This debate will be chaired by Professor Ian Baxter FSAScot.

About the Debate

With climate change accelerating the deterioration of Scotland’s historic sites, we tackle one of the most pressing dilemmas facing the sector in the 21st century: should we try to save everything? If not, how do we manage the consequences?

Chaired by Professor Ian Baxter FSAScot, a panel of experts will share brief position statements on the future of our built heritage followed by an open debate with audience Q&A.

About the Guests

Professor Baxter FSAScot FSA FRSA PCIfA is professor of Historic Environment Management at Heriot-Watt University and a Council Member at the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. He is involved in a range of heritage sector organisations in governance, advisory and facilitation roles. His research interests focus on the strategic management of heritage organisations, and visitor experience development.

Additional information about the panel will be released shortly.

Format

This will be a hybrid event which will take place both in Augustine United Church and live-streamed online, with the recording uploaded to our YouTube channel and Spotify account shortly after the lecture. Please keep an eye on the Society website and e-newsletters for the latest news and further information on Society events.

Doors open at 5:45pm and the event will be followed by a Q&A.

In-person attendees are also welcome to stay for a free drinks reception from approximately 7pm where you can discuss the debate and other interests with the speakers, Society Fellows and other attendees.

Discount on Society Books

All in-person and online attendees of this event are entitled to £5 off the purchase of any Society book.

Books will be available to purchase from our stall at Augustine United Church at the event, and online attendees will receive a code in their reminder emails to use in our online shop, which will be valid until midnight (UK time) on Saturday 16 January 2027.

Please note: Fellows who are logged in receive a 20% discount on books at checkout on the Society's online shop. This may be combined with the £5 off event discount code. The 20% off for Fellows is an online-only discount and is not redeemable in person at the venue.

Your Ticket

Booking is essential for members of the public and Fellows of the Society. If you have reserved a ticket and can no longer attend, please cancel your ticket via Eventbrite or contact events@socantscot.org to allow someone else to take your place.

House Rules

The Society has a zero-tolerance policy on harassment and bullying.

All attendees are requested to act with respect to one another during this hybrid event.

Anyone making comments which we believe to be inappropriate (for example, offensive or abusive) will be removed from the event immediately. Equivalent procedures (for example, with regards to spam) will apply online.

Active and Sustainable Travel

To help to tackle climate change and decrease congestion and pollution from cars, the Society encourages you to walk, wheel, cycle or use public transport to travel to and from this event if possible.

Lothian Buses run services along George IV Bridge, Forrest Road and nearby South Bridge. There are also bicycle racks directly outside the venue.

Accessibility and Venue

The main entrance to the church is up four steps with a handrail.

A standard accessible toilet is available on the ground floor and lower level (accessible via lift).

Assistance dogs are welcome inside the venue.

Please note, the hearing loop facility is unavailable. The venue is working on a replacement and hope to have it up and running soon. We apologise for any inconvenience.

If attending via Zoom, captions are included.

If you require step-free access or any other assistance to enjoy the event as an online or in-person attendee, please let us know by answering the accessibility question at booking.

If there are any other ways we can make this event more accessible for you (as an online or an in-person attendee), please give us details at the booking stage. Thank you.

You can find further information on the venue’s accessibility on the Augustine United Church website.

Please note that the views and opinions expressed at this event are solely those of the event organisers. They do not necessarily reflect the policies, positions, or views of Augustine United Church.

Support Our Work

The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland is grateful for our Fellows across the globe whose support enables us to make these event free and open to all.

Founded in 1780, the Society is an independent heritage charity with a global Fellowship. We facilitate research through grants and awards, advocate as a voice for heritage, and share knowledge of the past through events, publications and projects.

Anyone who is interested in Scotland’s past can apply to become a Fellow. In addition to helping to support the Society achieve its aims and charitable objectives, benefits of Fellowship include ex

Description supplied by the event organiser.