Historic Environment Scotland boss kept in post after racist remark complaint upheld
The boss of a quango in charge of Scotland’s historic buildings is allowed to remain in post despite a complaint about “racist” language being upheld, it has been alleged.
Craig Mearns, the director of operations at Historic Environment Scotland (HES), is said to have pointed to tourists at Edinburgh Castle and told another senior staff member to “look at those chocolates.”
The Sunday National reported that it had seen documents related to the alleged incident in July 2024 and that the complaint had been upheld.
It was said that a mitigating argument used by Mr. Mearns in his defense was that the phrase is commonly used in the Navy to refer to people with dark skin.
Mr. Mearns’s biography on the HES website states that he served in the Royal Navy for more than 30 years, ending up as captain at the Faslane naval base on the Clyde, which houses the UK’s nuclear deterrent.
Responding to the allegation of racist language, HES did not confirm or deny that a complaint had been upheld.
The Scottish Government said it was “aware of issues that have been raised regarding the leadership and governance of Historic Environment Scotland.”
Stephen Kerr, a Scottish Tory MSP, said: “Yet again, we see deeply troubling reports about the culture inside Historic Environment Scotland.
“When directors accused of using racist language are kept in post, and when multiple whistleblowers paint a picture of a toxic and fearful workplace, the public are entitled to ask what on earth is going on.
“This is not an isolated incident – it is part of a pattern of serious failings. That is why I am calling for a fully independent inquiry to uncover the truth, investigate the culture of HES from top to bottom, and ensure that proper remedies are put in place.”
Mr. Mearns oversees 800 staff at the government agency and his duties cover conservation of its historic buildings, visitor services, and asset management.
According to the agency’s latest published annual report, he earned between £100,000 and £105,000 in 2023/24.
One employee, who asked to remain anonymous, told the National that allegations about his language had recently begun circulating amongst staff. He was serving as the agency’s interim chief executive at the time of the alleged incident.
A £25 dinner
It comes after The Telegraph disclosed allegations that Stephen Duncan, the marketing and engagement director of HES, had dinner with his wife in the Queen Anne Building during the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo for just £25. The agency neither confirmed nor disputed that he paid £25 for the meal.
The Tattoo has exclusive use of the building for hospitality in August and it is not available for external hire at that time. At other times of the year, companies are charged more than £12,000 for dinners there.
An email seen by this newspaper from a senior official working for Angus Robertson, the SNP Culture Secretary, said that HES was not “proactively sharing information” about the dinner with the Scottish Government.
HES said that it had “responded promptly and in good faith to all questions received from the Scottish Government” and was “reviewing the circumstances” of the dinner “to confirm that all relevant policies and procedures were followed.”
Holyrood’s culture committee also heard earlier this month that HES directors were handed a pay rise of between 16 and 18 percent in April, despite it facing a £3m budget shortfall.
Sir Mark Jones, the agency’s new chairman, promised “transparency and good governance” after being appointed last week.
A HES spokeswoman said: “We do not comment on individual personnel matters. Historic Environment Scotland is committed to maintaining a respectful, inclusive, and safe working environment for all staff and visitors.
“We take any concerns raised seriously and have robust policies and procedures in place to ensure they are appropriately addressed.”
A Scottish Government spokesman said: “There is no place in Scotland for hatred of any kind, and each of us has a responsibility to confront racism.
“We are aware of issues that have been raised regarding the leadership and governance of Historic Environment Scotland. We are working closely with the organisation to resolve these and avoid disruption to its operational activity.”
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