It follows months of controversy and scandals at the organisation
A crisis-hit quango has announced a ”voluntary exit scheme” as it seeks to “plan responsibly” for the future.
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) said the move was part of a wider programme of “organisational transformation” to ensure it remains sustainable and adaptable.
It follows months of controversy and scandals at the organisation, which has also seen a raft of senior figures quit.
Directors of the heritage quango were previously accused of procurement irregularities, racism and misusing HES facilities.
One former manager was sanctioned after allegedly twerking in front of actor Martin Compston at a corporate event in Edinburgh Castle.
READ MORE: Historic Environment Scotland manager sanctioned for 'twerking on Martin Compston', upsetting Penny Lancaster
Stephen Uphill, interim chief executive of HES, said: “Historic Environment Scotland has important responsibilities to deliver for Scotland, both now and over the long term.
“As we look to the future, we need to make sure our organisation has the right balance of people, skills and resources focused on the areas where they can have the greatest impact.
“The voluntary exit scheme gives eligible colleagues an additional opportunity while helping us plan responsibly for the organisation we need for the future.
“It is entirely voluntary and there is no predetermined number of people we are seeking to leave.
“This is about taking a thoughtful, long-term approach to our workforce and resources so that HES remains resilient, sustainable and well placed to deliver its priorities and services into the future.”
First Minister John Swinney is currently pursuing wide-ranging public sector reforms in a bid to grapple with a £5 billion financial black hole by the end of the decade.
HES said applications for the voluntary scheme will open on Monday and close at midday on Friday, November 20.
It said the move will help it “rebalance its workforce and resources around its future priorities and service requirements”.
“The scheme forms part of HES's wider programme of organisational transformation, designed to ensure the organisation remains sustainable, adaptable and able to deliver its priorities effectively in the years ahead,” it said.
“It will help HES consider how its people and resources can be best aligned with future organisational and service requirements, supporting a considered rebalancing of resources towards its priorities.”
The quango said all applications will be considered against the published scheme criteria, affordability and organisational needs.
“Approval is not automatic and any voluntary exit must work for both the individual and HES,” it added.
The Scotsman has published a series of revelations about controversies within HES over recent months.
In September, we revealed its chief executive, Katerina Brown, had tendered her resignation just months after returning from a suspension.
READ MORE: Historic Environment Scotland CEO Katerina Brown 'to step down' from role at crisis-hit quango
Eight directors had previously joined a collective grievance against Ms Brown, alleging issues around her conduct and management style.
HES receives around £70 million of public money each year to manage hundreds of Scotland’s most important historic sites and artifacts.
In December 2025, a damning report by the auditor general, Stephen Boyle, found the quango had “unacceptable weaknesses” in its leadership.
Speaking at the time, Mr Boyle said allegations of a toxic workplace culture needed “to be fully investigated and addressed”.