A corruption investigation has been launched into Historic Environment Scotland (HES) following a series of scandals and management crises at the country’s leading heritage body.
The probe comes after a whistleblowing report was submitted to the Scottish government in June, alleging “financial and procurement improprieties” involving a senior director.
Confirming the inquiry before Holyrood’s culture committee, HES chairman Sir Mark Jones, who took up his post last month, said the organisation was emerging from a “troubled period” and that “the right action needs to follow” as several investigations continue.
HES, which maintains more than 300 historic sites, including Edinburgh Castle, operates as an arms-length body funded by the Scottish government.
Whistleblower allegations and leadership turmoil
Sir Mark told MSPs that multiple investigations were under way into “grievances of various kinds”, amid mounting concerns over the organisation’s culture and governance.
The inquiry follows a turbulent year marked by the suspension of chief executive Katerina Brown earlier this month after an internal probe into her conduct. Brown had been signed off work on health grounds in May, less than a year into her role, before being suspended. Sir Mark confirmed to MSPs that she has since returned to work.
HES has also faced a series of embarrassing disciplinary cases involving senior staff. Operations director Craig Mearns reportedly faced action over comments made about visitors at Edinburgh Castle but was allowed to remain in post.
Separately, a senior female manager was sanctioned after allegedly “twerking” at a corporate event at Edinburgh Castle in 2023, which reportedly made celebrity guests Martin Compston and Penny Lancaster uncomfortable. An independent HR consultant brought in to investigate later warned that staff were often reluctant to raise concerns due to a “fear of retribution” and recommended a review of the organisation’s culture.
Racism allegations and zero-tolerance debate
Sir Mark told MSPs that two allegations of racism had been made against senior figures at HES and were being treated “very seriously”. One case had been resolved, while the other remains under investigation.
Asked by Green MSP Patrick Harvie whether a “zero-tolerance” stance meant that anyone found to have expressed racist views would be dismissed, Sir Mark replied: “No, that’s not my understanding. My understanding is that wherever it’s encountered, it will be dealt with appropriately.”
He rejected claims that HR staff had attempted to “cover up” recommendations for a workplace culture review, insisting that complaints would be handled “in a rational order” before any wider review.
Financial scrutiny and external investigations
The turmoil at HES has also prompted scrutiny from Scotland’s Auditor General, Stephen Boyle, who confirmed he would examine “weaknesses in governance and financial management” at the organisation. Boyle warned of “wider leadership instability” and noted that HES had operated “without an accountable officer for an extended period” during the chief executive’s absence.
Sir Mark said he welcomed a rigorous investigation, while board member Andrew Davies told MSPs that the organisation remained on track to balance its annual budget and that he was “very comfortable” with its financial position.
Meanwhile, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is investigating allegations of data leaks at HES, and the Ethical Standards Commissioner has received a report about former chief executive Hugh Hall, who resigned last month.
‘We have problems – but they can be fixed’
Sir Mark acknowledged the difficulties but praised the wider workforce. “Even during this troubled period, it should be remembered that HES has many dedicated and experienced staff who are doing a great job. But that is not to deny that we have problems. Clearly we do – and they need to be tackled.”
Culture Secretary Angus Robertson said last month that he was “extremely concerned” about management issues at HES but expressed “total confidence” in Sir Mark’s leadership to restore stability.
