• Listed buildings are divided into three categories:
  
  A – Building of national or international importance – either architectural or historic – or fine little-altered examples of some particular period, style or type.
  
  B – Buildings of regional or more than local importance, major examples of a particular period, style or type that may have been altered.
  
  C(S) – Buildings of local importance, lesser examples of any period, style or type as originally constructed or altered. Simple traditional buildings that group well with other in categories A and B are part of a planned group as an estate or an estate or an industrial complex.
  
  
• All buildings erected before 1840, the character of which remains substantially intact, are likely to be included in the list. Later buildings are selected on the basis of their individual character and quality. Special regard is paid to:
  • planned streets, villages or burghs
  • works of well known architects
  • buildings clearly associated with famous people or events
  • major examples of buildings connected with social and industrial history and the development of communications
  • distinctive regional variations in design and use of materials
  • good examples within individual building types; and
  • technological innovation.
    
  
  
• The term "building" is defined broadly in the legislation and can include walls, fountains, sundials, statues, bridges, bandstands and telephone boxes.
  
  
• The list is compiled by Historic Scotland on behalf of The Scottish Ministers. A dedicated team within Historic Scotland's Inspectorate undertakes the compilation, administration and maintenance of the list. Administratively, the list is organised into Council areas and then in parishes, burghs or city wards.
  
  
• The list is constantly under review and buildings can be added to the list by three main methods:
  • By comprehensive re-survey of geographic areas
  • By thematic study looking at one particular building type
    (e.g. hospitals)
  • By individual proposals for buildings to be added to the list.
  
  
• Formal notification of listing falls to the local authority, however, where possible Historic Scotland will issue informal notification of listing, together with supporting material. Details of this can be found at www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/ownersandoccupiers
  
  
• Although there is no formal right of appeal against listing, Historic Scotland is always prepared to consider people's views. Listing decisions are made solely in relation to the architectural or historic interest of a building, and any reassessment of a building will be made on the same basis.
  
  
• Historic Scotland is an executive agency of the Scottish Executive charged with safeguarding the nation's built heritage. It is fully accountable to Scottish Ministers and through them to the Scottish Parliament.

Guide to the Protection of Scotland’s Listed Buildings
- What Listing Means to Owners and Occupiers