Preliminary research findings indicate that one important historic building is significantly fire-damaged in Scotland every month. Historic Scotland’s concern at the scale of such a loss has prompted a programme of on-going research and publications. This has centred on practical fire protection measures that can be appropriately employed in historic buildings. "TAN 11: Fire Protection Measures in Scottish Historic Buildings (1997)" and "TAN 14: The Installation of Sprinklers in Historic Buildings (1998)" are the fruits of this work. Such technical material has also been supported by published Proceedings (1999) emanating from the Duff House Conference “Fire Protection and the Built Heritage” that was held in1998.

Whilst these volumes address the need for protection of the fabric of historic buildings, many buildings contain contents of great value. This is particularly obvious where historic buildings are used as art galleries, museums or libraries, but it can also be the case where they remain in private hands.

This Technical Advice Note, "Fire Risk Management of Heritage Buildings", addresses this area of concern. A considered methodology is proposed upon which to carry out an effective combined fire risk assessment for both property and contents.

Following a General Introduction to the associated issues, the Principles of Risk Assessment are addressed. This section contains a number of helpful checklists and is followed by an analysis of a number of varied case studies

Later sections consider how the findings of the fire risk assessment might be translated into a management strategy for the building. Carrying out a fire risk assessment is a legislative requirement for many historic properties but is also a procedure which is highly beneficial for these properties but only if this is used to inform a programme of fire risk management will the risks that are identified be addressed, and a benefit in terms of improved fire safety generated. Only occasionally does a major fire risk improvement project result. The lessons learnt from the case studies are therefore also distilled to assist others who may find themselves to be in a similar situation.

Throughout the compilation of this publication, Historic Scotland has been indebted to the members of the Scottish Historic Buildings Fire Liaison Group. They have provided support, encouragement and enthusiasm for the project, from start to finish. We are also indebted to them for their invaluable expertise. This has helped ensure that the relevance of the offered advice is fully applicable to situations where the safety of the contents may be as important. if not more so. than the buildings that house them.

INGVAL MAXWELL Director, TCRE