BEFS Bulletin 405: Retrofit news, funding, and public service reform

Tourism Inquiry
Earlier this year, BEFS responded to a tourism inquiry by the UK Parliament Committee for Culture, Media and Sport. Evidence was provided in three areas: maximising the tourism potential of cultural heritage, key issues facing the tourism workforce, and how tourism can better support regional growth and community prosperity. The submission was made in May, and BEFS observed a Committee request for respondents to refrain from publication prior to Committee review. (BEFS 18/05/2026)

National Lottery Good Causes Funding
On 1 July, the UK Government launched a call for views on the distribution system for National Lottery revenues allocated to good causes. The current system launched in 1994, and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport requested views on whether the approach to allocation still reflects public priorities and meets the needs of communities. BEFS convened a consultation event, the outcomes for which were used to provide a response highlighting the positive impacts of using National Lottery revenues to invest in heritage project funding across Scotland. BEFS submission highlighted several case studies, and argued that continued Lottery funding is vital in a challenging context for heritage project delivery costs and limited alternative resources. (BEFS 23/09/2026)

BEFS Member The Heritage Alliance submitted a response to this consultation, which is available here (The Heritage Alliance 23/09/2026)

BEFS Associate Member The National Lottery Heritage Fund submitted a response to this consultation, which is available here (Heritage Fund 30/09/2026)

Scottish Building Safety Levy: Technical Consultation
The Scottish Government undertook a technical consultation on the design and implementation of the Scottish Building Safety Levy, which is a new tax that will be paid by new-build residential developers to help fund building safety repair programmes in future. The consultation covered, among other aspects, the Levy’s floorspace methodology, whether relief or exemptions should be provided in certain circumstances, and what land use types should be classed within ‘brownfield land’ for tax calculation purposes. In our response, BEFS addressed three consultation questions on the themes of brownfield land definition and rate relief for conversions. (BEFS 05/10/2026)

Construction material flow analysis – a pilot methodology (Zero Waste Scotland 31/08/2026)

Local Culture Scotland – Culture is infrastructure for place-based working (Local Culture Scotland September 2026)

National Churches Trust – Annual Review 2025-26 (National Churches Trust September 2026)

Heritage Gateway (Historic England September 2026)

Governing Scottish Tenements – Democratic Skills for Sustainable Tenement Stewardship (Under One Roof 28/09/2026)

Strategic Plan 2026-29 – People, Place and Opportunity (Scottish Land Commission 28/09/2026)

For further listings, please see BEFS events calendar

AHSS Forth & Borders Group – Robert Adam and Italian Artists
Date & Time: Monday 12 October 2026; 6:30-8:30pm
Location: Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL (wheelchair accessible); and Online
Speaker – Dr Katherine McHale. Robert Adam referred to himself as ‘Bob the Roman’ in letters from Italy to his family, reflecting his fascination with Italian culture. His British clients would commission Italian painters living in Britain to provide historical and mythological scenes to adorn their new Adam rooms. Though little known today, these artists were among the finest of the era, and included founding members of the Royal Academy. A closer look at their works reveals their valuable contributions to Adam’s interiors. Tickets: £6 (students £2) and should be booked in advance for both live and streamed events.

Scottish Historic Buildings Trust – When Historic Buildings Go Viral: Preservation in the Age of Social Media, sponsored by Curtins
Date & Time: Wednesday 14 October; 6pm-8pm
Location: Riddles Court, 322 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh, EH1 2PG
Are we making the most of the social media appeal of our iconic buildings? Edinburgh knows the pressures of overtourism, driven in part by social media, but the same tools can educate and engage, reaching new audiences near and far. In an age of competitive visibility, can social media give Scotland’s historic buildings an edge? The speakers at this event approach this from three perspectives: politics, engagement and entrepreneurialism. This event forms part of Scottish Historic Building Trust’s 2026-27 lecture series, titled Heritage in Evolution: Folk, Work and Place in the 21st Century – book all six as a bundle and save 10%.

Heritage Network – North UK Mills Group – October Talk
Date & Time: Thursday 15 October 2026; 10-11:30am
Location: Online
The North UK Mills Working Group is formed of interested individuals and organisations (including SPAB Scotland) who have come together to connect and explore ways help to keep these buildings, skills and mill cultures alive and accessible. Join online for a talk by Mildred Cookson – former miller, founding trustee of the Mills Archive Trust, committee member and past Chair of the SPAB Mills Section – on the changes she has observed over the course of her career in milling and as a part of the organisations aiming to preserve and support its practice for the future.

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.

Under One Roof – Managing tenements with Dundee Historic Environment Trust
Date & Time: Tuesday 20 October 2026; 12-1pm
Location: Online
If you own a flat in Dundee, join this free lunchtime webinar with Dundee Historic Environment Trust on managing tenements. Learn about the basics of how to arrange a repair in the common areas of your building, how to co-operate with your neighbours to organise and repair for works, and how to set up an owners’ association. There will also be discussion about working with factors. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A, where you can ask an expert about issues in your own tenement building.

Scottish Episcopal Church Net Zero Team – Hope for Creation
Date & Time: Tuesday 20 & Wednesday 21 October
Location: Stirling Court Hotel, Airthrey Road, Stirling FK9 4LA
Hope for Creation will bring together funders, experts, eco-theologians, decision-makers, clergy and congregations from the Scottish Episcopal Church, and other denominations, to discuss the efforts to combat climate change in the Scottish church context. The conference will provide opportunities for networking, discussion and learning, with contributions from across the SEC, ecumenical guests, and partner organisations. Anchored by practical solutions, inspiring case-studies and new opportunities to take action – Hope for Creation will highlight that all throughout the church and heritage sector have a part to play in our journey to build a more sustainable future. Highlights include breakout conversation sessions covering such topics as ‘Solutions for Sustainable Heritage Buildings’, ‘Carbon Footprints and Contributions’, ‘Creation Care, Mission and Intercession’, as well as funding, biodiversity, storytelling and community energy discussions. All are welcome: whether you’re a church leader, volunteer, environmental group member or simply interested in creating a more sustainable future, you’ll leave with fresh ideas, new connections and renewed hope.

Icon – Conserving LGBT+ History Webinar: Anne Lister’s Journals
Date & Time: Thursday 22 October 2026; 4-5:15pm
Location: Online
Anne Lister was a 19th century diarist and landowner from Halifax, Yorkshire. Considered the “first modern lesbian”, Anne’s diaries were, in part, written in a secret code that she used to write about her romantic relationships with other women. In this online lecture, West Yorkshire Archive Service conservators will talk about the conservation work undertaken to preserve Anne’s diaries and prepare them for digitisation and access as source material for the TV drama Gentleman Jack, based on Anne’s life. All proceeds from this event will be donated to Lavender Menace, an Edinburgh archive of queer books and community space.

Edinburgh World Heritage – Recording poverty and murder in 19th Century Edinburgh
Date & Time: Wednesday 28 October 2026; 6-8pm
Location: Augustine United Church, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL
John Lowrey will speak about the recording methods used in 19th century Edinburgh to capture life within the old town. Focusing on two recording methods created for other purposes, which cast light on the social conditions and the architecture of the Old Town. Between the 1820s and c.1930, the office of the city architect was used to record crime scenes in Edinburgh. Some of these drawings are so accurate that they provide an insight into a type of domestic architecture which doesn’t feature in architectural histories.

Heritage Network – Heritage-Led Regeneration in Perth
Date & Time: Wednesday 28 October 2026; 9:30am-4:30pm
Location: YMCA Tayside, 19 Atholl Street, Perth PH1 5HN
In 2021 Perth was inscribed as UNESCO City of Craft & Folk Art and since then has taken on a £35 million investment prospectus (2025-2040). This event will celebrate the incredible work happening across Perth and Kinross whilst also touching on the challenges which have arisen since 2025. This event will explore how sustainable regeneration supports successful placemaking through a range of perspectives, including: heritage-led regeneration and the reuse of historic buildings; community engagement, volunteering and developing local skills; commercial sustainability, town centre renewal and supporting local businesses; culture, tourism and hospitality as drivers of economic growth; environmental sustainability; and partnership working and innovative approaches to delivering long-term change.

Scottish Landscape Alliance – Annual Event
Date & Time: Wednesday 28 October 2026; 10:30am-3pm
Location: Edinburgh Climate Change Institute, 10 High School Yards, Edinburgh EH1 1LZ
Scotland’s Landscape Alliance invites you to a day of updates, case studies, discussion and engaging workshops exploring how Scotland’s Landscape Charter and their 5-Year Action Plan can continue to shape the future of Scotland’s landscapes. Valuing and taking responsibility for Scotland’s landscapes requires a collaborative approach amongst all organisations and people involved in matters that impact on them. This event will bring together people from across the landscape community to share progress, gather new ideas, showcase inspiring work and build energy and support for future action in embedding the Charter into everyday action. Come ready to share your experience, challenge ideas, make connections and help shape the next chapter of landscape action.

AHSS Strathclyde Group – Glasgow’s Lost Buildings with Peter Drummond
Date & Time: Thursday 29 October 2026; 7pm-9pm
Location:  St. Andrews West Church & Renfield Centre, 260 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 4JP and Online
Peter is a trustee of the National Trust for Scotland, the Building Preservation Trust for Scotland. He serves on the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland’s Practice Board and is a former national chairman of the Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland. He writes and speaks regularly about built heritage – this session will explore the buildings Glasgow has lost over the years.

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 150th 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?

Scottish Council on Archives – Annual Conference 2026: Archives & Records at the Heart of Society
Date & Time: Tuesday 3 November 2026; 9:30am-4pm
Location: Gorgie Suite, Tynecastle Park, 190-192 Gorgie Road, Edinburgh EH11 2NX
Join the Scottish Council on Archives for this year’s conference exploring how archives and records underpin democracy, accountability, creativity, wellbeing & community. Inspired by the theme of The National Archives’ new vision document, launched earlier this year, the conference will highlight the impact of archives and records across every aspect of society. This year there will be voices from across the sector to share how archives and recordkeeping contribute to a more transparent, vibrant and healthier society. Whether you work in archives, records management, conservation, community archives, research, education, or policy — this conference is for you. Tickets are £45 inclusive of booking fee.

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 West
Date: Wednesday 4 November 2026
Location: Sir Jim McDonald Technology & Innovation Centre (TIC), 99 George Sreet, Glasgow G1 1RD
BE-ST Fest South
Date: Wednesday 17 March 2027
Location: The Crichton Trust, Grierson House, Bankend Rd, Dumfries DG1 4ZE

Arc Architects – Graveyard Futures Symposium
Date & Time: Thursday 5 November 2026; 10am-4pm
Location: The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling FK8 1QZ
Scotland’s historic graveyards are important places of heritage, memory, biodiversity and community value, whose care is entering a period of significant change, with changes in the ownership and use of churches and an increased awareness of the importance of greenspace for biodiversity and wellbeing. This one-day seminar will bring together people and organisations from across Scotland to share experience, explore good practice, consider new approaches to their long-term care, creating opportunities for collaboration and helping shape a sustainable future for these remarkable places. This is a hybrid event with limited in person spaces, and the opportunity to join online. Bottom of Form

BE-ST: Accelerate to Zero Awards
Date & Time: Thursday 5 November 2026
Location: voco Grand Central, 99 Gordon Street, Glasgow G1 3SF
These awards recognise the businesses, organisations and individuals making the biggest contribution to decarbonising the built environment and supporting the just transition to zero carbon. During the ceremony, businesses, individuals, and organisations will be celebrated for their contribution and dedication to decarbonising the built environment across 10 different categories.

AHSS Forth & Borders Group – Contemporary Landscapes of Poetic Reflection
Date & Time: Monday 9 November 2026; 6:30-8:30pm
Location: Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL (wheelchair accessible); and live streamed online via Zoom
In this joint lecture with Scotland’s Garden and Landscape Heritage, art historian Dr Andrew Paterson will introduce the creative practices of two celebrated contemporary artists based in Scotland, the sculptor Andy Goldsworthy and the pioneer of ‘concrete poetry’ Ian Hamilton Finlay, who have both elected to install much of their work outdoors, in both wild and cultivated natural environments, and who invite their audiences into a fresh experience of the natural world that is both thought-provoking and immersive. Tickets: £6 (students £2) and should be booked in advance for both live and streamed events.

Scottish Historic Buildings Trust – Memory Palace: What Can We Learn from Intangible Cultural Heritage? Sponsored by Curtins
Date & Time: Wednesday 11 November 2026; 6pm-8pm
Location: Riddles Court, 322 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh, EH1 2PG
Are we making the most of the social media appeal of our iconic buildings? Edinburgh knows the pressures of overtourism, driven in part by social media, but the same tools can educate and engage, reaching new audiences near and far. In an age of competitive visibility, can social media give Scotland’s historic buildings an edge? The speakers at this event approach the topic from design research, writing and the traditional arts. This event forms part of Scottish Historic Building Trust’s 2026-27 lecture series, titled Heritage in Evolution: Folk, Work and Place in the 21st Century – book all six as a bundle and save 10%.

Architecture & Design Scotland – Demystifying AI in Architectural Design
Date & Time: Thursday 12 November 2026; 12:30pm-5pm
Location: A&DS:SpACE (access via Middle Meadow Walk), 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh, EH3 9EF
How is AI changing architecture, and what does it mean for Scotland’s design sector? Join Architecture and Design Scotland (A&DS) for a thought-provoking discussion on the opportunities and challenges of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI). Hear from leading academics at UCL Bartlett and practitioners at Arup on how AI is reshaping design, workflows and professional practice. Their insights will shape a wider conversation about how AI can help to innovate and enhance productivity for smaller and medium practices in Scotland. A panel featuring Graham Ross of Austin-Smith:Lord and others will bring the conversation into a Scottish context.

Scottish Castles Association Archive – Live Launch & Fundraising Dinner
Date & Time: Wednesday 18 November 2026; 7-11pm
Location: Dundas Castle, Edinburgh EH30 9SP
Join the Scottish Castles Association for a special evening at the historic Dundas Castle to celebrate the launch of their new Archive: a digital resource preserving Scotland’s castle heritage for generations to come. Speakers will be Professor Richard Oram, who will be exploring the historical significance of the Archive’s collections and Simon Forder, who will be discussing modern approaches to documenting and recording Scotland’s castles. Tickets are £175 per person. This price includes a drinks reception and a three-course dinner with wine plus a £60 contribution to the Archive, directly supporting the preservation and digitisation of Scotland’s castle heritage.

Heritage Network – In Over Our Heads: Heritage in the Water
Date & Time: Wednesday 18 November; 9am-1pm
Location: Online
Join Heritage Network for a free half-day conference exploring marine heritage and how to plan a successful regeneration project. What do you need to consider when working with marine heritage? What risks and hidden costs should you plan for? And what makes structures in marine and freshwater environments so unique? This in-depth online event explores these questions and more. This session is ideal for community groups and heritage organisations who are planning, managing, or already working with historic marine structures—especially those that are fully or partially submerged. From harbour walls and jetties to boathouses, lifeboat stations, and lidos, we’ll examine the complexities and opportunities these sites present.

Heritage Debate 2026: How Can Heritage Stay Relevant Today?
Date & Time: Wednesday 18 November 2026; 11am-1pm
Now in its 17th year, The Heritage Alliance’s annual 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. Heritage Debate 2026 will be a national conversation about the role of heritage in public life. This will be a discussion about what makes heritage matter, how well we understand our relevance to people’s lives, and if we are communicating effectively with our audiences about what heritage has to offer. It will explore what heritage means to people today, how we can share more relevant and engaging stories with our audiences, and what’s at risk if we don’t.

Save the date/Early booking open now/Applications invited

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