BEFS Bulletin: 400 BEFS bulletins and counting

News Releases

MGS distributes £1.3 million through latest Museum Futures awards (Museums Galleries Scotland 29/05/2026)

Event report: Panel discussion on what the election results might mean for culture (Culture Counts 09/06/2026)

Pride in Place: the scale of the challenge in Scotland (Joseph Rowntree Foundation 12/06/2026)

Under One Roof announces new Education and Training Officer (Under One Roof 16/06/2026)

Concrete Futures: Finding Community-Led Solutions for Modernist Buildings at Risk (Heritage Network 16/06/2026)

Europa Nostra applauds signature of historic Joint Declaration “Europe for Culture – Culture for Europe” by Presidents of three key EU Institutions (Europa Nostra 18/06/2026)

Driverless vehicles could hit planning “unlike anything the system has handled before” (RTPI 18/06/2026)

The public deserve clarity on future of Glasgow’s People’s Palace (Scottish Greens 19/06/2026)

Community campaigns rally ahead of PQs at Holyrood to demand moratorium on hyperscale AI data centres (Action to Protect Rural Scotland 23/06/2026)

Historic Environment Forum Explores Relevance, Resilience, and Heritage’s Role in Supporting Young People (Historic Environment Forum 24/06/2026)

Scottish Civic Trust launch petition to Help Reverse the Decision to Demolish Hillhead Baptist Church (SCT 26/06/2026)

Creative Scotland CEO Iain Munro to step down (Creative Scotland 29/06/2026)

Undeliverable sites will not fix Scotland’s housing emergency (Homes For Scotland 29/06/2026)

ClimatACTical: Connecting Through Play (Scottish Community Alliance 29/06/2026)

 

Scottish & UK: Governmental & Parliamentary Publications

£600,000 for Aberdeen’s Our Union Street (Scot Gov 16/06/2026)

Scottish Rural Communities Policy Review: Stage 4 Final Report (Scot Gov 17/06/2024)

Heat Pumps written question (UK Parl 17/06/2026)

Energy Consumer Protection written statement (UK Parl 17/06/2026)

Scotland’s Heat Network Fund: application guidance (Scot Gov 18/06/2026)

Procurement – Scotland’s Public Sector Heat Decarbonisation Framework 2026 to 2029: buyer’s guide (Scot Gov 18/06/2026)

Scottish National Adaptation Plan Annual Report 2025-2026 (Scot Gov 18/06/2026)

Realising Scotland’s renewable energy potential (Scot Gov 22/06/2026)

£1 million for ‘Climate Forests’ (Scot Gov 23/06/2026)

Council Tax Reduction in Scotland: 2025-2026 (Scot Gov 23/06/2026)

Community planning: charter (Scot Gov 23/06/2026)

Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan Scheme: awards (Scot Gov 23/06/2026)

First Homes Fund opens (Scot Gov 24/06/2026)

First Homes Fund: Administrative Procedures (Scot Gov 24/06/2026)

Climate Change Debate (UK Parl 24/06/2026)

Piloting an Approach to Identifying Preventative Spend in the Scottish Budget (Scot Gov 24/06/2026)

Defining Prevention (Scot Gov 24/06/2026)

The Scottish Government – The Prevention Toolkit (Scot Gov 24/06/2026)

Places of Worship Renewal Fund – Question for Short Debate (House of Lords 25/06/2026)

Young people needed to be better engaged in the built environment sector, says House of Lords committee (House of Lords 25/06/2026)

Energy: Conservation written question (UK Parl 26/06/2026)

Housing Statistics for Scotland Quarterly Update: New Housebuilding and Affordable Housing Supply to end March 2026 (Scot Gov 30/06/2026)

New Housebuilding and Affordable Housing Supply in 2025-26 (Scot Gov 30/06/2026)

 

Motions

S7M-00419
Submitted by: Ariane Burgess, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Green Party
Date lodged: 19/06/2026
That the Parliament welcomes the use of machine learning to support sustainable economic and academic activity as part of Scotland’s future economy, and supports projects such as the 39MW University of Edinburgh supercomputer; understands that planning applications for a substantial number of hyperscale data centres across Scotland have already been submitted and that, if developed, these could collectively require at least 6000MW of power, which is equivalent to more than double the whole of Scotland’s peak energy usage; notes that this potential level of demand was not accounted for in the Scottish Government’s Climate Change Plan, which was published in March 2026; understands that, in other countries, similar projects have been a factor in rising domestic energy costs; further understands that many such projects require diesel or gas-powered backup generation, with potential implications for carbon emissions and local air quality; recognises that the Scottish Government’s National Planning Framework 4 discusses “green data centres” without providing a definition, either in terms of climate impact or air quality; notes that there is no mandatory requirement for an Environmental Impact Assessment for such developments; urges Scottish Ministers to engage urgently with communities affected by proposed projects, and calls on the Scottish Government to provide clarity and certainty to local authorities as they consider these unprecedented proposals, including by applying the precautionary approach used in the case of fracking and introducing a national planning moratorium on hyperscale data centres pending a full assessment of their impacts on energy demand, decarbonisation targets, local air quality, and domestic electricity bills.

S7M-00434
Submitted by: Gillian Martin, Aberdeenshire East, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 22/06/2026
That the Parliament recognises that climate change constitutes an emergency; supports the goal to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius; notes the consequences of climate change that are currently impacting populations and places around the world; condemns any spread of misinformation about and denial of the impacts of climate change that undermine the evidence base; reaffirms Scotland’s commitment to delivering ambitious climate action and achieving net zero by 2045, in line with its statutory carbon budget targets; agrees on the need to enhance Scotland’s climate resilience and adaptation efforts to safeguard people, communities, public services and ecosystems from the impacts of climate change; welcomes the transformative opportunities presented by climate action, including significant economic, social, environmental and public health benefits, and acknowledges that delivery of the transition must be fair and inclusive for all.
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on 23 June 2026

 

Opinion & Comments

Building homes without making places (Placemaking Europe 04/06/2026)

Under One Roof: Financing Options for Tenement Repairs (City Lets 04/06/2026)

Glasgow architects display regeneration concepts for fire-ravaged site (Architects Journal 10/06/2026)

Call for inquiry into Glasgow property arm over impact on charities (Scottish Legal News 17/06/2026)

Solstice-aligned 5,000-year-old monument ‘once in a lifetime find’, say archaeologists (The Guardian 18/06/2026)

Highland artists and creatives set out vision for City of Culture bid (Deadline News 19/06/2025)

Heatwaves: five reasons why Victorian houses are cooler than modern buildings (The Conversation 19/06/2026)

Scottish Borders Council approves major new environmental strategy to slash emissions (Deadline News 26/06/2025)

Residents urged to help draw up blueprint for Edinburgh’s future in 2040 development drive (Deadline News 29/06/2026)

Value of Design Podcast. Episode 3: Towards a culture of value (Architecture and Design Scotland 30/06/2026)

 

Events

Scotland’s Community Heritage Conversations 2026 – Call for Contributions
Want to showcase your work at a national heritage conference this November? Organisers for Scotland’s Community Heritage Conversations 2026 are seeking presentations and workshops that show how collaboration across communities, generations, cultures or sectors can create new opportunities for learning and growth. To contribute, send a 150-250 word proposal to developmentandcommunity@hes.scot, quoting SCHC in the email title. Read the full guidance here: here.
Deadline: Friday 24 July 2026

Festival of Politics
Dates: Thursday 27 & Friday 28 August 2026
Location: Scottish Parliament Building, Horse Wynd, Edinburgh EH99 1SP
Come along to Holyrood for engaging discussions, lively debate and thought-provoking panels with expert speakers and inspiring voices debating the issues shaping Scotland, the UK and beyond. From AI, climate change and the manosphere to poverty, housing and free speech – events focus on some of the most pressing social, political and environmental topics of our time. Book your tickets now.

SPAB – Honest Repair: 150 Years On – Call for Papers
Founded by William Morris, the SPAB established a philosophy of conservation grounded in repair, honesty, and respect for the accumulated fabric of historic buildings. A century and a half later, these principles are widely embedded across the heritage sector. But what do they mean in practice today?
This one-day conference, Honest Repair: 150 Years On, hosted by SPAB Scotland at the beautiful and historic Playfair Library in Edinburgh, invites papers that explore the relevance, application, and influence of the SPAB Approach in contemporary conservation. Contributions are welcomed from practitioners, researchers, and students. Topics may include:

• The SPAB Approach in current practice: successes, tensions and limitations
• The influence of SPAB on policy, organisations and everyday conservation decisions
• Repair as a sustainable approach: environmental, cultural, and economic perspectives
• Reinterpreting SPAB principles in new contexts

Deadline: Monday 31 August 2026 (conference date 6 Oct 2027)

BE-ST Fest – 2026
For the past five years, industry leaders, policymakers, innovators and built environment professionals have travelled to Glasgow for BE-ST Fest. In 2026, the festival is coming to you. BE-ST is on the road, coming to communities across Scotland to focus on the real barriers and challenges you face.
BE-ST Fest East – International Retrofit Conference
Date: Wednesday 2 September 2026
Location: Royal College of Physicians, 11 Queen Street, Edinburgh EH2 1JQ
BE-ST Fest South
Date: Wednesday 23 September 2026
Location: The Crichton Trust, Grierson House, Bankend Rd, Dumfries DG1 4ZE
BE-ST Fest North
Date: Tuesday 6 October 2026
Location: Eden Court, Bishops Road, Inverness IV3 5SA
BE-ST Fest West
Date: Wednesday 4 November 2026
Location: Sir Jim McDonald Technology & Innovation Centre (TIC), 99 George Sreet, Glasgow G1 1RD

Doors Open Days Weekends for 2026
Dates: Saturday and Sunday from 5 – 27 September 2026
Locations: Regional variations

Heritage Network – Conference 2026
Date & Time: Sunday 27 September – Tuesday 29 September 2026
Locations: Belfast & Armagh
The conference emphasis is on the impact of community-led heritage on people and places, explored through the experience of heritage regeneration in the host towns and cities and beyond. As well as a day of compelling presentations, lively discussions and networking, Conference includes tours and visits to fascinating historic sites and ground-breaking projects.

Museums Galleries Scotland – Getting to grips with Heat Pumps
Date & Time: Monday 28 September 2026; 2-3:30pm
Location: Online
Hear from sector colleagues about their years of experience in the world of heat pumps from the well-known air and ground source to experimental river heat exchange systems and even how heat pumps can work on a historic ship. Speakers include: Mark Drysdale (NMS), Kate Linsell (Museum of Lead Mining) and Fiona Greer (Tall Ship Glenlee).

SPAB – Repair of Old Buildings Course Autumn 2026
Date & Time: Monday 28 September – Friday 2 October 2026; 09:30am-5pm
Location: Museum of the Home, Kingsland Road, London E2 8EA
Presented by leading building conservation professionals, the 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 lectures and site visits, you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of the repair, maintenance and conservation of old buildings.

SPAB – Practical Flour Milling
Date & Time: Tuesday 20 October 2026; 9:30am-4pm
Location: Blair Atholl Water Mill, Ford Road, Blair Atholl, Pitlochry PH18 5SH
Join SPAB for practical experience of traditional flour milling in a small, friendly group environment. Blair Atholl Watermill is Scotland’s oldest working watermill. This course is supported by the North UK Mills Group. This event is perfect for mill volunteers and trainee millers. It may also be of interest to more experienced millers who wish to develop their skills.

Scottish Landscape Alliance – Annual Event
Date & Time: Wednesday 28 October 2026
Location: Edinburgh Climate Change Institute, 10 High School Yards, Edinburgh EH1 1LZ
This event will be a key point in the year to report on progress on the 5-Year Action Plan to help deliver Scotland’s Landscape Charter, whilst exploring next steps and emerging work areas.

AHSS – The David Bryce Symposium
Date & Time: Friday 30 October 2026; 9:30am – 4:30pm
Location: Edinburgh Futures Institute, 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh EH3 9EF
The Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland (AHSS), in partnership with the Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (University of Edinburgh), is organising a symposium to commemorate the 150^th anniversary of the death of the great Scots Baronial architect, David Bryce (1803-1876). The symposium will be held in one of Bryce’s own buildings, the former Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, recently conserved and repurposed as the Edinburgh Futures Institute.  It will showcase the latest research on Bryce’s life and work, celebrating him as a key figure in the history of Scottish architecture.

RIAS Live – Renewal by Design
Date & Time: Friday 30 October 2026; 9am – 4:30pm
Location: Glasgow City Chambers, 82 George Square, Glasgow G2 1DU
RIAS Live is a one-day conference, bringing together architects and industry professionals from across Scotland and beyond for a dynamic programme of discussion, networking, and learning. This year held in Glasgow, Renewal by Design will explore how an open, thriving architectural profession is key to building a fairer Scotland that works for all. As commercial realities take hold, how can the industry evolve to be more representative and inclusive to the people it serves?

SPAB – Understanding Your Old Building
Date & Time: Saturday 14 November 2026; 12:30-2pm
Location: Online
Join SPAB for an introduction to the care and maintenance of period properties, ideal for homeowners and tenants of old buildings. This modular, self-paced online course features six pre-recorded presentations and a live Q&A session. It introduces the SPAB conservation approach and offers guidance on how best to tackle common problems and maintain the character and value of your home. If you live in or look after a period property, or are a professional who needs to brief their clients on understanding their old building, this course is ideal for you. The SPAB is an IHBC-recognised CPD provider and certificates of attendance are available on request. £115 ‘Early Bird’ rate until 10 August, then £135.

Save the Date for Heritage Debate 2026
Date & Time: Wednesday 18 November 2026; 11am-1pm
This event will take place online, via Zoom, and will be free to attend thanks to the generous support of Ecclesiastical Insurance. Further details will be shared over the coming months.

 

Training

RTPI – Environmental Impact Assessments: Effective Report Writing
Date & Time: Thursday 23 July 2026; 2-3:30pm
Location: Online
The production of lengthy, complex text for reports with additional documents is common practice today, but quantity is no substitute for quality. Getting the EIA reports right with clarity and focus is important to ensure a project’s environmental risks and opportunities understood by the readers and considered in the decision-making process for all planned development. This training has been developed for those who participate in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Reports across the UK: Consenting managers, Planning Officers at local authorities and government departments; Planning and environment consultants. Learn how to convey critical environmental findings within the planning process (risks and opportunities) and deliver better development outcomes for communities.

SLCT – Introduction to Maintaining Traditional Buildings
Date & Time: Tuesday 28 July 2026; 10am-3pm
Location: Charlestown Workshops, 2 Rocks Road, Charlestown, Dunfermline KY11 3EN
This course provides the perfect starting point if you are considering undertaking some simple repairs yourself or will enable you to speak your builder’s language and be confident that you are being given the correct advice. The course will outline the maintenance that traditional buildings require and attendees will gain an understanding of traditional building techniques and the correct materials to use when undertaking repairs. This is also an excellent opportunity to speak to the SLCT’s expert tutors about your project; attendees are welcome to bring along photos and mortar samples for some specific advice.

 

Vacancies & Opportunities

Foundation for Jewish Heritage – Historic Synagogues Project Development Officer
Salary: £40,000 per annum
Status: Fixed term (one year), 30 hours per week, flexible working available
Location: Remote, with regular in-person meetings and travel to synagogues across the UK
The Foundation for Jewish Heritage is looking to appoint an experienced Project Development Officer to join their team as a pivotal element of a new National Lottery Heritage Fund-supported project. The project will significantly augment capacity to support UK synagogues in need of support to preserve their historic fabric and protect and make accessible the Jewish heritage they embody. The successful candidate will report to the Foundation’s Projects Director, leading on essential organisational development and project set-up in the year 1 Development Phase of the project. While a specialist consultant team will be recruited to implement this project during years 2-6 of the project subject to a successful Delivery Phase application, the Project Development Officer is integral to scoping and developing the delivery programme in the crucial initial planning of the project. Working with the Projects Director, the post-holder will lead on recruiting and managing consultants, establishing governance processes, carrying out baseline assessments of at-risk synagogues, and developing strategies for a Historic Synagogues Heritage Route, an oral history project, and a small grants scheme. Apply here.
Closing Date: Friday 3 July 2026

Society of Antiquaries of Scotland – Make Your Mark Campaign Coordinator
Salary: £35,400 per annum
Status: Full-time, fixed term until 31 March 2029 (with extension pending further funding)
Location: Edinburgh
The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland is looking for a new member of staff to develop, manage and coordinate the Make Your Mark in Volunteering Campaign. The Campaign is hosted by the Society and supported by the Make Your Mark Working Group. The coordinator will provide project management and delivery of campaign events, training, communications, audience development, partner engagement and evaluation. They will liaise with and support the Make Your Mark Working Group, the wider Make Your Mark membership, community groups and external partners to ensure the implementation of inclusive volunteer programmes. For further information on the post, please read the Make Your Mark Campaign Coordinator – Full Job Description or contact the Outreach Manager, Dr Jeff Sanders FSAScot, at jeff@socantscot.org.
Closing date: Sunday 12 July 2026

Scottish Land Commission – Head of Practice and Advice
Salary: £60,690 – £74,291
Status: Permanent. The standard working week is a 5-day week, Monday to Friday, of 35 hours. Flexible working is available and both part-time and full-time applications are welcomed.
Location: Inverness, with regular attendance required in the office and hybrid working available
The Scottish Land Commission is seeking to appoint a Head of Practice and Advice. This is an exciting opportunity to join the Scottish Land Commission team, providing a pivotal leadership role with responsibility for shaping, leading and delivering the Commission’s advice and casework function to support responsible land ownership in Scotland. The Scottish Land Commission provides leadership and advice on reforming the ownership and use of land in Scotland. They advise the Scottish Government, Parliament and others on policy, legislation, and practical change that supports a fairer, greener, and more inclusive Scotland. This is a small but high-profile public body operating in a complex policy environment. Their work attracts significant interest from communities, the media, landowners, and decision-makers. Strong, strategic communications are central to their success.
As Head of Practice and Advice, you will lead the Commission’s advice and casework function and help shape how responsible land ownership is understood and applied in practice. You will manage a specialist team that includes the Land Rights and Responsibilities Manager, Good Practice Advisers and the Community Benefits from Nature Adviser, supporting their work with landowners, managers and communities. Reporting to the Chief Executive and working as part of the senior management team, you will also help the organisation prepare for new and expanding responsibilities. More information can be found at work with us.
Closing date: 5pm on Thursday 23 July 2026

Planning Aid Scotland – Opportunities for chartered planners
Becoming chartered is a significant professional milestone, signalling competence and a commitment to public service. Planning Aid Scotland, the national charity working to widen access to planning, offers newly chartered planners a way to put these values into practice through its national planning Advice Service. Volunteers support members of the public with a wide range of planning questions, gaining direct experience that is often hard to find in day-to-day roles. The opportunity is flexible and open to all chartered planners. In return, volunteers receive professional training, access to a video archive, and ongoing support. Get in touch to find out more at volunteer@pas.org.uk.
Closing Date: Not applicable

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; and 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

SHBT – St Ninian’s Manse
Location: Quayside Street, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6EJ
Size: 2,889 sq ft
Availability: March 2026
Tenure: Available as single tenancy or individual floors
With origins dating back to 1493, St Ninian’s Manse is thought to be the oldest building in Leith and is topped by Edinburgh’s sole surviving 17th century timber steeple. It formed part of the original entrance to St Ninian’s Chapel, which was mostly demolished during the 19th century when the site was converted to industrial use as a mill. From 1996 to 2002, SHBT restored both St Ninian’s Manse and the adjacent Quayside Mills, creating desirable waterfront office space whilst also preserving an important historic structure and a key part of Leith’s history. The manse now offers four floors of adaptable office space with period character, modern amenities, and five dedicated parking spaces. Brochure.
Enquiries: info@shbt.org.uk

BACK