BEFS Bulletin 384: A Manifesto for the built environment

A big week for BEFS, as we launch a new Manifesto, Building Foundations for a Better Scotland, in advance of the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections.

Co-created through consultation with Members and stakeholders who care for, celebrate and promote the value of Scotland’s historic buildings, public spaces and infrastructure, BEFS Manifesto calls on the next Scottish Government to create the conditions for a well-resourced, dynamic and effective built and historic environment sector.

Interconnected Benefits for People and Places: 
The existing built and historic environment, both rural and urban, contributes profoundly to the quality and character of Scotland’s places, its economy, and the wellbeing of its people. Encompassing everything from ancient monuments and historic buildings to townscapes and public spaces, it influences – and is influenced by – many public policy areas.

The Manifesto outlines how recognising and leveraging the benefits brought by the sustainable use of Scotland’s existing built asset, will be critical to meeting climate and wellbeing targets; essential investment is key to releasing substantial value for public money and driving progress across vital public policy portfolios, including environmental sustainability, skills and economic development, housing, poverty, and health – unlocking the immense potential of our built heritage to deliver warmer homes, local employment, thriving town centres, and much more.

BEFS five main Manifesto policy areas are designed to demonstrate how a joined-up and strategic approach will deliver towards the long-term benefit of Scotland’s people and places across:

• Culture and Heritage

• Climate Emergency and Net Zero

• Repair, Maintenance and Retrofit

• Planning and Placemaking

• Training and Skills

15 Practical Policy Recommendations: 
BEFS Manifesto features 15 practical policy recommendations and calls on cross-party buy in towards implementation in the next term of Parliament – and beyond – to set foundations for the decades to come.

You can read the full 2026 Manifesto and a shorter Manifesto Statement on BEFS website.

BEFS Team would like to thank all Members and stakeholders that contributed their time and expertise to shaping this Manifesto. We look forward to continuing to work together, making the case for the historic built environment, over the coming months.

 

Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture Research Strategy 2027-32
Scottish Government
The Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture (ENRA) Research programme is a multidisciplinary portfolio of research. It is structured in five-year cycles to enable long term strategic research and provide clarity on research priorities and programme structure. This consultation is of the draft version of the 2027-32 ENRA Research Strategy, and questions for examination cover the Strategy’s core mission, challenges, investment, impact, research areas, and more.
Closes 24 October 2025 

Heritage Crime
UK Heritage Pulse
According to the National Police Chiefs’ Council, heritage crime is defined as ‘Any offence involving damage or loss to the historic environment, including all offences involving cultural property’. Take part in this survey and help inform the response to heritage crime across the UK.
*NEW* Closes 26 October 2025 

Permitted Development Rights to Support Provision of New Homes
Scottish Government
This consultation linked to the housing emergency will investigate views on the role permitted development rights (PDR) can play in helping to address it. The consultation will explore whether action on PDR and housing delivery, particularly with regard to town centres and rural areas, could alleviate capacity pressures in the planning system. The Scottish Government is also seeking views on PDR in the context of the deployment of heat networks and domestic air source heat pumps.
Closes 27 October 2025 

HES – Talking About Heritage Survey 2025
Historic Environment Scotland
Scotland’s heritage belongs to us all – from stone circles and high streets to tenements and schools. Heritage makes communities special and it’s everything we inherit from the past that shapes who we are today as well as influencing our future. Talking About Heritage is a national conversation. The results of this survey will have an impact on how HES think about and care for heritage in Scotland. Discover other ways to get involved here.
Closes 7 December 2025 

Compulsory Purchase Reform
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government is carrying out a programme of work to reform and modernise Scotland’s compulsory purchase system. Following a commitment in the Programme for Government 2024/25, a consultation has been published on a comprehensive package of proposals and options for change; to make compulsory purchase simpler, more streamlined and fairer for all parties. The consultation has been informed by extensive engagement with a range of stakeholders, including a practitioner advisory group chaired by the Chief Planner and Roseanna Cunningham. A number of questions on compulsory sale orders and compulsory lease orders are also included in the consultation paper. Any questions about the consultation: CPO.Reform@gov.scot.
Closes 19 December 2025 

Draft Circular Economy Strategy
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government is committed to moving from a linear “take, make and dispose” economic model to a circular economy where materials and goods are valued and kept in use for as long as possible. This draft circular economy strategy sets out the rationale and benefits of a more circular economy within the wider economic framework and describes the overall vision to 2045 and the outcomes that they are working towards. The consultation paper contains full background information for this consultation.
*NEW* Closes 13 January 2026 

Properties and Collections Strategy: Towards Sustainable Stewardship 
Historic Environment Scotland
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has published a draft Strategy document entitled: Properties and Collections Strategy: Towards Sustainable Stewardship. This draft Strategy explains how HES plans to care for the Properties and Collections in its care over the long term and why change is needed. Scotland’s historic environment is facing growing challenges, including climate change, rising costs, and a shortage of traditional skills. The draft Strategy outlines how HES will respond to these challenges, make the most of opportunities, prioritise what matters most, and work with communities to protect and use the Properties and Collections in ways that benefit everyone.
Closes 23 January 2026 

Measuring the Values of Arts, Culture, and Heritage
Heritage Strategies International
Heritage Strategies International is part of a team lead by Historic England in a research effort called ‘Developing Taxonomies for Arts, Culture and Heritage.’ The project is funded by the UKs Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). This international survey is a means to learn from experts and advocates in Arts, Culture, and Heritage what might be measured, the importance (or not) of measuring values, and to learn what similar work on creating categories of values is being used elsewhere in the world.
*NEW* No closing date specified 

 

 Consultation Responses

Energy Performance of Buildings (Scotland) Regulations 2025: technical consultation analysis (Scot Gov 10/10/2025)

 

Petitions

PE2191: Review legislation in order to strengthen the Scottish Outdoor Access Code (Scot Parl 09/10/2025)
Petition calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to review the legislation concerning the Scottish Outdoor Access Code (SOAC), in order to:
• explicitly prohibit camping in a vehicle, outside of designated camping zones
• make the provisions of the Code legally enforceable by introducing dedicated enforcement teams and fines for Code violations.

 

Nominate your Hero for the Ecclesiastical Heritage Heroes Awards 2025 (Heritage Alliance 23/09/2025)

ScotLand Futures initiative – Four voices, one question: what would it mean to complete Scotland’s land reform journey(Scottish Land Commission 30/09/2025)

Gardens Trust launches report into the role of historic parks and gardens in the 21st century (The Gardens Trust 03/10/2025)

The Scottish Government launches a dedicated LinkedIn page covering culture and the arts (Angus Robertson via LinkedIn 10/10/2025)

Historic Houses and the Institute for Art and Law mark 75 years of cultural heritage policy as landmark cultural policy papers are made available in full online for the first time (Historic Houses 13/10/2025)

The AHF’s Heritage Impact Fund Reaches £10 Million Milestone in Pioneering Social Investment for Historic Buildings (Architectural Heritage Fund 13/10/2025)

Scottish museums share £862k through the Repair and Adaptation Fund (13/10/2025)

The University of Strathclyde building shortlisted for Innovation in Sustainability Award (Clark Contracts 14/10/2025)

Excellence in Planning for Heritage and Culture Finalists – including Edinburgh Futures Institute (RTPI 14/10/2025)

Major new study to reveal the value of the UK’s UNESCO sites (UNESCO 14/10/2025)

Six areas, towns and cities across the UK to benefit from long-term investment (NLHF 15/10/2025)

New guidance for communities looking to purchase a church or hall building ( Scottish Community Councils 17/10/2025)

SFHA Report warns of multi-billion-pound funding gap to tackle housing emergency amid surging building costs (Scottish Federation of Housing Associations 20/10/2025)

 

Green skills in archaeology (CIfA: The Archaeologist 23/06/2025)

Planning Aid Scotland’s guide to?Navigating the Consenting Processes for Renewable Energy Developments (PAS 24/09/2025)

Scottish Tourism Alliance: Holyrood Election Manifesto for 2026 (STA 03/10/2025)

New report shows extent of joint working in Scottish local government (improvement service 06/10/2025)

 

Scotland’s Cladding Remediation Programme monthly management information: September 2025 (Scot Gov 07/10/2025)

Planning permission appeals: housing development statistics (Scot Gov 07/10/2025)

Wind turbine appeal decisions: statistics (Scot Gov 07/10/2025)

Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee – official report (Scot Parl 07/10/2025)

Colleges and Apprenticeships Debate: Traditional Building Skills (Scot Parl 08/10/2025)

SPICe Briefing: Wellbeing and Sustainable Development (Scotland) Bill (SPICe 08/10/2025)

Land Reform (Scotland) Bill — Stage 3: Groupings of Amendments (Scot Parl 09/10/2025)

Land Reform (Scotland) Bill — Stage 3: Marshalled List of Amendments (Scot Parl 09/10/2025)

Planning and Infrastructure Bill – official report (Scot Parl 09/10/2025)

Preliminary findings from new towns programme inquiry released (House of Lords 09/10/2025)

National Planning Framework 4: Policy 22 (flood risk and water management) – Chief Planner letter – October 2025 (Scot Gov 13/10/2025)

Written answer: Recreation Spaces: Urban Areas (UK Parl 13/10/2025)

Written statement: Retrofit measures under ECO4 and GBIS (UK Parl 13/10/2025)

Pro-growth package unshackling Britain to get building (UK Gov 13/10/2025)

Public appointment: Chair appointed to the National Library of Scotland (Scot Gov 13/10/2025)

Tourism and Hospitality Industry Leadership Group minutes: 14 May 2025 (Scot Gov 14/10/2025)

Public appointment: Chair appointed to the Board of National Galleries of Scotland (Scot Gov 14/10/2025)

Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme: quarterly report September 2025 (Scot Gov 17/10/2025)

Heat Network: quarterly report September 2025 (Scot Gov 17/10/2025)

Agriculture Reform Implementation Oversight Board minutes: 30 May 2025 (Scot Gov 17/10/2025)

Clean energy jobs boom to bring thousands of new jobs (UK Gov 19/10/2025)

Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations: call-in guidance (Scot Gov 20/10/2025)

A Draft Circular Economy Strategy for Scotland: Consultation Paper & Supporting Documents (Scot Gov 21/10/2025)

 

Motions

S6M-19253.2
Submitted by: Lorna Slater, Lothian, Scottish Green Party
Date lodged: 07/10/2025
As an amendment to motion S6M-19253 in the name of Murdo Fraser (Backing Scotland’s Colleges and Apprenticeships), leave out from “that future” to end and insert “the transformative power of education and training, and the vital roles that colleges and apprenticeships play in supporting young people and building resilient communities, including in a just transition away from fossil fuels; acknowledges the importance of having college facilities located close to where people live, ensuring accessibility and inclusion; believes that improved college governance is essential to prevent poor management decisions and to safeguard the quality of provision; acknowledges the work of EIS-FELA and UNISON in campaigning for better further education provision and supporting college staff across the country who face uncertainty about the future; calls for enhanced outcomes for women, students and apprentices, to ensure that they are not disproportionately channelled into low-waged sectors; urges colleges to align their skills offerings with the ambitions of the National Performance Framework; supports the introduction of regulated minimum training hours and standards for apprenticeships; believes that colleges must be living wage employers and exemplars of fair work practices, and calls for all apprentices to be paid a living wage.”

S6M-19253.3
Submitted by: Richard Lochhead, Moray, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 07/10/2025
As an amendment to motion S6M-19253 in the name of Murdo Fraser (Backing Scotland’s Colleges and Apprenticeships), leave out from “with concern” to end and insert “the Audit Scotland report entitled, Scotland’s colleges 2025, and the importance of continued investment in Scotland’s colleges and skills system to support inclusive economic success, prosperity and job creation, including provision of around three quarters of a billion pounds in Scotland’s colleges in 2025-26, and an additional £3.5 million for skills, through the Scottish Budget; acknowledges that this is particularly important in the thriving sectors, like those critical to realising the transition to net zero, and the shared opportunities of this; recognises the key role that colleges, employers and training providers have played in ensuring that 93% of school leavers have a positive destination, and providing apprenticeships and training to a record 39,000 individuals, and notes, however, concern about the impact of Brexit and the UK Government’s migration system, which is contributing to key skills gaps and labour market shortages.”

S6M-19327
Submitted by: Gillian Martin, Aberdeenshire East, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 13/10/2025
That the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee recommends that the Energy Performance of Buildings (Scotland) Regulations 2025 [draft] be approved.

 

Opinion & Comment

 

Blog: Energy performance certificates (EPCs) tell us how energy efficient our buildings are. The way these certificates are generated has changed (HES 01/10/2025)

25 years of stonemasonry excellence at HES Elgin Skills Training Centre (Project Scotland 07/10/2025)

The historic buildings of Scotland fighting for their future – Melrose Abbey, Doune Castle (The Scotsman 08/10/2025)

Blog: Heritage offers timeless lessons for a climate-resilient Edinburgh (The Cockburn Association 10/10/2025)

Poll: Huge public support for £450m tax on landowners (The Herald 12/10/2025)

Blog: Tenement Town: 18 Rankeillor Street, Edinburgh (Tenement Town 13/10/2025)

Towns may have to be abandoned due to floods with millions more homes in Great Britain at risk (The Guardian 14/10/2025)

Tens of thousands of homes insulated under government schemes need repairs (BBC News 14/10/2025)

Scotland’s last shoemaker’s shop awarded funding for conservation (Deadline News 15/10/2025)

Bridging the Gap: Why the skills system is overdue an overhaul (Holyrood Magazine 16/10/2025)

RIBA Stirling Prize. Britain’s best new building is a revamped almshouse (The Guardian 17/10/2025)

Could the first international football stadium become flats? (BBC News 19/10/2025)

Events

AHSS – Niall Murphy: Glasgow 850
Date & Time: Thursday 23 October 2025; 7:30-9:30pm
Location: St Andrew’s West Church & Renfield Centre, 260 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 4JP
Note: Lecture will also be live-streamed via Zoom
As Glasgow celebrates 850 years, Niall Murphy of Glasgow City Heritage Trust reflects on the city’s rich history, exploring its political and cultural evolution and the heritage that shapes its identity today. This lecture offers a compelling journey through Glasgow’s past, revealing how its legacy continues to influence the present and future. Tickets available from Eventbrite or on the door: £6 / students £2 / season ticket for all 5 lectures: £25.

Historic Environment Scotland – Discover Heritage Careers Fair
Date & Time: Monday 27 October 2025; 6-8pm
Location: Edinburgh Castle, Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG
Come along to this event hosted by Historic Environment Scotland to meet employers and training providers across the heritage sector, and discover the range of career options available.

Under One Roof – Navigating Tenement Building Repairs with North Ayrshire Council
Date & Time: Tuesday 28 October 2025; 12-1pm
Location: Online
Join Under One Roof and North Ayrshire Council for a short, lunchtime webinar on tenement building repairs. Learn about: proper procedures for organising a repair in your tenement building; the difference between individual, mutual and common areas of your tenement building; and relevant legislation and enforcement. There will be time after the presentation to ask questions, and get answers from tenement expert, Jacqueline Omoniyi.

Under One Roof – Navigating Tenement Building Repairs with Aberdeen City Council
Date & Time: Wednesday 29 October 2025; 12-1pm
Location: Online
Join Under One Roof and Aberdeen City Council for a short lunchtime webinar, discussing the proper procedures for organising repairs, from understanding your titles, to communicating with your fellow owners, to sourcing and paying contractors and enforcement action. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session with tenement expert, Education and Training Officer Jacqueline Omoniyi.

Scotland’s Landscape Alliance – Delivering for Scotland’s landscapes through Scotland’s Landscape Charter
Date & Time: Thursday 30 October 2025; 10:30am-3pm
Location: Edinburgh Climate Change Institute, High School Yards, Edinburgh EH1 1LZ
In June 2025 Scotland’s Landscape Charter was launched and endorsed by the Scottish Government. It highlights the importance of our landscapes to people, place and nature. This is also the 25th anniversary of the European Landscape Convention (ELC) and the SLA aim to deliver and reinvigorate Scotland’s commitment to the ELC through the promotion and adherence to embedding the Charter into everyday landscape action that demonstrate the tangible importance of the Charter to their work objectives. This event aims to engage with a wide range of stakeholders to shape a short term annually updated action plan to support the implementation of the Charter’s vision and principles and to reinforce the good policy and tools that exist around land, people, culture and landscape. Tickets free and available on Eventbrite from 24 October onwards.

SHSMG – How to Handle Social Media Backlash
Date & Time: Thursday 30 October 2025; 3-4pm
Location: Online
Concerned about a social media firestorm? Unsure how best to react to critical online media coverage? If you work or volunteer in heritage communications, this event is for you. The Scottish Heritage Social Media Group will be hearing from David McLeod, Marketing Officer at Culture Perth & Kinross, who will discuss the kinds of backlash he’s dealt with in his career, explain how it was handled, and share the outcomes. He’ll offer advice on what kind of comments demand a reaction and which are better left alone, share tips on preparing for potential backlash, and discuss strategies for reacting to online hate at short notice.

EFI – AI in the City Public Forum
Date & Time: Thursday 30 October 2025; 6-7:30pm
Location: Edinburgh Futures Institute, 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh EH3 9EF
AI for Collective Intelligence (AI4CI), Architecture and Design Scotland (A&DS) and Edinburgh Futures Institute (EFI)  invite you to a public forum on ‘AI in the City’. Join expert panellists in geocomputation, city planning, smart design, AI ethics and integration, moderated by journalist, broadcaster and presenter Stephen Jardine. Explore how AI is shaping the design and management of urban and rural spaces, and discover current developments. This event offers the public direct access to expert insights and the chance to ask pressing questions. Stay informed on the opportunities, risks, and community impacts of AI in city living, building, and planning.

SEDA/HES – Stone Futures 2 – Specifying Stone and Stone Bricks
Date & Time: Monday 3 November 2025; 1-2pm
Location: Online
Across the autumn and winter, Scotland East Region, Scottish Ecological Design Association (SEDA) and Historic Environment Scotland (HES) are excited to launch a new lunchtime CPD seminar series dedicated to one of the most enduring yet ever evolving materials in our built environment: Stone. From its role in the earliest architecture to its potential in a low carbon future, stone carries its story of resilience, craft and innovation. This series will open fresh perspectives on how stone can shape tomorrow’s buildings whilst drawing from its rich history. Whether you’re a technologist, architect, designer, engineer or simply curious about the possibilities of this timeless material, these seminars are designed to inform, challenge and inspire. All seminars: 1pm on the first Monday of every month.

Under One Roof – Tenement Management session for Landlords
Date & Time: Monday 3 November 2025; 12-1pm
Location: Online
In partnership with Glasgow City Council, this free webinar will provide information on how to organise common repairs in your tenement building, what the proper procedures are and help you understand enforcement options. There will also be expertise on how to deal with water leaks in your building. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session with tenement expert, Jacqueline Omoniyi.

Under One Roof – Landlord Information Session: common repairs, missing shares and dealing with damp and mould
Date & Time: Tuesday 4 November 2025; 10am-12pm
Location: City Halls & Old Fruitmarket, 100 Candleriggs, Glasgow G1 1NQ
In partnership with Glasgow City Council, Under One Roof will be discussing the common repairs process, helping you understand proper procedures and enforcement options. You will hear from Glasgow City Council staff about the city’s missing shares scheme and how that can assist owners with common repairs.? Under One Roof will also present on damp and mould, a topical issue affecting tenement flats, explaining best practice and sharing helpful information. Tea and coffee will be provided, and the presentation will be followed by a Q&A session with tenement expert, Jacqueline Omoniyi. Glasgow City Council staff will also be on hand to help with your questions. Register by email: Rebecca@underoneroof.scot

Under One Roof – Repairing Standard Event for landlords with East Ayrshire Council
Date & Time: Wednesday 5 November 2025; 2-3pm
Location: Online & at East Ayrshire Council Headquarters, London Road, Kilmarnock KA3 7BU
East Ayrshire landlords are invited to join Under One Roof and East Ayrshire Council for a short seminar on the Repairing Standard. You can join in either at Council Headquarters or online on Microsoft Teams. Hear from tenement experts all about the Repairing Standard, and what it means for your property and tenants. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A.

RIAS – BookshopLATES… New Scottish Houses
Date & Time: Wednesday 5 November 2025; 6-7:30pm
Location: RIAS Bookshop, 15 Rutland Square, Edinburgh EH1 2BE
Celebrate the publication of New Scottish Houses: Contemporary architecture and living in the landscape with journalist and author Isabelle Priest. Talks from Isabelle and some of the featured architects on how Scotland is a showcase for contemporary sustainable homes in the remotest of landscapes.

BE-ST Fest Summit – Scaling Solutions: A Viable Path to a Sustainable Future
Date & Time: Wednesday 5 November 2025; 9am-5pm
Location: Paisley Town Hall, Abbey Close, Paisley PA1 1JF
The UK’s biggest festival for a zero-carbon built environment will play host to transformative discussion and knowledge exchange on breaking through barriers to accelerate our journey to net zero carbon. Is net zero achievable? Some argue the costs are too high, the technology isn’t ready and that other priorities should come first. BE-ST Fest 2025 will tackle these debates head on. This isn’t a conference made up of hopeful visions alone, it’s about the reality of real change, the risks, trade-offs, and the strategies that work. This is a space for honesty, collaboration and innovation. Not idealism for its own sake but progress grounded in what works.

The Heritage Alliance – Heritage Debate 2025
Date & Time: Thursday 6 November 2025; 12-2pm
Location: Online (via Zoom)
Topic: Closer to Home: Is Local Decision-Making the Future of Heritage?  Now in its 16th year, Heritage Debate brings sector leaders, professionals and volunteers together to share cross-sector insights, make connections and find solutions to the key challenges facing heritage today. This year, Heritage Debate will tackle one of the most significant shifts in governance affecting the sector in a generation. With local government reorganisation on the horizon, new mayoral powers emerging, and communities gaining new rights to shape their places, the question being asked: is bringing decision-making closer to home the key to unlocking heritage’s full potential? Listen to an expert panel examining what bringing power closer to home really means for the places we cherish and the communities that sustain them. More details on speakers will be announced soon.

Under One Roof – Navigating building repairs in flatted blocks with North Lanarkshire Council
Date & Time: Thursday 6 November 2025; 12:30-1:30pm
Location: Online
Come along to a short, lunchtime webinar with Under One Roof and North Lanarkshire Council, to discuss topics such as how to understand your titles, the difference between individual and ‘common’ areas of your building, and how to work with your neighbours to carry out repairs. The presentations will be followed by a Q&A, when you can ask the experts your questions.

Under One Roof – Taking Care of Your Tenement: Drop-In Session with Glasgow City Heritage Trust
Date & Time: Thursday 6 November 2025; 6-8pm
Location: The Deep End, 21 Nithsdale Street, Glasgow G41 2PZ
Join Glasgow City Heritage Trust and Under One Roof for a drop-in session aimed at anyone who wants to learn more about maintaining and repairing historic tenements. Come by to ask the experts for information on tenement repair, management and retrofit, or to pick up one of their leaflets.

AHSS – Aonghus Mackechnie: ‘If a landscape ‘speaks’, can we hear it? 
Date & Time: Monday 10 November 2025; 6:30-8:30pm
Location: Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL (wheelchair accessible)
Note: Lecture will also be streamed online via Zoom
In this joint lecture with Scotland’s Garden and Landscape Heritage, Professor Aonghus MacKechnie will take us on a tour of Scotland, geographically, over time, and across political and cultural movements. From the medieval West Highlands and Gaelic society, the talk ranges through Early Modern Scotland, the exploitation of history and the ‘signage’ used by the Stewart monarchy, through to post-1660s classicism; moving then on to the Ages of Romanticism and Improvement, and that of militarism after the Battle of Sheriffmuir in 1715. Tickets available from Eventbrite or on the door, subject to availability: £6 / students £2

Historic Houses – The Historic Buildings Parks & Gardens Event
Date & Time: Tuesday 11 November 2025
Location: The QEII Conference Centre, Broad Sanctuary, Westminster, London SW1P 3EE
The Historic Buildings, Parks and Gardens Event (HBPGE) has been running for over 35 years, and is open to everyone in the historic buildings, landscape conservation and heritage sectors. Owners, guardians, volunteers, professionals management staff and advisers involved with historic buildings (private, commercial, industrial, Grade I listed buildings, cathedrals, churches, manor houses, windmills, historic town centres), parks, gardens and historic landscapes. All are welcome to enjoy Historic Houses guest speakers, live demonstrations, short talks, an opportunity to meet experts and a free SPAB advice surgery.

Development Trusts Association Scotland – First Steps to Community Ownership
Date & Time: Tuesday 11 November 2025;12-1:30pm
Location: Online
A general workshop on the first steps to take when bringing a church into community ownership. This event is part of the New Futures Programme – Former Places of Worship event series. New Futures is a three-year programme (January 2025-December 2027) funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic Environment Scotland and Development Trusts Association Scotland to provide enhanced support to community groups considering taking on a former place of worship across Scotland. This programme was launched in direct response to the significant and unprecedented number of former places of worship which are due for disposal over the next several years. This workshop is open to any community group interested in taking ownership of a former place of worship but will be of most help to those at the beginning of the process. For questions and enquiries, please email Louise Paterson, Churches Programme Officer.

SHBT – Seaside City: Revisiting the History of Edinburgh’s Coastline
Date & Time: Wednesday 12 November 2025; 6-8pm
Location: Riddle’s Court, 322 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2PG
Speakers: Jonathan Gardner, contemporary archaeologist and critical heritage studies researcher and Tamsin Grainger, a Walking Artist and writer.
Stretching from the River Almond to the River Esk, Edinburgh’s remarkable coastline runs from one of the few Roman ruins in Scotland to buried quarries and beaches made entirely from the rubble of the city’s demolished buildings. Through docks and ports to beach resort, nature and culture, past and present are brought together in diverse ways. This part of the city has enjoyed something of a revival of interest over the past few years: esplanade, beach, and shore making new lungs for the city. How might engaging with this oldest and most ephemeral boundary of the city help us re-imagine it anew?

Edinburgh Lothian & Borders Archaeology Conference 2025
Date & Time: Saturday 15 November 2025; 9am-4:30pm
Location: Queen Margaret University, Musselburgh, East Lothian
This is the annual conference organised by the City of Edinburgh Council, East Lothian Council and Scottish Borders Council. It provides an important opportunity to hear and discuss firsthand accounts of the archaeological fieldwork and research being undertaken in Edinburgh, East Lothian, Midlothian and the Scottish Borders. Tickets £30; Lunch £13.

Scotland’s Community Heritage – Conversations 2025: Routes to Resilience
Date & Time: Wednesday 19 November 2025; 9:15am-4:15pm
Location: Hybrid – The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling, FK8 1QZ and Online
This day-long hybrid conference is an opportunity to connect with heritage professionals and community groups, sharing challenges, celebrating successes and exploring resilient futures together. Expect speakers, Q&A sessions, panel discussions and workshops, all available to attendees joining online or in person. There will also be opportunities to get involved and share your news with the ever popular One Minute Mayhem slot or by displaying a digital poster.

Under One Roof – Navigating building maintenance for landlords, with Argyll and Bute Council?
Date & Time: Wednesday 19 November 2025; 12-1pm
Location: Online
Join Under One Roof and Argyll and Bute Council for a short lunchtime webinar on Navigating Building Management and Maintenance. Get help with understanding your responsibilities as a landlord and discuss the proper procedures for working with your neighbours to maintain your building. After the presentation, there will be a chance for you to ask your questions to tenement expert, Jacqueline Omoniyi.

Development Trusts Association Scotland – Planning and Your Church
Date & Time: Thursday 20 November 2025; 1-2:30pm
Location: Online
This workshop on engaging with the planning system in regards to former places of worship is brought to you by Planning Aid Scotland. This event is part of the New Futures Programme – Former Places of Worship event series. New Futures is a three-year programme (January 2025-December 2027) funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic Environment Scotland and Development Trusts Association Scotland to provide enhanced support to community groups considering taking on a former place of worship across Scotland. This programme was launched in direct response to the significant and unprecedented number of former places of worship which are due for disposal over the next several years. This workshop is open to any community group interested in taking ownership of a former place of worship but will be of most help to those at the beginning of the process. For questions and enquiries, please email Louise Paterson, Churches Programme Officer.

AHSS – Dominic D’Angelo: ‘Greek’ Thomson and the Watson Street Warehouses 
Date & Time: Thursday 20 November 2025; 7:30-9:30pm
Location: St Andrew’s West Church & Renfield Centre, 260 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 4JP
Note: Lecture will also be live-streamed via Zoom
Two years before he died, Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson designed a pair of warehouses in Watson Street for shopkeeping brothers Gavin and William Millar, as part of their planned expansion to become ‘the Largest Furniture Department in Scotland’. Dominic d’Angelo, Chair of The Alexander Thomson Society, looks at how both buildings ended up as lodging houses, and, on their 120th anniversary, the fire that would claim 40 lives. Tickets available from Eventbrite or on the door: £6 / students £2 / season ticket for all 5 lectures: £25.

RIAS – LIVE 2025
Date & Time: Friday 21 November 2025; 9am-4:30pm
Location: Dynamic Earth, Holyrood Rd, Edinburgh EH8 8AS
RIAS are proud to host the single largest annual gathering for architects in Scotland, as an opportunity to bring people together to discuss how architects can use and develop their skills, and be a key part of Scotland’s future as a green, resilient and healthy nation. This year will be the third RIAS Live – a one-day event being held in Edinburgh where insightful presentations are met with opportunities to discuss, debate and contribute.

Society of Antiquaries of Scotland – Society AGM and Finlaggan: Archaeology versus History
Date & Time: Saturday 29 November 2025; 11am-2:30pm
Location: Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL
The place of Finlaggan in Islay as an historic centre of importance has now been explored archaeologically. This presentation focuses on how this has enabled a deeper understanding of the documentary record and leads to exciting new interpretations of medieval and later history. The Archaeology of Finlaggan, Islay is now available for pre-order. Copies will also be available for purchase at the lecture. Note: This event will begin at 11am with the Society’s AGM, which is open to everyone but mainly targeted at Fellows. The lecture, open to all, will begin at 1:30pm and last for around an hour, including a Q&A. You do not have to attend the AGM in order to attend the lecture.

Edinburgh’s First Burghers: Revealing the lives and hidden faces of Edinburgh’s Medieval citizens
Date & Time: On now until Sunday 30 November 2025
Location: St Giles Cathedral, High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1RE
Free to enter public exhibition celebrating the 900th Anniversaries of both St Giles Cathedral and the City of Edinburgh to explore the lives of medieval burials excavated by CEC Archaeology Service in 1981. The exhibition brings together new biomolecular approaches (DNA and isotope analyses) and state-of-the-art facial reconstruction and animated projections located throughout the Cathedral. It explores the lives of the earliest burial phases dating back to the foundation of the Cathedral and Edinburgh’s Burgh in the 12th century AD, two 15th Century pilgrims and a group of women interred within the Lady Chapel during the 15th and 16th centuries.

 

SLCT – Climate change & our built heritage: Protection, Prevention & Preservation
Date & Time: Friday 31 October 2025; 9:30am-4:30pm
Location: Charlestown Workshops, 2 Rocks Road, Charlestown, Fife KY11 3EN
What on earth we can do to protect our buildings? Currently, we are all waking up to the growing realisation that our traditional building stock needs to be more resilient in defending windier and wetter conditions during the Autumn and Winter months with storms bringing in peak rainfall and flooding) and likewise the vagaries of hotter and dryer Summers. This Masterclass showcases expert led sessions with building professionals who are stepping up the mark and making real decisions in prolonging the life of our built heritage.

C&BS – Prospect Research for Fundraising
Date & Time: Wednesday 5 November 2025; 9:30am-12:30pm
Location: Online
Do you want to find new donors but aren’t sure where to start? This hands-on course, led by Emma Lacroix, introduces the tools, techniques, and strategic thinking behind effective prospect research and supporter identification. Designed for those new to prospect development or looking to sharpen their approach, this live classroom session will help you better understand who your potential supporters are, where to find them, and how to prioritise your efforts for maximum impact. The session will also explore how to integrate prospect research into your wider fundraising strategy and build a pipeline that supports long-term growth.

The Engine Shed – Heritage Science
Date & Time: Tuesday 11 November 2025; 9:30am-4pm
Location: Hybrid – The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling, FK8 1QZ and Online
Conservation scientists at Historic Environment Scotland use a variety of analytical techniques to understand how materials decay over time and how certain interventions might affect their integrity and longevity. This introduction to the applied use of material science in heritage conservation in Scotland will help you understand how analytical scientific techniques can enhance understanding of the nature of traditional building materials and can explain how they decay over time; discover how petrographic analysis is used to determine the chemical composition and physical structure of natural building stone and how this helps identify new sources of material for repair; and learn about the range of analytical techniques used to monitor moisture ingress in traditional buildings and how thermal efficiency of a building may be measured. Cost: £75 for the in person full day learning experience; £30 for virtual attendance.

Heritage Network – Carbon Literacy Training
Date & Time: Thursday 13 & 20 November 2025; 10am-12:30pm
Location: Online
Carbon Literacy is a key way for organisations to gain an awareness of the causes and impacts of climate change and an understanding of carbon emissions. It provides a great foundation for individuals, teams and organisations to begin to take steps towards reducing their carbon emissions and become more environmentally sustainable. As a sector, this training will help to collectively make a difference through taking responsibility and committing to lowering emissions. The focus of Carbon Literacy is about empowering people to act. To become certified as Carbon Literate you must pledge to undertake an individual and group action that will help you and your organisation to achieve net zero. The £15 (member) and £30 (non-member) charge for this course covers your Carbon Literacy Trust certification fee. If you have any questions, please email Samya Kelly.

STBA & IHBC – Technical Panel: BS 40104- Domestic Retrofit Assessment – implications for traditional and heritage buildings
Date & Time: Friday 14 November 2025; 09:30-10:30
Location: Online
Hosted jointly by the STBA and IHBC Technical Panel: BS 40104:2025, which has recently launched, and provides a comprehensive, risk based methodology for assessing dwellings before retrofit works are carried out, ensuring projects are based on sound, standardised practice. Join their experts as they introduce the new standard and describe its implications to assessing and retrofitting traditional and heritage buildings.

The Engine Shed – Using Archives to Explore Scotland’s Brick Heritage
Date & Time: Monday 17 November 2025; 2-3pm
Location: Hybrid – The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling, FK8 1QZ and Online
This talk will use Historic Environment Scotland’s Archives material to discuss the role of the brick in building Scotland’s heritage. Scotland has excellent examples of traditionally constructed brick buildings. From the iconic Templeton’s Carpet Factory in Glasgow to the windswept North Unst lighthouse, brickwork is an important part of our built heritage.

The Engine Shed – Traditional Building Maintenance with optional Stirling maintenance walk
Date & Time: Thursday 20 November 2025; 9:30am-3:30pm
Location: Hybrid – The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling, FK8 1QZ and Online
Learn about the practicalities of detailed and regular inspections of traditional buildings and discover how a robust maintenance plan can stave off decay and expensive repairs. This full-day experience includes a tour of Stirling’s historic Old Town. The team will point out a range of maintenance issues within the city and discuss the perils of ignoring the warning signs of fabric decay. Cost: £75 for the in person full day learning experience; £30 for virtual attendance.

SPAB – Repair of Old Buildings Course
Date & Time: Monday 24-Friday 28 November 2025; 10am-4pm
Location: Online
Join SPAB for the online version of their popular Repair of Old Buildings Course. Presented by leading building conservation professionals, this course explores British and international approaches to the conservation of old buildings. The programme is underpinned by the SPAB philosophy of repair and maintenance, as set out in the SPAB Approach. Through a series of recorded lectures, virtual site visits and online Q&A sessions you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of the repair, maintenance and conservation of old buildings. The online format means you’ll benefit from an extended learning period from 27 October until January, so you can study at a time and place that’s right for you. You’ll also be able to interact with the specialists, site visit hosts and other participants via the live, online Q&A sessions throughout the week of 24 – 28 November. The Repair of Old Buildings Course is recognised by the IHBC for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and RIBA for Career Learning. The course includes one year of membership to the SPAB.

The Engine Shed – Heritage Planning
Date & Time: Wednesday 26 November 2025; 9:30am-4:30pm
Location: Hybrid – The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling, FK8 1QZ and Online
Members of Historic Environment Scotland’s Heritage Team will discuss how they manage change to Scotland’s built heritage, both in strategic terms as well as practical matters. This includes how proposals to alter listed buildings or build new developments in conservation areas are reviewed, considered and determined both fairly and transparently. A networking lunch will provide you with the opportunity to continue discussions and explore the Engine Shed. The full-day experience includes an afternoon tour through Stirling’s Old Town to discuss recent developments in the conservation area, key buildings of concern for the council and other matters affecting the significance of the city’s historic townscape. Cost: £75 for the in person full day learning experience; £30 for virtual attendance.

Vacancies

 

Fife Historic Buildings Trust – Project Officer
Salary: £32,000 per annum (pro-rata at 0.8 FTE /4 days per week), fixed term to March 2028
Status: Part-time (0.8 FTE)
Location: Kinghorn Town Hall, St Leonard’s Place, Kinghorn, Fife KY3 9TJ
Fife Historic Buildings Trust (FHBT) are looking for an enthusiastic and organised individual with good heritage, project management and people skills to work with the existing Project Manager on new and existing FHBT projects across Fife. FHBT are an independent charitable Buildings Preservation Trust formed in 1997. Their mission is to create viable futures for heritage buildings and their communities by inspiring and enabling visionary conservation projects. Fife has a particularly rich and varied heritage with over 6,200 listed buildings and 48 conservation areas. FHBT have helped deliver over £50m in historic environment regeneration projects in Fife, supporting town centres, businesses, tourism and local communities. FHBT’s services are in demand, and there are many opportunities to develop projects that provide opportunities for engaging people and organisations across Fife with their heritage. This is a new part-time fixed term post, funded by Historic Environment Scotland, to increase capacity within the existing FHBT team to develop existing and new historic environment regeneration projects in Fife, principally the restoration and re-use of historic buildings at risk. You do not necessarily need to have formal qualifications or training in this area. You might have a background in archaeology, listed buildings, conservation, building surveying, architecture, community projects, or other areas. Download the job description, including details of how to apply to join this fantastic team: Opportunities – Fife Historic Buildings Trust.
If you have any questions before applying, please contact opportunities@fifehistoricbuildings.org.uk.
Closing date: 5pm on Friday 7 November 2025

National Trust for Scotland – Project Delivery Manager (Mackintosh Illuminated)
Salary: £40,707 – £44,847 per annum
Status: Full time; 40 hrs per week; permanent position.
Location: Flexible with time to be spent at the main properties, home working, and hot desking available at NTS premises regionally.
The National Trust for Scotland is seeking a Project Delivery Manager for the Mackintosh Illuminated Project. National Trust for Scotland (NTS) is the largest membership Charity in Scotland, with a mission to protect, care for, share and speak up for Scotland’s magnificent heritage, including its historic buildings, landscapes, footpaths and collections. The Mackintosh Illuminated Project comprises a major capital conservation project at the A Listed Hill House in Helensburgh and an ambitious programme to raise awareness and appreciation of the work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and his artist designer wife, Margaret MacDonald to an international audience. The Project therefore spans oversight of construction works, project management, skills training, conservation, historical research, interpretation, engagement and community relations. The project also encompasses the Trust’s other CRM property – the Mackintosh at the Willow Tea Rooms on Sauchiehall St in Glasgow where facilities and expertise already exist but will form part of a new exploration and exhibition of their work. The Project Delivery Manger will work alongside and support the Project Director in project planning & scheduling, budget monitoring, project administration, and progress reporting. This role ensures that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. Whilst a key part of a small, skilled team the role will have a direct responsibility for leading on critical aspects of the project delivery. This role has been supported by funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
More information can be found here.
Closing date: 4pm on Friday 7 November 2025

Historic Churches Scotland – Project Development Officer, St Margaret’s Church, Braemar
Salary: £50,000 per annum
Status: 18 month fixed-term contract
Location: Flexible homeworking, with frequent travel to Braemar
Historic Churches Scotland (HCS) is seeking a Project Development Officer for the St Margaret’s Braemar – Regenerating a hidden Scottish masterpiece project. HCS works in partnership with communities to save historic places of worship at risk through sale, disuse or decay. HCS is working in partnership with St Margaret’s Trust to secure the future of St Margaret’s Church Braemar. HCS is the owner of St Margaret’s Braemar, and St Margaret’s Trust is the day-to-day operator of the building. The partnership’s principal aim is to repair, conserve, and repurpose the Category A listed St Margaret’s Church in Braemar for the benefit of the community. This is being met through developing St Margaret’s as a high-quality visitor attraction celebrating the heritage of the village, providing a unique performance and exhibition venue, together with information for visitors to the village and surrounding area. SMT’s strapline is St Margaret’s Braemar: Performance – Arts – Heritage. This is the first stage of a two-stage project.
The Project Development Officer is responsible for the overall delivery of the Development Phase of this two-stage project, to the agreed scope, timescale and budget, including the delivery of community heritage activities in support of the project. The full job description is available here.
If you have any questions regarding the position, please email: contact@historicchurches.scot
This role has been supported by funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
To apply, please send your CV and covering letter to: contact@historicchurches.scot
Closing Date: 9am on Monday 10 November 2025

RTPI Scotland – Intern Project Officer
Salary: £22,932 pro rata per annum
Status: Part-time; 21 hours per week. 9 month Fixed Term Contract
Location: Edinburgh office (with hybrid working)
The RTPI is offering a recently graduated or current student planner the opportunity to join the RTPI Scotland team as Intern Project Officer, providing support to their diverse areas of work, including policy, research and member and stakeholder liaison. It’s an exciting time to join the RTPI Scotland team as Scotland continues to navigate the implementation of planning reforms brought in by the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019. This is your opportunity to be part of an organisation that’s shaping the future of planning and empowering planners to build a better world. As RTPI Scotland’s Intern Project Officer, you will support the RTPI, and the RTPI Scotland team in particular, on matters of policy, public affairs, research, events, and editorial of the Scottish Planner (RTPI Scotland’s quarterly journal). You will work collaboratively with RTPI colleagues in the Scotland, Policy and Public Affairs, and Practice and Research teams, as well as with various RTPI member committee’s and networks, to deliver a range of projects and programmes.
Applications: To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter that refers to the criteria in the person specification. More information can be found here.
Interview dates: Interviews will be held during the week commencing 24 November 2025
Closing Date: Monday 10 November 2025

Planning Democracy – Trustees
Planning Democracy are looking for new trustees to join their board. They are particularly interested in recruiting trustees who have skills in the following areas:

• Governance

• Communications (social media, online resources, website management)

However, they are also keen to hear from anyone who feels that Planning Democracy is an organisation they are interested in getting involved with. In return they are offering training opportunities, learning opportunities, experience in campaigning and advocacy, the opportunity to travel in Scotland and meet new people, as well as being part of a committed group of people.
If you are interested, contact Chair, Helen Todd on info@planningdemocracy.org.uk and they can then send you an application form and/or have a chat.
Closing Date: Not specified

 

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