The first heritage organisation in Scotland to be accredited for its commitment to LGBT+ inclusivity.
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has been awarded the LGBT Charter Foundation Award, which recognises the organisation's commitment to becoming an LGBT+ inclusive organisation. The LGBT Charter Mark Programme is run by LGBT Youth Scotland, a leading LGBT+ organisation in Scotland.
HES become the first heritage organisation in Scotland to be accredited for its commitment to LGBT+ inclusivity.
Achieving the charter mark saw an extensive analysis of HES’s policy and practices by LGBT Youth Scotland to ensure that the organisation works with an inclusive framework.
As part of the project to achieve the charter mark, HES delivered training and live workshops to staff across the organisation.
HES will continue to build on the lessons learned during the process to further develop an inclusive organisation for staff and all visitors that come to Scotland's most popular attractions, like Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle, and more.
Anila Mirza, equality manager at HES, said: "We're excited to have achieved this Charter Mark, but this is only part of our journey to achieving our Equality Outcomes and further developing an inclusive organisation, both for our visitors and our colleagues.
"This award is not just about achieving equality for one group, it is about improving equality and inclusion for everyone regardless of gender, age, socioeconomic status, religion, race, ethnicity, or other identities.
"Through achieving the Foundation Award, we've identified the next steps for our organisation to be a leading equalities body within the sector, and to ensure that Scotland's heritage is for all."
As part of LGBT History Month throughout February, HES will continue to highlight how LGBT histories are part of our cultural heritage, from Anne Lister’s 1828 tour of Scotland to Harry Whyte, the Scot who challenged Stalin.
Dr Mhairi Crawford, chief executive at LGBT Youth Scotland, said: “We are delighted that Historic Environment Scotland are the first heritage organisation in Scotland to have achieved the LGBT Charter.
“Their dedication to inclusion was clearly visible with excellent practice and campaigns taking an intersectional approach to platforming underrepresented communities and highlighting some of Scotland's LGBTQ+ heritage.”
