NOMINATIONS have opened for this year’s national Commemorative Plaque scheme, it has been announced.

Historic Environment Scotland (HES), who administer the scheme, are asking the public to nominate noteworthy individuals from Scottish public life whose contribution should be celebrated with a plaque.

Since launching in 2012, the Commemorative Plaque scheme has seen a range of influential Scots remembered, including explorers, inventors, artists, poets and politicians.

The most recent round of awards in 2018 saw a number of diverse figures recognised, including abolitionist Frederick Douglass and Christian Maclagan, believed to be Scotland’s first female archaeologist.

Neil Gregory, deputy head of engagement at HES, said: “I’m delighted to announce that our Commemorative Plaque scheme is once again open for nominations.

“Plaques are a great way of highlighting the important link between people and places, making the connection between individuals and the built environment that shaped their life and work.

“As well as a way of celebrating Scotland’s luminaries, the plaque scheme is an important opportunity to shine a light on those lesser-known figures from Scotland’s history and bring their stories to national consciousness.

“As traditional methods of commemoration have not always best reflected the diversity of Scotland’s population, we’re particularly keen to receive nominations for figures from our minority communities.”

Nominations for this year’s Commemorative Plaque scheme will close on Friday, August 30, 2019. An independent panel will then consider all the nominations and select the successful applicants.

For more information about the scheme, and to submit a nomination, visit the HES website.