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PE1012/F 1 PE1012/F 2 PE1012/F PARLIAMENTARY PETITION PE 1012: COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUES REPORT TO PETITIONS COMMITTEE Introduction 1. This study explores the key choices and potential costs involved in running a national commemorative plaque scheme and has been prepared to help inform the Parliamentary Petitions Committee in connection with a petition from Mr Frank Beattie in January 2007. He asked for: “a nationally coordinated and nationally funded commemorative plaque scheme, which would be similar to the ‘blue plaque’ scheme that is run by English Heritage in London.” 2. Mr Beattie advocated a plaque scheme on the grounds it would enhance Scotland’s historic environment and educate and encourage people to read further about the person, place or event that was being commemorated. He helped put in place in the Millennium Plaques in Kilmarnock, which included town trails based on the plaque locations1 which he felt had created a greater sense of community pride among Kilmarnock residents. 3. Evidence has been drawn from existing plaque schemes throughout the UK, looking specifically at demand for plaques, administration, operational issues connected with national and local schemes, funding, resources and materials and maintenance. 4. The petition is due to be discussed at the next meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on 2 December 2008. Summary of main points • There is no evidence of the extent of demand for a Scotland-wide plaques scheme. • A nationally-led scheme is likely to be expensive, administratively complex, and potentially controversial, and risks finding itself in tension with established local schemes. Many nationally-important figures are already commemorated with plaques. • Existing locally-led plaques schemes are successfully run with modest resources and are responsive to local needs. Supporting locally-based schemes would be most consistent with the Scottish Government’s overall approach to local government, its commitment to working within the SOA framework and its simplification agenda. • Local authorities and other local organisations have played a major role in existing schemes. In line with the Government’s commitment to enabling local leadership and choice, they should continue to play a key role. Their 1 A booklet, Kilmarnock Town Trails, was produced by The Kilmarnock History Society in 2003 describing these trails and providing a map. 3 PE1012/F expertise could usefully contribute to the setting up of any new schemes in partnership with other organisations such as Conservation Area Regeneration Schemes (CARs), Civic Trusts (CTs) and City Heritage Trusts (CHTs). • The Scottish Government could readily increase its support for such local schemes, through permitting existing Historic Scotland grants to CARs and CHTs to be used to support these; facilitating information sharing between existing schemes and those with an interest in setting these up; and through working with an existing grant-supported organisation to ensure that there is a standing source of advice for those interested in such schemes. Discussion of the main issues Evaluating demand for a Scotland-wide commemorative plaques scheme and estimated numbers of nominations 5. Though a number of organisations expressed enthusiasm for the Petitioner’s proposal there is no evidence of actual demand. It would be wise, therefore, to take a cautious and measured approach to the development of a new plaques scheme. It should be noted that when English Heritage (EH) changed the national focus of their scheme back to a London-only scheme there was very little disappointment expressed at the change. Nevertheless there was a great deal of interest from existing schemes in EH’s more formalised enabling role. 6. The numbers of nominations a national scheme could attract is difficult to predict. EH receive about 100 nominations a year for their London-only scheme but only put up between 12 and 15 plaques a year. Numbers vary in other schemes per annum. For example Birmingham Civic Society nominations fluctuate from year to year but probably average out at 10 to 15 per annum. This is set against a backlog of around 70 or 80 nominations which have gone through the first approval stage but are waiting for their plaques. No reasons were given for the backlog (see Annex C). Nationally-led scheme: major issues 7. The EH attempt to run a national scheme provides useful information which has helped evaluate the issues involved in running such a scheme. The EH London-only scheme was extended nationally in early 2003; this was suspended in 2006 following a review of its value, long term affordability and practicality. It was not considered to offer good value for money and was in conflict with existing schemes. 8. Although a national scheme offers a consistent approach to the nomination and selection criteria, research and branding, these come at a relatively high cost. The national scheme run by EH was estimated to cost £401,000 per annum at 2003 prices. Fixed cost elements probably mean that an equivalent figure for Scotland might reasonably be predicted to come to a considerable proportion of that. 9. The national scheme was unpopular with many existing schemes and had been opposed by some. A number of local councils made it clear that they did not think that the EH plaques were appropriate to their needs. In Birmingham, the plaques were seen to challenge the well-established local scheme and were considered to be a waste of resources. There is the risk that a national scheme in Scotland might also be opposed by established schemes and be seen to offer no additional benefits and 4 PE1012/F discourage local involvement. In this way it would be less effective in promoting Scottish culture and heritage. 10. It might be difficult to harmonise national and local selection criteria and interests in a nationally-led scheme and to draw the line between locally- and nationally-important people. In addition many nationally-important figures have already been marked by a plaque. 11. There is a risk that a uniform brand might appear at odds with different locations. Adapting the form and design of plaques to suit regional buildings materials and types might prove challenging, while retaining a national brand or appearance. EH have warned that a homogenous national plaque design would not fit with the historic built environment in all regions (see annexes B and D). 12. A nationally-run, nationally-funded scheme would by its nature involve less local engagement and would have more focus on the national/international importance of figures being commemorated, rather than community engagement and local significance. 13. On the other hand, a national scheme may be more likely to receive national/international prominence than a series of local schemes, receiving more publicity and promotion, because of its national status. London’s blue plaques are extremely famous, but other schemes are virtually unheard of outside their local area. Locally-led schemes: major issues 14. Many existing locally-led schemes are very successful and provide a good model which could be used to develop other locally-led schemes. The costs involved in running existing local schemes are often well-integrated with other related functions within local authorities and heritage organisations and do not appear to impose unreasonable financial burdens, although many of the organisations found it difficult to separate out the time spent on plaques specifically. The resources required are related to the scope of the schemes and whether nominations are sought frequently, such as annually, or less frequently. 15. The petitioner (whom HS officials met as part of preparing this report) highlighted a number of his concerns, which were mainly practical. The Kilmarnock scheme took some time to get off the ground not only because of limited funding (money had to be raised locally) but critically the lack of expertise available to those who wished to set up and run a scheme was a substantial obstacle. These difficulties could be resolved by the provision of a central advice point or helpline/website for all the schemes in Scotland. This would have to be funded from within existing grants monies. Unlike EH, HS has no direct responsibility for any specific local scheme and so the key issue would be identifying an appropriate organisation to provide such advice. 16. Locally-led schemes benefit from community involvement and decision-making and successful schemes are integrated with local history trails and interpretation, and other local interests. Voluntary participation can play a substantial role in the running of a local scheme as well as local fund raising initiatives or sponsorship. 5 PE1012/F This would be more difficult to achieve with a national scheme. A local initiative may also be better positioned to regulate its resources according to the volume of demand for commemorations. 17. Encouraging locally-led schemes with a variety of partners such as local authorities, heritage organisations such as CHTs, CARs and CTs would offer a flexible and appropriate approach. This would ensure integration with city or town/area interpretation strategies and a high level of community engagement. In addition, the promotion would be locally-focussed. 18. Local schemes have the advantage that they can be very flexible and enable local plaque design, colour and size (Annex E). 19. The Scottish Government could allow CHTs and CARs to use an element of their Historic Scotland funding to support local schemes. 20. Some local schemes across England such as in Westminster and Oxfordshire have tended to receive sponsorship (whether from a university, college, society, or even private individual) to be able to afford to put up a plaque e.g. in Oxfordshire the Betjeman society sponsored the erection of a plaque for the poet John Betjeman. Local schemes would be better placed to engage with local businesses and institutes. Administration 21. A significant part of the administration process will involve gaining permission from the building owner and any living relatives, which will almost always be required.

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