Local authority archaeological services in Scotland two years after local government reorganization

We report a survey of the state of local authority archaeological services in Scotland following local government reorganization. Several service provision models are in place, including a new model of joint provision by councils of the former Strathclyde Region. Several councils which lacked a service before reorganization now buy it in from neighbouring councils. Some gaps in cover however persist. There are good reasons for the variety of models, and it would not be appropriate to seek to impose a single model. Planning guidance issued in 1994 has shifted the balance of service provision towards development control and away from other functions, as resources are squeezed. The implications of the Scottish Parliament are considered.