This booklet gives an informal account of the legislation, principally contained in the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1972, which protects Scotland's historic buildings and describes how it is generally administered by Historic Scotland and by the planning authorities.
It explains how buildings of "special architectural or historic interest" are selected for listing and outlines the system of control which ensures proper scrutiny of all applications to demolish, alter or extend listed buildings or to demolish any buildings any buildings in conservation areas. The aim is to protect the character of the heritage and to guard against unnecessary loss or damage.
It tells briefly how to apply for consent and how appeals against a refusal of consent are handled. The positive role of planning authorities and the Secretary of State in intervening to secure the repair or preservation of listed buildings is also covered.
Finally, the booklet describes the grants which are available for buildings of architectural or historic interest.