Historic Scotland is a publically-funded agency of the Scottish Government whose primary functions include the care of the nation's historic monuments and promotion of public interest in them. Its origins lie in the UK's Ancient Monuments Division of the Ministry of Works founded in 1943 but began to take on its current role and title in 1991, finalised in 1999 in the wake of Scottish political devolution. It is a major employer within the heritage sector, but also employs academic historians and archaeologists who contribute to both its research activities and conservation policies.

Historic Scotland cares for a remarkably diverse range of properties, from remote single standing-stones to large-scale medieval buildings in major urban centres. Public access and facilities vary accordingly, from un-staffed open-access sites to fully-staffed sites for which entrance fees must be paid. The quality of parking, toilet facilities and disabled access is also dependent on the local terrain and condition of a given site — it is wiser to check before you visit.

In general, on-site photography and other forms of recordings are allowed only for private use — publishing, media and commercial projects are required to apply for permission in advance.