There are around 47,500 listed buildings in Scotland, with many buildings regularly added and removed from the list.

Historic Scotland, an executive agency of the Scottish Government, is charged with “ensuring the nation’s historic environment provides a strong foundation in building a successful future for Scotland”.

Listed buildings can include a variety of man-made structures, from fountains, sundials and statues to castles and bridges.

When a building becomes listed, the structure’s architectural or historic interest is recognised by law through the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997.

This means that any changes to a listed building must be carefully considered.

Listed buildings in Scotland are divided into three categories.

Category A buildings – around 8 per cent of total listed buildings – are deemed to have national or international importance, either architectural or historic, or fine little-altered examples of some particular period, style or building type

More than 50 per cent of listed buildings are classified as Category B. These are buildings of regional or more than local importance, or major examples of some particular period, style or building type which may have been altered.

Category C building hold local importance, and are lesser examples of any period, style, or building type, as originally constructed or moderately altered; and simple traditional buildings which group well with other listed buildings. This makes up for around 42 per cent of listed buildings.

There’s too many for us to celebrate, but our gallery above looks at the nation’s stunning architectural heritage.

Then take a look at our gallery below which proves Scotland is the most beautiful country in the world.

Then check out
29 reasons why Scotland is awesome.

And take a look at the
top tourist attractions to visit in Scotland.