Historic Environment Record

The Historic Environment Record or HER is a record of all known archaeological and historical sites in East and Midlothian.  The record is also sometimes called the Sites and Monuments Record (SMR).  The HER is maintained by the East Lothian Council Archaeology Service based in Haddington.

The HER records archaeological and historical sites from the Palaeolithic period (500,000 BC) to recent times.   This covers a range of types of sites, historic buildings, landscapes and finds, from prehistoric standing stones to World War II airfields.  The HER also holds details of Scheduled Ancient Monuments, Listed Buildings, and Historic Parks and Gardens, as well as records of recent archaeological fieldwork.

The HER is based on a computerised database with over 17,000 records, which are linked to GIS mapping (computerised digital mapping).  This is supplemented with a wide range of material, including fieldwork reports, photographs, plans, aerial photographs, and historic maps.  The database is updated regularly with new finds and discoveries. 

The HER is a key resource used by the Archaeology Service to advise on planning matters, forestry applications, utility developments, roads, agri-environmental schemes etc. 

The HER is also used by members of the public, consultants, history societies, students, and academics.  It is a resource that is available for anyone who is interested in finding out about the archaeology and heritage of East Lothian and Midlothian. 

We do not currently have the facilities for members of the public to visit the HER in person, but if you contact us by phone or email we will endeavour to help you with your research and send you information.

You can also visit the Local History Centre in Haddington. 

Most public and academic enquiries are free but for commercial enquiries please see the Archaeology and Development pages.