Buildings are listed by Historic Scotland for their special architectural or historic interest on behalf of the Scottish Government. The aim of listing such buildings is to protect or enhance their special character by affording them statutory protection. The principles for listing buildings are fairly complex and there is no right of appeal against the Scottish Governments decision to list a property. Listed buildings are listed in 3 categories - A, B and C. Category A listed buildings are of national or international importance. Category B listed buildings are of regional importance. Category C buildings are of local importance. A building¿s listing covers its interior, exterior and ¿any object or structure fixed to a building¿ or which falls within the curtilage of such a building, forming part of the land since before 1 July 1948.

The Listed Building Dataset comprises the statutory addresses and supplementary information for listed buildings in Scotland. Listing is the recognition through the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997 that a building or structure is of ‘special’ interest. Historic Environment Scotland lists buildings on behalf of Scottish Ministers.