Scotland's Culture Secretary, Angus Robertson, is facing intense criticism after a blistering official report laid bare catastrophic governance failures and a 'toxic workplace culture' at the nation's scandal-hit heritage body, Historic Environment Scotland (HES).
Leadership Vacuum and Financial Mismanagement
Auditor General Stephen Boyle's 'Section 22' report into HES's 2024/25 accounts identified 'unacceptable weaknesses' in governance and a slapdash approach to financial rules. The most glaring failure was the Scottish Government's decision to leave the £70 million-a-year quango without an 'accountable officer' for six months after Chief Executive Katerina Brown went on long-term sick leave on 2 May.
This was despite the Government's own finance manual stipulating a substitute should be appointed within four weeks. The report stated this lack of leadership added to 'instability' at the organisation, which manages 300 historic properties including Edinburgh Castle.
A Culture of Excess and Alleged Misconduct
The audit flagged a series of concerning expenditures and cultural issues within HES. Auditors questioned a £714 bar bill for a castle concert in October 2024, where spirits were purchased against policy, and nearly £500 spent on alcohol at a board member's leaving dinner. While HES was later reimbursed for the latter, the report highlighted a 'lack of clarity over acceptable hospitality'.
Furthermore, whistleblowers have accused HES bosses of racism, drunkenness, and freeloading, with one unnamed leader reportedly reprimanded for 'twerking' at an actor at Edinburgh Castle. The report confirms allegations of a 'toxic workplace culture' which it says must be 'fully investigated and addressed'.
Political Fallout and Demands for Accountability
The damning findings have triggered a fierce political backlash. Scottish Tory MSP Stephen Kerr accused Mr Robertson of being 'missing in action' as HES 'descended into anarchy' on his watch. Labour's Neil Bibby demanded the Culture Secretary appear before Parliament to explain the Scottish Government's 'apparent inaction'.
Other audit discoveries include:
- Around a quarter of HES's 1,600 staff had electronic purchasing cards, with £1.9 million spent in 2024/25 under an outdated policy.
- Examples of purchases over £1,000 without proper checks.
- An opaque system for distributing 'complimentary tickets' to staff with no transparent policy.
- A botched £3.4 million storage facility project not fully disclosed to the HES board.
In response, a Scottish Government spokeswoman said they were 'aware of the issues' and working with HES to resolve them. Sir Mark Jones, appointed as HES Chair by Mr Robertson in September, acknowledged the 'serious governance issues' and committed to 'rebuilding trust'. Ms Brown returned as CEO in a 'limited capacity' in October to sign off the annual accounts.
Auditor General Stephen Boyle concluded it was critical that strong controls are now implemented to prevent fraud and ensure value for money for the public purse.
