Views are being sought on the new draft management plan for the World Heritage UNESCO Heart of Neolithic Orkney.

The Heart of Neolithic Orkney consists of: Skara Brae, Ring of Brodgar Stone Circle and Henge, Maeshowe Chambered Cairn, and the Stones of Stenness Circle and Henge). They are in the care of Historic Environment Scotland (HES) on behalf of Scottish Ministers. The World Heritage Site is managed in partnership by HES and Orkney Islands Council (OIC), with support from NatureScot (NS), the RSPB, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) Archaeology Institute.

The sites are affected by climate change, coastal erosion and over tourism. Orkney is the UK’s top destination for the Cruise Ship industry.

The management plan will come into effect later in 2025 and will be in place for ten years.

Dr James Bruhn, Head of World Heritage and Heritage Policy at HES, said:

“As one of Scotland’s seven World Heritage sites, the Heart of Neolithic Orkney is an integral part of Scotland’s story with international appeal, and how we look after it, share and celebrate it is hugely important.

“We’re keen to hear from as many people as possible as part of the consultation and would encourage those who wish to help shape the next ten years for the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, and be part of its continuing story, to take part.”

Click on this link to access: Have your say in the future of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site

The consultation closes on 13 May 2025.

Here are the links to the documents:

• 2025 Orkney WHS Draft Management Plan7.8 MB (PDF document)
• 2025 Orkney WHS Draft Management Plan – summary1.1 MB (PDF document)
• 2025 – 2035 Environmental Report744.8 KB (PDF document)
• 2025-2035 Environmental Report – non technical summary

Surrounding the Heart of Neolithic Orkney UNESCO site is a Buffer Zone, which is divided into two parts. This is the same area that the 2017 Orkney Local Development Plan calls the “Inner Sensitive Zone”.

The car parks at the Ring of Brodgar and the Stones of Stenness are both owned and managed by Orkney Islands Council.

Two of the three most visited sites in Orkney are the Ring of Brodgar and Skara Brae. The draft management plan states: “We need to find the right balance between enabling access to the HONO for residents and visitors while preserving the OUV of the Site and its other important values.”

*HONO – Heart of Neolithic Orkney * OUV – Outstanding Universal Value

Leader of Orkney Islands Council, Councillor Heather Woodbridge, said:

“The Heart of Neolithic Orkney – encompassing four incredible sites in the West Mainland – is vital to the ongoing story that weaves through Orkney’s past, present and future.

“The community of Orkney has looked after these sites for generations, particularly in terms of providing a warm welcome to those who come to our shores to visit them.

“As we face the challenges of climate and changing visitor patterns, it is important that we take the time to review, alongside our partners, how the sites are being managed now and into the future.

“Our community are an important part of this – and I’d encourage them to make their views known.”