Established in 1991, Historic Scotland aims to promote understanding and enjoyment of the nation’s built heritage, while safeguarding its future. An executive agency of the Scottish Government, Historic Scotland conserves more than 300 properties in its care, including scheduled monuments, listed buildings, and buildings in conservation areas. It also provides financial assistance to private owners of outstanding monuments and buildings, towards conservation and renovation costs.

Historic Scotland leads in researching issues relating to building conservation, and in developing and promoting craft skills, including specialised conservation work.

Around 2.9 million visitors are welcomed each year at the 70 Historic Scotland properties where admission is charged. The agency has a commitment to encourage knowledge about Scotland's built heritage, and issues guidebooks and other publications, together with educational material relating to the Scottish school curriculum.

The Scottish Nationalist Party (SNP), which came to power following the Scottish Parliamentary Elections of 6 May 2007, pledged in its manifesto to reduce duplication by merging the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS) with Historic Scotland.