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UNESCO World Heritage Sites

World Heritage Sites are cultural and/or natural sites of Outstanding Universal Value

They are nominated by their countries of origin for inclusion on the World Heritage List. Being accepted onto the List by the World Heritage Committee of The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a high accolade. It provides international recognition of the importance of these sites. 

There are currently six World Heritage Sites in Scotland inscribed for a range of cultural and natural heritage values. Each site has a Management Plan, as required by UNESCO. These Plans set out the special qualities and values of the sites, establish frameworks for decision making, and provide information on threats and opportunities for each site. Once a World Heritage Site is inscribed on the List, there is a duty to protect, conserve and present it for future generations.