This article was updated on 20th July 2026
Scotland has around 47,000 listed buildings, ranging from houses and castles to bridges, factories, boundary walls and sculptures. Each is recognised for its special architectural or historic interest and protected through the planning system.
Listed buildings in Scotland are placed into Category A, B or C. These categories indicate the relative importance of the building within its period, architectural style or building type.
All three categories receive legal protection. A Category C building is still listed, and changes affecting its special character may require listed building consent.
In this guide, we explain what each Scottish listed building category means, how categories are decided and how to check whether a property is listed.
A listed building is a building or structure recognised as being of special architectural or historic interest.
Listing is intended to help manage change rather than prevent it completely. When alterations are proposed, the planning system can consider what makes the building significant and whether the work would affect its character.
In Scotland, listing is governed by the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act 1997. Historic Environment Scotland is responsible for designating listed buildings on behalf of Scottish Ministers.
Although the word “building” is used, listing is not limited to houses or conventional buildings. It can apply to many types of human-made structure, including:
Listed buildings in Scotland are placed into one of three categories:
People sometimes refer to these as “grades”, particularly when comparing the Scottish system with the Grade I, Grade II* and Grade II system used in England and Wales. However, “category” is the official term in Scotland.
The Scottish categories should not be treated as direct equivalents of the grades used elsewhere in the UK. Each country operates its own listing system, terminology and guidance.
For a building to be listed, Historic Environment Scotland must consider it to be of special architectural or historic interest.
Each building is assessed on its own merits. Factors may include its:
A building does not have to be in perfect condition or still be used for its original purpose to qualify. Its current financial value, possible future use or the cost of maintaining it are not what determines whether it should be listed.
Once its special interest has been assessed, the building is placed into Category A, B or C according to its relative importance.
Category A buildings are outstanding examples of a particular architectural period, style or building type.
This is the highest listed building category in Scotland. Category A can include buildings with exceptional architectural quality, historic importance, rarity or a particularly high degree of surviving original detail.
These buildings may be important to Scotland as a whole and, in some cases, may also have international significance.
However, Category A status does not mean that a building cannot be repaired, adapted or changed. It means that proposals must be considered particularly carefully, with close attention paid to the features that make the building special.
Category B buildings are major examples of a particular period, style or building type.
A Category B building may have been altered over time and can still qualify if its important architectural or historic character remains evident. This category covers a wide variety of buildings, including many homes, public buildings, churches and commercial properties.
Category B should not be thought of as a minor or secondary form of listing. These buildings are recognised as being of special architectural or historic interest and receive statutory protection.
Category C buildings are representative examples of a particular period, style or building type.
They may illustrate local building traditions, form part of an important architectural group or provide a good surviving example of a type of building found across Scotland.
Although Category C is the lowest of the three categories, this does not mean that the building has little importance or that owners are free to alter it without permission. Category C buildings are still listed and protected under the same legislation.
If work would affect the building’s character as a building of special architectural or historic interest, listed building consent may still be required.
The listing category can be relevant when proposed changes are assessed, but it does not provide a simple scale of what owners can and cannot do.
All Category A, B and C buildings are protected. You may need listed building consent for work that affects the building’s special character, including:
Listing generally covers more than the front or outside of the building. Unless something is specifically excluded from the listing, protection can include the interior, extensions, attached structures and certain structures within the surrounding curtilage.
The listing description can help identify why a property is significant, but it should not be treated as a complete list of everything protected.
If you are considering alterations, contact your local planning authority before work begins. The authority can advise whether listed building consent or another form of planning permission may be required.
Carrying out unauthorised work that affects the character of a listed building can be a criminal offence.
For more general guidance, read what you need to know about owning a listed property.
You can search for listed buildings using the Historic Environment Scotland portal.
A listed building record will normally include:
The statutory address is the legal part of the listing. Descriptions and supporting information can help you understand the building, but they may not identify every protected feature.
Addresses and building names can also change over time. If you are unsure whether a property or part of its grounds is covered by a listing, contact the relevant planning authority.
An insurer or broker may ask whether a property is Category A, B or C when arranging listed building insurance.
The category can provide useful information about the significance of the building and the care that may be required when repairing it. However, the category alone does not determine whether a property can be insured or how much the policy will cost.
Other important factors may include:
Listed buildings can sometimes cost more to repair because suitable materials, specialist craftspeople and additional approvals may be required. This makes an accurate rebuild cost particularly important.
You can find out more in our guide to how much listed building insurance costs.
Whether your home is Category A, B or C, it is important that your insurance reflects its construction, specialist features and potential rebuild cost.
At Intelligent Insurance, we help owners of unusual and listed properties find suitable home insurance.
Find out more about our listed building insurance or get a quote online.
Category A is the highest category. It covers outstanding examples of a particular period, style or building type.
No. Category B and Grade II are part of different national listing systems and are not direct equivalents. Scotland uses Categories A, B and C, while England and Wales use Grades I, II* and II.
Yes. Category C buildings are protected listed buildings. Work affecting their special architectural or historic character may require listed building consent.
It may be possible to alter a Category C building, but you may need listed building consent. The decision depends on the proposed work, the building and how its special character would be affected.
Listing normally covers both the interior and exterior, along with attached structures and potentially qualifying structures within the curtilage. Some parts may be expressly excluded, so check the statutory address and speak to the planning authority if you are uncertain.
Search for the property through the Historic Environment Scotland portal. Its listing record should show whether it is Category A, B or C.
It can be relevant, but it is only one part of the insurer’s assessment. Rebuild cost, construction, condition, location, occupancy, previous claims and planned work can also affect the cover and price offered.
Find practical advice on keeping a listed or period home cooler during hot weather.
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A property often achieves listed status because of its age, rarity, aesthetic appeal, or as one of the few remaining examples of its kind.