Scheduled Ancient Monuments And Archaeological Sites
Angus has a range of structures and remains which are ancient or of archaeological importance. These range from standing stones to hill forts and field systems. These are evidence of the historical development of Angus over many centuries and they are of considerable cultural and historic significance. The most important of these structures and remains are statutorily protected through designation as "Scheduled Ancient Monuments", or "SAM's".
There are over 200 SAM sites in Angus. Anyone wishing to undertake any work to a SAM will have to apply for "Scheduled Monument Consent" from Historic Scotland; planning authorities do not become involved in the SMC process. However, work to a SAM will sometimes require planning permission which is obtained from the planning authority.
There are also a number of sites of local archaeological importance. These are not protected in the same way as SAM's. Scheduled Monument Consent is not required from Historic Scotland although planning permission might still be required from the planning authority if alterations are proposed to sites of local archaeological importance.
Where an application for planning permission affects a Scheduled Monument, or an area of local archaeological importance, the developer may be required to arrange for an archaeological evaluation to determine the importance and sensitivity of the area before the application is determined or make provision for monitoring during the work.