the Historic Rural Settlement Group

In 1993, an organisation called the Medieval or Later Rural Settlement (MoLRS) Advisory Group was set up to advise Historic Scotland on its policy and to discuss issues and priorities for this class of monument. Following the publication of the HS Policy paper in 1998, it was felt that the group had reached a point at which to review its function and direction. At a meeting in August 2000 the group decided to evolve into [reconstitute itself as] a more independent body, the MoLRS Working Group, focused on the identification of priorities and development of relevant action. It was also agreed that a main priority would be to convene a Discussion Group designed to draw together all interested parties at an annual peripatetic meeting.

In 2004, the MoLRS Working Group was renamed the Historic Rural Settlement Group, which has the same aims of providing a forum for discussion on the issues surrounding historic rural settlement in Scotland and of enhancing our understanding, conservation and management of the remains that survive. The members of the HRSG are drawn from a broad range of interests and include individuals as well as representatives from relevant institutions. Also in 2004, a sister organisation, the Historic Rural Settlement Trust, was established to develop and manage specific historic rural settlement projects and to provide a mechanism for raising awareness of Scotland’s historic rural settlement and for promoting education on this subject

It is the aim of the Historic Rural Settlement Group to draw together all those who are interested in learning more. For example, you may be interested in the detailed recording of a particular building or township, in the study of the economic, social and cultural history of an area, or perhaps its archaeology or geography. There are too many aspects to mention here, but if it relates to the ordinary people of medieval or later rural Scotland, we hope you will find something of interest on this site.

Anyone with an active interest in the subject, whether amateur or professional, may wish to get involved through the Historic Rural Settlement Discussion Group, which is open to all. If you want to make others aware of work you have been doing, or simply want to discuss a relevant site or general topic, please try using our message board.