BEFS NEWS

Job alert! BEFS is recruiting for a new Head of Policy and Strategy to join our small and dynamic team. The role will coordinate policy development initiatives, leading on BEFS co-ordinated and strategic approach to policy and legislation relating to the historic and built environment across Scotland. If you think you know the perfect candidate or want to find out more please visit BEFS website for details about the post.

A new management plan for Edinburgh’s Old and New Towns World Heritage Site has been agreed by committee. Developed in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland and Edinburgh World Heritage Trust through a process of public and stakeholder engagement, the plan outlines initiatives to address the climate crisis, enhance sustainable visitor experiences, and ensure the conservation and upkeep of buildings and public areas. Read more about the plan here.

A new report on Third Sector Funding Principles has been published, with MSPs calling for significant changes to support organisations’ sustainability. The recommendations include implementing multi-year funding arrangements, improving grant transparency, and introducing inflation-based adjustments to ensure third sector organisations can maintain vital services.

The Scottish Government has released its Planning and Housing Emergency Delivery Plan, outlining measures to accelerate housing development through planning reform. Key actions include establishing a Housing Planning Hub to unlock stalled developments, expanding postgraduate student bursaries, and refocusing efforts on planning obligations rather than the Infrastructure Levy. The plan also explores expanding Permitted Development Rights for developments like shop-top housing conversions.

A pre-Budget report by the Scottish Parliament’s Social Justice and Social Security Committee has called for clarity on multi-year funding, grant transparency and inflation-based adjustments for third sector organisations, including calls to prioritise longer-term funding models to create more stability and better use of resources across the sector. The report, published on 13 November, states that provisions for inflation-based adjustments in the next Budget would be vital for addressing the significant challenges impacting Scotland’s third sector.

The National Planning Improvement Service’s first annual report, published last week, outlines the progress made in its first year, emerging issues for planning authorities, and initial steps to tackling these. Based within the Improvement Service, the National Planning Improvement team engaged with people and organisations to shape a new National Planning Improvement Framework which is being piloted by planning authorities across the country.

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Please see our Link to Parliamentary Questions and Answers for recent questions regarding climate change initiatives, planning, land reform and cladding.

CONSULTATIONS

Environment Food and Rural Affairs Committee Stakeholder’s Survey
UK Government
The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee has today launched an online survey that asks stakeholders to contribute their views on the issues they think the Committee should prioritise in 2025. The survey also asks stakeholders to share any long term or emerging issues that they think the Committee should scrutinise over the next five years. The Committee wants to make sure it is hearing from people and organisations that are affected by Defra’s responsibilities and so MPs are also asking how they could better gather and represent stakeholders’ concerns and the views of those in the sector, in the span of the Committee’s work. MPs intend to use the survey’s feedback to shape the Committee’s future programme of work and inform its strategic approach to scrutiny.
*NEW* Closes 25 November

A new Code of Conduct and Practice for Architects
Architects Registration Board
ARB has published a draft version of a revised Code for consultation. The revised Code is designed to act as a positive statement of what professionalism and ethics mean to architects. It explains to the public, clients, and those who work with architects the behaviours and high standards they should expect from the profession. It has been drafted using published research on public expectations as to how architects should behave and act, and following engagement with architects and other professionals in the built environment. The current edition of the Code was published in 2017, and this proposed revision is intended to address recent developments in building safety, environmental sustainability, and inclusivity to ensure that the Code continues to be fit for practice. This consultation seeks the views of architects, students, learning providers, clients, those who work with architects, and those who use the spaces that architects design.
Closes 12 December 2024

Open call for evidence: New Towns Taskforce
UK Government
The New Towns Taskforce is launching a call for evidence to explore opportunities for large developments. The Taskforce is interested in proposals that are regionally significant for both housing numbers and economic growth. The unifying principle will be that each of the new settlements will contain 10,000 homes, at the very least, and that most, if not all, will be far larger in size. A core part of the Taskforce’s work will be to consider how to fund and deliver new settlements. More information on the government’s expectations for new towns and the New Towns Taskforce is available in the policy statement on new towns.
Closes 13 December 2024

Historic Environment Scotland’s corporate plan 2025-28
HES
The Historic Environment (Scotland) Act 2014 mandates that HES has a corporate plan and that it is renewed every 3 years. The purpose of a corporate plan is to provide a roadmap for decision-making, resource allocation, and performance measurement, ensuring alignment and direction across the organisation. HES current Corporate Plan, Heritage for All, was first published in 2019. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it underwent only a light-touch refresh when it was due to expire at the end of 2022-23 and now needs to undergo a more thorough review and update to ensure our new plan reflects this. This consultation draft is the product of engagement with people and organisations across Scotland. HES now want to hear thoughts on the draft plan from as broad and diverse a range of people and organisations as possible, and to give everyone the chance to have their say on the document before its finalised.
Closes 3 January 2025

PETITIONS

PE2118/A: Review and restructure Scotland’s flood risk management approach and operations (Scot Parl 28/10/2024)

PE2089: Stop More National Parks in Scotland (Scot Parl 13/11/2024)

Submission from MSP Murdo Fraser in support of PE2113/E: Provide support to RAAC-affected communities (Scot Parl 06/11/2024)

NEWS RELEASES

Future of theatres unclear amid prolonged RAAC closures (Arts Professional 09/10/2024)

Celebrating Archaeology in Scotland 2024 (HES 01/11/2024)

Short-term funding cycles are creating financial instability for Scotland’s charities (Third Force News 13/11/2024)

How can Scotland re-establish its building stone industry? (HES 14/11/2024)

PUBLICATIONS

CITB Net Zero Toolkit (CITB 2023)

Visitor Levy Guidance for Local Authorities (Visit Scotland October 2024)

RTPI Interim Route Map to Strategic Planning (RTPI 15/10/2024)

Industry Update: UK Government Autumn Budget 2024 – Scotland Office Summary (Scottish Tourism Alliance 30/10/2024)

Outcomes Report (Scottish Futures Trust 07/11/2024)

Dendrochronology Research Framework for Scotland  (Society of Antiquaries of Scotland/ScARF 18/11/2024)

SCOTTISH & UK: GOVERNMENTAL & PARLIAMENTARY PUBLICATIONS

Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee official Report and minutes (Scot Parl 05/11/2024)

Report on Pre-Budget Scrutiny 2025-26 – Managing Scotland’s Public Finances: A Strategic Approach (Scot Parl 07/11/2024)

Correspondence between Mairi Gougeon and the Convenor for the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee (Scot Gov 07/11/2024)

Heat in Buildings: Local Government Oversight Group minutes: September 2024 (Scot Gov 07/11/2024)

Correspondence between the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee and Gillian Martin concerning the Pre-budget Scrutiny 2025-26 (Scot Parl 08/11/2024)

Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee official report and minutes (Scot Parl 05/11/2024)

Planning Applications Statistics 2023/2024: Annual and Quarterly (October 2023 to March 2024) Official Statistics (Scot Gov 11/11/2024)

Ministerial Statement: Scotland’s Planning System – Supporting Investment and Economic Growth and Delivering Quality Homes (Scot Parl 12/11/2024)

Planning and the housing emergency: delivery plan (Scot Gov 12/11/2024)

Planning for housing – delivery plan: Ministerial letter – November 2024 (Scot Gov 12/11/2024)

Planning permission appeals: housing development statistics (Scot Gov 12/11/2024)

Planning: Proportionality of Assessments Short Life Working Group minutes: September 2024 (Scot Gov 12/11/2024)

Pre-Budget Scrutiny 2025-26: Third sector funding principles (Scot Parl 13/11/2024)

Budget: Arts, Heritage and Cultural Organisations – House of Lords Debate (UK Gov 14/11/2023)

Housing (Scotland) Bill Stage 1 Report (Scot Parl 14/11/2024)

Report on the National Performance Framework: Review of National Outcomes (Scot Parl 15/11/2024)

OPINION & COMMENT

City Competitiveness Redefined: which cities will thrive in the era of climate change? (ARUP October 2024)

Highland tourist tax could raise £10m a year (BBC 08/11/2024)

‘SNP workers’ rights policy is no more than feel good fluff’ (The Herald 11/11/2024)

Planning permission waiting times ‘concerning’ admits minister (The Herald 11/11/2024)

Why drive to net zero could see the rebirth of Scotland’s disused quarries (The Scotsman 14/11/2024

MOTIONS

S6M-15392
Submitted by: John Mason, Glasgow Shettleston, Independent.
Date lodged: 12/11/2024
That the Parliament notes the UK Budget of 30 October 2024 and, in particular, the reported indication of £3.4 billion extra spending for Scotland, including £600 million for capital expenditure; believes that there will be many demands in relation to how that extra capital spending should be used, including for affordable housing or for dualling the A9; regrets that there have reportedly been around eight deaths per year on the A9 between Perth and Inverness since 1979, and extends its condolences to the families and friends affected; understands, however, that there have been over 500 excess winter deaths in Scotland per year, partly caused, it believes, by homelessness or living in cold damp homes; considers, therefore, that the priority for the Scottish Budget for 2025-26 needs to be on building more affordable houses, in both urban and rural areas, rather than on building roads, and believes that such a priority would maximise the number of lives saved.

EVENTS

Date & Time: Thursday 21 November 2024; 7:30-9:30pm
Location: St Andrews West Church & Renfield Centre, 260 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 4JP; and online
In its centenary year, Niall Murphy, Director of Glasgow City Heritage Trust, discusses Sir John James Burnet’s design for the Glasgow Cenotaph and how it sits within the context of the other war memorials he produced for the likes of the Imperial War Graves Commission.

Scotland’s Community Heritage Conversations 2024: Connect & Create Capacity
Date & Time: Thursday 21 November 2024; 9:15am-4:15pm
Location: Hybrid; Online & The Engine Shed, Forthside Way Stirling FK8 1QZ
People are at the heart of community heritage, and the health of our cultural, built, natural, and archaeological heritage is intricately tied to the passion, dedication, expertise and energy of the people who care for it. But in the face of ever-growing pressures on resources and capacity, how can the sector remain robust and adapt to address the changes and challenges that it faces? Archaeology Scotland want to use the next Scotland’s Community Heritage Conversation to discuss how creating new connections can help access a wider pool of knowledge and support, unlocking fresh enthusiasm and ideas. They will explore how innovative approaches to audience engagement, volunteering and workforce development can build greater capacity, foster inclusivity, aid advocacy and ensure that our activities are vibrant, relevant, and accessible to all.

BE-ST – HeatSource Heat Networks in Action
Date & Time: Tuesday 26 November 2024; 12:30-4:30pm
Location: Sandman Hotel, St. Andrews Street, Aberdeen AB25 1AD
An in-person event exploring heat networks with speakers from Scottish Government’s Heat Network Support Unit, Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeen Heat and Power and Vital Energi discussing the £25million Torry District Heat Scheme. Event includes insights from Heatsource champions on supply chain innovation and a Torry Heat Network Learning Journey the following day.

Heritage Trust Network – Network Day
Date & Time: Tuesday 27 November 2024; 3-4:30pm
Location: Online
An online mini conference offering informative and practical sessions about heritage projects. Topics include: The Basics with Ethical Property Foundation, funding updates from National Lottery Heritage Fund’s Heritage 2033, expert panel discussions, and special interest presentation on the Bloomberg Connects App.

Scotland’s Towns Partnership – Conference 2024
Date & Time: Wednesday 27 November 2024; 9am-5pm
Location: Perth Concert Hall, Perth PH1 5HZ
STC24 highlights the importance of cultural, built, and natural assets in driving economic, social, and environmental progress in Scotland’s towns and places. Discuss, learn about and connect with the resilient and thriving places showcasing at Scotland’s Towns Conference 2024: “Investing in Our Assets for Sustainable Towns of the Future.” This year’s conference will delve into the critical role of cultural, built, and natural assets in fostering local economic, social, and environmental transformative change. Join the STP for an inspiring yet practice-based experience featuring study visits, keynote speakers, interactive workshops, collaborative world café sessions and a solutions-based exhibition.

Europa Nostra – Adapting Europe’s Cultural Heritage to a Rapidly Warming World: Climate Change Policy and Practice for Heritage Professionals
Date & Time: Thursday 5 December 2024; 3-4:30pm
Location: Online
Participants will learn from Preserving Legacies colleagues about emerging best practices in climate risk assessment and adaptation planning for heritage places, including approaches that are locally-led, science-based and values-driven. In addition, climate adaptation policy frameworks relevant to heritage will be discussed at national, European and international level. This will include an update from the team of the European Heritage Hub pilot project, who will have just returned from the 2024 UN Climate Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan.

AHSS Lecture – Simon Laird: The New Town of Edinburgh and Other Stories
Date & Time: Monday 9  December 2024; 6:30-8pm
Location: Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL (wheelchair accessible)
Note: Lecture will also be streamed online via Zoom
Simon Laird explores the evolution of Edinburgh New Town, brainchild of Lord Provost George Drummond. Why was it built? How did it evolve during design and construction? And how has it accommodated 250 years of change? During his six terms as Lord Provost, Drummond was responsible for other developments in and around the Old Town, including points of interest close to our venue, which our speaker will also consider. Tickets available in advance or on the door: £6 / students £2 /

Scottish Council on Archives – Annual Conference 2024: Building Evidence. How Archives and Records support Scotland’s Historic Environment
Date & Time: Tuesday 10 December 2024; 9:30am-4pm
Location: The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling FK8 1QZ
Building Evidence will explore how archives and records support engagement with, conservation of, and research into Scotland’s historic environment. The event will be structured around the three priority areas of Our Past, Our Future – The Strategy for Scotland’s Historic Environment: Delivering the transition to net zero; Empowering resilient and inclusive communities and places; Building a wellbeing economy. In addition to these key themes, Building Evidence will shine a spotlight on the urgent need for a national strategy for archives and records in Scotland, ensuring their preservation and relevance for future generations.

SHBT – The Case for Reconstruction: Glasgow School of Art & other stories
Date & Time: Wednesday 11 December 2024; 6-7:30pm
Location: Riddle’s Court, 322 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2PG
The loss of a significant building is often taken to be an opportunity to rebuild with a contemporary structure. But when should we, and how should we, attempt accurately to reconstruct buildings which have been destroyed?

Society of Antiquaries of Scotland – December Lecture: ‘The tools of the trade of field-working oral historians and folklorists’
Date & Time: Thursday 12 December 2024; 6-8pm
Location: Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL (wheelchair accessible)
The tape-recorder, microphone, camera, notebook, and pencil, and now their digital equivalents, are the tools of the trade of field-working oral historians and folklorists. This paper discusses the contribution that fieldwork in oral history and folklore can make to identifying objects and their uses, documenting and interpreting the past, and recording the experiences of the men and women who used the objects. Illustrated with photos, audio-recordings, and film from community projects. This talk will be given by Professor Margaret Bennett, Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

 

C&BS – Scoping the Future Funding Landscape
Date & Time: Wednesday 4 December 2024; 3-7pm
Location: National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh EH1 1JF
This C&BS Forum will explore the reality the future holds for culture organisations from a private funding perspective, and scope out the challenges and opportunities.

VACANCIES

BEFS Head of Policy & Strategy
Salary: £42,000 depending on experience.
Status: Permanent role, subject to organisational funding. 37hrs per week with occasional evening events
Location: Home working with regular meetings in Edinburgh and Glasgow.
This role involves leading on BEFS co-ordinated and strategic approach to policy and influencing strategic policy and legislation relating to the historic and built environment across Scotland. Key responsibilities include:

• Consultation: Co-ordinate and compile responses to strategic Government (and other key stakeholder) consultations on behalf of BEFS and BEFS Members.
• Advocacy: Develop shared statements (manifestos, legislative ‘asks’, written evidence to parliamentary committees etc) on strategic issues arising from within BEFS work.
• Events: Working with colleagues and external stakeholders, plan and facilitate stakeholder engagement events which inform policy development and produce written reports for these events.
• Secretariat: Act as secretariat to multiple working groups, preparing agenda and meeting papers, recording meetings and circulating minutes.
• Horizon-scanning: Undertake regular horizon-scanning through contact with Government and key stakeholders, to identify key issues of interest to BEFS Members.
• Communication: Provide colleagues with written material to communicate key messages arising from BEFS discussions (such as website content, blogs), and contribute strategic content to BEFS bi-monthly bulletin.
• Project development: Develop and shape projects (from initial idea to project brief) which will inform/evidence advocacy activity.
• Reporting: Provide and contribute to regular reports to funders and BEFS Board.
• Facilitation: Provide facilitation for Members events, workshops and stakeholder engagement.
• Team: Participate actively as part of a small and busy team, supporting and working with colleagues as necessary.

Person specification
Essential

• Strong ability to demonstrate breadth of sector knowledge, particularly across policy frameworks.
• Experience of the process of strategic policy and legislative development within Scotland, across the wider policy landscape.
• Strong analytical skills, with an ability to distil policy information and stakeholder opinions, across a broad range of policy topics/disciplines in the built environment sphere.
• Knowledge and experience of the historic and wider built environment sector, including key stakeholders and lead organisations.
• Highly self-motivated, able to work flexibly, balancing priorities as necessary.
• High attention to detail, with strong written and verbal communication skills, including facilitation experience.
• Advanced use of IT packages including Office 365 and Adobe etc.

Desirable

• Degree or post-graduate qualification (or equivalent experience) in built environment-related discipline (e.g., planning, conservation, surveying, archaeology, architecture) or public affairs.
• Experience of stakeholder engagement/facilitation skills.
• Confidence with online/remote working technologies and programmes such as Teams, Zoom. (Knowledge/familiarity of other programmes such as Miro, Eventbrite, SurveyMonkey, WordPress and MailChimp are also an advantage.)

BEFS expects all applicants to support the values, ethos and objectives of BEFS, demonstrating credibility and integrity, and proactively committed to championing equality, diversity and inclusion. Benefits package includes pension, flexible leave, and more.
To download full job description and details on how to apply please click this link
BEFS is an equal opportunities employer. Please see our Fair Work and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion statements on BEFS website for more information.
Closing date: 12 noon on Friday 6 December 2024.

Historic Houses – Policy Officer
Salary: £34,000 per annum + benefits.
Status: Permanent, full-time (37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday) with occasional hours outside of these times.
Location: Based at Warwick House, 25-27 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 0PP (hybrid working with regular office attendance). Also occasional travel to Historic Houses events outside London.
Are you Passionate about heritage, keenly interested in policy-making and driven to make a difference to the future of the UK’s historic environment? Historic Houses are looking for a Policy Officer, based near their London head office. Historic Houses represents around 1,450 historic houses, castles and gardens in independent ownership across the UK and, as a membership association, enables independently owned historic houses and gardens to speak with one powerful voice. It does this through policy and public affairs activity, marketing and promotion, and technical advisory services. A dedicated policy team (the Director of Policy & Public Affairs, the Parliamentary & Public Affairs Officer, the Policy Officer and the Policy Adviser for Wales) work closely with government, stakeholders and politicians across the political spectrum to shape and influence policy for the benefit of heritage and tourism.  The Policy Officer role is particularly focused on heritage sector policy – both in terms of getting to grips with the fine detail of the broad range of policy affecting heritage, but also managing Historic Houses’ relationships with colleagues across the heritage, tourism, environmental and creative industries sectors.  No two days at Historic Houses are the same, and this is a particularly exciting time to join a small, high-impact team. If you are a bright, proactive Policy Officer with a passion for the special places represented by Historic Houses and a keen interest in advocacy and sharp attention to detail, as well as being energised by the opportunity to make a real difference in policy-making, and keen to champion the future of our historic environment, you can find out more here.
Closing Date: 9am on Friday 6 December 2024

Edinburgh World Heritage – Trustees
Edinburgh World Heritage (EWH) are looking for new Board trustees with drive and enthusiasm who are passionate about Edinburgh and the Old and New Towns of the Edinburgh UNESCO World Heritage Site and interested in how to connect and engage all people in our heritage. Skills and experience in one or more of the following areas: conservation and maintenance of the built environment; legal; finance; HR; events and fundraising would be appreciated. The purpose of EWH is to pro-actively protect and champion the Edinburgh World Heritage Site for current and future generations through the conservation of historic buildings, delivering improvements to the public realm, developing a new climate emergency programme and engaging people directly with the rich heritage of the city. As a trustee you will be responsible for the strategic direction of the organisation and stewardship of public and charitably-given funds, supporting and adding value to the work of its professional team in conservation, engagement and capacity building. They are looking for people from a broad range of backgrounds, demographics and cultures to steer and inform their work, aiming for inclusivity, richness of experience and diversity on the Board and in their workforce. Particularly welcome are applications from young people or those interested in applying for their first trusteeship.
Details of the current Trustees, staff and initiatives are available on their website and full details of the post may be downloaded from here. To express interest in joining the Board, please apply here.
Closing date: 10am on Monday 9 December 2024

Heritage Trust Network – Business Development Manager
Salary: £35,000 per annum
Status: full time (37 hours per week) with a 3-month probationary period
Location: Working from home or from an agreed shared workspace anywhere in the UK
Heritage Trust Network is seeking a Business Development Manager. This role is being created as part of the Essential Networks project delivery phase. Essential Networks is a major development and resilience project that will transform the Network’s ability to empower people to rescue and reuse historic buildings and spaces for the benefit of their communities. It will run from November 2024 to March 2029. This post is ideally suited to someone with experience in community heritage, culture and regeneration, and a background in social enterprise and/or the development of income-earning services within the context of a heritage, cultural or membership organisation. Additional skills would include being financially literate and able to communicate a product or service offer and to pitch a proposal to prospective customers. More information and application pack can be found here.
Closing date: 12pm on Monday 6 January 2025

Heritage Trust Network – Marketing & Communications Officer
Salary: £30,000 per annum
Status: full time (37 hours per week) with a 3-month probationary period
Location: Working from home or from an agreed shared workspace anywhere in the UK
Heritage Trust Network is seeking a Marketing & Communications Officer. This role is being created as part of the Essential Networks project delivery phase. Essential Networks is a major development and resilience project that will transform the Network’s ability to empower people to rescue and reuse historic buildings and spaces for the benefit of their communities. It will run from November 2024 to March 2029. This post is ideally suited to someone who has developed marketing and communications skills through work in heritage, culture, community development or regeneration. Additional skills would include being able to think strategically, collaborate with colleagues to co-design campaigns, and get involved in day-to-day content development and delivery.  This role would suit a self-motivated and hard-working team member who is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, where team spirit and excellent customer service runs throughout everything you do from timely communication with colleagues, to the satisfaction of a job well done when supporting members and building relationships. An interest in regeneration, heritage and sustainability in the built environment is evident as would be a willingness to promote the work of the Network. More information and application pack can be found here.
Closing date: 12pm on Monday 6 January 2025

BEFS NEWS

BEFS team are delighted to congratulate BEFS former Treasurer and Vice Chair, Professor Ian Baxter on his recent appointment to the Historic Environment Scotland Board. Ian’s work with BEFS to demonstrate the value of heritage in society and across a range of public policy areas has been hugely valuable, and we very much look forward to continuing to work with him in his new role.

At the end of October Historic Environment Scotland opened a public consultation on their new Corporate Plan, asking the public for their views on how the organisation can best support Scotland’s diverse heritage, to shape their priorities and approach to the challenges and opportunities it faces. A series of stakeholder meetings are planned alongside the public consultation, which closes on 03 January 2025.

The Scottish Historic Buildings Trust has launched the first phase of a project aiming to develop a new approach to tackling rural regeneration as well as the crisis in traditional skills.  Tenders are being invited to support their feasibility study based in Eyemouth, in the Scottish Borders. Deadline for proposals is 4pm on Wednesday 13 November 2024.

BEFS Members The Ridge have announced that founder Kate Darrah will be standing down as Managing Director after nearly 13 years, moving to a new part-time role as Director of Capital Projects. The Ridge has been an important vehicle for skills development and a successful programme of supported Modern Apprenticeships in Stonemasonry and Joinery. Taking over is Katie Wood, who joined The Ridge in January as Deputy Managing Director. Our congratulations to both Kate and Katie!

Alongside this edition of the Bulletin BEFS Director, Hazel Johnson, details in a blog post the challenges – and opportunities – facing places of worship as faith owners divest significant portions of their estate, with cross-cutting impacts and implications for Scotland’s people and places. The post also introduces the work of The Places of Worship Forum (POWF), exploring how its member organisations engage with communities across Scotland, assist in the transition process, and provide valuable resources. You can read the blog here.

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Please see our Link to Parliamentary Questions and answers for recent questions regarding building safety, housing, planning and regeneration.

CONSULTATIONS

Scotland’s City Region and Regional Growth Deals
Scottish Parliament
The Economy and Fair Work Committee will undertake an inquiry to look at the implementation and effectiveness of deals; considering how deals have contributed to addressing local issues and supporting development and inclusive growth. As part of this work, the Committee will consider submissions made earlier this year to the Scottish Affairs Committee and are keen to hear a wide range of views to help with this work. They are particularly keen to hear from Scottish businesses, Local authorities involved in Deals and Community groups.
Closes 14 November 2024

Scottish Building Safety Levy: consultation on proposals
Scottish Government
Responses to this consultation and the associated programme of engagement will support the policy development for a potential future Building Safety Levy in Scotland. If the powers to allow Scottish Ministers to introduce a building safety levy are devolved to the Scottish Parliament, then responses will also support development of a future Bill that provides for a devolved tax.
The consultation paper contains full background information for this consultation.
Closes 18 November 2024

A new Code of Conduct and Practice for Architects
Architects Registration Board
ARB has published a draft version of a revised Code for consultation. The revised Code is designed to act as a positive statement of what professionalism and ethics mean to architects. It explains to the public, clients, and those who work with architects the behaviours and high standards they should expect from the profession. It has been drafted using published research on public expectations as to how architects should behave and act, and following engagement with architects and other professionals in the built environment. The current edition of the Code was published in 2017, and this proposed revision is intended to address recent developments in building safety, environmental sustainability, and inclusivity to ensure that the Code continues to be fit for practice. This consultation seeks the views of architects, students, learning providers, clients, those who work with architects, and those who use the spaces that architects design.
Closes 12 December 2024

Open call for evidence: New Towns Taskforce
UK Government
The New Towns Taskforce is launching a call for evidence to explore opportunities for large developments. The Taskforce is interested in proposals that are regionally significant for both housing numbers and economic growth. The unifying principle will be that each of the new settlements will contain 10,000 homes, at the very least, and that most, if not all, will be far larger in size. A core part of the Taskforce’s work will be to consider how to fund and deliver new settlements. More information on the government’s expectations for new towns and the New Towns Taskforce is available in the Policy statement on new towns.
Closes 13 December 2024

Historic Environment Scotland’s corporate plan 2025-28
HES
The Historic Environment (Scotland) Act 2014 mandates that HES has a corporate plan and that it is renewed every 3 years. The purpose of a corporate plan is to provide a roadmap for decision-making, resource allocation, and performance measurement, ensuring alignment and direction across the organisation. HES’s current Corporate Plan, Heritage for All, was first published in 2019. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it underwent only a light-touch refresh when it was due to expire at the end of 2022-23 and now needs to undergo a more thorough review and update to ensure our new plan reflects this. This consultation draft is the product of engagement with people and organisations across Scotland. HES now want to hear thoughts on the draft plan from as broad and diverse a range of people and organisations as possible, and to give everyone the chance to have their say on the document before its finalised.
Closes 3 January 2025

PETITIONS

PE2089: Stop More National Parks in Scotland: Committee to take evidence – clerks note (Scot Parl 30/10/2024)

NEWS RELEASES

A sustainable future for Rosslyn Castle (Rosslyn Chapel 15/10/2024)

New appointments to the HES Board (HES 23/10/2024)

New Building Restoration Initiative using Community Skills Training (SHBT 24/10/2024)

Training initiative attracts new talent to heritage sector (HES 28/10/2024)

Fresh £450,000 fund for Union Street (Aberdeen City Heritage Trust 29/10/2024)

SCVO respond to UK Government Autumn Budget 2024 (SCVO 31/10/2024)

PUBLICATIONS

Visitor Levy Guidance for Local Authorities (Visit Scotland October 2024)

House of Good: Health (National Churches Trust October 2024)

Economic Impacts of Short-term Lets in Edinburgh (Biggar Economics 18/10/2024)

Championing a responsible digital transition for and with cultural heritage (European Heritage Hub 22/10/2024)

Creative Corridors: connecting clusters to unleash potential (The RSA 24/10/2024)

Skills Development Scotland Annual Report and Financial Statement (SDS 25/10/2024)

The value of design within the regeneration of housing in Scotland’s town centres (Architecture & Design Scotland 29/10/2024)
Highlighting the importance of architecture and design in revitalising town centres; showcasing successful housing projects and the role of design experts in creating vibrant, sustainable, and desirable residential communities.

The seventh issue of Celebrating Archaeology in Scotland (HES November 2024)

Modern Apprenticeship Statistics Quarter 2, 2024/25 (Skills Development Scotland 05/11/2024)

SCOTTISH & UK: GOVERNMENTAL & PARLIAMENTARY PUBLICATIONS

Land and Buildings Transaction Tax Statistics (Revenue Scotland October 2024)

Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee: Official Report and Minutes (Scot Parl 10/10/2024)

Cladding Remediation Programme: factsheet (Scot Gov 15/10/2024)

Infrastructure Investment Plan 2021-22 to 2025-26 Progress Report for 2023-2024 (Scot Gov 16/10/2024)

Infrastructure Investment Plan 2021-22 to 2025-26 Major capital projects progress update (Scot Gov 16/10/2024)

Scottish Housing Market Review Q3 2024 (Scot Gov 18/10/2024)

Correspondence between Tom Arthur and the Economy and Fair Work Committee on matters concerning town centres and retail in Scotland, including: compulsory purchase reform; town centres; the Retail Industry Leaders Group; and business digital capability  (Scot Parl 24/10/2024)

High Level Group on Planning Performance note of meeting: 12 September 2024 (Scot Gov 24/10/2024)

Environmental Standards Scotland’s Investigation into Climate Change Delivery Report (Scot Parl 25/10/2024)

Marshalled list and groupings of amendments for Stage 2 of the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 25/10/2024)

Correspondence between the Scottish Community Development Centre and the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee regarding possible recommendations to the review of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 (Scot Parl 24/10/2024)

National Planning Framework 4: Delivery Programme v3 (Scot Gov 28/10/2024)

Correspondence between the Finance and Public Administration Committee and the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee on its scrutiny work around the estimated costs of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 28/10/2024)

Planning permission appeals: housing development statistics (Scot Gov 29/10/2024)

National Outcomes: Response to the Review of Outcomes and Indicators relating to the Scottish Government’s International Work (Scot Parl 29/10/2024)

The Grey Belt – Oral evidence (UK Parl 29/10/2024)

Short Term Lets Licensing Statistics Scotland to 30 June 2024 (Scot Gov 29/10/2024)

Correspondence between the Finance and Public Administration Committee and the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee about the findings of a call for views conducted as part of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill’s Financial Memorandum (Scot Parl 29/10/2024)

Local Government, Housing and Planning: Official Report and Minutes (Scot Parl 29/10/2024)

Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee: Official Report and Minutes (Scot Parl 29/10/2024)

Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill as amended at Stage 2 (Scot Parl 30/10/2024)

Correspondence between Shona Robison and the Finance and Public Administration Committee regarding the Scotland Act 1998 (Specification of Devolved Tax) (Building Safety) Order 2024 (Scot Gov 30/10/2024)

Economy and Fair Work Committee: Official Report and Minutes (Scot Parl 30/10/2024)

Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee: Official Report and Minutes (Scot Parl 31/10/2024)

Minister for Housing: Statement on Housing (Scotland) Bill (Scot Gov 31/10/2024)

Correspondence between the Climate Change Committee (CCC) and the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee  regarding the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) Bill (Scot Parl 31/10/2024)

Correspondence between Gillian Martin and the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee  regarding the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) Bill (Scot Gov 31/10/2024)

The Town and Country Planning (Fees for Applications) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2024 (UK Gov 31/10/2024)

Correspondence between the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee and Angus Robertson regarding the Climate Justice Fund (Scot Parl 01/11/2024)

Correspondence between Gillian Martin and the Climate Change Committee (CCC) regarding the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) Bill (Scot Gov 02/11/2024)

Dangerous cladding: the government’s remediation portfolio (National Audit Office 04/11/2024)

Report on the Scotland Act 1998 (Specification of Devolved Tax) (Building Safety) Order 2024 (Scot Parl 04/11/2024)

Wellbeing Economy Governments partnership: annual engagement report (Scot Gov 04/11/2024)

Scotland’s Architectural Heritage Debate (UK Gov 05/11/2024)

OPINION & COMMENT

Housing charity to close due to funding problems (BBC News 15/10/2024)

Is the Stirling Prize suffering from a case of tunnel vision? (Apollo Magazine 17/10/2024)

The Church of England is panicking about declining congregations – here’s what it should do instead (The Guardian 24/10/2024)

More arts centres seek urgent funding to stay open (Arts Professional 24/10/2024)

The ransacking of Britain: why the people finally rose up against ‘sod you architecture’ (The Guardian 28/10/2024)

Funding for ‘overlooked’ towns to go ahead in Scotland (BBC News 31/10/2024)

Perth Museum makes shortlist for Museum Opening of the Year Awards (Apollo Magazine 04/11/2024)

EVENTS

Heritage Trust Network – Network Academy: Regeneration Journey
Dates & Times: Friday 8, 15, 22 & 29 November 2024; 9:30-12:30
Location: Online via Zoom
The Regeneration Journey is an introduction to heritage regeneration projects, aimed at Heritage Trust Network members who are in the early stages of their first project, as a volunteer or a member of staff. It will be suitable for those working at community organisations, charities, and professional heritage trusts. The programme will be delivered to a cohort of 14 people and will introduce the key areas that each regeneration project will likely involve, giving an overview and insight to the road ahead. The programme will include expert speakers, case studies from those who have been there before and engaging activities to get you thinking! There will also be the opportunity to network and build contacts with all attendees.

SP=EED Training – Develop practical skills in community engagement
Date & Time: Wednesday 13 November 2024; 10am-3:30pm
Location: The Crannie, 9 Cranston Street, Edinburgh EH8 8BE
This one-day course will help you develop practical skills in community engagement using the SP=EED guide (Successful Planning = Effective Engagement and Delivery). Strong community engagement skills are a key requirement for planners and those working in related fields. The SP=EED approach provides a clear and practical framework for carrying out engagement projects and the workshop allows deeper understanding of the range of skills required for effective engagement, showcasing a range of creative and effective engagement tools to suit different scenarios. Book here.

C&BS – People Matters | Tools and Procedures for Accessibility
Date & Time: Thursday 14 November 2024; 9:30am-12:30pm
Location: Online
This disabled-led training with Birds of Paradise is underpinned by an extensive knowledge of equality and access within the sector and offers practical guidance on how to work accessibly, particularly when planning activities and events. Participants will leave feeling more comfortable and confident in their interactions with disabled people. The knowledge, skills & tools they gain during the session will apply across all areas of their work and motivate them to make a positive change. In this three-hour session you will learn about: Access Requirements Forms; Access Statements; Planning for Access. This course is ideal for anyone who would like to learn more about disability equality, and create more inclusive, accessible environments within their work.

C&BS – Sponsorship + VAT
Date & Time: Thursday 21 November 2024; 12-1pm
Location: Online
Sponsorship + VAT implications are often overlooked or ignored. Join this session to learn how to achieve valuable VAT benefits and savings. The VAT implications associated with sponsorship agreements are often overlooked or ignored. The arrangements can provide valuable VAT benefits and savings to cultural bodies, but they can also result in unbudgeted or additional costs if they are not recorded correctly.

SPAB – Repair of Old Buildings Course
Date & Time: Monday 25 – Friday 29 November 2024
Location: Online
This course is designed for students and professionals interested in deepening their understanding of old buildings. 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 28 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 live, online Q&A sessions throughout the week of 25 – 29 November.

C&BS – Scoping the Future Funding Landscape
Date & Time: Wednesday 4 December 2024; 3-7pm
Location: National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh EH1 1JF
This C&BS Forum will explore the reality the future holds for culture organisations from a private funding perspective, and scope out the challenges and opportunities.

VACANCIES

The Royal Town Planning Institute – Intern Project Officer
Salary: £21,840 pro-rata per annum
Status: 21 hours per week; nine-month fixed term contract
Location: Edinburgh based with a blend of home and office working
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) champions the power of planning in creating prosperous places and vibrant communities. These are important and exciting times for planning in Scotland. RTPI Scotland has been heavily involved with the preparation of the NPF4 and are aiming to be supporting the implementation of the framework. This post will be key in supporting several current workstreams including magazine programming and editing, resourcing research, developing a programme to enhance the pipeline of planners, supporting policy development and consultation responses. They are looking for a motivated person who can use collaborative and analytical skills to support the engagement of the Scottish membership on planning policy matters. You will be organised, have strong communication skills, a degree level qualification in a relevant social science subject or working towards completion of an RTPI accredited course and a firm understanding of the current issues facing planners and the planning system. To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter that refers to the criteria in the person specification.
Closing Date: Midnight on Sunday 10 November 2024

The Scottish Civic Trust is looking for a Trustee with planning expertise
The Scottish Civic Trust is seeking to recruit a Trustee or Adviser with experience in the provision of planning advice to local authorities or national organisations. This is an opportunity to contribute to a civic oriented charity and expand your network.
Closing Date: 15 November 2024

BEFS NEWS

Funding for a new centre to accelerate net-zero buildings for cities: The new Centre for Net-Zero High Density Buildings based at Edinburgh Futures Institute has won a 4.5 million funding boost from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
The Centre will investigate how to make buildings in heavily populated areas more energy-efficient to reduce carbon emissions, lower heating bills, and bring eco-friendly construction products to the market; testing new prototypes and retrofit with low-carbon materials, heating and cooling systems, and energy storage technologies. Led by the University of Edinburgh, the research partnership combines the Universities of Glasgow, Strathclyde, West of Scotland, Edinburgh Napier University, and BE-ST – Scotland’s construction innovation centre.

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is recruiting for a Carbon Manager. The post supports delivery of HES’ Climate Action Plan and carbon reduction targets, working towards reaching net zero and responding to the Climate Emergency. Read more on their website.

More HES news – a recently unveiled outreach and learning framework, Making Sense of Scotland aims to utilise Scotland’s historic environment as a national resource for lifelong learning, designed to forge deeper connections between Scotland’s heritage and its people, prioritising diversity, creativity and accessibility through cross-sector collaboration.

UK Heritage Pulse have published a report following a survey to assess opportunities for young people, and whether attitudes to publicly embracing EDI are changing. The survey sought responses to the question of how the sector is breaking down barriers to opportunity and explored access to career paths for people from all backgrounds, together with approaches to equality, diversity and inclusion. The survey reported that almost three quarters of respondents would recommend a career in the heritage sector to a young person leaving education today, despite many organisations not currently offering traditional routes for new career entrants like apprenticeships and paid internships. Read the full report here.

And finally, if you happen to be looking for the perfect office in Glasgow’s vibrant Merchant City, the Scottish Civic Trust has offices available to rent in The Tobacco Merchant’s House. Key features include historic charm, a prime location, shared amenities and 24-hour access!

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Please see our Link to Parliamentary Questions and answers for recent questions regarding planning, skills, land reform, cladding remediation, funding allocation and spending, and housing.

CONSULTATIONS

Building Regulations: Determining the principles for a Scottish equivalent to the Passivhaus standard: Stage 1 consultation
Scottish Government
Scottish building regulations set minimum standards applicable to new buildings and to new work to existing buildings. This consultation is the first of two which will consider the technical, commercial, and wider policy implications of improvements to building regulations in the context of broader action by the Scottish Government on climate change, to further our ambition of becoming a net-zero society by 2045.
Closes 23 October 2024

Calanais Standing Stones – Improving community, economic and conservation benefits
Historic Environment Scotland
This consultation focusses on potential changes to access and charging arrangements at Calanais Standing Stones. HES are working to deliver a new combined visitor experience at the site, in collaboration with the local community-led trust Urras nan Tursachan (UnT), who independently own, manage and operate the Calanais Standing Stones visitor centre. Further information on the visitor centre redevelopment can be found here.
Closes 31 October 2024

Survey on Planning Policy
UK Government
This survey, conducted by Verian on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG), previously the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) is focused on national planning legislation, policy and guidance for decisions involving demolishing and redeveloping or retrofitting buildings. The data collected from this survey will allow MHCLG to collect robust evidence quickly, and in turn will be used to inform key policy development.
Closes 31 October 2024

Scotland’s City Region and Regional Growth Deals
Scottish Parliament
The Economy and Fair Work Committee will undertake an inquiry to look at the implementation and effectiveness of deals; considering how deals have contributed to addressing local issues, and supporting development and inclusive growth. As part of this work, the Committee will consider submissions made earlier this year to the Scottish Affairs Committee and are keen to hear a wide range of views to help with this work. They are particularly keen to hear from Scottish businesses, Local authorities involved in Deals and Community groups.
Closes 14 November 2024

Scottish Building Safety Levy: consultation on proposals
Scottish Government
Responses to this consultation and the associated programme of engagement will support the policy development for a potential future Building Safety Levy in Scotland. If the powers to allow Scottish Ministers to introduce a building safety levy are devolved to the Scottish Parliament, then responses will also support development of a future Bill that provides for a devolved tax.
The consultation paper contains full background information for this consultation.
Closes 18 November 2024

PETITIONS

Clerk’s note for PE2105: Safeguard Scottish Listed Buildings at risk of unnecessary demolition.

NEWS RELEASES

Heritage Counts: The Economic Value of the Heritage Sector (Historic England 19/09/2024)

Underground bin system deployed at St Andrews development (Scottish Housing News 19/09/2024)

Steady progress being made in tackling Scotland’s Vacant and Derelict Land and opportunities to deliver more (Scottish Land Commission 25/09/2024)

Open letter from over 130 social and environmental justice NGOs, grassroots community groups, service providers, economists, think tanks and business leaders calling for support from the First Minister for Sarah Boyack’s proposed Wellbeing and Sustainable Development (Scotland) Bill  (Wellbeing Economy Alliance Scotland 01/10/2024)

The Royal Town Planning Institute Scotland Response to an Infrastructure Levy for Scotland (RTPI 01/10/2024)

Protecting our built heritage and collections (Cardiff University 01/10/2024)
Buildings and collections of historical significance will be safeguarded for future generations, thanks to a new project from Cardiff University.

Impact Report demonstrates power of community heritage (Heritage Trust Network 02/10/2024)

Offices to let in the historic Tobacco Merchant’s House (Scottish Civic Trust 02/10/2024)

A New Future for Edinburgh’s Holyrood Park (Historic Environment Scotland 04/10/2024)

European Heritage Awards Ceremony 2024 in Bucharest: 5 Grand Prix and Public Choice Award announced (Europa Nostra 07/10/2024)

Opportunities for young people, and whether attitudes to publicly embracing EDI are changing (UK Heritage Pulse 07/10/2024)

Built Environment Committee: High streets in towns and small cities (House of Lords 08/10/2024)

Emma Pinchbeck announced as the new Chief Executive of the Climate Change Committee (Climate Change Committee 09/10/2024)

The Royal Town Planning Institute Scotland Membership Elections are now open (RTPI 10/10/2024)

Launch of the Pilot Version of the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard (Net Zero Carbon Buildings UK 14/10/2024)

Call for Entries for the European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards 2025 is now open! (Europa Nostra 15/10/2024)

PUBLICATIONS

Scottish Land Commission vacant and derelict land reuse:  progress report (Scottish Land Commission September 2024)

AHF Scotland Programmes, 2019-24 (The Architectural Heritage Fund September 2024)

Arts for Us All: Putting culture and creativity at the heart of national renewal (Fabian Society 18/09/2024)
Proposals for supporting the heritage sector include a temporary 5% boost for the National Lottery Heritage Fund, a tourism tax, a national retrofit strategy, embedding heritage crafts in the curriculum.

The story of BE-ST and the net zero carbon built environment (Built Environment – Smarter Transformation October 2024)

Report detailing the benefits National Park status brings for the farmers operating within them (Scottish Environment LINK 01/10/2024)

Sustainable housing policy in Scotland: Re-booting the affordable housing supply programme (CaCHE 11/10/2024)

SCOTTISH & UK: GOVERNMENTAL & PARLIAMENTARY PUBLICATIONS

Correspondence between Paul McLennan and the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee on a range of matters raised by the committee in connection with its scrutiny of the Housing (Cladding Remediation) (Scotland) Bill (Scot Gov 25/09/2024)

Correspondence between Mairi Gougeon and the Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee on powers within the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 26/09/2024)

Social capital and community wellbeing in Scotland (Scot Gov 01/10/2024)

Supporting net zero in construction (Scot Gov 01/10/2024)

Affordable Housing Supply Programme: quarterly updates on approvals, site starts and completions (Scot Gov 01/10/2024)

Correspondence between the Finance and Public Administration Committee and the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee following a call for views on the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill’s Financial Memorandum (Scot Parl 01/10/2024)

Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee: Official Report and Minutes (Scot Parl 01/10/2024)

Local Government, Housing and Planning Commitee: Official Report and Minutes (Scot Parl 01/10/2024)

Non-domestic (business) rates roadmap (Scot Gov 02/10/2024)

Building and fire safety – ministerial working group: Grenfell inquiry phase 2 minutes: September 2024 (Scot Gov 02/10/2024)

Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC): Cross Sector Working Group minutes – May 2024 (Scot Gov 02/10/2024)

Housing Emergency Debate (Scot Parl 02/20/2024)

Stability for the culture sector (Scot Gov 03/10/2024)

Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee: Official Report and Minutes (Scot Parl 03/10/2024)

Holyrood’s Net Zero Committee accepts the general principles of the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 04/10/2024)

Stage 1 report on the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 04/10/2024)

Evaluation of the Changing Futures programme (Scot Gov 04/10/2024)

Supporting island communities: £3 million to help improve lives and build prosperity (Scot Gov 07/10/2024)

Planning, Infrastructure and Place Advisory Group – 27 August 2024  (Scot Gov 07/10/2024)

Correspondence between the Finance and Public Administration Committee and the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee regarding a Financial Memorandum on the Housing (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 07/10/2024)

Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee: Official Report and Minutes (Scot Parl 08/10/2024)

Housing (Scotland) Bill: business and regulatory impact assessment summary (Scot Gov 09/10/2024)

Members appointed to the Board of National Galleries of Scotland (Scot Gov 09/10/2024)

Correspondence between Gillian Martin and the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee regarding Stage 1 report on Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill (Scot Gov 09/10/2024)

National Planning Framework 4 (Scot Gov 09/10/2024)

Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill: Cabinet Secretary’s statement (Scot Gov 10/10/2024)

Heat in Buildings: progress report 2024 (Scot Gov 10/10/2024)

International Climate Finance Results 2024 (UK Gov 11/10/2024)

Correspondence between Alasdair Allan and the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee regarding the annual progress report on the Heat in Buildings Strategy (Scot Gov 11/10/2024)

Daily list of amendments Stage 2 of the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 11/10/2024)

Holyrood Committee welcome commitment to increased culture funding but call for more clarity and greater certainty to be provided following UK Spending Review (Scot Parl 11/10/2024)

Pre-Budget Scrutiny 2025-26: Funding for Culture (Scot Parl 11/20/2024)

Thousands of new homes to be built as government unlocks brownfield sites (UK Gov 15/10/2024)

OPINION & COMMENT

How Young People can Shape Environmental Policy in Urban Spaces (Policy & Politics Journal Blog 25/09/2024)

Global learnings for land reform in Scotland: Towards more radical solutions (Andy Wightman 02/10/2024)

Arts groups face uncertainty as funding news delayed (BBC News 03/10/2024

Housing regulations will force builders ‘out of Scotland’ (The Times 03/10/2024)

Scotland’s new climate legislation risks repeating mistakes of the past (IPPR 04/10/2024)

Government housing targets unrealistic and unfair, English councils warn (The Observer 13/10/2024)

New archaeological evidence reveals Edinburgh’s Mound was a carefully planned construction project using regulated waste deposits, not a haphazard rubbish dump as previously thought (The Observer, 13/10/2024)

MOTIONS

S6M-14808
Submitted by: Liam McArthur, Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: 04/10/2024
That the Parliament congratulates the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) Archaeology Institute on having secured £1.6 million in funding to establish a centre for environmental archaeology in Orkney; recognises that this will provide invaluable access to a central research centre for UHI students, visiting researchers, community groups, and partners; commends the efforts taken to secure this funding, which, it believes, will make Orkney a pioneer in this growing sector of global research; notes the significance of environmental archaeology to researching vital areas of interest concerning biodiversity, rewilding and sustainability, which, it understands, are integral to efforts to tackle the climate crisis; understands that the centre will be accompanied by a mobile laboratory, which will be used to help facilitate projects across Scotland, supporting community events and research fieldwork, and pays tribute to the success of the UHI Archaeology Institute in its hard work to bring this opportunity to Orkney and Scotland more widely.

S6M-14825
Submitted by: Ross Greer, West Scotland, Scottish Green Party
Date lodged: 07/10/2024
That the Parliament notes that the fiscal levers that are currently available to the Scottish Government are inadequate to fully protect public services and communities from UK Government austerity and economic turmoil, but that the Scottish Government must use every power at its disposal to address the urgent social, economic and environmental challenges that Scotland faces; calls, therefore, on the Scottish Government to explore all avenues to fiscal sustainability, including seeking opportunities for further powers, such as those over levies and charges, to be devolved to local government for 2025-26, creating new powers, such as a cruise ship levy, exploring how a carbon emissions land tax and a power of general competence could be delivered and ensuring the most effective and progressive use of existing tax powers and tax reliefs and that spending does not undermine the core missions of tackling child poverty and the climate emergency, and calls on the UK Labour administration to scrap the fiscal rules of the former UK Conservative administration.

S6M-14836
Submitted by: Gillian Martin, Aberdeenshire East, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 08/10/2024
That the Parliament agrees to the general principles of the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill.

S6M-14862
Submitted by: Jamie Hepburn, Cumbernauld and Kilsyth, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 09/10/2024
That the Parliament agrees that the following changes to committee membership will apply from close of business on Thursday 10 October 2024—
Stephen Kerr be appointed to replace Meghan Gallacher as a member of the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee.
Liam Kerr be appointed to replace Russell Findlay as a member of the Criminal Justice Committee. Sue Webber be appointed to replace Oliver Mundell as a member of the Standards, Procedures and Public Appointments Committee.

EVENTS

Scottish Records Association & Scottish Association of Country House Archivists – Conference: Estate, Household and Family Collections and their Use in Research
Date & Time: Wednesday 23 October 2024 (Aberdeen) & Friday 15 November 2024 (Perth)
Location: Sir Duncan Rice Library, University of Aberdeen (23 Oct) and Soutar Theatre, A K Bell Library, Perth (15 Nov)
The Scottish Records Association and the Scottish Association of Country House Archivists are holding a two-part conference on estate, household and family papers in private and public ownership and their use in historical and other types of research. The first event in Aberdeen will focus specifically on estate papers, while the second event in Perth will look at wider country house collections, including correspondence and household papers and libraries. Associated palaeography workshops will also be held on Tuesday 22 and Thursday 24 October 2024 at the Sir Duncan Rice Library, University of Aberdeen. For more details and booking information, please see the Conference and Workshops Form and the Conference Booking Form here.

Under One Roof – Navigating tenement building repairs: West Lothian
Date & Time: Thursday 24 October 2024; 1-2pm
Location: Online
Join Under One Roof for a free and informative webinar on navigating tenement building repairs in West Lothian. Topics covered will include important tenement legislation, organizing common repairs, and dealing with non-payment. The session will end with a Q&A. Presenters include Mike Heffron, Chief Executive of Under One Roof, and Stephen Kelly, Education and Training Officer at Under One Roof. This webinar is suitable for anyone involved in tenement maintenance and repairs, including flat owners, landlords, and property managers.

AHSS Lecture – Fiona Sinclair: Streamlining the Streets
Date & Time: Thursday 24 October 2024; 7:30pm
Location: St Andrews West Church & Renfield Centre, 260 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 4JP
Note: Lecture will also be streamed online via Zoom
A surprising amount of construction took place in Renfrewshire during the 1930s. Fiona Sinclair, architect and historian, will illustrate the wealth of buildings from the inter-war period in Renfrewshire and highlight the achievements of some remarkable architects. Tickets available in advance or on the door: £6 / students £2 / season ticket for all 5 lectures: £25

Under One Roof – Tenement maintenance and repairs: Falkirk
Date & Time: Tuesday 29 October 2024; 3-4.30pm
Location: Online
Join Under One Roof for a webinar with Falkirk Council for flat owners, landlords, and letting agents across the Falkirk area. The webinar will cover tenement maintenance, organising common repairs, and includes a Q&A session.

The Cockburn Association – Responsible Tourism: Solutions for Edinburgh’s Future
Date & Time: Wednesday 30 October 2024;12-5pm
Location: Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL and Online
Join The Cockburn Association for an afternoon of discussion on Edinburgh’s tourism industry. Guests will include Dr Harold Goodwin, Director of the Responsible Tourism Partnership, Professor John Lennon, former Director of the Moffat Centre of Travel and Tourism Business Development, representatives from the Edinburgh Tourism Action Group, Edinburgh Living Rent, City Council officials, and more!

National Churches Trust – Building Sustainable Futures for Scottish Churches: Meet the Funders
Date & Time: Friday 1 November 2024; 10am-4pm
Location: Paisley Abbey, Abbey Close, Paisley PA1 1JG
Join the National Churches Trust at Paisley Abbey to chat with funders and advisers all under one roof. They are there to help support all aspects of the work within your church building, whether it is from community, heritage, faith, tourism, or climate action sectors.  Whether you are a congregation looking to repair a roof or to expand your community outreach; or a community organisation considering how to prepare a business plan and get advice on which insurance you will need, there will be someone there to help.  Meet with the experts across the sectors and chat with churches, communities and organisations who have already tackled the challenges you are facing.

SPAB-STBA Conference 2024: New Ideas for Old Buildings
Date & Time:  Tuesday 5 November 2024; 9:30am-5:15pm
Location:   The Hospitium, Museum Gardens, York YO30 7DR
Our traditional and historic buildings are facing unique challenges in the face of climate change, technological advancements, skills shortages, and economic pressures. This year’s theme will be exploring where tradition meets innovation, and how the past informs the future.? You’ll hear from a wide array of experts sharing the latest research, ideas, and innovations to give the built heritage a sustainable future. Join SPAB to discover the latest on Materials for the Future, Educational Initiatives, Innovative Applications, Community Engagement, and Technological Advancements.

SHBT – The Magdalen Chapel: Past, Present & Future
Date & Time: Friday 8 November 2024; 10am-4pm
Location: Riddles Court, 322 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2PG
Scottish Historic Buildings Trust in collaboration with the Scottish Reformation Society and the Incorporation of the Hammermen are delighted to host this academic conference at Riddle’s Court to stimulate discussion on the Magdalen Chapel in the Cowgate, its past present and future. This conference will bring together experts to discuss the history of the Chapel, helping to raise its profile with locals, visitors and experts alike. Discover how through innovation and creativity, it can once again become one of the city’s most iconic public spaces.

AHSS – David Munro: The Making of a Ducal Landscape
Date & Time: Monday 11 November 2024; 6:30pm
Location:  Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL (wheelchair accessible)
Note: Lectures will also be streamed online via Zoom
In this joint lecture with Scotland’s Garden and Landscape Heritage, Dr David Munro, a geographical consultant for the Duke of Buccleuch at Drumlanrig Castle, draws on historic estate plans and fieldwork to examine a ducal landscape that includes one of Scotland’s largest castles. He also uncovers a wider estate landscape rich in historical features that provide opportunities for heritage conservation and educational activities within the local community. Tickets available from Eventbrite or on the door: £6 / students £2 / online booking links.

The Heritage Alliance – Heritage Debate 2024 – Balancing the Books
Date & Time: Wednesday 20 November 2024; 12-2pm
Location: Online
Now in its 15th 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’s debate, ‘Balancing the Books: How should the heritage sector be funded?’, is a must-hear for all those invested in the sector’s future and its survival in today’s uncertain financial climate. Hear members of an expert panel make a case for the benefits and pitfalls of public, private and philanthropic funding models, and be part of this important discussion by casting your vote.

AHSS Lecture – Niall Murphy: The Glasgow Cenotaph
Date & Time: Thursday 21 November 2024; 7:30pm
Location: St Andrews West Church & Renfield Centre, 260 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 4JP
Note: Lecture will also be streamed online via Zoom
In its centenary year, Niall Murphy, Director of Glasgow City Heritage Trust, will discuss Sir John James Burnet’s design for the Glasgow Cenotaph and how it sits within the context of the other war memorials he produced for the likes of the Imperial War Graves Commission. Tickets available in advance or on the door: £6 / students £2 / season ticket for all 5 lectures: £25

Icon Scotland – 2024 AGM
Date & Time: Thursday 21 November 2024; 5:30-6:15pm
Location: Auditorium A, Technology and Innovation Centre, University of Strathclyde, 99 George St, Glasgow G1 1RD
Join the Icon Scotland Group committee to discuss everything they’ve been doing in 2024, and everything planned for 2025. Tickets are free and you can come along whether you’re an Icon member or considering joining! The AGM will be followed by the Plenderleith Lecture, with speaker Caroline Bendix.

Icon Scotland – 27th Plenderleith Lecture. From vellum to voicemail: Twenty-first century conservation challenges
Date & Time: Thursday 21 November 2024; 6:30-8:30pm
Location: Auditorium A, Technology and Innovation Centre, University of Strathclyde, 99 George St, Glasgow G1 1RD
Join Icon Scotland for the 27th Annual Plenderleith Memorial Lecture, an annual lecture in memory of Dr Harold Plenderleith, one of the key founders of modern conservation. The invited speaker this year is library conservator Caroline Bendix ACR. Using her own experience as a freelance conservator for many years, Caroline will explore some of the issues facing conservators today. Caroline’s talk will be followed by a drinks reception, and the opportunity to chat with other conservators.

HES – Scotland’s Community Heritage Conversations 2024: Connect & Create Capacity
Date & Time: Thursday 21 November 2024; 9:15am-4:15pm
Location: The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling FK8 1QZ/Online
People are at the heart of community heritage, and the health of our cultural, built, natural, and archaeological heritage is intricately tied to the passion, dedication, expertise and energy of the people who care for it. But in the face of ever-growing pressures on resources and capacity, how can the sector remain robust and adapt to address the changes and challenges that it faces? Scotland’s Community Heritage Conversation will discuss how creating new connections can help us access a wider pool of knowledge and support, unlocking fresh enthusiasm and ideas. Exploring how innovative approaches to audience engagement, volunteering and workforce development can build greater capacity, foster inclusivity, aid advocacy and ensure that activities are vibrant, relevant, and accessible to all.

RIAS – Live. Building Bonds: the Architect-Client Collaboration
Date & Time:  Friday 22 November 2024; 9:30am-5pm
Location: Dundee Contemporary Arts, 152 Nethergate, Dundee DD1 4EA
Every year, 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, they are looking forward for their second RIAS Live – a one-day event this year held in Dundee where insightful presentations are met with opportunities to discuss, debate and contribute.

Scotland’s Towns Partnership – Conference 2024
Date & Time: Wednesday 27 November 2024; 9am-5pm
Location: Perth Concert Hall, Perth PH1 5HZ
STC24 highlights the importance of cultural, built, and natural assets in driving economic, social, and environmental progress in Scotland’s towns and places. Discuss, learn about and connect with the resilient and thriving places showcasing at Scotland’s Towns Conference 2024: “Investing in Our Assets for Sustainable Towns of the Future.” This year’s conference will delve into the critical role of cultural, built, and natural assets in fostering local economic, social, and environmental transformative change. Join the STP for an inspiring yet practice-based experience featuring study visits, keynote speakers, interactive workshops, collaborative world café sessions and a solutions-based exhibition.

Scottish Council on Archives – Annual Conference 2024: Building Evidence. How Archives and Records support Scotland’s Historic Environment
Date & Time: Tuesday 10 December 2024; 9:30am-4pm
Location: The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling FK8 1QZ
Building Evidence will explore how archives and records support engagement with, conservation of, and research into Scotland’s historic environment. The event will be structured around the three priority areas of Our Past, Our Future – The Strategy for Scotland’s Historic Environment: Delivering the transition to net zero; Empowering resilient and inclusive communities and places; Building a wellbeing economy. In addition to these key themes, Building Evidence will shine a spotlight on the urgent need for a national strategy for archives and records in Scotland, ensuring their preservation and relevance for future generations.

 

RIAS – Conservation Seminar: Shared Responsibilities and Challenges
Date & Time: Tuesday 29 October 2024; 1-4:30pm
Location: Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling FK8 1QZ
Hear from Conservation/ Sustainability Accredited architects, Chartered Surveyors and Heritage Trusts Managers as they present on exceptional examples of multi-storey retrofit, maintenance, and regeneration with case study discussion at Woodside Flats, Glasgow, Stirling and Paisley.

C&BS – People Matters | Equalities within Boards
Date & Time: Wednesday 6 November 2024; 12-1pm
Location: Online
Equality, diversity, and inclusion are essential to ensuring the culture sector is the very best it can be.
In this sector insight, employment law specialist Barry Nichol will explore how to ensure that EDI policies carry through to board level. Topics covered include Legal obligations surrounding Equalities and Boards; Strategies for ensuring Boards are representative and inclusive including how to recruit; Strategies for ensuring Board governance is fair and equitable. This will be useful to anyone who is involved in governance at their organisation, who would like to ensure their Board is as inclusive and equitable as possible.

RIAS – Assertiveness and EQ Workshop for Architects
Date & Time: Thursday 7 November 2024; 2-4:30pm
Location: Online via Zoom
This session, led by Russell Wardrop – CEO of KWC Global will focus on developing the emotional intelligence (EI) skills of architects who lead / are aspiring to lead and how to apply these skills in challenging situations.

Heritage Trust Network – Network Academy: Regeneration Journey
Dates & Times: Friday 8, 15, 22 & 29 November 2024; 9:30-12:30
Location: Online via Zoom
The Regeneration Journey is an introduction to heritage regeneration projects, aimed at Heritage Trust Network members who are in the early stages of their first project, as a volunteer or a member of staff. It will be suitable for those working at community organisations, charities, and professional heritage trusts. The programme will be delivered to a cohort of 14 people and will introduce the key areas that each regeneration project will likely involve, giving an overview and insight to the road ahead. The programme will include expert speakers, case studies from those who have been there before and engaging activities to get you thinking! There will also be the opportunity to network and build contacts with all attendees.

SP=EED Training – Develop practical skills in community engagement
Date & Time: Wednesday 13 November 2024; 10am-3:30pm
Location: The Crannie, 9 Cranston Street, Edinburgh EH8 8BE
This one-day course will help you develop practical skills in community engagement using the SP=EED guide (Successful Planning = Effective Engagement and Delivery). Strong community engagement skills are a key requirement for planners and those working in related fields. The SP=EED approach provides a clear and practical framework for carrying out engagement projects and the workshop allows deeper understanding of the range of skills required for effective engagement, showcasing a range of creative and effective engagement tools to suit different scenarios. Book here.

C&BS – People Matters | Tools and Procedures for Accessibility
Date & Time: Thursday 14 November 2024; 9:30am-12:30pm
Location: Online
This disabled-led training with Birds of Paradise is underpinned by an extensive knowledge of equality and access within the sector and offers practical guidance on how to work accessibly, particularly when planning activities and events. Participants will leave feeling more comfortable and confident in their interactions with disabled people. The knowledge, skills & tools they gain during the session will apply across all areas of their work and motivate them to make a positive change. In this three-hour session you will learn about: Access Requirements Forms; Access Statements; Planning for Access. This course is ideal for anyone who would like to learn more about disability equality, and create more inclusive, accessible environments within their work.

C&BS – Sponsorship + VAT
Date & Time: Thursday 21 November 2024; 12-1pm
Location: Online
Sponsorship + VAT implications are often overlooked or ignored. Join this session to learn how to achieve valuable VAT benefits and savings. The VAT implications associated with sponsorship agreements are often overlooked or ignored. The arrangements can provide valuable VAT benefits and savings to cultural bodies, but they can also result in unbudgeted or additional costs if they are not recorded correctly.

SPAB – Repair of Old Buildings Course
Date & Time: Monday 25 – Friday 29 November 2024
Location: Online
This course is designed for students and professionals interested in deepening their understanding of old buildings. 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 28 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 live, online Q&A sessions throughout the week of 25 – 29 November.

VACANCIES

The Royal Town Planning Institute – Intern Project Officer
Salary: £21,840 pro-rata per annum
Status: 21 hours per week; nine-month fixed term contract
Location: Edinburgh based with a blend of home and office working
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) champions the power of planning in creating prosperous places and vibrant communities. These are important and exciting times for planning in Scotland. RTPI Scotland has been heavily involved with the preparation of the NPF4 and are aiming to be supporting the implementation of the framework. This post will be key in supporting a number of current workstreams including magazine programming and editing, resourcing research, developing a programme to enhance the pipeline of planners, supporting policy development and consultation responses. They are looking for a motivated person who can use collaborative and analytical skills to support the engagement of the Scottish membership on planning policy matters. You will be organised, have strong communication skills, a degree level qualification in a relevant social science subject or working towards completion of an RTPI accredited course and a firm understanding of the current issues facing planners and the planning system. To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter that refers to the criteria in the person specification.
Closing Date: Midnight on Sunday 10 November 2024

Fife Historic Buildings Trust – Trustee Roles
Fife Historic Buildings Trust are recruiting new volunteers to join their Board of Trustees/Directors. Previous board or trustee experience is not necessary and applications are welcomed from all ages and backgrounds for the board to be representative of the beneficiaries the Trust serves. Based on a recent Board skills audit, knowledge or experience in any of the following areas would be of particular interest (but is not essential):

• Enterprise / business planning
• Equality & inclusion
• Fundraising
• IT & Cyber security
• Learning & education
• Legal
• Marketing & communications
• Natural heritage
• Organisational development
• Property management
• Sustainability & climate action

Find out more about the opportunity from the recruitment pack and if you have any questions, please contact Lorraine Bell, FHBT Manager:  lorraine@fifehistoricbuildings.org.uk or 07482 306218.
Closing date: Friday 18 October 2024

BEFS NEWS

BEFS joins the sector in paying tribute to Barbara Cummins, chair of the Cockburn Association and previous Director of Heritage at Historic Environment Scotland. Barbara passed away at home on September 12, following a short illness. A passionate advocate for the role of planning in good place-making she will be very much missed by colleagues and friends.

The Members Debate on Tenements and Retrofit was held last week on 11/09, and can be watched here.
The debate was brought by Graham Simpson MSP, Chair of the Tenement Maintenance Working Group and saw cross party recognition for the recommendations of the industry report ‘Meeting Scotland’s Retrofit Challenge’ and also for those of the Tenement Maintenance Working Group. A full transcript of the debate can be read here. Topics covered Compulsory Owners’ Associations, VAT, Heat in Buildings Bill and the need for a fabric-first approach to retrofitting, improving the building envelope before installing new technology. BEFS was pleased to note Mr Simpson’s view that the work has been one of the best examples ‘that involved parties working together in Parliament, with outside experts, for the common good…we really should see more of that kind of thing’ and looks forward to supporting further activity in these important areas.

And on this topic – BEFS, alongside sector and industry partners met with the Minister for Climate Action earlier this week. The group, coordinated by CIOB, highlighted the cross-portfolio nature of retrofit and related skills, with future meetings planned.

Boosting Scotland’s planning system: Following the Scottish Government’s consultation on Investing in Planning in May this year, the Minister for Public Finance Ivan McKee has announced a new Planning Hub which aims to support planning authorities and to improve resourcing, skills and capacity. Hosted by the Improvement Service, the Hub’s initial focus will be on focus on hydrogen applications. Sarah Gadsden, Chief Executive, Improvement Service said:
“It is good to see the Scottish Government highlight the important role of planning in achieving net zero and their subsequent investment in building capacity in the sector. We are very pleased to host the hub as it complements the Improvement Service’s broader approach to supporting public service reform and the work of our National Planning Improvement team supporting planning authorities.”

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has unveiled plans for “A New Future for Edinburgh’s Holyrood Park”. This announcement signals potential changes to the management and accessibility of one of Edinburgh’s most iconic green spaces. BEFS members with an interest in urban heritage and public spaces may wish to follow these developments closely.

In case you missed it, earlier this month HES published a review of the Buildings at Risk Register (BARR), the register of historic buildings at risk in Scotland which is currently maintained by HES. Harlow Consultancy were commissioned to carry out a review of the BARR, focusing on ‘assessing its impact in bringing buildings back in to use in order to make evidence-based recommendations for its long-term future’. The finding of the report is that there is insufficient evidence to demonstrate that the BARR has a significant impact in bringing buildings back into use. This has led to HES pausing the BARR in order to consider long-term options for its future. More information and the report can be found on HES website.

And finally, Scotland’s Climate Week will run from 23-29 September, providing a chance to celebrate and encourage climate action, and learn more about tackling climate change by sharing ‘Stories for Change’. Share your story using #ScotClimateWeek to help spark new ideas and inspire others to act.

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

See our Link to Parliamentary Questions and answers for recent questions regarding housing, planning, climate change, land reform, cultural heritage and reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC).

CONSULTATIONS

Inquiry into skills policy
The House of Lords Industry and Regulators Committee
This inquiry is focusing on the role of apprenticeships and in-work training in delivering the skills the UK economy needs for the future. The inquiry is examining whether the UK’s current systems and policies for apprenticeships and in-work training are working and, if not, how they should be reformed. In doing so, the inquiry is considering the responsibilities of Government, employers, training providers, and individuals, and the incentives facing these groups.
Closes 27 September 2024

Draft Tall Buildings Design Guide Consultation
Glasgow City Council
The Glasgow City Centre Strategic Development Framework (SDF), adopted in 2021, provides flexible urban design guidelines and suggests creating specific guidelines for tall buildings to assist developers and planners. For sustainable growth, these projects need to focus on quality and clear goals. To help with this, the Tall Building Design Guidance was created, offering advice for developers and planning officers to make the pre-application process smoother and ensure buildings are well-designed and appropriately located. This consultation covers the areas as defined by the City Centre SDF and welcomes views from members of the public, technical experts, and Strategic Partners on the impact of tall buildings in the city centre and ways to improve the city in this modern environment.
Closes 30 September 2024

Building Regulations: Determining the principles for a Scottish equivalent to the Passivhaus standard: Stage 1 consultation
Scottish Government
Scottish building regulations set minimum standards applicable to new buildings and to new work to existing buildings. This consultation is the first of two which will consider the technical, commercial and wider policy implications of improvements to building regulations in the context of broader action by the Scottish Government on climate change, to further our ambition of becoming a net-zero society by 2045.
Closes 23 October 2024

Calanais Standing Stones – Improving community, economic and conservation benefits
Historic Environment Scotland
This consultation focusses on potential changes to access and charging arrangements at Calanais Standing Stones. HES are working to deliver a new combined visitor experience at the site, in collaboration with the local community-led trust Urras nan Tursachan (UnT), who independently own, manage and operate the Calanais Standing Stones visitor centre. Further information on the visitor centre redevelopment can be found here.
Closes 31 October 2024

CONSULTATION RESPONSES

Draft Scottish National Adaptation Plan 3 (SNAP3) 2024-29 – consultation analysis (Scot Gov 04/09/2024)

PETITIONS

Submission from the Scottish Government on PE2113: Provide support to RAAC-affected communities (Scot Parl 22/08/2024)

SPICe briefing regarding PE2105: Safeguard Scottish Listed Buildings at risk of unnecessary demolition (Scot Parl 04/09/2024)

NEWS RELEASES

Demolition safest option for RAAC-affected homes (Aberdeen City Council 21/08/2024)

House Price Index for August 2024 (Halifax September 2024)

VisitScotland appoints new Director of Marketing and Digital (VisitScotland 02/09/2024)

Review of Buildings at Risk Register published (HES 03/09/2024)

A New Future for Edinburgh’s Holyrood Park (HES 04/09/2024)

Programme for Government announcement: Creative Scotland response (Creative Scotland 04/09/2024)

NRS Chief Executive appointed (National Records of Scotland 12/09/2024)

7 Most Endangered Call for Nominations: Deadline extended to 30 September 2024 (Europa Nostra 12/09/2024)

PUBLICATIONS

Applying a retrofit and low-carbon technology archetype approach to buildings in Scotland (The University of Edinburgh 29/02/2024)

Multidimensional creativity as a mediator between cultural heritage and regional economic development in England (Historic England 19/08/2024)

Accelerating net zero delivery What can UK cities learn from around the world? (Centre for Cities September 2024)

Powering up planning: How the Planning System Builds Community Wealth (CLES 11/09/2024)

56 Degree Insight: Scottish Tourism Index – Summer edition (STA 12/09/2024)

Assessing the role of planning reform in meeting the Government’s housing targets (Resolution Foundation 12/09/2024)

2045: The Big Conversation – Conversations 8 – net zero heat & 9 – learning from Denmark (SEDA 12/09/2024)

SCOTTISH & UK: GOVERNMENTAL & PARLIAMENTARY PUBLICATIONS

Recommendations from two Lived Experience Panels regarding consideration of the Housing (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 30/08/2024)

Climate change delivery: improvement report (Scot Gov 03/09/2024)

Developing Scotland’s Economy: Increasing The Role Of Inclusive And Democratic Business Models (Scot Gov 03/09/2024)

Short Term Lets in Scotland Licensing Scheme: Part 2. Supplementary Guidance for Licensing Authorities, Letting Agencies and Platforms (Scot Gov 03/09/2024)

Correspondence between Gillian Martin and the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee regarding climate change delivery (Scot Parl 03/09/2024)

Correspondence from the Scottish Human Rights Commission – written evidence to support the Stage 1 consideration of the Housing (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 03/09/2024)

Local Government, Housing and Planning: Official Report and Minutes (Scot Parl 03/09/2024)

Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee report on the delegated powers contained in the Housing (Scotland) Bill at Stage 1 (Scot Gov 03/09/2024)

Fiscal pre-budget update: Cabinet Secretary for Finance (Scot Gov 03/09/2024)

Scottish Government Pre-Budget Fiscal Update: Letter to Finance Committee (Scot Gov 03/09/2024)

Urgent action taken to balance Budget (Scot Gov 03/09/2024)

Review of Creative Scotland (Scot Gov 04/09/2024)

Grenfell Tower Inquiry report: Letter to Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee (Scot Gov 04/09/2024)

Programme for Government: First Minister’s speech (Scot Gov 04/09/2024)

Programme for Government 2024-25: Serving Scotland (Scot Gov 04/09/2024)

Building and Fire Safety – Ministerial Working Group: Grenfell Inquiry phase 2 (Scot Gov 05/09/2024)

Climate Change Bill published (Scot Gov 05/09/2024)

Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 05/09/2024)

Progress in reducing emissions in Scotland 2023: SG response (Scot Gov 05/09/2024)

The Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act 2024 (Commencement) Regulations 2024 (UK Gov 05/09/2024)

Correspondence from the Scottish Human Rights Commission supporting the Stage 1 consideration of the Housing (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 05/09/2024)

Housing: Modern Methods of Construction [re traditional building skills] (House of Lords 05/09/2024)

Grey Belt inquiry launched by the Built Environment Committee (UK Parl 06/09/2024)

SPICe briefing: Climate Change (Emission Reductions Targets) (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 06/09/2024)

Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill: island communities impact assessment (Scot Gov 06/09/2024)

Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets)(Scotland) Bill: Fairer Scotland Duty statement (Scot Gov 06/09/2024)

Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets)(Scotland) Bill: child rights and wellbeing impact assessment (Scot Gov 06/09/2024)

Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) across the public sector in Scotland (Scot Gov 09/09/2024)

Single Building Assessment programme: spending information (Scot Gov 09/09/2024)

Building and fire safety working group minutes: June 2024 (Scot Gov 09/09/2024)

SPICe Briefing: Local Government Finance (SPICe 09/09/2024)

Local Government, Housing and Planning: Official Report and Minutes (Scot Gov 10/09/2024)

Correspondence between the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee and Paul McLennan regarding the government’s amendments to the Housing (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 10/09/2024)

Retrofitting and Tenement Maintenance debate on motion S6M-14024 (Scot Parl 11/09/2024)

Growing Scotland’s net zero economy (Scot Gov 11/09/2024)

Proposals and appeals against non-domestic revaluations (Scot Gov 11/09/2024)

Building and Fire Safety Expert Working Group minutes: May 2024 (Scot Gov 11/09/2024)

Speaker’s Statement – full list of Westminster Committee chairs (UK Gov 11/09/2024)

Building Safety and Resilience Debate (UK Gov 11/09/2024)

Delegated powers in the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill at Stage 1 (Scot Parl 12/09/2024)

Programme for Government (Growing Scotland’s Green Economy) debate on motion S6M-14431 (Scot Parl 12/09/2024)

Correspondence between Gillian Martin and the Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee on the Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 12/09/2024)

Scottish Islands Survey 2023: main findings report (Scot Gov 17/09/2023)

Public appointment: Member appointed to the Board of the Scottish Housing Regulator (Scot Gov 17/09/2024)

OPINION & COMMENT

Housing emergency declared in Aberdeen (BBC News 05/09/2024)

Local growth plans must reach City regions across the UK’s nations (Centre for Public Policy 05/09/2024)

New SNP housing law plans face ‘legal implications’ (The Herald 05/09/2024)

Consultation on tourist tax plan for Scottish Highlands (BBC News 05/09/2024)

Good Growth for Cities Index published (Demos-PwC 09/09/2024)

Scotland’s Human Rights Bill: A promise unfulfilled (Centre for Public Policy 09/09/2024)

Scottish councils facing £500m funding gap amid fears over cuts to services (The Scotsman 09/09/2024)

Scotland’s Levelling Up millions at risk (The Herald 12/09/2024)

Grenfell Inquiry Phase  2 Report: how it could affect the construction industry (Forsters LLP 16/09/2024)

MOTIONS

S6M-14300
Submitted by: Dr. Sandesh Gulhane, Glasgow, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 04/09/2024
That the Parliament welcomes the return of the Glasgow Doors Open Days festival, which will run from 16 to 22 September 2024; understands that the festival has been organised by Glasgow Building Preservation since it began in 1990 as part of the City of Culture celebrations, and that it is now in its 35th year; notes that the theme of this year’s festival is “We’re All Here: Diversity of Diaspora”, focusing, it understands, on how immigration and emigration have shaped Glasgow into the multicultural place that it is today and inviting people to explore how diaspora communities have influenced and contributed to Glasgow’s rich cultural heritage; notes that the week-long programme of events allows residents and visitors alike the opportunity to access open buildings, guided walks and talks, all for free, and wishes all involved in this popular festival all the best for its continued success.

S6M-14375
Submitted by: Gordon MacDonald, Edinburgh Pentlands, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 09/09/2024
That the Parliament congratulates the Scottish Traditional Building Forum on delivering the 12th Edinburgh Traditional Building Festival in August 2024; notes that the event focussed on sustainability of traditional buildings; recognises the efforts of the forum to celebrate Edinburgh’s traditional buildings, bringing together experts with the wider public, in order to demonstrate knowledge and skills across a whole spectrum of traditional construction skills; understands that the festival was a collaboration between Edinburgh World Heritage Trust, the National Federation of Roofing Contractors, Historic Environment Scotland, Federation of Master Builders Scotland, the Stone Federation Great Britain, the British Geological Survey and Nevin Decorators; believes that this collaborative approach plays a vital role in widening the public’s understanding of the importance of maintaining Scotland’s traditional buildings with the right knowledge and skills, and thanks each of the organisations for their ongoing efforts to protect and maintain Scotland’s historic built environment.

S6M-14426
Submitted by: Emma Roddick, Highlands and Islands, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 10/09/2024
That the Parliament welcomes reports that doubling the council tax on second and long-term empty homes has contributed to an £8.6 million windfall for Highland Council; appreciates that this is in line with Scottish Government legislation, which allows local authorities to double the standard council tax charge for second homes; understands that Highland Council has reported a significant number of such houses moving back into permanent use; considers that, sadly, these figures demonstrate a large number of economically inactive homes in a region that also experiences high house prices and homelessness, particularly amongst young people; believes that encouraging the use of existing stock is an important step in tackling the housing emergency, by encouraging more houses to be used as homes, and encourages other local authorities to follow this lead and achieve similar benefits for their local communities.

S6M-14431
Submitted by: Kate Forbes, Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 10/09/2024
That the Parliament recognises the actions outlined in the Programme for Government 2024-25 to grow the economy, eradicate child poverty, invest in Scotland’s public services, and tackle the climate and nature emergencies; welcomes the publication of the Green Industrial Strategy to ensure that Scotland and its communities benefit economically from the global transition to net zero, including the creation of good, well-paid jobs; acknowledges the need to translate Scotland’s strengths into competitive advantages in the global race; agrees that actions to promote investment, attract and develop a skilled workforce, support fair work and encourage innovation are essential for transforming Scotland’s economy, and recognises that, by laying out concrete actions to accelerate the transition to net zero and position the green economy for long-term success, the Green Industrial Strategy will help build internationally competitive clusters in sectors such as onshore and offshore wind, carbon capture and storage, and green professional services.

EVENTS

Heritage Trust Network – Conference 2024
Date & Time: Sunday 29 September – Tuesday 1 October 2024
Location: Dunfermline
Heritage Trust Network is bringing its conference to Dunfermline in 2024. Conference is always the highlight of the year, a fun and friendly mix of inspirational speakers, lively discussions and fascinating tours and visits to historic sites and community projects. Dunfermline has been chosen as the venue because of its fascinating mix of historic sites and the way local organisations are working together to make the most of its heritage assets following the granting of city status in 2022. The incredible philanthropic legacy of Andrew Carnegie is woven through the city’s cultural infrastructure. Network member, Fife Historic Buildings Trust, has recently been granted three-years of funding to help it develop restoration and re-use projects in Dunfermline.

Scottish Heritage Social Media Group – Are Social Media Skills Transferrable?
Date & Time: Wednesday 2 October 2024; 3-4pm
Location: Online
Join the Scottish Heritage Social Media Group (SHSMG) for their October event featuring David C. Weinczok FSAScot, Heritage Interpretation Officer at The Trimontium Trust. David will discuss how social media skills can be transferrable in the heritage sector, sharing insights from his varied career as a Scottish historian, researcher, author, and speaker. The event will cover transitioning to roles beyond content creation and how to expand your career options. This free online event includes a Q&A session and is ideal for those using social media to promote Scottish history, heritage, archaeology, museums, or archives.

Under One Roof – Navigating tenement building repairs: South Ayrshire
Date & Time: Thursday 3 October 2024; 1-3pm
Location: Ayr Town Hall, 21-29 New Bridge St, Ayr KA7 1JX
Join Under One Roof and South Ayrshire Council for a free and informative afternoon on navigating tenement building repairs. Topics covered will include important tenement legislation, organising common repairs, and dealing with non-payment. South Ayrshire Council will also give a presentation on Missing Shares, empty homes, and how owners can use the Novoville Shared Repairs app. There will be a Q&A session at the end.

Society of Antiquaries of Scotland – October Lecture: ‘Fragile treasures: textiles of the Galloway Hoard’
Date & Time: Thursday 3 October 2024; 6-8pm
Location: Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL (wheelchair accessible)
The Galloway Hoard is an assemblage of Viking Age objects that were buried in southwest Scotland around 900 CE. With quantities of silver and other materials, the hoard is large, complex, and valuable. Remarkably, wrapping and covering the metal objects are preserved textiles, leather, and braids that bundle, connect and contain the metal, glass and rock crystal items.  This lecture presents the team’s analysis of the hoard’s fabrics and considers the significance of these rare materials for understanding this extraordinary assemblage. This talk will be presented by Dr Susanna Harris PhD FSAScot, University of Glasgow.

Edinburgh 900 – Archaeology Conference 2024
Date & Time: Saturday 12 October 2024; 9am-5pm
Location: Lecture Theatre A, University of Edinburgh, 40 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9JX
This conference is organised jointly by the City of Edinburgh Council Archaeology Service and the University of Edinburgh Department of Archaeology as part of the official  celebrations for Edinburgh’s 900th Anniversary. The conference is open to all with an interest in our capital’s rich history. Attendees will hear and discuss the results of important archaeological fieldwork and scientific research on a wide range of topics, from the Burgh’s foundation in the 12th century through to the 20th century.

AHSS Lecture – DJ Johnston-Smith: Echoes of Faith: Protecting Religious Built Heritage in Secular Scotland
Date & Time: Monday 14 October 2024; 6:30pm
Location: Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL (wheelchair accessible)
Note: Lecture will also be streamed online via Zoom
Scotland’s Churches Trust has been protecting and preserving the nation’s sacred buildings since 1978. Its current director, Dr DJ Johnston-Smith, discusses some of the innovative ways the Trust has championed Scotland’s religious built heritage over the past five decades, and how it is responding to the ongoing mass closure of Scottish churches and the emerging need to safeguard the country’s remaining collection of historic religious buildings.
Tickets available in advance or on the door: £6 / students £2 /

Under One Roof – Navigating tenement building repairs: West Lothian
Date & Time: Thursday 24 October 2024; 1-2pm
Location: Online
Join Under One Roof for a free and informative webinar on navigating tenement building repairs in West Lothian. Topics covered will include important tenement legislation, organizing common repairs, and dealing with non-payment. The session will end with a Q&A. Presenters include Mike Heffron, Chief Executive of Under One Roof, and Stephen Kelly, Education and Training Officer at Under One Roof. This webinar is suitable for anyone involved in tenement maintenance and repairs, including flat owners, landlords, and property managers.

AHSS Lecture – Fiona Sinclair: Streamlining the Streets
Date & Time: Thursday 24 October 2024; 7:30pm
Location: St Andrews West Church & Renfield Centre, 260 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 4JP
Note: Lecture will also be streamed online via Zoom
A surprising amount of construction took place in Renfrewshire during the 1930s. Fiona Sinclair, architect and historian, will illustrate the wealth of buildings from the inter-war period in Renfrewshire and highlight the achievements of some remarkable architects.
Tickets available in advance or on the door: £6 / students £2 / season ticket for all 5 lectures: £25

Under One Roof – Tenement maintenance and repairs: Falkirk
Date & Time: Tuesday 29 October 2024; 3-4.30pm
Location: Online
Join Under One Roof for a webinar with Falkirk Council for flat owners, landlords, and letting agents across the Falkirk area. The webinar will cover tenement maintenance, organising common repairs, and includes a Q&A session.

National Churches Trust – Building Sustainable Futures for Scottish Churches : Meet the Funders
Date & Time: Friday 1 November 2024; 10am-4pm
Location: Paisley Abbey, Abbey Close, Paisley PA1 1JG
Join the National Churches Trust at Paisley Abbey to chat with funders and advisers all under one roof. They are there to help support all aspects of the work within your church building, whether it is from community, heritage, faith, tourism, or climate action sectors.  Whether you are a congregation looking to repair a roof or to expand your community outreach; or a community organisation considering how to prepare a business plan and get advice on which insurance you will need, there will be someone there to help.  Meet with the experts across the sectors and chat with churches, communities and organisations who have already tackled the challenges you are facing.

Society of Antiquaries of Scotland – November Lecture: ‘Committing sexual violence in 1920s Scotland’.
Date & Time: Thursday 14 November 2024; 6-8pm
Location: Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL (wheelchair accessible)
In Scotland, men have gained a longstanding reputation for violence and brutality, signifiers of ‘real men’ earned through hard physical labour, fighting and ‘pay-packet masculinity’. Men commit the majority of recorded sexual violence which can be a barometer for society’s public and private pressures and structural inequalities. Taking a whole-nation qualitative and quantitative approach, this lecture explores incest and rape cases prosecuted between 1918-1930 and attempts to answer the principal questions: who assaulted whom, where, how and why?
This talk will be presented by Dr Louise Heren FRHistS FSAScot, Independent Researcher.

AHSS Lecture – Niall Murphy: The Glasgow Cenotaph
Date & Time: Thursday 21 November 2024; 7:30pm
Location: St Andrews West Church & Renfield Centre, 260 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 4JP
Note: Lecture will also be streamed online via Zoom
In its centenary year, Niall Murphy, Director of Glasgow City Heritage Trust, will discuss Sir John James Burnet’s design for the Glasgow Cenotaph and how it sits within the context of the other war memorials he produced for the likes of the Imperial War Graves Commission.
Tickets available in advance or on the door: £6 / students £2 / season ticket for all 5 lectures: £25

Scotland’s Towns Partnership – Conference 2024
Date & Time: Wednesday 27 November 2024; 9am-5pm
Location: Perth Concert Hall, Perth PH1 5HZ
STC24 highlights the importance of cultural, built, and natural assets in driving economic, social, and environmental progress in Scotland’s towns and places. Discuss, learn about and connect with the resilient and thriving places showcasing at Scotland’s Towns Conference 2024: “Investing in Our Assets for Sustainable Towns of the Future.” This year’s conference will delve into the critical role of cultural, built, and natural assets in fostering local economic, social, and environmental transformative change. Join the STP for an inspiring yet practice-based experience featuring study visits, keynote speakers, interactive workshops, collaborative world café sessions and a solutions-based exhibition.

 

SPAB – Maintaining Scotland’s Churches
Date & Time: Thursday 26 September 2024; 9:30am-3:45pm
Location: St Matthew’s Church, Tay Street, Perth PH1 5 LQ
Are you involved in caring for and maintaining a place of worship in Scotland?  This introductory one-day course will explore how your historic church building works and the practical steps you can take to look after it.  You’ll be able to put your new knowledge into action right away, with a practical exercise looking at the host building inside and out to identify maintenance issues and areas of vulnerability. There will also be the opportunity to discuss your own church building with the course tutors and others attending.

C&BS – People Matters | Disability Equality Training
Date & Time: Thursday 3 October 2024; 9:30am-12:30pm
Location: Online
This training with Birds of Paradise is underpinned by an extensive knowledge of equality and access within the sector as well as the wider context of how we view disability and think about equality within society. We know disabled people continue to experience significant barriers in the culture sector and elsewhere. This training offers a relaxed way to gain the skills and confidence to remove these barriers. The knowledge, skills, and tools you gain during the session will apply across all areas of your work and motivate you to make a positive change. In this three-hour session you will learn about: Cultural representation: how disability is viewed and its impact; Models of disability; Legislation & activism: where we’ve been and how we got here; Language around disability; Access requirements and removing barriers. This course is ideal for anyone who would like to learn more about disability equality, and create more inclusive, accessible environments within their work.

C&BS – Board Matters | Introduction to being a Board Member
Date & Time: Wednesday 9 October & Wednesday 16 October 2024; 4-7pm
Location: Online
Do you have new trustees on your Board, or have you taken on a trustee role yourself? If so, this is an essential course for launching or refreshing your Board career. C&BS Head of Board Development, Catriona Reynolds, takes new trustees and Board members through their paces in two information-packed, hands-on sessions. Over the two three-hour online sessions, you’ll explore: duties of charitable trustees/board members; different roles and responsibilities of board members and staff; meeting management and decision-making; advocacy and fundraising responsibilities; the trustee’s role in strategic planning; understanding the finances. This will be useful for new trustees and Board members seeking an introduction to their roles and responsibilities.

HES – Heritage Planning Day
Date & Time: Thursday 10 October 2024; 9:30am-4pm
Location: The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling FK8 1QZ
Members of Historic Environment Scotland’s Heritage Team and Stirling Council 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.

C&BS – People Matters | Equalities within Boards
Date & Time: Wednesday 6 November 2024; 12-1pm
Location: Online
Equality, diversity and inclusion are essential to ensuring the culture sector is the very best it can be.
In this sector insight, employment law specialist Barry Nichol will explore how to ensure that EDI policies carry through to board level. Topics covered include Legal obligations surrounding Equalities and Boards; Strategies for ensuring Boards are representative and inclusive including how to recruit; Strategies for ensuring Board governance is fair and equitable. This will be useful to anyone who is involved in governance at their organisation, who would like to ensure their Board is as inclusive and equitable as possible.

C&BS – People Matters | Tools and Procedures for Accessibility
Date & Time: Thursday 14 November 2024; 9:30am-12:30pm
Location: Online
This disabled-led training with Birds of Paradise is underpinned by an extensive knowledge of equality and access within the sector and offers practical guidance on how to work accessibly, particularly when planning activities and events. Participants will leave feeling more comfortable and confident in their interactions with disabled people. The knowledge, skills & tools they gain during the session will apply across all areas of their work and motivate them to make a positive change. In this three-hour session you will learn about: Access Requirements Forms; Access Statements; Planning for Access. This course is ideal for anyone who would like to learn more about disability equality, and create more inclusive, accessible environments within their work.

VACANCIES

Scottish Historic Buildings Trust – Trustee Roles
Scottish Historic Buildings Trust seeks four new trustees with expertise in areas such as strategy, finance, heritage conservation, marketing, fundraising, property development and asset management. Help shape the future of this leading organisation dedicated to preserving Scotland’s historic buildings. 3-year term, 4 meetings per year. For more information visit www.shbt.org.uk. To apply, email CV and cover letter to maggie.wright@mwa.co

BEFS NEWS

On Tuesday, Scotland’s finance secretary Shona Robison presented the pre-budget fiscal update, announcing substantial cuts to government spending. In relation to Government Spend and Capital Budget, of note was that due to inflationary impact on construction costs, spend will be focused on essential maintenance to infrastructure. Ms Robison confirmed the Programme for Government, which is being announced later today, will outline plans for fair, green economic growth. BEFS will continue to monitor and provide updates as they appear over the coming days.

A new suite of reports has been published by Historic Environment Scotland, highlighting the strength and contribution of Scotland’s historic environment and looking at the steps needed for future success. Following the launch of Our Past, Our Future: The Strategy for Scotland’s Historic Environment last year, BEFS welcomes this work as a significant milestone. We look forward to the strategy further supporting collaborative working and innovative approaches towards delivering the benefits of the historic environment for people and places.

• OPOF Delivery Framework
• OPOF Summary and Detailed Baseline Reports
• OPOF Year 1 Report

BEFS congratulates The Scottish Traditional Building Forum who are celebrating the end of a very successful 12th Edinburgh Traditional Building Festival. This year’s event was hosted by Edinburgh World Heritage and the free talks, demonstrations and tours raising the profile of the skills, materials and knowledge required to repair and maintain traditional buildings were well attended.

We were very sad to note the loss of Euan MacDonald MBE. Euan’s ground-breaking work led to improved accessibility for millions of people, with Euan’s Guide freely sharing information and advice to help remove barriers to accessing and enjoying Scotland’s places, including sites of historic significance.

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

See our Link to Parliamentary Questions and Answers and answers for recent questions regarding Short-term Lets, RAAC, Retrofitting and Permitted Development Rights.

CONSULTATIONS

Survey on Private Investment in Culture & Heritage
Creative Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland and Museums Galleries Scotland are working together to develop understanding of private investment in the cultural and heritage sectors in Scotland. The survey includes questions on organisational policies and processes related to private investment, the sourcing and management of private investment and the recent focus on private investment in culture and heritage. Responses to the survey are gathered anonymously and no organisational information will be shared publicly. The survey should take around 15 minutes to complete.
Closes 6 September 2024

Managing Change Guidance Review
Historic Environment Scotland (HES)
HES is seeking feedback on their Managing Change guidance series to ensure it aligns with current policy and national priorities. The survey aims to understand how the guidance is currently used and how it can be improved as a tool to support decision-making in the historic environment. Feedback will inform priorities for new guidance topics and updates. The survey covers various aspects of the Managing Change guidance, including its use in planning, land management, and other decision-making processes.
Closes 17 September 2024

Draft Tall Buildings Design Guide Consultation
Glasgow City Council
The Glasgow City Centre Strategic Development Framework (SDF), adopted in 2021, provides flexible urban design guidelines and suggests creating specific guidelines for tall buildings to assist developers and planners. For sustainable growth, these projects need to focus on quality and clear goals. To help with this, the Tall Building Design Guidance was created, offering advice for developers and planning officers to make the pre-application process smoother and ensure buildings are well-designed and appropriately located. This consultation covers the areas as defined by the City Centre SDF and welcomes views from members of the public, technical experts, and Strategic Partners on the impact of tall buildings in the city centre and ways to improve the city in this modern environment.
Closes 30 September 2024

Building Regulations: Determining the principles for a Scottish equivalent to the Passivhaus standard: Stage 1 consultation
Scottish Government
Scottish building regulations set minimum standards applicable to new buildings and to new work to existing buildings. This consultation is the first of two which will consider the technical, commercial and wider policy implications of improvements to building regulations in the context of broader action by the Scottish Government on climate change, to further our ambition of becoming a net-zero society by 2045.
Closes 23 October 2024

Calanais Standing Stones – Improving community, economic and conservation benefits
Historic Environment Scotland
This consultation focusses on potential changes to access and charging arrangements at Calanais Standing Stones. HES are working to deliver a new combined visitor experience at the site, in collaboration with the local community-led trust Urras nan Tursachan (UnT), who independently own, manage and operate the Calanais Standing Stones visitor centre. Further information on the visitor centre redevelopment can be found here.
Closes 31 October 2024

Survey on barrier to retrofitting historic buildings
FuturHist project
Help identify the barriers to decarbonise historic buildings by completing the FuturHist Barrier Survey. Practitioners, heritage specialists, architects, researchers, building managers and owners are welcome to participate in the study led by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS). The survey is part of FuturHist, a European project cofunded by the European Union and the UK Research and Innovation. FuturHist aims to develop integrated and replicable retrofit solutions for historic buildings, using a typology-based approach, to ensure their transition towards clean energy.
Closes 15 September 2024

PETITIONS

Ministerial submission on PE2089: Stop More National Parks in Scotland (Scot Gov 21/08/2024)

NEWS RELEASES

Celebrating the Launch of Scotland’s Vacant and Derelict Land Hub (Scottish Land Commission 14/08/2024)

Three sites announced as pilot locations in UKNC’s groundbreaking new Climate Change & UNESCO Heritage project (UK National Commission 15/08/2024)

Applications are open for the SPAB Fellowship 2025 (SPAB 28/08/2024)

AHSS Advocates for Heritage Protection in Response to Scottish Government’s New Permitted Development Rights (AHSS 28/08/2024)

Our response to the Scottish Parliament’s pre-budget scrutiny for 2025-26 (Museums Galleries Scotland 21/08/2024)
Evidence submitted to Holyrood details how Scottish museums and galleries are facing funding disadvantages compared to the rest of the UK and to Scotland’s wider culture sector.

The Big Conversation: Money (SEDA 30/08/2024)
The seventh film (in a series of 10) from 2045:The Big Conversation, focusing on how we manage our financial resources to deliver effective and fair change for all.

Profits from community windfarm to fund a million native trees in Hebrides (Guardian 31/08/2024)

New reports highlight the strength and contribution of Scotland’s historic environment (HES 02/09/2024)

SCVO Briefing to Scottish Parliament: Programme for Government 2024/25 (SCVO 02/09/2024)

Who wants what from Programme for Government 2024 (NewsDirect 03/09/2024)

PUBLICATIONS

Retrofit at Scale (Sustainable Development Foundation 31/07/2024)

Driving ‘natural’ renewal – the progressive case for restoring the natural environment (IPPR August 2024)

How a strengthened National Performance Framework can drive effective government in Scotland (Carnegie UK August 2024)

Scotland’s Historic Environment Audit 2024 (HES 29/08/2024)

National Report on the Scottish Social Housing Charter – Headline Findings – 2023-2024 (Scottish Housing Regulator 30/08/2024)

How the government can build more homes (Institute for Government 30/08/2024)

National Report on the Scottish Social Housing Charter – Headline Findings – 2023-2024 (Scottish Housing Regulator 30/08/2024)

Our Past, Our Future – Annual Report 2023-24 (HES 02/09/2024)

Our Past, Our Future Delivery Framework (HES 02/09/2024)

Our Past, Our Future Summary and Detailed Baseline Reports (HES 02/09/2024)

Our Past, Our Future Year 1 Report (HES 02/09/2024)

SCOTTISH & UK: GOVERNMENTAL & PARLIAMENTARY PUBLICATIONS

The Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee Pre-Budget Scrutiny 2025-26: Submissions from the Local Government Information Unit, the Accounts Commission, the Scottish Human Rights Commission and Professor David Heald (Scot Parl August 2024)

Thematic analysis of responses to the inquiry on the National Performance Framework (SPICe 16/08/2024)

Non-domestic rates income statistics (Scot Gov 21/08/2024)

How to quantify the economic impact of the UK’s heritage (UK Gov 22/08/2024)

Tourism and Hospitality Industry Leadership Group minutes: June 2024 (Scot Gov 27/08/2024)

The Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Short-term Lets) (Amendment) Order 2024 Impact Assessments (Scot Gov 29/08/2024)

Fixing unsafe buildings must be faster, Deputy Prime Minister tells roundtable of regulators and partners (UK Gov 29/08/2024)

Planning: Proportionality of Assessments Short Life Working Group minutes: June 2024 (Scot Gov 30/08/2024)

Short Term Lets in Scotland Licensing Scheme: Part 1. Guidance for Hosts and Operators (Scot Gov 30/08/2024)

Housing (Scotland) Bill: child rights and wellbeing impact assessment (Scot Gov 30/08/2024)

Correspondence between Ivan McKee and the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee on the work the government has taken to implement the National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) (Scot Parl 30/08/2024)

Response from COSLA, Solace and CIPFA Directors of Finance to the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee’s Pre-Budget Scrutiny 2025-26 (Scot Parl 30/08/2024)

Correspondence between Paul McLennan and the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee regarding the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Short-term Lets) Amendment Order 2024 (Scot Parl 30/08/2024)

Delivering a wealthier, fairer and greener Scotland (Scot Gov 02/09/2024)

Culture Fair Work Taskforce minutes: July 2024 (Scot Gov 03/09/2024)

Housing (Scotland) Bill – clerks note (Scot Parl 03/09/2024)

Finance and Public Administration Committee: clerk’s note, SPICe summary of SFC publications, and meeting minutes (Scot Parl 03/09/2024)

Social Justice and Social Security Committee: clerk’s note (Scot Parl 04/09/2024)

Housing (Scotland) Bill – clerk’s note (Scot Parl 04/09/2024)

OPINION & COMMENT

‘This shouldn’t have happened’: Women into Construction shuts down (Construction News 16/08/2024)

A visit to Glasgow’s vibrant cultural heritage scene, created by people for people (European Heritage Hub 19/08/2024)

Edinburgh backs introduction of new ‘tourist tax’ (BBC News 22/08/2024)

National register needed of buildings with RAAC, say Lib Dems (STV News 25/08/2024)

Glasgow city council to consider case for tourist tax (The Herald 27/08/2024)

Can new towns give Keir Starmer the answer to Britain’s housing crisis? (The Observer 01/09/2024)

Will the Glasgow School of Art ever be rebuilt? (Apollo Magazine 02/09/2024)

Budget cuts will have ‘profound effect’ on Scottish services – Robison (BBC News 03/09/2024)

EVENTS

C&BS – Fundraising Matters: Introduction to Fundraising
Date & Time: Tuesday 10 September 2024 & Tuesday 17 September 2024; 9:30am-12:30pm
Location: Online
This introductory course, led by Pam Judson, gives you the best possible foundations for starting your fundraising career.
£120 + VAT for C&BS members. £190 + VAT for non-members

C&BS – Board Matters: Thinking of Joining a Board?
Date & Time: Thursday 12 September 2024; 12-1pm
Location: Online
Do you care about the culture sector and want to play a part in its future?  Then being a board member or trustee just might be for you.  This webinar with Catriona Reynolds will help you understand what being on the Board of a cultural charity is all about.
FREE for C&BS members. £35 + VAT for non-members.

SPAB – Maintaining Scotland’s Churches
Date & Time: Thursday 26 September 2024; 9:30am-3:45pm
Location: St Matthew’s Church, Tay Street, Perth PH1 5 LQ
Are you involved in caring for and maintaining a place of worship in Scotland?  This introductory one-day course will explore how your historic church building works and the practical steps you can take to look after it.  You’ll be able to put your new knowledge into action right away, with a practical exercise looking at the host building inside and out to identify maintenance issues and areas of vulnerability. There will also be the opportunity to discuss your own church building with the course tutors and others attending.

VACANCIES

BEFS NEWS

Due to annual leave and team recruitment BEFS are currently running at reduced capacity. Despite this, our full bulletin service will resume in September! In the meantime, please enjoy our round up of sector news.

BEFS is delighted to announce two new appointments: Ilona McAllister has been an invaluable member of BEFS team for some time, and has this month taken on the new role of BEFS Head of Operations. Ilona brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to this crucial role in BEFS development.
We are also pleased to congratulate Hazel Johnson – previously BEFS Policy and Strategy Manager – who has been appointed BEFS Director after taking on the Interim role at the start of August. Both Ilona and Hazel look forward to working with BEFS Members and the wider sector in their new capacities.

Following the publication in May 2024 of the report Meeting Scotland’s Retrofit Challenge: solutions from the industry there has been cross party support for the report’s key policy recommendations to establish a Ministerial Oversight Group on Retrofit and to develop a long-term Retrofit Delivery Plan with a joined-up approach to funding, regulating and incentivising retrofit work across Scotland. The publication of the Scottish Law Commission’s discussion paper on the proposed scheme for owners’ associations was also welcomed, recognising that the paper follows the work and recommendations of the Tenement Maintenance Working Group, which was established to explore actions to improve the condition of Scotland’s tenements.

Historic Environment Scotland’s (HES) Grants Funding Report 2023-24 was released in July, providing detailed information on how grant funding has supported communities and historic places all over Scotland. On average HES awards around £13.5 million in grants each year on behalf of the Scottish Government to projects that protect and promote the historic environment.

The theme of the annual SPAB-STBA Conference is New Ideas for Old Buildings: Education, Application & Innovation; exploring where tradition meets innovation, and how the past informs the future. Innovators and experts in the heritage and sustainability fields are being invited to submit contributions to present at the conference in York on Tuesday 5 November. They are keen to hear from professionals who can offer insights, share experiences, and present cutting-edge research on a wide array of topics within the theme: submissions need to be made via this form by 5pm on Monday 2 September 2024.

The Scottish Ecological Design Association (SEDA) has released the first of ten short films following their Big Conversation days held in February and March 2024. The films present the key points made by a broad range of stakeholders in the built environment at this key time when Scotland is working to deliver the Just Transition to Net Zero. The first film looked at how we think about our future and how ready we are to change and includes contributions from BEFS former Director Ailsa Macfarlane, Euan Leitch, CEO of SURF, Robert Toomey of RICS, and Chris Stewart, President of RIAS. The whole series of films can be found here as they are released.

The University of Edinburgh & Edinburgh World Heritage have published Retrofitting Historic Sash & Case Windows, a quick start guide for homeowners, based on actual retrofit experiences.

Applications for the Scottish Government’s Scottish Connections Fund 2024-25 are now open. Grants of up to £5,000 are available for new projects that help to build Scotland’s networks and international links. The Fund is available to any individual or organisation with a Scottish connection – whether those links are through business, education, heritage or a wider affinity with Scottish culture.

We will be back with our regular bi-monthly bulletin schedule from 4 September.

CONSULTATIONS

HES Heritage Directorate Stakeholder Survey
Historic Environment Scotland (HES)
Historic Environment Scotland is seeking feedback on the services provided by its Heritage Directorate. This includes their role in planning, designations, and recording services. The survey aims to understand stakeholder experiences and needs, helping HES prioritise their work effectively. Responses will be collected and analysed by JRS, an independent research company, ensuring anonymity and adherence to data protection regulations.
Closes 30 August 2024

Crofting consultation 2024
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government is determined to ensure that crofting legislation enables and supports the sustainability of crofting, of crofters and crofting communities, and allows crofting to modernise, innovate, diversify, and adapt to help meet today’s and tomorrow’s challenges. This consultation seeks views on a range of proposals for crofting reform which will help to create opportunities for new entrants, encourage the active management and use of crofts and common grazings, and support rural population. The consultation paper contains full background information, including references to current legislation.
Closes 2 September 2024

Managing Change Guidance Review
Historic Environment Scotland (HES)
HES is seeking feedback on their Managing Change guidance series to ensure it aligns with current policy and national priorities, including its use in planning, land management, and other decision-making processes.The survey aims to understand how the guidance is currently used and how it can be improved as a tool to support decision-making in the historic environment. Feedback will inform priorities for new guidance topics and updates.
Closes 17 September 2024

Draft Tall Buildings Design Guide Consultation
Glasgow City Council
The Glasgow City Centre Strategic Development Framework (SDF), adopted in 2021, provides flexible urban design guidelines and suggests creating specific guidelines for tall buildings to assist developers and planners. For sustainable growth, these projects need to focus on quality and clear goals. To help with this, the Tall Building Design Guidance was created, offering advice for developers and planning officers to make the pre-application process smoother and ensure buildings are well-designed and appropriately located. This consultation covers the areas as defined by the City Centre SDF and welcomes views from members of the public, technical experts, and Strategic Partners on the impact of tall buildings in the city centre and ways to improve the city in this modern environment.
Closes 30 September 2024

Building Regulations: Determining the principles for a Scottish equivalent to the Passivhaus standard: Stage 1 consultation
Scottish Government
Scottish building regulations set minimum standards applicable to new buildings and to new work to existing buildings. This consultation is the first of two which will consider the technical, commercial and wider policy implications of improvements to building regulations in the context of broader action by the Scottish Government on climate change, to further our ambition of becoming a net-zero society by 2045.
Closes 23 October 2024

Calanais Standing Stones – Improving community, economic and conservation benefits
Historic Environment Scotland
This consultation focusses on potential changes to access and charging arrangements at Calanais Standing Stones. HES are working to deliver a new combined visitor experience at the site, in collaboration with the local community-led trust Urras nan Tursachan (UnT), who independently own, manage and operate the Calanais Standing Stones visitor centre. Further information on the visitor centre redevelopment can be found here.
Closes 31 October 2024

Barrier Survey
FuturHist
Help address the barriers to energy-efficient historic buildings by completing the FuturHist Barrier Survey. Practitioners, heritage specialists, architects, researchers, building managers, and owners are welcome to participate in the study led by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS).

CONSULTATION RESPONSES

Scottish Law Commission : Discussion Paper on Compulsory Owner’s Associations – Consultation (BEFS 01/08/2024)
BEFS welcomes the paper as a significant milestone and output of one of the recommendations made by the Tenement Maintenance Working Group, towards action to improve the condition of tenement buildings in Scotland through a cohesive Owners Association management structure.
BEFS response highlights all three recommendations made the Tenement Maintenance Working Group, for reforming tenement law:

1. a requirement for tenements to be subject to a building condition inspection every five years;
2. the establishment of compulsory owners’ associations; and
3. establishment of building reserve funds.

These recommendations are considered important, interlinked, and accompanying vehicles towards delivery.

Scotland’s Circular Economy and Waste Route Map to 2030 : Analysis of consultation responses (Scot Gov 02/08/2024)

Pre Budget Scrutiny 2025 -26 : Funding for Culture (BEFS 09/08/2024)
BEFS comments on the budget not only look at what is within the cultural portfolio – but highlight how cultural heritage can be eroded through a lack of investment in data, in planning, and in regeneration; many of the aspects that help to support genuine place-based approaches. BEFS response also notes potential impacts of the Visitor Levy Bill, emphasising the central role that the historic environment specifically – and the built environment more widely – play as a direct contributor to the cultural tourism offer of Scotland.

Investing in Planning – A consultation on resourcing Scotland’s planning system Summary of responses to the consultation (Scot Gov 15/08/2024)

Climate Change Targets Bill: Consultation (BEFS 16/08/2024)
BEFS considers that providing portfolios both directly and indirectly relevant to the existing built environment with the means to support regeneration and investment in places, will ensure that the 2045 target can be met, in addition to contributing to a truly sustainable Scotland.

PETITIONS

Scottish Government Submission on PE2105: Safeguard Scottish Listed Buildings at risk of unnecessary demolition (Scot Gov 08/07/2024)

PE2113: Provide support to RAAC-affected communities (Scot Parl 23/07/2023)
Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to provide support to communities affected by Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete

NEWS RELEASES

If Glasgow’s Walls Could Talk Series 3 (GCHT 27/06/2024)

SURF recommendations for the 24/25 programme for government (SURF July 2024)

SPAB-STBA Conference 2024: New Ideas for Old Buildings – Call for Contributions (SPAB 19/07/2024)

Proposal to designate Glasgow Central Mosque one of the first purpose-built mosques in Scotland, at Category A (HES 24/07/2024)

Housing Regulator publishes analysis of new homes, empty homes and lettings (Scottish Housing regulator 26/07/2024)

RIBA Stirling Prize Shortlist 2024 (RIBA 31/07/2024)

Six historic buildings in Portsoy, Aberdeenshire pass into community ownership protecting and revitalising historic harbour for future generations (The Architectural Heritage Fund 31/07/2024)

PUBLICATIONS

Retrofitting Historic Sash & Case Windows  (The University of Edinburgh & Edinburgh World Heritage July 2024)

Retrofit Revisit: building performance evaluation project (2024) (CIBSE July 2024)

The SURF Awards: Learning from Success. An outcomes report from a series of SURF workshops in 2024 (SURF July 2024)

Historic Environment Scotland Grants Funding Report 2023-24 (HES 17/07/2024)

Private rent and house prices, UK: July 2024 (ONS 17/07/2024)

Scottish Vacant and Derelict Land Survey and Map (Our Place 19/07/2024)

Challenges to Thatch Supply Threaten Vital Rural Industry (Historic England and HES 21/07/2024)

Briefing: Net Zeroing in on investment Priorities for the new Government in delivering a fair transition (Resolution Foundation 22/07/2024)

Adapting Historic Buildings for Energy and Carbon Efficiency (Historic England 23/07/2024)

Place Forum 4: Preventative design (Architecture & Design Scotland 24/07/2024)

The Crown Estate Integrated Annual Report and Accounts 2023/24 (The Crown Estate 24/07/2024)

Museums Galleries Scotland Annual Review 2023-24 (MGS 08/08/2024)

Construction output in Great Britain: June 2024, new orders and Construction Output Price Indices April to June 2024 (ONS 15/08/2024)

Economic activity and social change in the UK, real-time indicators: 15 August 2024 (ONS 15/08/2024)

Cultural Heritage, Creativity and the Creative Economy (Historic England 19/08/2024)

SCOTTISH & UK: GOVERNMENTAL & PARLIAMENTARY PUBLICATIONS

Correspondence between Graham Long and the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee regarding National Outcomes to provide evidence on alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (Scot Parl July 2024)

Correspondence between Paul McLennan and the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee with further detail on Housing to 2040 and building safety, and on how the government plans to respond to the housing emergency (Scot Parl 12/07/2024)

Climate Change Committee: 2024 Progress Report to Parliament (UK Gov 18/07/2024)

Heat in Buildings: Local Government Oversight Group minutes: April 2024 (Scot Gov 18/07/2024)

Building standard 3.3 – flooding and groundwater guidance review: research (Scot Gov 19/07/2024)

Planning and Environmental Appeals Division (DPEA): annual review 2023 to 2024 (Scot Gov 19/07/2024)

Planning and environmental appeals: quarterly performance statistics (Scot Gov 19/07/2024)

Scottish Housing Market Review Q2 2024 (Scot Gov 19/07/2024)

Scottish Vacant and Derelict Land Survey – site register (Scot Gov 19/07/2024)

Correspondence between the Deputy Prime Minister and Defra Secretary of State to environmental NGOs on planning and infrastructure bill (UK Gov 21/07/2024)

Scotland’s New National Park Appraisal Panel: final report (Scot Gov 22/07/2024)

National Park in Galloway: proposal by Scottish Ministers (Scot Gov 22/07/2024)

Correspondence between Mairi Gougeon and the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee regarding the proposal for a new National Park in Galloway (Scot Parl 22/07/2024)

Scottish Connections Fund applications now open (Scot Gov 24/07/2024)

RAAC: Housing Stakeholder Meetings – November 2023; December 2023 & February 2024 (Scot Gov 25/07/2024)

Correspondence between Mairi Gougeon and the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee regarding Stage 2 amendments to Part 2 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 26/07/2024)

Planning permission appeals: housing development statistics (Scot Gov 30/07/2024)

Land reform community mapping tool: guidance (Scot Gov 30/07/2024)

Housing targets increased to get Britain building again (UK Gov 30/07/2024)

Housing (Scotland) Bill: Fairer Scotland Duty Assessment Summary (Scot Gov 31/07/2024)

Housing (Scotland) Bill Island Communities Impact Assessment Results (Scot Gov 31/07/2024)

Building regulations – energy and environmental standards: consultation on proposed changes (Scot Gov 31/07/2024)

Correspondence between Mairi Gougeon and the Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee on the delegated powers in the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill (Scot Gov 31/07/2024)

European Regional Development Fund: annual implementation report (Scot Gov 31/07/2024)

Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill: position paper (Scot Gov 02/08/2024)

Planning applications call-in: Ministerial statement (Scot Gov 02/08/2024)

Scotland’s Circular Economy and Waste Route Map to 2030 : Analysis of consultation responses (Scot Gov 02/08/2024)

The Building Safety Act 2022 (Amendment Notices Transitional Provision) Regulations 2024 (UK Gov 05/08/2024)

Correspondence between The Scottish Land and Estates and the Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee regarding concerns about Mairi Gougeon’s response about the delegated powers within the proposed Land Reform (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 14/08/2024)

Scotland’s Land Use Strategy Annual Progress Report – 2023/2024 (Scot Gov 16/08/2024)

Planning permission appeals: housing development statistics (Scot Gov 20/08/2024)

OPINION & COMMENT

How Edinburgh Tenements Became an Urban Housing Blueprint (Bloomberg 19/07/2024)

Record number of vacant Scottish homes brought back into use (The Times 22/07/2024)

Airbnb crackdown ‘has failed to reduce short-term lets’ (The Times 23/07/2024)

Abolish VAT on regeneration, refurbishment and retrofit projects (Scottish Housing News 25/07/2024)

No response from John Swinney on Scotland’s housing emergency (Third Force News 26/07/2024)

The ‘astonishing’ £130 billion bill for SNP Government’s green buildings target (The Scotsman 30/07/2024)

Why the Radical Road in Edinburgh’s Holyrood Park needs to reopen now after being shut for nearly six years (The Scotsman 31/07/2024)

Angela Rayner doesn’t know what a ‘beautiful’ building is. Has she seen Siena? (The Times 01/08/2024)

How emails reveal Scottish Government officials expected schools Raac funding a year ago (The Scotsman 13/08/2024)

Housing chief intervenes after ministers warn of cuts (The Scotsman 14/08/2024)

Creative Scotland warns of ‘managed decline’ outlook for the arts after being targeted for new cuts (The Scotsman 14/08/2024)

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Link to Parliamentary Questions and Answers

MOTIONS

S6M-13928
Submitted by: Kevin Stewart, Aberdeen Central, Scottish National Party.
Date Lodged: 22/07/2024
That the Parliament believes that the regeneration, refurbishment and retrofitting of Scotland’s buildings and housing stock is vital to maintain vibrant communities, to reduce energy costs and to achieve net zero ambitions; understands that new build projects are zero-rated for VAT, but that refurbishment and retrofit schemes are still subject to the standard rate of 20% VAT; believes that this creates an unlevel playing field and often stops regeneration works from happening to existing buildings, and calls on the UK Government to abolish VAT on the regeneration, refurbishment and retrofitting of buildings in order to help boost sustainable economic growth, to bring derelict buildings back into use. and to achieve Scotland’s net zero targets.

S6M-13943
Submitted by: Lorna Slater, Lothian, Scottish Green Party.
Date Lodged: 24/07/2024
That the Parliament welcomes the announcement of Galloway being selected as Scotland’s next national park; understands that there was considerable interest in the process, with bids from across the country, all carrying bold visions of people and nature thriving together, and welcomes what it sees as the transformative impact that this will have in terms of local nature, communities, investment, protections and opportunities, all to bring forward a fairer and greener country that sustains and celebrates Scotland’s biodiverse nature and landscapes.

S6M-14024
Submitted by: Graham Simpson, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party.
Date Lodged: 07/08/2024
That the Parliament welcomes the publication of the report, Meeting Scotland’s Retrofit Challenge: solutions from the industry, jointly published by 14 leading built environment sector organisations; recognises that this paper follows a “Retrofit Roundtable” meeting convened at the Scottish Parliament in May 2023; notes the support for the report’s key policy recommendations to establish a Ministerial Oversight Group on Retrofit and to develop a long-term Retrofit Delivery Plan with a joined-up approach to funding, regulating and incentivising retrofit work across Scotland, including in the Central Scotland region; further notes the calls on the Scottish Government to significantly increase the pace and scale of retrofit projects being undertaken across the country; welcomes the publication of the Scottish Law Commission’s discussion paper on the proposed scheme for owners’ associations; recognises that this discussion paper follows the work of the Tenement Maintenance Working Group, convened at the Scottish Parliament in March 2018, which was established to explore actions that could be taken to improve the condition of Scotland’s tenements; acknowledges that the Scottish Law Commission’s discussion project responds to the Tenement Maintenance Working Group’s recommendation that every tenement building in Scotland should have an owners’ association to coordinate work to the building and a corresponding reference received from the Scottish Government to that effect in January 2022, and notes the discussion paper’s proposals concerning the functions, powers and duties of a tenement owners’ association, including the role of an association manager, decision-making procedures, liability of owners for costs and the implementation of an annual budgeting system.
Current status: Achieved cross-party support

EVENTS

SLCT – Introduction to Stonemasonry
Date & Time: Tuesday 27 & Wednesday 28 August 2024; 9:30am-4:30pm
Location: Merryhill Training Centre, Charlestown, Dunfermline KY11 3DR
Taught by a time served Stonemason, this course is suitable for all abilities and covers an introduction to tools, techniques, and uses of basic stonemasonry. Learners can take away their practice stones at the end of the day.

SLCT – Introduction to Maintaining Traditional Buildings
Date & Time: Friday 30 August 2024; 10am-3pm
Location: Merryhill Training Centre, Charlestown, Dunfermline KY11 3DR
This course provides the perfect starting point if you are considering undertaking some simple repairs yourself. 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.

C&BS – Sponsorship Matters: Managing Ethics and Risk
Date & Time: Tuesday 3 September 2024; 9:30am-12:30pm
Location: Online
A new training session to support fundraisers with concerns about ethics, due diligence and risk management around sponsorship.
£85 + VAT for C&BS members. £125 + VAT for non-members

C&BS – Fundraising Matters: Introduction to Fundraising
Date & Time: Tuesday 10 September 2024 & Tuesday 17 September 2024; 9:30am-12:30pm
Location: Online
This introductory course, led by Pam Judson, gives you the best possible foundations for starting your fundraising career.
£120 + VAT for C&BS members. £190 + VAT for non-members

C&BS – Board Matters: Thinking of Joining a Board?
Date & Time: Thursday 12 September 2024; 12-1pm
Location: Online
Do you care about the culture sector and want to play a part in its future?  Then being a board member or trustee just might be for you.  This webinar with Catriona Reynolds will help you understand what being on the Board of a cultural charity is all about.
FREE for C&BS members. £35 + VAT for non-members

VACANCIES

BEFS NEWS

The new 2024-2025 Heritage Careers Guide, compiled by Professor Ian Baxter in association with The Heritage Alliance and BEFS, is now available. This comprehensive resource lists a range of useful places to check for vacancies in the heritage sector, aiming to support students and job seekers in finding employment opportunities. The guide has been updated with new links and is freely available for viewing, downloading, and sharing.

With the recent changes in Westminster leadership, BEFS notes new pledges on housing delivery south of the border, with conversations about upcoming planning reform very much in the news. Topics discussed at the recent meeting between newly appointed UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Scottish First Minister John Swinney at Bute House, and Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ speech outlining plans to ‘fix the foundations’ of the UK economy could have implications for Scotland. While focusing on growth, planning reform, and infrastructure development, the Chancellor’s proposals, including changes to the National Planning Policy Framework and onshore wind policies, primarily target England. However, the emphasis on economic growth, increased housing targets, and infrastructure investments may influence policy discussions and decisions north of the border. BEFS will closely monitor any developments, assessing potential impacts on or opportunities for Scottish planning policies, on Scotland’s existing built environment, and any consequent shifts in the Scottish Government’s approach to planning, development, and economic strategy – and will keep members apprised of significant changes in this area.

A further note on planning – BEFS, on behalf of the Conservation Officers Group (COG), has written to the Minister for Public Finance, Ivan McKee and Chief Planner Fiona Simpson highlighting concerns around the recent implementation of phase 3 of Permitted Development Rights (PDR) in relation to Conservation Areas. Issues highlighted include increased pressures on planning authorities, loss of positive gains achieved through previous investment of public funds/grants, and ongoing work such as Heat in Buildings legislation and the EPC review, which could significantly interact with the detail and implementation of the PDR3 amendments.

As Edinburgh gears up for its festival season urbanists and heritage and built environment enthusiasts have a wealth of relevant events to explore. The Academy of Urbanism’s Young Urbanist Kathie Pollard has curated a selection of programmes from the Edinburgh Art, Book, and Fringe festivals that may interest those in the sector. From Thomas Heatherwick’s insights on design to explorations of local postcodes and global urban challenges, the festivals offer a unique opportunity to engage with urban issues through various cultural lenses. For full details and booking information, visit the Urbanist’s pick of the Edinburgh Art, Book and Fringe festival programmes.

Finally, we want to remind our readers and members that BEFS is following its summer bulletin schedule. This will be our last bulletin before the summer recess. To keep you abreast of any crucial developments, keep your eyes peeled for a concise summer update on 21^st August, bridging the gap until our regular bulletin schedule resumes in September.

We’re grateful to have reached 1000 subscribers and counting – thank you for your continued support and engagement! We wish all our readers and members a pleasant and restorative summer ahead.

CONSULTATIONS

Review of charity regulation
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government ran a consultation in 2019 about proposals the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) had made on improvements to the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005. In response to that consultation, it was noted that some respondents wanted a wider review of charity regulation. This consultation aims to understand if people still feel that way and if so, what they think should be the purpose and parameters for a review.
Closes 22 July 2024

Cultural engagement in Scotland: what is it and why does it matter?
Scottish Government
This survey has been developed to help the Scottish Government understand how people describe and enjoy culture, and what matters most to them. They are seeking views on the things that you enjoy doing and if you experience any challenges in accessing different activities and places. Scottish Government will use this information to better understand what everyday culture looks like and how it fits in your lives.
*NEW* Closes 29 July 2024

Tenement law: compulsory owners’ associations
Scottish Law Commission
In March 2018, a Scottish Parliament Working Group was convened to explore what actions could be taken to improve the condition of Scotland’s tenements. The Scottish Law Commission’s project follows from a reference under the Law Commissions Act 1965 received on 10 January 2022 from the (then) Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Housing and Local Government (Shona Robison MSP). The reference asks for recommendations to be made to implement the Working Group’s recommendation that all tenements should have an owners’ association. Consultation is critical in all law reform projects to ensure that the final recommendations would, if implemented, result in law which is just, principled, responsive, and easy to understand.
Closes 1 August 2024

Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee Pre-Budget Scrutiny 2025-26
Scottish Parliament
The Committee wants to gather views from individuals, groups and businesses operating in the culture sector to help make recommendations to the Scottish Government ahead of its Budget for 2025-26. The consultation focuses on planned budget increases, the culture strategy action plan, progress on innovative funding solutions, Creative Scotland’s multi-year funding programme and fair work.
Closes 9 August 2024

Flood resilience strategy
Scottish Government
Scotland’s climate has changed significantly and will continue to change for decades to come, resulting in the need to learn to live with and adapt to flooding in Scotland. The Flood Resilience Strategy will set out what needs to be done in the long term to create a flood resilient Scotland. The consultation paper sets out the principles guiding the strategy and the three key themes of people, places, and processes. These have been developed following a series of workshops and engagement with communities, practitioners, and researchers in 2023. The consultation paper contains full background information.
Closes 13 August 2024

Climate Change Targets Bill
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government has announced it will introduce legislation to amend its approach to setting targets for carbon emission reduction and move to a system of 5-yearly carbon budgets and away from a system of annual targets. This new legislation is expected to propose a new framework for re-setting interim emission reduction ambitions. The legislation is also likely to change the date by which the next Climate Change Plan (CCP) – the Government’s strategic delivery plan for meeting emissions reduction targets – is due. The Net Zero, Energy and Transport (NZET) Committee has agreed to carry out pre-legislative scrutiny in view of the Scottish Government’s stated intention to “expedite” the Bill through the Parliament and is inviting views for their consideration.
*NEW* Closes 16 August

Crofting consultation 2024
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government is determined to ensure that crofting legislation enables and supports the sustainability of crofting, of crofters and crofting communities, and allows crofting to modernise, innovate, diversify, and adapt to help meet today’s and tomorrow’s challenges. This consultation seeks views on a range of proposals for crofting reform which will help to create opportunities for new entrants, encourage the active management and use of crofts and common grazings, and support rural population. The consultation paper contains full background information, including references to current legislation.
Closes 2 September 2024

Compulsory Purchase Reform
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government have committed to reform and modernise compulsory purchase legislation. As a first step, they have established an advisory group to help support the reform programme. The group, to be co-chaired by the Chief Planner and Roseanna Cunningham, brings together several expert practitioners with first-hand experience of the compulsory purchase process. They recognise, however, that a range of organisations have an interest in this area and are consulting broadly and are keen to hear from a wide range of voices as the work moves forward.
Please get in touch at CPO.Reform@gov.scot

VAT and Listed Buildings Survey
Historic Houses
Historic Houses, in collaboration with Harlow Consulting, has launched a survey to assess the impacts of VAT on the repair, maintenance, and restoration of heritage buildings. The survey aims to gather evidence to support the case for a potential VAT rebate scheme for listed buildings open to the public for at least 28 days a year. Owners or managers of listed buildings that operate as heritage attractions are encouraged to participate. The survey covers topics such as property details, VAT impacts, building condition, repair costs, and community engagement. If you have any questions about this survey, please contact James Legard at Harlow Consulting or Sarah Roller at Historic Houses.

CONSULTATION RESPONSES

Wellbeing and Sustainable Development (Scotland) Bill – Consultation Feedback (Scot Gov 09/07/2024)

NEWS RELEASES

Architecture and Design Scotland launches “Value of Design” campaign (Architecture & Design Scotland 27/06/2024)

PUBLICATIONS

New chancellor, new rules: How Rachel Reeves can improve the framework for fiscal policy making (Institute for Government 07/07/2024)

National Planning Framework 4: Guidance from the Courts (Morton Fraser MacRoberts 08/07/2024)

Heritage Careers Guide 2024-2025 (Ian Baxter, BEFS, The Heritage Alliance 13/07/2024)

SCOTTISH & UK: GOVERNMENTAL & PARLIAMENTARY PUBLICATIONS

Correspondence between the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee and Ivan McKee regarding an update on the government’s work to conduct a Local Governance Review (Scot Parl June 2024)

Correspondence between the Local Government, Housing and Planning and Ivan McKee regarding the annual review of NPF4 (Scot Parl 26/06/2024)

Correspondence between the Judicial Office For Scotland and the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee regarding the Housing and Property Chamber of the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Scot Parl 27/06/2024)

Correspondence between the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee and COSLA, City of Edinburgh Council, South Lanarkshire Council, West Dunbartonshire Council, Scottish Borders Council, Local Authorities and Fife Council regarding the terms of an inquiry into the housing emergency (Scot Parl 28/06/2024)

Community right to buy – Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation: model template and guidance (Scot Gov 05/07/2024)

Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC): Management Sub-group minutes – January 2024, Management Sub-group minutes – February 2024 and Management Sub-group minutes – April 2024 (Scot Gov 05/07/2024)

Speech: Chancellor Rachel Reeves is taking immediate action to fix the foundations of our economy (UK Gov 08/07/2024)

Culture Fair Work Taskforce minutes: May 2024 (Scot Gov 08/07/2024)

Public appointment: Members reappointed to the Highlands and Islands Enterprise Board (Scot Gov 08/07/2024)

Construction pipeline forecast tool: CPN 2/2024 (Scot Gov 08/07/2024)

Correspondence between the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee and Jamie Hepburn regarding an update on the Scottish Elections (Representation and Reform) (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 08/07/2024)

Planning and Architecture: Compulsory Purchase Reform (Scot Gov 09/07/2024)

Building standards – Futures Board Programme: workstream information (Scot Gov 09/07/2024)

Research to Inform National Planning Framework 4: Planning and Climate Change Guidance Report Issue 3 (Scot Gov 09/07/2024)

Members reappointed to the Crown Estate Scotland Board (Scot Gov 12/07/2024)

Members reappointed to the Board of National Galleries of Scotland (Scot Gov 12/07/2024)

Planning, Infrastructure and Place Advisory Group: terms of reference (Scot Gov 12/07/2024)

Planning and environmental appeals: quarterly performance statistics (Scot Gov 12/07/2024)

Correspondence between Paul McLennan and the Social Justice and Social Security Committee regarding issues raised on housing and homelessness (Scot Gov 12/07/2024)

SPICe Briefing: One land, many functions: exploring ‘integrated land use’ (SPICe 12/07/2024)

OPINION & COMMENT

Scottish wind farms call for greater government subsidies (The Herald 08/07/2024)

‘Levelling up’ phrase to be erased, says minister (BBC News 09/07/2024)

Ministers warned £9bn needed for new homes to end housing emergency (The Herald 10/07/2024)

UK ministers preparing king’s speech containing at least 30 bills to include devolution, housebuilding and green energy (The Guardian 11/07/2024)

Governments working together to save Grangemouth (BBC News 12/07/2024)

How Scotland’s homes keep getting less affordable (BBC News 15/07/2024)

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Link to Parliamentary Questions and Answers

EVENTS

SPAB – Limeworking at Saddell Castle
Date & Time: Saturday 27 July 2024; 10am-4pm & Sunday 28 July 2024; 9am-3pm
Location: Saddell Castle, Saddell, PA28 6QS Kintyre
Join SPAB Scotland for this weekend event at Category A listed Saddell Castle. Under the guidance of experts, you’ll learn traditional limeworking techniques and carry out real repairs on a live site, as part of a major conservation project run by the Landmark Trust.  Richard Fraser and the team at LimeRich will be your tutors for the weekend. You will learn about hot mixing of lime mortar and harling, apply the harling and, if time allows finish with some lime washing. It’s not every day you get to say you repaired a castle. Places are limited, so book yours now!

SLCT – Introduction to Stonemasonry
Date & Time: Tuesday 27 & Wednesday 28 August 2024; 9.30am-4.30pm
Location: Merryhill Training Centre, Charlestown, Dunfermline KY11 3DR
Taught by a time served Stonemason, this course is suitable for all abilities and covers an introduction to tools, techniques and uses of basic stonemasonry. Learners can take away their practice stones at the end of the day.

SLCT – Introduction to Maintaining Traditional Buildings
Date & Time: Friday 30 August 2024; 10am-3pm
Location: Merryhill Training Centre, Charlestown, Dunfermline KY11 3DR
This course provides the perfect starting point if you are considering undertaking some simple repairs yourself. 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.

C&BS – Sponsorship Matters: Managing Ethics and Risk
Date & Time: Tuesday 3 September 2024; 9.30am-12.30pm
Location: Online
A new training session to support fundraisers with concerns about ethics, due diligence and risk management around sponsorship.
£85 + VAT for C&BS members. £125 + VAT for non-members

C&BS – Fundraising Matters: Introduction to Fundraising
Date & Time: Tuesday 10 September 2024 & Tuesday 17 September 2024; 9.30am-12.30pm
Location: Online
This introductory course, led by Pam Judson, gives you the best possible foundations for starting your fundraising career.
£120 + VAT for C&BS members. £190 + VAT for non-members

C&BS – Board Matters: Thinking of Joining a Board?
Date & Time: Thursday 12 September 2024; 12-1pm
Location: Online
Do you care about the culture sector and want to play a part in its future?  Then being a board member or trustee just might be for you.  This webinar with Catriona Reynolds will help you understand what being on the Board of a cultural charity is all about.
FREE for C&BS members. £35 + VAT for non-members.

VACANCIES