

1. Provide advice and support to individuals who discover

human remains 2. Liaise with Police Scotland and provide advice as required 3. Liaise with Historic Scotland via Human Remains Call-off

Contract

N/A

Objective 13 - Provide advice and support for artefact discovery and reporting

1. Provide advice and support to individuals who discover

artefacts 2. Liaise with Treasure Trove Unit 3. Liaise with Museum Services and Commercial Units over

allocation of assemblages and specific finds

N/A

Objective 14 - Provide advice and support to Scheduled Monument Consent (SMC)

1. Provide advice and support to individuals and

organisations submitting Scheduled Monument Consent

N/A

Page | 21

process

applications within the area 2. Provide advice and support to internal colleagues on SMC

applications to Historic Scotland for Council owned assets

Objective 15 – Provide and exchange information and advice to colleagues, government, charitable, private, commercial and public individuals and organisations on the historic environment

1. Provide general information and advice on the historic

environment when requested 2. Provide data extracts for commercial enquiries 3. Provide data extracts for researchers 4. Exchange data with the public and other contributors

I. Annual total number of

general Internet Enquiries dealt with

Objective 16 - Work in partnership with relevant individuals, groups and organisations

1. Liaise with Universities undertaking research within area 2. Liaise with RCAHMS, Historic Scotland, Archaeology

Scotland, National Trust Scotland, Forestry Commission Scotland, Ministry of Defence and Marine Scotland

3. Oversee work of commercial archaeological contractors 4. Agree and implement Joint Working Agreement with

Historic Scotland 5. Provide data extracts for researchers

I. Up-to-date Joint Working

Agreement with HS in place

Objective 17 – Establish and explore opportunities for sharing services with other local authorities

1. Provide a SLA Archaeology Service to Moray Council 2. Provide a SLA Archaeology Service to Angus Council 3. Investigate options for providing a SLA Archaeology Service

to Aberdeen City Council

I. Provision of Service in line

with SLA in place with Councils

Page | 22

Promotion - Objectives Actions Annual Performance Indicator

Objective 18 - Develop, maintain and update Archaeology section of corporate website

1. Maintain links and content to ensure it remains current 2. Add new pages to ‘Special Archaeology’ for WWI, WWII,

Battlefields and Castles 3. Add ‘breaking news’ feature to homepage 4. Add links from Moray and Angus Council websites back to

Archaeology Team webpages

1. Annual total number of

website users 2. Annual geographic

breakdown of website users

Objective 19 - Provide training days as appropriate

1. Provide specialist training for Council staff and Members,

especially Development Management staff

I. Total number of attendees

at training events

Objective 20 - Develop and support projects which increase public participation and enjoyment of the historic environment in the area

1. Support community training in Balbithan Project, Kintore 2. Develop and support Hillhead Project (Year 2), Tarland 3. Support Mason’s Marks Project, Aberdeenshire, Moray and

Angus 4. Support Moray Field-walking Initiative

I. Annual total No of

Volunteer Days engaged in the historic environment

II. Annual total of No of Heritage Projects supported

Objective 21 - Develop promotional material on the historic environment of the area, focussing on tourism opportunities

1. Explore the options for developing ‘Top 10’ trails,

e.g. Famous People, Famous Places 2. Complete and distribute leaflet on Stone Circles Trail

both in English and German 3. Complete and distribute leaflet on Pictish Symbol Stones

Trail 4. Input into interpretation panels for Council owned historic

assets

I. Aberdeenshire Stone

Circles Trail leaflet is available to the public

II. Pictish Symbol Stones Trail is available to the public

Objective 22 - Participate in relevant promotional events which highlight the

1. Liaise with relevant groups over Press Releases and

Publicity concerning the historic environment

I. Annual total number of

articles published in

Page | 23

historic environment of the area

2. Ensure Ward pages are updated with relevant news 3. Participate in annual worldwide ‘Day of Archaeology’ blog 4. Contribute articles to Arcadia, IQ Newsletter, Colin’s Blog 5. Use of Twitter to promote area and work undertaken 6. Contribute to articles in external journals and magazines 7. Contribute to joint exhibitions with Museum Service and

City & Shire Archive Service

Arcadia, IQ and Colin’s Blog

Objective 23 - Work in partnership with relevant individuals, groups and organisations

1. Attend occasional internal P&BS Team Meetings with

Relevant colleagues to raise profile of Archaeology Team 2. Advise and support colleagues, local communities, groups,

and landowners undertaking projects on the historic environment in the area

3. Work with Adopt-a-Monument for relevant projects

N/A

Operational - Objectives Actions Annual Performance

Indicator

Objective 24 - Develop and maintain a Team Strategy and Action Plan

1. Produce a 3-year Strategy for the Archaeology Team 2. Produce an annual Action Plan for the Archaeology Team 3. Contribute to an annual Specialist Services Team Plan 4. Undertake regular Team Meetings 5. Undertake 1 to 1s as required

I. Up-to-date Strategy in

place II. Up-to-date Action Plan in

place III. Up-to-date Team Plan in

place

Objective 25 - Ensure staff CPD requirements are met as required by the Institute for Archaeologists (IfA)

1. Provide opportunities for staff to attend relevant training

events/seminars/conferences/workshops 2. Undertake regular Employee Annual Reviews

I. Staff have an up-to-date

Continuous Professional Development Log

Objective 26 - Maintain Key Performance Indicators

1. Maintain Performance Indicator spreadsheets for

Development Management and other consultations

N/A

Page | 24

Objective 27 - Produce performance reports

1. Produce an annual briefing report for ISC on the

performance of the Archaeology Team 2. Complete the annual ALGAO Scotland survey 3. Produce an annual budget report

1. Annual Report approved

by Infrastructure Services Committee

2. Annual ALGAO Survey completed & submitted

Objective 28 - Maintain continuous service improvement

1. Undertake annual survey of customers 2. Ensure all procedures and processes are up-to-date and

staff informed 3. Ensure staff are aware of feedback and use to improve

where possible 4. Input to complaints and compliments database 5. Input into SAPE 6. Reduction in volume of stored physical filing

I. Complete annual

Feedback Survey of Customers

II. Up-to-date Operational Manual