Visitor Erosion in Fragile Landscapes: Balancing conflicting agendas of access and conservation at properties in care in Scotland

Abstract

There are difficult and often conflicting agendas to balance with regard to managing historic and archaeological sites as visitor attractions. This article discusses the significant impact of high visitor numbers at archaeologically sensitive sites in the care of Historic Environment Scotland and the approaches taken to mitigate the consequent erosion and manage access. Understanding a monument's significance, a robust management plan and stakeholder and community engagement are essential to successful long-term conservation. Two cases studies are discussed: Holyrood Park, Edinburgh, and the Ring of Brodgar, Orkney.