Historic Environment Scotland is starting work on a new Managing Change Guidance Note on Place and Landscape, and is inviting decision-makers, agencies, organisations and professionals working on place, landscape, planning, rural development, agriculture, forestry, and land use related issues to take part in early engagement workshops. The guidance will form part of HES’s Managing Change in the Historic Environment series, which provides practical advice to support good decision‑making about the historic environment. It responds to a growing demand for practical guidance on managing change that transforms whole places and landscapes, rather than individual sites or assets. It will promote a holistic approach to the environment, recognising the interrelationship between cultural and natural values.

Village halls are often the heart of a community; places for people to gather, learn, access services and have fun. This one-day conference will allow people running village and community halls across Scotland to do the same – to connect, share ideas, and inspire each other. At this conference, you’ll get to: connect with fellow hall workers and volunteers; share stories, tips, and experiences; and discuss difficulties you’ve faced or are facing, whilst inspiring others with creative solutions to common village hall issues.

A series of SURF Award Shared Learning Workshops will take place in May. At these events attendees will have the opportunity to learn from SURF Award winners and highly commended projects, before opening to a wider policy discussion with national partners. The 4 workshops are: Removing barriers to employability (7 May, Edinburgh); Housing led regeneration initiatives (14 May, Edinburgh); Place-based regeneration approaches (21 May, Govan) and Taking a creative approach to regeneration (28 May, Glasgow)