Get The Latest Built Environment News, Policy Developments, Publications, Consultations And More.
BEFS News
BEFS is delighted to welcome Hazel Johnson into the role of BEFS Policy & Strategy Manager. From late May Hazel will be joining the team having previously worked for Historic Environment Scotland. Her broad range of sector knowledge, experience, and policy work makes her a fantastic addition to BEFS. We look forward to letting Hazel introduce herself once she starts – for now we’ll just say a big HELLO from the whole team.
BEFS has undertaken an overview of policy commitments that would have implications for Scotland’s built environment found in the manifestos of political parties ahead of the Scottish parliamentary elections, with some yet to the published. The most significant change to previous manifestos is that most are giving significant attention to the climate emergency. Read more here.
BEFS has also collated manifestos produced by heritage and built environment organisations. The most recent additions include contributions from the National Trust for Scotland and the Cockburn Association. For advice on becoming an advocate for the built environment check out our Advocacy Toolkit.
BEFS is delighted to share that its application to Rebuilding Heritage was successful. Members of BEFS team will be attending the Rebuilding Leadership Training and the Inclusion in the Workplace Training. The Rebuilding Heritage programme provides invaluable training, free resources and webinars and BEFS would encourage heritage and built environment organisations to apply when round 6 opens in July 2021.
BEFS, Museums Galleries Scotland and greenspace Scotland are delighted that the ‘Surviving to Thriving’ Business Support Programme kicks off next week. To celebrate the programme starting, and our Scotland wide action towards increasing the resilience of the sector, we’d love to hear what resilience looks like to you and your organisation. Find out what participating organisations have to say about resilience on social media and share your thoughts on Monday 26th April with #Thriving and by tagging @MuseumsGalScot, @TheBEFS, @greenspacescot.
BEFS responded to Historic Environment Scotland’s (HES) consultation on the draft ‘Talking About Heritage’ guidance, which closed mid-December 2020. HES are now in the process of incorporating the feedback they received, with a view to publishing the final guidance as an online resource later this year. You can find a summary of the feedback, and an update on what they plan to do next, online at We Asked, You Said, We Did.
HES, Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIFA) and the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) have joined forces to support heritage organisations to create new jobs for young unemployed people though the KickStart programme. They are looking for heritage organisations of all types including third, public and private sector that can offer six months of meaningful work to a young unemployed person. Kickstart will cover minimum wage salary up to 25 hours a week and NIC’s, an additional £1000 will be available for the employer to spend on training or equipment needed as part of the programme. The programme will run until December 2021 and jobs can start anytime within this period.
BEFS extends condolences to all those mourning the sudden passing of Peter Ainsworth. We know our colleagues at many organisations, but particularly The Heritage Alliance who were privileged to have him as their Chair, will feel his loss keenly. A heritage giant has been lost and our thoughts go out to his family and friends.
Consultations
Scotland’s Churches Trust: Helping Sustain Our Places Of Worship Survey
Consultation on Scottish skills requirements for energy efficiency, zero emissions and low carbon heating systems, microgeneration and heat networks for homes.
Closes 30 April 2021.
Heat in buildings strategy – achieving net zero emissions: consultation
Closes 30 April 2021.
Inquiry: Local government and the path to net zero
You can submit evidence until Friday 30 April 2021.
Working On and Near to Scheduled Monuments
Closes 6 May 2021.
Local Place Plan Regulations consultation
Closes 25 June 2021.
Petition: To create a tax incentive to favour retrofit instead of demolition and new build
8 August 2021.
Publications
Coronavirus (COVID-19): tourism and hospitality sector guidance (SG 16/04/21)
Scottish Planner – The Journal of RTPI Scotland (RTPI Scotland 04/21)
European Cultural Heritage Green Paper – Full Paper (EN 22/03/21)
European Cultural Heritage Green Paper – Executive Summary (EN 22/03/21)
News Releases
UK enshrines new target in law to slash emissions by 78% by 2035 (DBEIS 20/04/21)
The UK’s sixth Carbon Budget will incorporate the UK’s share of international aviation and shipping emissions for the first time, to bring the UK more than three-quarters of the way to net zero by 2050..
Tesco Community Grants open for applications! (GS 20/04/21)
Tesco Community Grant scheme will award grants to charities and community organisations to fund local good causes whose focus is on supporting children and families.
Apply now for the Scottish Charity Awards 2021! (SCVO 19/04/21)
The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) is calling for charities and individuals across the country to apply for its annual charity awards.
Call on politicians to protect battlefields (NTS 16/04/21)
We’re calling on politicians to support Culloden’s bid to become a recognised World Heritage Site and increase protection for Scotland’s historic battlefields.
SPAB Receives Culture Recovery Fund Award (SPAB 12/04/21)
We are absolutely delighted to announce that the SPAB is one of the 476 heritage organisations who will share £44M from the Culture Recovery Fund.
Preserving Cultural Heritage, Supporting the Green Transition (ICON 12/04/21)
Icon Chief Executive, Sara Crofts, offers some reflections on amplifying messages about the need to mainstream climate action into cultural heritage.
Placing People at the Heart of Heritage for the Week of World Heritage Sites (EWH 11/04/21)
Europe’s historic cities are individually unique and beloved for their original architecture, varied settings, and distinctive history and heritage. But they face increasingly common problems.
Scottish finalists unveiled for RTPI Awards 2021 (SCN 08/04/21)
Projects, individuals and teams from across Scotland are in the running to win at the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Awards for Planning Excellence 2021, it has been announced.
Europa Nostra and EIB Institute announce Europe’s 7 Most Endangered heritage sites 2021 (EN 08/04/21)
Europa Nostra – the European voice of civil society committed to cultural and natural heritage – together with its partner, the European Investment Bank Institute, this morning announced the List of 7 Most Endangered monuments and heritage sites in Europe for 2021.
The Arts and Cultural Impact Fund calls for more applicants (NLHF 07/04/21)
The Arts and Culture Impact Fund was established to provide loans which will help organisations in the arts, cultural and heritage sectors to build financial resilience and sustainability and support local communities.
How Europe’s World Heritage Cities are tackling common challenges (EWH 04/21)
From the effects of over-tourism, and the need to better conserve our valuable ancient buildings, to addressing the challenges post-COVID-19, there is clearly an opportunity to better manage our historic cities by learning from each other and sharing best practice.
Putting Europe’s shared heritage at the heart of the European Green Deal (EN 22/03/21)
Tackling climate change is this generation’s defining task and Europe’s rich and diverse cultural heritage can help.
Opinion & Comment
Steven Tolson: Housing to 2040 – a dream or promise for real deeds? (SHC 16/04/21)
Urbanistica Podcast: The making of smarter and more livable cities
Events
For the latest information about BEFS Members’ events see our events calendar.
Icon Scotland Group: Take 5 Webinar, Spring Sessions
Date & time: 5 May 2021, 16:00-17:00.
Online: Via Zoom.
A new instalment of Icon Scotland Group’s ideas-sharing events, with 5 new 5 minute presentations by conservators of different disciplines about some of their recent projects: 1) Senses Working Over Time: tactile engagement for written heritage, by Victoria Stevens ACR; 2) Conservation of an Iranian Tile Panel at the National Museums of Scotland, by Holly Daws; 3)Learn by doing: the casting, finishing and patinating of bronzes, by Heleen van Santen; 4) Conservation Live: public engagement from a digital distance, by Lesley Stevenson ACR FIIC; 5) Conditional Confusion: considering variations in language used for object documentation, by Beth Gillions.
Date & time: 6pm, Thursday 13 May 2021
Online: Zoom
Victorian Edinburgh was a melting pot of industry and people. The industrial revolution created new work, attracting migrants searching for a better life. The reality however was often different, with many families having no choice but to live in the filthy, disease-ridden, overcrowded slums of the Old Town. In our latest online event, Edinburgh World Heritage is delighted to welcome Richard Rodger of the University of Edinburgh as he explores the terrible slum conditions of Victorian Edinburgh and the extraordinary work of Dr Henry Littlejohn.
IHBC Annual School 2021 Brighton: Historic Places, People Places – Making the best of the places we have today, for those who live with them tomorrow
Dates: 17 – 18 June 2021.
All places have history – in landscapes, built fabric and memories – and that history shapes how people live, use and work with them, today and in the future. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, billions of pounds were being invested to support struggling urban and rural places, old and new, and their surrounding areas. Not only has the pandemic exacerbated these familiar problems, but it has also highlighted new ones. The IHBC’s Brighton 2021 School will address these and related challenges, seeking data, connecting thinking and shaping solutions.
Training
Architectural Conservation CPD: Historic Shopfronts
Date & time: Wednesday 26 May, 12:30-13:30 (log-on from 12:15)
Online: via Microsoft Teams, streamed live from Lower City Mills, Perth.
Marking 10 years since ‘The Historic Shopfronts of Perth’ was published, the second session in the 2020 CPD programme is a historic shopfront feature delivered by shopfronts expert Lindsay Lennie. Whether you are starting out in a buildings related career, looking to refresh your conservation knowledge, encounter historic buildings as part of your work portfolio, or have limited knowledge of the best conservation practice to employ on a project involving traditionally constructed buildings, this is the CPD programme for you. Sessions are recognised CPD by the IHBC and Scottish Traditional Building Forum (STBF).
Architectural Conservation CPD: Statutory Protection and Managing Change to Listed Buildings Presenter: Elizabeth McCrone
Date & time: Wednesday 30 June, 12:30-13:30 (log-on with light refreshments from 12:15)
Online: via Microsoft Teams, streamed live from Lower City Mills, Perth.
The third session in the 6-part CPD programme focuses on listed buildings and the legislative framework that protects them. Delivered by HES’s Head of Designations Elizabeth McCrone, this session will cover the role of designation, recent reviews, applying for listed building consent and general approached to managing change to listed buildings with examples. Whether you are starting out in a buildings related career, looking to refresh your conservation knowledge, encounter historic buildings, or have limited knowledge of the best conservation practices, this is the CPD programme for you. Sessions are recognised CPD by the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC) and Scottish Traditional Building Forum (STBF).
Vacancies
Volunteer Co-ordinator
PAS are looking to recruit a Volunteer Co-ordinator (on a fixed-term contract until 31 October 2021) to co-ordinate volunteers to support PAS’s activities and to assist with general office support.
Closing at 9am on Tuesday 4 May 2021.
BEFS provides an overview of policy commitments in the party manifestos that would have implications for Scotland’s built environment.
BEFS has undertaken an overview of policy commitments found in the manifestos of political parties currently represented in the Scottish Parliament, with some yet to be published, that would have implications for Scotland’s built environment. The most significant change to previous manifesto is the that most are giving significant attention to the climate emergency.
This selection is no way authoritative and we would recommend you reading the manifestos in their entirety.
Manifesto Commitments for the Built Environment in the Scottish Election
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BEFS News
BEFS has collated a list of manifestos produced by heritage and built environment organisations ahead of the Scottish parliamentary elections next month. The most recent additions include contributions from RIAS, SURF, RICS, the Green Action Trust and Cupar Development Trust. For advice on becoming an advocate for the built environment check out our Advocacy Toolkit.
The Scottish Government has updated its response to recommendations in the final report of the Scottish Parliamentary Working Group on tenement maintenance. Specifically, the Tenement Condition Workplan has been updated for 2021.
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is looking for your views on a new Managing Change Guidance Note: Working on and near to scheduled monuments.
A&BS has announced changes to the Culture & Business Fund Scotland (CBFS), to provide broader support and match funding of creative partnerships to help arts and heritage organisations through the recovery and renewal period of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Culture & Business Fund Scotland Covid-19 Recovery & Renewal strand temporarily replaces the existing fund with immediate effect. This relaxes some of the previous eligibility criteria to enable broader support of projects with existing as well as new business partners and increases the £ for £ match funding of existing or new CBFS projects in years two and three of their partnerships with business.
Finally, don’t forget to peruse the upcoming built environment events, in the events section of this bulletin or online. Moreover, a number of BEFS members are currently advertising job opportunities, which are not to be missed.
Consultations
Working On and Near to Scheduled Monuments
Opened 25 Mar 2021 and closes 6 May 2021.
Scotland’s Churches Trust: Helping Sustain Our Places Of Worship Survey
Consultation on Scottish skills requirements for energy efficiency, zero emissions and low carbon heating systems, microgeneration and heat networks for homes.
Closes 30 April 2021.
Heat in buildings strategy – achieving net zero emissions: consultation
Closes 30 April 2021.
Inquiry: Local government and the path to net zero
You can submit evidence until Friday 30 April 2021.
Local Place Plan Regulations consultation
Closes 25 June 2021.
Petition: To create a tax incentive to favour retrofit instead of demolition and new build
Closes 8 August 2021.
Publications
Householder permitted development rights: guidance – updated 2021 (SG 01/03/21)
Building standards performance framework: April 2021 (SG 31/0321)
Building standards operating framework: April 2021 (SG 31/03/21)
Heritage Tourism in 2020: Historic Environment Scotland (HF 31/03/21)
Heritage Tourism in 2020: National Trust for Scotland (HF 31/03/21)
News Releases
Historic Environment Scotland appoints new Director of Heritage (HES 31/03/21)
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has appointed Elly McCrone as its new Director of Heritage.
Live Announcement of the 2021 List of 7 Most Endangered Heritage Sites in Europe (EN 30/03/21)
Join us for the Live Announcement of the 2021 List of 7 Most Endangered Heritage Sites in Europe on 8 April 2021.
Pan-European platform for spatial planning knowledge exchange (ARL 28/03/21)
The ARL is a national think tank-type body funded by the German federal government and states to do independent spatial planning and development research. They are at the moment compiling profiles of planning systems across Europe and will, in a few months time, make these available on their new website.
New Sustainability My Place Award Announced (SCT 25/03/21)
Built environment projects that demonstrate excellence in continued and adaptive reuse will be celebrated by a new Sustainability Award for the My Place Awards 2021.
Heritage Trade Up programme – calling leaders of heritage organisations across the UK! (AHF 24/03/21)
Are you looking to strengthen the financial resilience and governance capabilities of your heritage organisation?
Over 50,000 households to get warmer, greener homes in £562 million boost (DBEIS 23/03/21)
A nationwide home upgrade will help households save up to £450 a year on their energy bills and support around 8,000 green jobs annually.
Kevin Stewart calls for action on renovation VAT to help green recovery (SCN 22/03/21)
Housing minister Kevin Stewart has written to the UK Government to urge a rethink on VAT rates for building refurbishments and renovations.
Call for proposals pre-announcement: building and delivering suitable living environments and communities for an ageing population (Dunhill Medical Trust 18/03/21)
Funding will be available to support academic and clinical researchers partnered with community organisations, to conduct innovative research projects into building and delivering suitable living environments and communities for an ageing population.
Events
For the latest information about BEFS Members’ events see our events calendar.
A sustainable future for our World Heritage cities
Dates: 13 & 14 April 2021.
Online.
Edinburgh World Heritage will host the fifth and final series of partnership AtlaS.WH project events, bringing together leading experts to explore the role of heritage in solving issues related to the climate emergency. Guests include the five project partners, experts from the Scottish heritage sector, Edinburgh city managers, and international partners. Over two days, the plans for each urban World Heritage Site will be presented, and we will discuss how the impact of climate change is assessed and addressed through case studies and the latest in sector research. We invite you to join us for any or all of these free, public CPD sessions, to ask questions and build your understanding on how heritage can be a solution to the climate emergency.
SURF’s Scottish Election Question Time
Date & time: 15th April 2021, 2pm-3.30pm
Online: Zoom
SURF’s 2021 Manifesto for Community Regeneration proposes actions the SURF network believe would improve place-based regeneration activities and outcomes across Scotland, including in the fields of land use, transport and climate change. This online event will take place on the afternoon of Thursday 15 April. Representatives from Scotland’s leading political parties will be invited to respond to SURF’s Manifesto, highlight their party’s key regeneration policies, and answer questions from the SURF audience.
Mark Turnbull Travel Award Presentations– Climate Change, Innovations and Making Room for Social Spaces
Date & time: 6.15 -7.15pm 21st April 2021
Online.
The speakers include: 1) Samuel Cortis: Joint Winner of Mark Turnbull Travel Award: Making Room for Social Spaces; an exploration of how community focused and managed landscapes can shape development strategies for Scotland 2) Dr Amber Roberts: Joint Winner of Mark Turnbull Travel Award – Food and Flood Resilience: Climate Change Innovations – Learning from Europe 3) René Sommer Lindsay – Senior Urban Designer and Climate Resilience consultant. Placemaking infrastructure for resilient, sustainable, liveable cities and communities.
April Lecture and Election – “The Knights Templar and Historical Revisionism in the Modern Era” by Dr Rory MacLellan
Date & time: 26th April 2021 @ 6:00pm to 7:30pm (GMT/UK).
Online: Zoom.
In this online talk, Dr Rory MacLellan will discuss how certain members of the far-right have appropriated the memory of the Knights Templar for their own ends. He will then examine why the Templars hold such a strong appeal for parts of the far-right and how pseudo-histories and myths about the order can act as an entry-point for this dark historical revisionism. This event will also feature the first election of new Fellows to the Society outside of our Anniversary Meeting on St Andrew’s Day for a long time.
Communities for a Changing Population
Date & time: 29 April 2021 from 10am to 12.30pm.
Webinar.
This event is an ideal opportunity for architects, planners, placemaking professionals, local and national government officers, elected representatives at local and national level, infrastructure providers, engineers and all other relevant stakeholders to engage with other thought leaders and potential partners that can help forge solutions to the challenges and make the most of the opportunities presented by the current pandemic.
Archaeological Research in Progress Conference 2021
Date & time: May 29th, 2021 GMT/UK (Times to be confirmed).
All day conference (details to be confirmed).
Archaeological Research in Progress is a national conference organised each year by Archaeology Scotland and the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, Topics, timings, and technology still to be confirmed.
June Lecture “The Public and Private Worlds of Sir Walter Scott”
Date & time: June 28th, 2021 @ 6:00pm to 7:15pm (GMT/UK).
Online: Zoom.
Focusing on the lesser-known aspects of Sir Walter Scott – his life, career, and interests, hosted by the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland and the Royal Society of Edinburgh. Chaired by Gerry Carruthers FSRE, this talk will be carried out by two speakers from the societies, Dr Iain G. Brown FSA FRSE FSAScot and Kirsty Archer-Thompson FSAScot, discussing: “Sir Walter Scott and the Scottish Antiquarian Tradition: Mr Oldbuck in Context” by Dr Iain G. Brown FSA FRSE FSAScot. “Chewing the Cud of Sweet and Bitter Fancy”: Navigating the Unquiet Mind and Life Philosophy of Walter Scott, by Kirsty Archer-Thompson FSAScot.
Training
Scottish Lime Centre Trust Courses
We are so pleased to be back and able to run face-to-face training again from 26 April 2021, of course following strict COVID 19 guidance as we were doing before this latest lockdown. We are restricting numbers of learners to 6 per course only to maintain social distancing. Download a full programme here.
Vacancies
Advice Service Manager
PAS are currently recruiting for an Advice Service Manager to our advice service which deals with hundreds of enquiries from individuals and community groups every year.
Closing at 9am on Tuesday 13 April 2021.
Head of Training
The Ridge are looking for a special person to join our Training team, with potential to develop and expand the role and really make a difference.
Closing on 16th April 2021.
Open Research Tenders
This is an invitation from RTPI Scotland to tender to examine the operating environment to embed digital planning in Scotland.
The deadline for responses is 9am on 19th April 2021.
Traditional Buildings Inspector
Stirling City Heritage Trust is looking for a building professional or craftsperson for the role of Traditional Buildings Inspector with our team.
Closing Date: Thursday 22 April 2021 at noon.
Get The Latest Built Environment News, Policy Developments, Publications, Consultations And More.
BEFS News
BEFS is seeking a new Policy and Strategy Manager. The role involves engaging with BEFS members on strategic policy and legislative developments relating to Scotland’s built environment; informing members of strategic policy developments; co-ordinating views; and promoting these through consultation responses and legislative opportunities. We are seeking the right individual, who enjoys strategic thinking, the detail of policy consultations, and is highly self-motivated, to fit into a small friendly team. The deadline for applications is noon on Tuesday 6th April 2021. More details here.
Ahead of the Scottish Parliament elections on 6th May 2021, BEFS has collated a list of manifestos produced by heritage and built environment organisations. The manifestos outline information on specific strategic issues, facts and details, and the corresponding language and messaging that can be adapted, adopted and supported by you. For advice on becoming an advocate for the built environment, including how to contact your local politicians, click through our Advocacy Toolkit. You may also wish to register for SURF’s Scottish Election Question Time on 15th April 2021 or the SCVO’s National Hustings on 8th April 2021.
The Scottish Government has published Scotland’s first long-term national housing strategy, Housing to 2040. The strategy outlines plans to deliver 100,000 affordable homes by 2032, with at least 70% available for social rent. Other priorities include: tackling high rents in the private sector through a Rented Sector Strategy and Housing Bill; decarbonising heat in homes; establishing a new fund to bring empty homes back into use; supporting development in rural and island areas; and undertaking an audit of current housing and homelessness legislation to understand how best to realise the right to adequate housing. Plans for a new Housing Standard to apply the same set of standards to homes of all tenures, whether owned or rented, will also be published.
BEFS is delighted to see that the Tenement Maintenance Working Group’s recommendations have been included in the Housing to 2040 strategy, and that the proposed universal housing standard aligns with the recommendations and a research paper BEFS commissioned from Douglas Robertson, ‘Why Flats Fall Down’.
The Just Transition Commission has published its report A National Mission for a fairer, greener Scotland. The Commission started work in early 2019, with a remit to provide practical and affordable recommendations. This report sets out their view of the key opportunities and challenges for Scotland and recommends practical steps to achieving a just transition.
The Scottish Government has pushed Scotland’s Third Land Use Strategy. It sets out the Government’s vision, objectives and policies to achieve sustainable land use. The strategy covers the next five years and aims to provide a more holistic understanding of land, the demands we place upon it and the benefits we get from it.
A new report published by Community Land Scotland states that 20% of all community owned assets are now urban, and not just rural. This change came about following the Community Right to Buy extended to cover urban areas in 2016 and is a remarkable achievement in that short time. Almost £7m of funding was provided by the Scottish Land Fund to enable these buy-outs. The report can be found here.
Consultations
Local Place Plan Regulations consultation
Opened 15 March 2021 and closes 25 June 2021.
Inquiry: Local government and the path to net zero
You can submit evidence until Friday 30 April 2021.
Clyde Mission Call for Ideas
Opened 1 March and closes 29 March 2021.
Scotland’s Churches Trust: Helping Sustain Our Places Of Worship Survey
Petition: To create a tax incentive to favour retrofit instead of demolition and new build
Closes 8 August 2021.
Climate Change – Net Zero Nation: draft public engagement strategy – consultation
Closes 31 Mar 2021.
Consultation on Scottish skills requirements for energy efficiency, zero emissions and low carbon heating systems, microgeneration and heat networks for homes
Closes 30 April 2021.
Heat in buildings strategy – achieving net zero emissions: consultation
Closes 30 April 2021.
Consultation Responses
Housing to 2040: consultation analysis
Publications
Scotland’s Garden and Landscape Heritage Spring 2021 Newsletter (03/21)
Land use – getting the best from our land: strategy 2021 to 2026 (SG 24/03/21)
Town centre action plan – review report: interim joint response (SG 24/03/21)
Just Transition Commission: A National Mission for a fairer, greener Scotland (SG 23/03/21)
National islands plan: annual report – 2020 (SG 23/03/21)
Engaging communities in decisions relating to land – guidance: review (SG 23/03/21)
Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme (VDLIP): application form (SG 23/03/21)
Technical Paper 35: Moisture Measurement in the Historic Environment (HES 23/03/21)
Energy Efficiency of Existing Homes – Fourth Report of Session 2019–21 (HoC 22/03/21)
Chief Planner letter: stakeholder update – March 2021 (SG 22/03/21)
Local place plans: literature review and final report (SG 22/03/21)
European Cultural Heritage Green Paper (EN, ICOMOS & CHN 22/03/21)
European Cultural Heritage Green Paper – Executive Summary (EN, ICOMOS & CHN 22/03/21)
VAT reduction on refurbishment and renovation: letter from Housing Minister (SG 22/03/21)
Scottish Land Fund: evaluation (SG 22/03/21)
Architecture and Design Scotland Corporate Strategy 2021-31 (A&DS 18/03/21)
Democracy Matters – local governance review: phase 2 (SG 18/03/21)
Democracy Matters – local governance review: phase 2 – easy read (SG 18/03/21)
Energy strategy: position statement (SG 16/03/21)
Housing to 2040: vision and principles (SG 15/03/21)
Values of Conservation Research Report (ICON 10/03/21)
Attitudes to land reform: research (SG 05/30/21)
Scottish Government News Releases
£25 million for tourism recovery (SG 24/03/21)
Holiday vouchers, discounts for days out and a marketing fund are included in a new £25 million tourism recovery programme.
Scotland’s Creative Digital Initiative (SG 23/03/21)
A new £1 million digital support programme for creative and cultural businesses has launched.
Local Place Plans – next steps (Planning & Architecture, SG 22/03/21)
LPPs can support community aspirations on the big challenges for a future Scotland, such as responding to the global climate emergency and tackling inequalities, and help shape local planning policies contained in the Local Development Plan.
Supporting rural tourism (SG 19/03/21)
More seasonal rangers, temporary toilets, car parking and campervan facilities will help rural areas to welcome back visitors when coronavirus restrictions are eased.
Tackling cladding issues (SG 19/03/21)
Homeowners whose flats have external cladding will be offered free safety assessments to determine which properties have material needing to be removed.
Supporting Gypsy and Traveller communities (SG 18/03/21)
This funding, part of Scotland’s first long-term national housing strategy, will enable local authorities to improve existing sites and expand provision over the next five years. This builds on £2 million allocated to site improvement in 2020-21.
Targeted support for cities and regions (SG 17/03/21)
Cities and regions can apply for additional funding to help them recover from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Helping communities through the pandemic (SG 17/03/21)
A combined total of £1 billion has been allocated to help local communities through the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and to build resilience in public services in the past year.
Croft house grants awarded (SG 17/03/21)
Grants to improve or build new homes in some of Scotland’s most remote and marginal communities have been awarded to 10 crofters.
100,000 more affordable homes (SG 15/03/21)
Plans to deliver 100,000 affordable homes over the next decade are set out today in a 20-year housing strategy.
A new standard for housing (SG 14/03/21)
Plans for a new legal requirement for all homes to meet the same standards will be included in a major national housing strategy to be published this week.
News Releases
Scotland’s Climate Assembly Sets Out Goals for Tackling Climate Emergency (SCA 24/03/21)
The interim report of Scotland’s Climate Assembly will be laid in the Scottish Parliament this morning. It sets out 16 goals for tackling the climate emergency. These goals cover a broad range of issues including domestic heating, emissions, land use, taxation and the economy.
Funding boost for repairs to Scottish heritage structures (HES 23/03/21)
Projects include Scotland’s last surviving historic steam-powered slipway which provides a crucial link for the Maid of the Loch.
Scottish Parliament to host an international summit of parliamentarians on climate change (SP 23/03/21)
One of the largest gatherings of international parliamentarians to discuss the climate emergency will take place at the Scottish Parliament in November, it has been announced today.
Society Grants over £26,000 to Support Research into Scotland’s Past (SoAoS 23/03/21)
The Society Council Trustees have awarded £26,319 to fifteen projects examining a wide range of topics from manuscript research to excavations investigating Mesolithic activity in the highlands.
AHF publishes its updated Environmental Policy (AHF 22/03/21)
Following a joint statement of intent with other heritage funders in 2020, the AHF is today publishing its Environmental Policy to set out the organisation’s commitments to addressing climate change.
£4.5 million investment for Scotland’s historic towns and cities (HES 18/03/21)
Over £50 million has been invested since 2007 through the CARS scheme which encourages communities to preserve built heritage and stimulate economic regeneration.
HES welcomes growth deal for Orkney, Shetland and the Outer Hebrides (HES 17/03/21)
HES has welcomed investment in the future economic prosperity of Scotland’s Island communities as representatives of the UK and Scottish governments today (Wednesday 17 March) joined Leaders of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Orkney Islands Council, and Shetland Island Council to sign the Heads of Terms for the Islands Growth Deal.
Museums warn pandemic risks jeopardising collections and historic buildings (Herald 13/03/21)
MUSEUM bosses have warned the continued impact of the coronavirus pandemic risks jeopardising collections, endangering historic buildings and “devastating staff”.
Opinion & Comment
Podcast: Objectivity and Neutrality in the Archive (John Pelan SCA 23/03/21)
Land reform is happening (SLC 22/03/21)
Tackling land market failures is essential to getting more homes built in Scotland (SLC 18/03/21)
Podcast: Reflecting Value: a new podcast (Centre for Cultural Value 17/03/21)
Scotland’s Land Market: Time to Reform (SLC 16/03/21)
Parliamentary Questions & Answers
Questions marked with a triangle (?) are initiated by the Government in order to facilitate the provision of information to the Parliament.
Question S5W-35724: Annie Wells, Glasgow, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 04/03/2021
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the total number of homes built under the affordable housing programme from the start of the current parliamentary session.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (11/03/2021)
Question S5W-35759: Neil Findlay, Lothian, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 05/03/2021
To ask the Scottish Government what meetings it has had with the (a) energy, (b) house building, (c) environment and (d) community sectors regarding the national developments to be incorporated in the National Planning Framework 4.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (12/03/2021)
Question S5W-35760: Neil Findlay, Lothian, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 05/03/2021
To ask Scottish Government what plans it has to meet communities that might be affected by the national developments that will be incorporated in the National Planning Framework 4.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (12/03/2021)
Question S5W-35797: Keith Brown, Clackmannanshire and Dunblane, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 08/03/2021
To ask the Scottish Government what the average award granted by the Creative, Tourism and Hospitality Hardship Fund has been.
Answered by Kate Forbes (22/03/2021)
Question S5W-35792: Keith Brown, Clackmannanshire and Dunblane, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 08/03/2021
To ask the Scottish Government how many applications have been made to the Creative, Tourism and Hospitality Hardship Fund, also broken down by how many have (a) been approved, (b) been rejected and (c) yet to be processed.
Answered by Kate Forbes (22/03/2021)
Events
For the latest information about BEFS Members’ events see our events calendar.
Moving forward with shared transport and mobility hubs in Scotland
Date & time: Thursday 25 March 4pm to 5pm
Online: GoToWebinar, available on booking.
The event will outline the theory behind Active Travel Hubs, highlighting the elements that can be included and giving examples from Europe. It will then describe a recent application for an Active Travel Hub in Alloa, presented by the case officer, see below. Presentations by: Marian Marsh Senior Development Officer (Scotland) CoMoUK (National charity for the public benefit of shared mobility). CoMoUK is playing a leading role in the UK’s transition to integrated mobility solutions designed for the public good. CoMoUK supports the development of shared modes of transport including car clubs and bike share. Grant Baxter, Principal Planner, is the case officer for the Active Travel Hub planning application at Maple Court, Alloa (20/00273/FULL, approved 25th January 2021).
Herring, Linen and Scotland’s Built Heritage
Date & time: Mon, 29 March 2021, 18:00 – 19:15.
Online.
How can we recognise the legacy of the Transatlantic Slave Trade and Empire within Scotland’s Industrial heritage? Exploring Scotland’s role in Empire in the industries that were established within Scotland during the 18th Century. Papers from: Cathy Dagg, Archaeologist and Independent Researcher: Scotland’s North West Coast: Empire, Slavery and the Industrial Revolution; Dr Sally Tuckett, University of Glasgow: Scotland, Linen and Clothing Enslaved People; and Dr Peggy Brunache, Beniba Centre for Slavery Studies, University of Glasgow: Black Women and Caribbean Cultural Resistance During the Slavery Era.
Culture & Business Fund Scotland Roadshows: A source of support for COVID-19 recovery and renewal
Date & time: Tuesday 30 March 11:00am — 13:00pm
Online: via Zoom.
Due to COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, we are taking our Culture & Business Scotland (CBFS) Roadshows online. These free webinars will give attendees from across the arts, heritage, third, public and business sectors the opportunity to learn about the fund, and how we have adapted the criteria to provide more flexible support for the sectors through a period of recovery and renewal throughout 2021 and beyond.
Date & time: 6pm, Thursday 15th April 2021.
Online: Zoom.
We are delighted that Loyd Grossman, internationally renowned heritage figure, will be delivering the World Heritage Day lecture for 2021. Loyd will discuss the heritage dilemma faced by Edinburgh, where the cost of conserving the heritage rich environment is rising, while revenue from tourism has dropped dramatically.
The Road to COP26 Glasgow: What difference can planners make?
Date & time: 15 April 4pm to 5pm.
Online: GoToWebinar, available on booking.
The global challenges which COP26 will grapple with translate into important challenges for planners. COP26 is billed as the last chance to take climate action. Related to this, spatial planning must support sustainable economic recovery while tackling inequality, accelerate progress towards net zero carbon, build resilience, and reverse habitat and biodiversity loss. As Glasgow prepares to host COP26, this event brings together two speakers: Kit England (Climate Ready Clyde Manager) is currently leading on the development of Glasgow City Region’s first Climate Adaptation Strategy (CAS). Gerard O’Brien (Architecture & Design Scotland Senior Design officer) has worked across Scotland on the ADS Designing for a Changing Climate: Creating Carbon Conscious Places programme.
Archaeology in Schools: An interdisciplinary approach. Prehistoric Rock Art CPD session
Date & time: Wednesday 21 April, 4.00pm – 5.30pm.
Online: Microsoft Teams.
An online CPD event suited to teachers, educators, YAC leaders, youth group leaders, community archaeologists and hertiage education professionals. This session aims to support participants in using archaeology as an inspiration for interdisciplinary learning projects for children and young people – both inside and outside the classroom. You’ll hear from professional archaeologists, school teachers and the Archaeology Scotland learning team, who’ll guide you through resources, case studies and practical activities you can use with second and third level pupils – all linked to prehistoric rock art.
Reinventing Inverness Castle
Date & time: 6th May 4pm to 5pm.
Online: GoToWebinar, available on booking.
The A-listed Inverness Castle is being transformed from two court-houses into the main tourist-hub/visitor-centre/venue for the Highlands. C20 interventions are being stripped-out to expose the original layout and fabric, then the building will be sensitively re-invented for C21 flexible uses. A contemporary link building will join the two main towers and a new (all-abilities access) roof-terrace installed. Extensive re-landscaping will transform the public realm and setting to Inverness’ prime landmark building.
Scotland’s first community owned Passivhaus scheme, Closeburn
Date & time: 20th May 4pm to 5pm.
Online: GoToWebinar, available on booking.
Nith Valley Leaf Trust, a Community Development Trust, has delivered three passive certified houses with the support of South of Scotland Community Housing (SOSCH). The presentation will explain how the project was planned, delivered and outcomes achieved, ensuring that identified local needs and objectives were translated into affordable, energy efficient homes in community ownership. The project recently won the SURF award for Best Practice in Community Regeneration in the “Housing and Regeneration” category. Speakers are Mike Staples from South of Scotland Community Housing and Jackob Kaye from Nith Valley Leaf Trust.
Training
The Need for Old Buildings to Breathe Re-Examined (David Wiggins)
Date & time: 12noon 27th April 2021. £25.
Online: zoom webinar.
This CPD session is aimed at experienced conservation professionals and practitioners. David Wiggins will examine the response of traditional solid masonry walls to moisture, probing the issue of the ‘breathability’ of old buildings. Sacrificial weathering will be unpacked as a process, and modern mortars critically evaluated for compatibility against hot-mixed lime mortars. Practical specification guidance will be given on lime mortar for exposed conditions.
Architectural Conservation CPD: Design and Retrofit on the Gannochy Estate
Date & time: Wednesday 28 April, 12:30-13:30 (log-on with light refreshments from 12:15).
Venue: Online via Microsoft Teams, streamed live from Lower City Mills, Perth.
The first session in a 6-part CPD programme provides a local example of retrofitting traditional properties for the 21st Century in-line with conservation guidance and principles. Delivered by The Gannochy Trust’s Estates Manager Andy Duncan, this session also includes Gannochy’s new build housing projects where traditional design philosophies are inspiring the next generation of social housing. Whether you are starting out in a buildings related career, looking to refresh your conservation knowledge, encounter historic buildings as part of your work portfolio, or have limited knowledge, this is the CPD programme for you. Sessions are recognised CPD by the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC) and Scottish Traditional Building Forum (STBF).
Vacancies
Invitation to Tender: State of Glasgow’s Historic Environment Snapshot Study and Community Engagement Activities
Glasgow City Heritage Trust wishes to engage a suitable Scotland-based professional to update our Snapshot studies into the state of Glasgow’s historic built environment, assist with raising awareness of the city’s Buildings at Risk, and engage with communities about their perceptions of the city’s built heritage and the challenges and opportunities it presents.
Deadline to submit: 9am, 26th March 2021.
Research Officer
Historic Environment Scotland are seeking a Research Officer. The Research Officer post sits within the organisation’s Development & Partnership directorate, which has a remit that includes strategy and policy development, research, international working, community engagement, fundraising, and delivery of Our Place in Time – a strategy that sets out a 10 year vision for the historic environment of Scotland to 2024.
Closing Date: 31 March 2021 at midday.
World Heritage UK seeks new General Manager
Are you the person to take the UK’s World Heritage Sites forward? World Heritage UK is an organisation set up in 2015 to undertake networking, advocacy and promotion for the UK’s 32 outstanding World Heritage Sites. The post arises out of a recently completed resilience project funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and will provide an opportunity for someone who has a background in heritage and business development to manage the day-to-day operations and help shape the organisation for a secure future.
Closing date for applications is midday 8th April, 2021.
Get The Latest Built Environment News, Policy Developments, Publications, Consultations And More.
BEFS News
In Spring, BEFS will be saying a fond farewell to Director, Euan Leitch, as he takes up a new role as Chief Executive of SURF – Scotland’s Regeneration Forum. We are glad to see that Euan will be continuing his work in the built environment and wish him all the best in his new post.
Today, BEFS Board are delighted to announce that Ailsa Macfarlane has been appointed as BEFS Director from May 2021. Ailsa joined BEFS as the Policy & Strategy Manager in 2017, having previously managed the Resourcing Scotland’s Heritage project and worked for Museums Galleries Scotland. BEFS Board and Team look forward to working with Ailsa in her new capacity.
Following Ailsa’s appointment, BEFS is seeking a new Policy and Strategy Manager. The role involves engaging with BEFS members on strategic policy and legislative developments relating to Scotland’s built environment; informing members of strategic policy developments; co-ordinating views; and promoting these through consultation responses and legislative opportunities. We are seeking the right individual, who enjoys strategic thinking, the detail of policy consultations, and is highly self-motivated, to fit into a small friendly team. The deadline for applications is noon on Tuesday 6th April 2021. More details here.
A coalition of Scotland’s leading experts on the built environment, including BEFS and members, have issued a joint statement calling on new ways of working that embed resilience into how our places function and develop over time. The next Scottish Government must co-ordinate legislation, strategies and funding if its vision of a sustainable, resilient and inclusive future is to be achieved. There must be a shift from overlapping and disjointed strategies to complementarity and synergised policy making and from an opportunistic, reactive approach to development, to a planned, proactive approach. Read the full press release for more details and the joint statement here.
Applications for Round 4 of Rebuilding Heritage opens today (11 March)! Rebuilding Heritage is a UK-wide free support programme, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, to help the heritage sector respond to the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The programme is providing free 121 and group support for individuals and organisations (including voluntary organisations) in the heritage sector. Find out more.
The Architecture Fringe has launched its open call for self-directed work for this year’s festival under the thematic provocation of (Un)Learning. This fifth edition of the Scotland-wide festival will take place 04-20 June 2021. The (Un)Learning provocation invites contributors to reflect upon the systems and structures that we have built to bring order to our lives but which, too often, are destroying us and life on Earth. The festival asks participants to interrogate their own behaviours, beliefs and biases in order to acknowledge how the world really is to then reimagine how it could be.
Consultations
Clyde Mission Call for Ideas
Opened 1 March and closes 29 March 2021.
Scotland’s Churches Trust: Helping Sustain Our Places Of Worship Survey
Petition: To create a tax incentive to favour retrofit instead of demolition and new build
Mediation in Planning
Closes 12 Mar 2021.
Draft Public Engagement Strategy for Climate Change
Closes 31 Mar 2021.
Consultation on Scottish skills requirements for energy efficiency, zero emissions and low carbon heating systems, microgeneration and heat networks for homes
Closes 30 April 2021.
Heat in Buildings Strategy
Closes 30 April 2021.
Publications
Scottish Tourism and Covid-19 (SPICe 08/03/21)
The Heritage Recovery Plan (HEF 10/02/2021)
Skills in Planning Publication (Partners in Planning 02/2021)
Global Soft Power Index 2021 (Brand Finance 2021)
Centre for Cultural Value – Resource Hub (CfCV 2021)
Togetherness – A New Heritage Deal for Europe (EIB 2020)
Scottish Government News Releases
Action on rented homes (SG 10/03/21)
A new strategy for Scotland’s rented sector will improve accessibility, affordability and standards, as part of a new 20 year route map for housing to be published next week.
FM: COP26 is our best chance to address climate change (SG 09/03/21)
COP26 is the international community’s best, perhaps only, chance to address the threat of climate change, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said.
Scottish Parliament election (SG 02/03/21)
The safety of campaigners, election workers and the public is central to plans for the Scottish Parliament election, Parliamentary Business Minister Graeme Dey has said.
News Releases
IHBC’s Marsh Awards: Your chance to nominate ‘successful learners’ (09/03/21)
The closing date approaches for the IHBC’s Marsh Award for ‘successful learning in heritage skills’, with a prize that includes £500 and a free place at the IHBC’s Brighton 2021 Annual School, and with nominations closing on 31 March.
‘Committee on COP26’ scrutiny arrangements with COP President Designate Alok Sharma (UKP 05/03/21)
Nine cross-party select committees will scrutinise preparations for the COP26 climate summit, due to be held in Glasgow in November.
Urgent action is needed if Scotland’s ambitious climate change targets are to be met (SP 04/03/21)
Urgent action across all sectors is essential if Scotland’s ambitious climate and net zero emissions targets are to be met, according to the reports of four Holyrood Committees published today.
Scotland’s Archaeology Strategy publishes 5-year review of ground-breaking work (HES 04/03/2021)
Scottish archaeology marked a significant milestone this week as the Five-Year Review of Scotland’s Archaeology Strategy was published.
Builders’ Budget plea: cut VAT on home repairs, says FMB and RICS (FMB 01/03/2021)
A VAT cut on home improvement works from 20% to 5% for a temporary five year period would generate an economic stimulus worth £51 billion and create 345,000 new jobs, according to new research by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
My Place Awards 2021 Entry Deadline Extended (SCT 03/2021)
The Scottish Civic Trust My Place Awards celebrate community-led built environment projects that have transformed their locality. The Awards are a great opportunity to showcase a project’s success to the community, stakeholders and funders by receiving much-deserved exposure and media attention. Entry deadline: 29th August 2021.
The Prime Minister has appointed Dr Simon Thurley CBE as Chair of the National Heritage Memorial Fund and The National Lottery Heritage Fund (DCMS 25/02/2021)
Dr Simon Thurley CBE has been appointed as Chair of the National Heritage Memorial Fund and The National Lottery Heritage Fund for a three year period from 01 April 2021 until 31 March 2024.
Resource round-up: Climate crisis response (SCT 23/02/2021)
Our heritage and its built environment are facing serious risks as the climate emergency continues to grow. As part of our Climate Crisis Response, we release a regular round-up of newly released climate crisis resources for heritage.
New research will demonstrate benefit of culture and heritage to society (DCMS 21/01/2021)
An ambitious new programme of research to improve decision making by valuing the benefits of our culture and heritage capital to society, announced today.
Opinion & Comment
Eco-homes become hot property in UK’s zero-carbon ‘paradigm shift’ (Guardian 06/03/2021)
Scotland’s Archaeology Strategy: Five Years, Five Aims, Five Highlights (HES 04/03/2021)
Why can’t we build better quality homes in Britain? (The Times 28/02/2021)
Parliamentary Questions
Questions marked with a triangle (?) are initiated by the Scottish Government in order to facilitate the provision of information to the Parliament.Questions in which a member has indicated a declarable interest are marked with an “R”.
Question S5W-35759: Neil Findlay, Lothian, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 05/03/2021
To ask the Scottish Government what meetings it has had with the (a) energy, (b) house building, (c) environment and (d) community sectors regarding the national developments to be incorporated in the National Planning Framework 4.
Question S5W-35760: Neil Findlay, Lothian, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 05/03/2021
To ask Scottish Government what plans it has to meet communities that might be affected by the national developments that will be incorporated in the National Planning Framework 4.
Question S5W-35724: Annie Wells, Glasgow, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 04/03/2021
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the total number of homes built under the affordable housing programme from the start of the current parliamentary session.
Question S5W-35792: Keith Brown, Clackmannanshire and Dunblane, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 08/03/2021
To ask the Scottish Government how many applications have been made to the Creative, Tourism and Hospitality Hardship Fund, also broken down by how many have (a) been approved, (b) been rejected and (c) yet to be processed.
Question S5W-35797: Keith Brown, Clackmannanshire and Dunblane, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 08/03/2021
To ask the Scottish Government what the average award granted by the Creative, Tourism and Hospitality Hardship Fund has been.
Parliamentary Questions & Answers
Questions marked with a triangle (?) are initiated by the Government in order to facilitate the provision of information to the Parliament.
Question S5W-35501: Pauline McNeill, Glasgow, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 24/02/2021
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the UK Government extending the Stamp Duty holiday until July 2021, what plans it has to take similar action regarding the Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT).
Answered by Ivan McKee (04/03/2021)
Question S5W-35396: Liam McArthur, Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats, Date Lodged: 22/02/2021
To ask the Scottish Government how it will decide the criteria for national developments to be incorporated into National Planning Framework 4, and what the process leading up to that decision will be.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (01/03/2021)
Question S5W-35395: Liam McArthur, Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats, Date Lodged: 22/02/2021
To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure that the process of deciding on criteria for national developments to be incorporated into National Planning Framework 4 will be participative, and whether it has considered using a citizen’s assembly to discuss the proposals for national developments.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (01/03/2021)
Question S5W-35277: Rhoda Grant, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 17/02/2021
To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that ensuring that communities benefit from public expenditure on land management practises and land uses that (a) contributes to climate heating mitigation and adaptation and (b) secures the local retention of income, is a core part of ensuring a just transition to net zero carbon emissions.
Answered by Roseanna Cunningham (24/02/2021)
Question S5W-35236: Alexander Burnett, Aberdeenshire West, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 17/02/2021 R
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the (a) laying of regulations for minimum energy efficiency standards and (b) compliance dates which will be set out in the regulations.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (22/02/2021)
Events
For the latest information about BEFS Members’ events see our events calendar.
A Future for Your Church – Making a Start
Date & time: Tuesday 16th March, 10am-11.30am.
Online.
Heritage Trust Network and Historic Churches Scotland are joining forces to host the second event in this series for any group contemplating the future of their church building. In this event we will focus particularly on the process of making a start and building up to taking on full responsibility for the building. If you have already gone through this process, we strongly encourage you to attend and share your experiences with others.
Architecture and Design Scotland: Corporate Strategy 2021-31 Launch
Date & time: Thursday 18 March 11 am.
Online.
Architecture and Design Scotland will host an online event to mark the launch of a new Corporate Strategy. This event will outline how the A&DS strategy will help support more people working together to make decisions on the future of their places.
Taking Ownership – Experiences Shared
Date & time: Friday 19th March, 10am-12pm.
Online.
Heritage Trust Network Scotland Branch: Are you considering taking ownership of a building within your community? Not sure how to navigate the purchase from a private owner or a Local Authority? Join us on Friday 19th March to hear from those with first-hand experience. This event is open to any groups who are considering taking ownership of a building but are not sure of when is the best time to do it, what purchase price they should be paying, what responsibilities they need to be aware of etc. Come along to hear case studies from our speakers and put your questions to them.
Your Career in Conservation
Dates & times: 22nd – 24th March | 10:30am – 4:00 pm.
Online Conference.
Join Glasgow City Heritage Trust for a three-day online conference looking at careers in conservation and take part in workshops on how to become conservation accredited. The conference is aimed at anyone working, or interested in working, within the building and heritage sectors, including architects, surveyors, conservators, engineers and consultants. Workshops will be led by: CARE, Icon, IHBC, RIAS, RICS.
Moving forward with shared transport and mobility hubs in Scotland
Date & time: 25 March 4pm – 5pm
Online: GoToWebinar – log on details available on event booking.
The event will outline the theory behind Active Travel Hubs, highlighting the elements that can be included and giving examples from Europe. It will then describe a recent application for an Active Travel Hub in Alloa, presented by the case officer. Presentations by 1) Marian Marsh Senior Development Officer (Scotland) CoMoUK (National charity for the public benefit of shared mobility), 2) Grant Baxter, Principal Planner, is the case officer for the Active Travel Hub planning application at Maple Court, Alloa (20/00273/FULL, approved 25th January 2021).
Legacy giving. Now is the time – if you do it right. Learn how to! )
Date & time: 25 March 2021, 11:00 – 15:00 **1 place remaining**
Online: via Zoom
This course is focused on how to integrate legacies into your current fundraising at little or no cost at a time when more people are making Wills than we have witnessed in decades.
Culture & Business Fund Scotland Roadshows: A source of support for COVID-19 recovery and renewal
Date & time: Tuesday 30 March 11:00am — 13:00pm
Online: via Zoom
Due to COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, we are taking our Culture & Business Scotland (CBFS) Roadshows online. These free webinars will give attendees from across the arts, heritage, third, public and business sectors the opportunity to learn about the fund, and how we have adapted the criteria to provide more flexible support for the sectors through a period of recovery and renewal throughout 2021 and beyond.
Mark Turnbull Travel Award Presentations– Climate Change Innovations: Food and Flood Resilience and Making Room for Social Spaces
Date & time: 6.15 -7.15pm 21st April 2021
The speakers include: 1) Samuel Cortis: Joint Winner of Mark Turnbull Travel Award: Making Room for Social Spaces; an exploration of how community focused and managed landscapes can shape development strategies for Scotland 2) Dr Amber Roberts: Joint Winner of Mark Turnbull Travel Award – Food and Flood Resilience: Climate Change Innovations – Learning from Europe 3) René Sommer Lindsay – Senior Urban Designer and Climate Resilience consultant. Placemaking infrastructure for resilient, sustainable, liveable cities and communities.
The Knights Templar and Historical Revisionism in the Modern Era
Date & time: Monday 26 April at 6pm (UK time)
Online: Zoom (free registration via Eventbrite essential)
The Knights Templar are among the best-known elements of the medieval period. They were the first of the military-religious orders and important players in the Crusades, and their legacy has endured in films, novels, comics, and video games today. But this fame has also led to darker appropriations. In this online talk, Dr Rory MacLellan will examine why the Templars hold such a strong appeal for parts of the far-right and how pseudo-histories and myths about the order can act as an entry-point for this dark historical revisionism.
Reinventing Inverness Castle
Date & time: 6 May 4pm to 5pm
Online: GoToWebinar – log on details available on event booking
The A-listed Inverness Castle is being transformed from two court-houses into the main tourist-hub/visitor-centre/venue for the Highlands. C20 interventions are being stripped-out to expose the original layout and fabric, then the building will be sensitively re-invented for C21 flexible uses. A contemporary link building will join the two main towers and a new (all-abilities access) roof-terrace installed. Extensive re-landscaping will transform the public realm and setting to Inverness’ prime landmark building.
IHBC Annual School 2021 Brighton: Historic Places, People Places – Making the best of the places we have today, for those who live with them tomorrow
Dates: 17 – 18 June 2021.
All places have history – in landscapes, built fabric and memories – and that history shapes how people live, use and work with them, today and in the future. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, billions of pounds were being invested to support struggling urban and rural places, old and new, and their surrounding areas. Not only has the pandemic exacerbated these familiar problems, but it has also highlighted new ones. The IHBC’s Brighton 2021 School will address these and related challenges, seeking data, connecting thinking and shaping solutions.
Training
IHBC CPD – Introducing Building Survey for Retrofit
Date & time: 29 Mar 2021 1pm-2pm
Online: GoToWebinar
John Edwards, IHBC Technical Panel Chair and Trustee, will introduce Building Survey for Retrofit. Topics will include the following: The overall approach including the survey as part of the retrofit process; Competencies and equipment required; How condition affects performance; Examples of issues of particular importance and how to analyse them; Determining the suitability of types and levels of retrofit including materials; Making sure that heritage values are part of the process; Q&A at end.
Architectural Conservation CPD: Historic Shopfronts
Date & time: Wednesday 26 May, 12:30-13:30 (log-on from 12:15)
Online via Microsoft Teams, streamed live from Lower City Mills, Perth.
Marking 10 years since ‘The Historic Shopfronts of Perth’ was published, the second session in the 2020 CPD programme is a historic shopfront feature delivered by shopfronts expert Lindsay Lennie. Whether you are starting out in a buildings related career, looking to refresh your conservation knowledge, encounter historic buildings as part of your work portfolio, or have limited knowledge of the best conservation practice to employ on a project involving traditionally constructed buildings, this is the CPD programme for you. Sessions are recognised CPD by the IHBC and Scottish Traditional Building Forum (STBF).
Vacancies
National Covid Memorial – Commission for Artistic Engagement Process
greenspace scotland (on behalf of The Herald Covid Memorial Steering Group) is seeking to commission an artist/artistic partnership to engage creatively with communities (both geographic and of interest) to co-design an artistic statement and concept to inform the development of a National Covid Memorial in Pollok Country Park, Glasgow and that could be utilised by communities and other organisations in greenspaces across Scotland.
Expressions of interest are required by noon on Friday 19 March 2021.
Invitation to Tender: Review of Governance, Strategic Priorities and Plans
Inverness City Heritage Trust (ICHT) proposes to commission a consultancy review of its governance and management structures, financial management, operational priorities and business plans.
Deadline for receipt of tender submissions: 31 March 2021.
A joint statement on building for Scotland’s communities.
The next Scottish Government must co-ordinate legislation, strategies and funding if its vision of a sustainable, resilient and inclusive future is to be achieved.
A coalition of Scotland’s leading experts on the built environment has said there must be a shift from overlapping and disjointed strategies to complementarity and synergised policy making and from an opportunistic, reactive approach to development, to a planned, proactive approach.
The Royal Town Planning Institute Scotland, Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland, Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors in Scotland, Built Environment Forum Scotland, Landscape Institute Scotland and Institution of Civil Engineers Scotland issued a joint statement ahead of tonight’s (March 9th) Cross Party Group on Architecture and the Built Environment.
The statement is based around three areas – Professionalism, Prioritisation and People.
Euan Leitch, Director of Built Environment Forum Scotland said “BEFS work across the policy landscape – and collaboration of this kind is what will enable a stronger, regenerative, greener, and just transition for Scotland. Working on a maintenance agenda BEFS want to see policy and the professions working in unison to improve our places to meet climate, community, cultural, and economic need.”
ICE Scotland Director, Hannah Smith, said: “To achieve the Scottish Government’s vision of infrastructure supporting Scotland’s resilience and enabling inclusive, net zero and sustainable growth, we must first establish if our infrastructure is fit for purpose. “There must now be a strategic ‘resiliency audit’ to identify priorities and the most meaningful interventions to ensure our infrastructure is as durable as possible, particularly to withstand the effects of extreme weather.”
Rachel Tennant, Chair of Landscape Institute Scotland, said “LIS believe that multifunctional places needs to be at the heart of our built environment to ensure we can sustainably deliver on a range of societal benefits for the future. Diverse, well designed and managed places can deliver climate change adaption, increase the resilience of our communities and businesses, improve our health and wellbeing, as well as protect and enhance nature. Collaborative and empowering approaches are essential to the delivery of this.”
RIAS President Christina Gaiger said “The RIAS believe in a Scotland where we protect the environment through legislation and regulate for a zero-carbon future. By adopting quality focused, and collaborative approaches that avoid impacts, we can create a built environment that lowers or eradicates energy demand. The Climate Crisis and the experience of the pandemic illustrate that change is needed but also that it can happen.”
RICS Scotland National Board Chair, Richard Burnett said “As we look towards a green recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, Scotland’s built environment professionals will play a pivotal role in tackling some of the most prominent domestic issues in Scotland, including the lack of adequate housing, renewing our high streets, creating a 21st-century infrastructure network and addressing the challenges of climate change. A coordinated and collaborative approach will provide the leadership and expertise that will help guide decision makers in ensuring a swift recovery and economic prosperity.”
Barbara Cummins, Convenor of RTPI Scotland, said “Covid-19 has allowed us to appreciate the importance of the places we live in. A more coordinated approach across government will allow us to create the ‘twenty minute neighbourhoods’ that people need so that they live in well-designed, attractive, healthy and sustainable communities where they have local access to the services, shops and facilities they need on a daily basis.”
Ends.
Should you require further information please contact Craig McLaren, Director of Scotland, Ireland and English Regions at RTPI.
T: craig.mclaren@rtpi.org.uk
E: 07850 926881
Notes to Editors
The full statement can be read here.
RTPI Scotland
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) is the champion of planning and the planning profession. We work to promote the art and science of planning for the public benefit. We have around 2100 members in Scotland and a worldwide membership of over 25,000. RTPI Scotland’s members represent both the public and private sector interests and will in large part be responsible for the successful delivery of the planning system.
Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS)
The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) was founded in 1916. With over 5,200 members, the Incorporation is the professional body for all of Scotland’s chartered architects. The RIAS is a champion of Architecture and the Built Environment in Scotland. It supports the interests of its growing membership, united through its six regional chapters, to promote the importance of well-designed buildings and places. The RIAS is a charity run by, and for, its members.
RICS Scotland
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is the principal body representing professionals employed in the land, property and construction sectors. In Scotland, the Institution represents over 6500 members comprising chartered surveyors (MRICS or FRICS) and Associate surveyors (AssocRICS), as well as trainees and graduates. Our members are employed in private practice, central and local government, public agencies, academic institutions, business organisations and non-governmental organisations.
As part of its Royal Charter, RICS has a commitment to provide advice to the government[s] of the day and, in doing so, has an obligation to bear in mind the public interest as well as the interests of its members.
Built Environment Forum Scotland (BEFS)
Built Environment Forum Scotland (BEFS) is an umbrella body for organisations working in the built environment in Scotland. Drawing on extensive expertise in a membership-led forum, BEFS informs, debates and advocates on the strategic issues, opportunities and challenges facing Scotland’s historic and contemporary built environment.
Landscape Institute Scotland
The Landscape Institute (LI) is the royal chartered body for the landscape profession. We represent over 500 landscape architects, planners, designers, managers and scientists in Scotland. As a professional organisation and educational charity, we protect and enhance the built and natural environment for the public benefit., Its devolved nation Branch, the Landscape Institute Scotland, is at the forefront of recognising the importance of well-designed and managed landscapes and places, and the benefits they bring to society.
www.landscapeinstitute.org/scotland/
ICE Scotland
ICE Scotland supports and represents over 8,000 members living and working in Scotland. Our members design, build and maintain Scotland’s transport, water supply and treatment, flood management, waste and energy infrastructure. As a professional body we organise knowledge events and promote civil engineering by working in partnership with industry, government and education.
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A Joint Statement from organisations whose members plan, design, build and manage Scotland’s cities, towns, buildings, and infrastructure.
A Joint Statement from:
- Royal Town Planning Institute Scotland
- Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland
- Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors in Scotland
- Built Environment Forum Scotland
- Landscape Institute Scotland
- Institution of Civil Engineers Scotland
We are the organisations whose members plan, design, build and manage Scotland’s cities, towns, buildings, and infrastructure. We represent a combined membership of around 22,500 people across Scotland and recognise the need for our professions to work together to build Scotland’s future.
Our built environment is critical to how we live our lives. Our members will play an important part in how we achieve a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. We will support the governments route map for a different Scotland, that must:
- tackle climate change and achieve Scotland’s net zero carbon reduction targets,
- reduce health inequalities across Scotland,
- support a wellbeing economy,
- ensure a quality and affordable home for everyone who needs one.
This will require new ways of working to achieve the ‘new normal’. Ways that embed resilience into how our buildings, landscapes and places in cities, towns, villages, and neighbourhoods’ function and develop over time. We believe that this requires shifts:
- from short-term, project focussed investment to a planned long term holistic vision,
- from having overlapped and disjointed strategies to collective and complementarity policy making,
- from an opportunistic, reactive approach to development, to a planned, proactive approach,
- from economic priorities, to holistic priorities to tackle environmental, social and economic issues,
- from a competitive investment approach, to sustainable managed investment,
- from a ‘deal-making’ approach, to one based on providing a place vision first.
We support this vision and urge that Ministers activate:
Professionalism. Our highly skilled professionals meet the exacting standards to become and remain members. Their expertise in planning, designing, building, maintaining, and managing buildings and places, needs to be recognised in policy development, delivery, and procurement.
There is a fundamental priority to ‘shift the gaze’ from measuring success from metrics around speed and quantity, to the quality of places, buildings, and infrastructure.
Prioritisation. Our members rely upon a clear policy context supported by funding to deliver. We believe that this must promote and prioritise climate action, tackling inequalities, improving our Nation’s health and wellbeing creating an inclusive economy and delivering quality housing and infrastructure, both natural and built, to support communities.
Scotland needs joined up and coordinated government funding programmes and strategies specifically linking the aims of the National Planning Framework, Infrastructure Investment Plan, Housing Investment Strategy, Land Use Strategy, Energy Strategy, Climate Change Plan, National Transport Strategy and Public Health Strategy, alongside overall policy aims in health and social wellbeing and creating a low carbon and circular economy.
People. Our members strive to play their role in supporting the delivery of national policy priorities and Scotland’s National Outcomes, including tackling climate change, achieving net zero emissions by 2045 and meeting new housing targets. This requires investing in these services, supporting their continued development, and ensuring we have a pipeline of professionals coming through to ensure we meet these ambitions.
There must be support for future professionals, to reverse the disinvestment in public services and to develop a range of alternative routes to qualification.
The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) is the champion of planning and the planning profession. We work to promote the art and science of planning for the public benefit. We have around 2100 members in Scotland and a worldwide membership of over 25,000. RTPI Scotland’s members represent both the public and private sector interests and will in large part be responsible for the successful delivery of the planning system.
www.rtpi.org.uk
The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) was founded in 1916. With over 5,200 members, the Incorporation is the professional body for all of Scotland’s chartered architects. The RIAS is a champion of Architecture and the Built Environment in Scotland. It supports the interests of its growing membership, united through its six regional chapters, to promote the importance of well-designed buildings and places. The RIAS is a charity run by, and for, its members.
www.rias.org.uk
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is the principal body representing professionals employed in the land, property and construction sectors. In Scotland, the Institution represents over 6500 members comprising chartered surveyors (MRICS or FRICS) and Associate surveyors (AssocRICS), as well as trainees and graduates. Our members are employed in private practice, central and local government, public agencies, academic institutions, business organisations and non-governmental organisations. As part of its Royal Charter, RICS has a commitment to provide advice to the government[s] of the day and, in doing so, has an obligation to bear in mind the public interest as well as the interests of its members.
www.rics.org/uk
Built Environment Forum Scotland (BEFS) is an umbrella body for organisations working in the built environment in Scotland. Drawing on extensive expertise in a membership-led forum, BEFS informs, debates and advocates on the strategic issues, opportunities and challenges facing Scotland’s historic and contemporary built environment.
www.befs.org.uk
The Landscape Institute (LI) is the royal chartered body for the landscape profession. We represent over 500 landscape architects, planners, designers, managers and scientists in Scotland. As a professional organisation and educational charity, we protect and enhance the built and natural environment for the public benefit., Its devolved nation Branch, the Landscape Institute Scotland, is at the forefront of recognising the importance of well-designed and managed landscapes and places, and the benefits they bring to society.
www.landscapeinstitute.org/scotland/
ICE Scotland supports and represents over 8,000 members living and working in Scotland. Our members design, build and maintain Scotland’s transport, water supply and treatment, flood management, waste and energy infrastructure. As a professional body we organise knowledge events and promote civil engineering by working in partnership with industry, government and education.
www.ice.org.uk/scotland
BEFS will be saying a fond farewell to Director, Euan Leitch, in the Spring.
In Spring, BEFS will be saying a fond farewell to Director, Euan Leitch, as he takes up a new role as Chief Executive of SURF – Scotland’s Regeneration Forum.
In his 7 years with BEFS – first in Advocacy and Communications, then as Director – Euan has brought expertise, enthusiasm, and considerable skill in bringing the breadth of the sector together, and addressing the strategic matters of our time. From exploring diversity at a national conference, to pushing for legislative change in relation to tenement maintenance; his important legacy of listening to the sector, and holding the space for discussion and debate is work that BEFS looks forward to continuing.
The Board and BEFS team will be very sorry to see Euan go but are delighted to see he will still be working within the built environment and, as SURF are BEFS Members, he will not be a stranger. We wish him all the best in his new post.
Details on a new Director of BEFS will be provided in due course.
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BEFS News
BEFS is speaking at the next Cross-Party Group on Architecture & the Built Environment, ‘Building for Scotland’s Communities: New Thinking for Our Future Places’, on 9th March 2021. The way we live our lives and design our communities will need to change radically if we are to ensure a green post-Covid recovery, that we reach net zero carbon targets and improve health and wellbeing. It will require new ways of working to achieve the ‘new normal’ that embeds resilience into how our buildings, infrastructure, landscape, cities, towns, villages and neighbourhoods function and develop over time. The Cross-Party Group meeting will explore what this means for our built environment. Register here.
BEFS held a dedicated workshop with Members to consider the response to the Scottish Government’s consultation on the National Planning Framework 4. They were joined by Graham Saunders, HES – Head of Heritage Management Policy, who highlighted HES’ main priorities in relation to the consultation. BEFS response highlights Members support of the aims and outcomes in the Position Statement but expresses concerns about delivery – mechanisms and policy hierarchies; and how SPP and current heritage protections will be usefully translated into the NPF4. BEFS intends to work on model policies with Members and stakeholders.
The 2020 Annual Our Place in Time Report has now been published by Historic Environment Scotland. Overall, it shows the sector worked together and accomplished a great deal in 2019–20, despite having to make significant adjustments in response to the impact of COVID-19. The report also features a link to our Historic Environment Case Studies database.
BEFS has reviewed and updated our advocacy toolkit ahead of the Scottish Parliament elections on 6th May 2021. As part of this, we are compiling a list of manifestos produced by heritage and built environment organisations. The manifestos outline information on specific strategic issues, facts and details, and the corresponding language and messaging that can be adapted, adopted and supported by you. For advice on becoming an advocate, including how to contact your local politicians click through our toolkit.
Police Scotland is running a year-long awareness raising campaign to tackle wildlife crime across the country. Operation Wingspan, which started in October last year, focusses on each of the National Police Chief Council wildlife crime priorities in turn. In February and March bat crime is being highlighted. Police Scotland outline the things to lookout for before undertaking development such as construction, roof work and tree cutting, here.
In response to BEFS recent State of Heritage event, Hanneke Booij, PhD researcher at the Centre of Environment, Heritage and Policy, University of Stirling, shares her reflections on the recent Norwegian white paper on heritage to provide an insight into the Norwegian environmental perspective on heritage policy in the context of current societal challenges, in our blog this week.
Consultations
Scotland’s Churches Trust: Helping Sustain Our Places Of Worship Survey
Petition: To create a tax incentive to favour retrofit instead of demolition and new build
New Build Heat Standard – Scoping Consultation
Closes 3 Mar 2021.
Mediation in Planning
Closes 12 Mar 2021.
Climate Change – Net Zero Nation: draft public engagement strategy
Closes 31 Mar 2021.
Covid-19: Government support for charities – Call for evidence
You can submit evidence until Monday 8 April 2021.
Consultation on Scottish skills requirements for energy efficiency, zero emissions and low carbon heating systems, microgeneration and heat networks for homes
Closes 30 April 2021.
Heat in Buildings Strategy
Closes 30 April 2021.
Consultation Responses
Publications
Scottish House Condition Survey: Local Authority Analysis 2017-2019 (SG 23/02/21)
National Planning Framework 4: Key Agencies Group – position statement (SG 19/02/21)
Getting ahead on falling behind – Tackling the UK’s building arrears crisis (SG 16/02/21)
Affordable housing: resource planning assumptions to councils 2020-2021 (SG 15/02/21)
Building standards verification performance framework 2020: national survey findings (SG 12/02/21)
Scottish Government News Releases
Draft guidance brought forward on short-term lets (SG 18/02/21)
Legislation for a short-term lets licensing scheme has been withdrawn from the Scottish Parliament to allow for draft guidance to be developed.
News Releases
Climate Beacons for COP26 – Expressions of Interest (CCS 02/21)
Climate Beacons for COP26 will be a Scotland-wide collaborative project between climate change or environmental organisations and arts, heritage or cultural organisations to stimulate long-term public engagement in the lead-up to and following COP26. Deadline: 1st March 2021.
2020 SURF Award Winners Revealed (SURF 19/02/21)
The outcomes of the prestigious 2020 SURF Awards for Best Practice in Community Regeneration were announced last night (18/02/21) at a virtual celebratory presentation event streamed live via Vimeo.
NPF4 must be ‘deliverable, connected and influential’ (RTPI Scotland 19/02/21)
The new National Planning Framework (NPF4) in Scotland must be ‘deliverable, connected and influential’, the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) has said.
More than £18 million awarded in final grants from first round of Culture Recovery Fund (DCMS 19/02/21)
22 heritage organisations and 33 independent cinemas are the latest to receive support from the Culture Recovery Fund.
Cut VAT for green home improvements and repairs, MPs urge (Guardian 17/02/21)
Environmental audit committee says chancellor must use budget to spur low-carbon growth. Ministers should cut VAT on repairs for electrical goods and green home improvements, to help people reduce greenhouse gas emissions in their everyday lives, an influential committee of MPs has urged.
Scotland’s £33bn infrastructure plan – a significant step forward (ICE 16/02/21)
Resilience and sustainability are at the heart of Scottish Government priorities, but we need a strategic approach.
Edinburgh World Heritage asks residents to help shape conservation priorities (EWH 12/02/21)
EWH is today issuing a call to residents to share their suggestions for where future conservation work in the city should be focused. As part of wider efforts in the city to ‘build back better’ post-COVID-19, the charity is asking local people to help identify neighbourhoods and individual buildings in or near the World Heritage Site that need attention.
Full range of National Lottery funding resumes with refocused priorities for 2021-22 (NLHF 09/02/21)
Applications are open for National Lottery Grants for Heritage from £3,000 up to £5million. We will prioritise projects that contribute to our recovery from the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis.
Scottish Walking Awards (PfA 05/02/21)
Together with Ramblers Scotland, Living Streets Scotland, and the National Walking Strategy Delivery Forum, we have launched the Scottish Walking Awards. Open until 31 March 2021 the awards feature ten categories open for nominations from across Scotland and all sections of society, including projects supporting people who use wheelchairs and other mobility aids.
The Museums Association Redundancy Tracker (MA 01/21)
The Covid-19 crisis is having serious financial impacts on the museum sector, putting a growing number of people at risk of redundancy. The Museums Association (MA) is tracking levels of redundancies so we can capture the scale of impact across the UK and continue to advocate for members and the sector.
Launch of Access: Scotland (HES 21/01/21)
Screen Scotland collaboration with?VisitScotland,?EventScotland,?Historic Environment Scotland, NatureScot and the?National Trust for Scotland delivers development?boost for Scotland-based production companies.
A Song In Stone (F&LS 01/21)
As part of a project with Historic Environment Scotland and the Kilmartin Museum, our archaeological team have worked to produce a substantial and comprehensive learning resource about Scotland’s neolithic rock art.
WorldGBC & global leaders call for historic Built Environment Day at COP26 (WGBC 01/21)
The World Green Building Council joins nine international organisations to sign a letter to COP26 President, Alok Sharma, requesting a Built Environment Day at the climate summit in November 2021.
Opinion & Comment
Parliamentary Questions
Questions marked with a triangle (?) are initiated by the Scottish Government in order to facilitate the provision of information to the Parliament.Questions in which a member has indicated a declarable interest are marked with an “R”.
Question S5W-35236: Alexander Burnett, Aberdeenshire West, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 17/02/2021 R
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the (a) laying of regulations for minimum energy efficiency standards and (b) compliance dates which will be set out in the regulations.
Question S5W-35277: Rhoda Grant, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 17/02/2021
To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that ensuring that communities benefit from public expenditure on land management practises and land uses that (a) contributes to climate heating mitigation and adaptation and (b) secures the local retention of income, is a core part of ensuring a just transition to net zero carbon emissions.
Question S5W-35395: Liam McArthur, Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats, Date Lodged: 22/02/2021
To ask the Scottish Government how it will ensure that the process of deciding on criteria for national developments to be incorporated into National Planning Framework 4 will be participative, and whether it has considered using a citizen’s assembly to discuss the proposals for national developments.
Question S5W-35396: Liam McArthur, Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats, Date Lodged: 22/02/2021
To ask the Scottish Government how it will decide the criteria for national developments to be incorporated into National Planning Framework 4, and what the process leading up to that decision will be.
Events
For the latest information about BEFS Members’ events see our events calendar.
Free training for Community Councils – the Circular Economy and the planning system
At the end of last year we announced our intention to run a number of training sessions on the circular economy and its relation to the planning system, in partnership with Zero Waste Scotland. We now have four confirmed dates. Each session will run for 1.5 – 2 hours. Please sign up for your preferred session via the links below or contact David Wood (david@pas.org.uk) for more information.
Ahead of Their Time: A Talk in Celebration of International Women’s Day
Date & time: Monday 8 March at 6pm (UK time)
Online: Zoom (free registration via Eventbrite essential).
In this free online talk in celebration of International Women’s Day, writer broadcaster and comedian Susan Morrison will shine a light on several Scottish women from the 1700s to 1900s who were in many ways ahead of their time. Join us on 8 March to hear the life stories of the female Scottish abolitionists, politicians and activists who achieved great things against all odds.
Culture & Business Fund Scotland Roadshows: A source of support for COVID-19 recovery & renewal
Date & time: Tues. 9 March 11:00am-13:00pm & Tues. 30 March 11:00am-13:00pm
Online: via Zoom.
Due to COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, we are taking our Culture & Business Scotland (CBFS) Roadshows online. These free webinars will give attendees from across the arts, heritage, third, public and business sectors the opportunity to learn about the fund, and how we have adapted the criteria to provide more flexible support for the sectors through a period of recovery and renewal throughout 2021 and beyond.
Heritage and Sustainability in Action – Upgrading Building Elements
Date & time: 16th March, 12noon
Venue: Online.
First session in the series ‘Heritage and Sustainability in Action’ focussing on examples of upgrading building elements to make historic buildings sustainable.
A Future for Your Church – Making a Start
Date & time: Tuesday 16th March, 10am-11.30am.
Online.
Heritage Trust Network and Historic Churches Scotland are joining forces to host the second event in this series for any group contemplating the future of their church building. In this event we will focus particularly on the process of making a start and building up to taking on full responsibility for the building. If you have already gone through this process, we strongly encourage you to attend and share your experiences with others.
Landmark Trust & Fairburn Tower
Date & time: 6pm 17th March 2021
Venue: Online
The category A listed structure is roofless, floorless and had dramatic cracks running the length of its walls which was widening at an alarming rate. The Landmark Trust are in the process of restoring the tower and converting it to holiday accommodation. Hear from Tom Addyman and Linda Lockett as they show us their approach to archaeology and repairs.
Taking Ownership – Experiences Shared
Date & time: Friday 19th March, 10am-12pm.
Online.
Heritage Trust Network Scotland Branch: Are you considering taking ownership of a building within your community? Not sure how to navigate the purchase from a private owner or a Local Authority? Join us on Friday 19th March to hear from those with first-hand experience. This event is open to any group who are considering taking ownership of a building but are not sure of when is the best time to do it, what purchase price they should be paying, what responsibilities they need to be aware of…the list goes on. Come along to hear case studies from our speakers and put your questions to them.
The Knights Templar and Historical Revisionism in the Modern Era
Date & time: Monday 26 April at 6pm (UK time)
Online: Zoom (free registration via Eventbrite essential)
The Knights Templar are among the best-known elements of the medieval period. They were the first of the military-religious orders and important players in the Crusades, and their legacy has endured in films, novels, comics, and video games today. But this fame has also led to darker appropriations. In this online talk, Dr Rory MacLellan will examine why the Templars hold such a strong appeal for parts of the far-right and how pseudo-histories and myths about the order can act as an entry-point for this dark historical revisionism.
The Need for Old Buildings to Breathe Re-examined
Date & time: 27th April, 12noon
Venue: Online.
Presented by David Wiggins, this advanced CPD will present his latest research, debunking myths about breathability and scrutinising the pervasion of chemical additives. A must see for all architects & specifiers!
Training
Legacy giving. Now is the time – if you do it right. Learn how to!
Date & time: 25 March 2021, 11:00 – 15:00 **2 places remaining**
Online: via Zoom.
This course is focused on how to integrate legacies into your current fundraising at little or no cost at a time when more people are making Wills than we have witnessed in decades.
IHBC CPD – Introducing Building Survey for Retrofit
Date & time: 29 Mar 2021 1pm-2pm
Online: GoToWebinar.
John Edwards, IHBC Technical Panel Chair and Trustee, will introduce Building Survey for Retrofit. Topics will include the following: The overall approach including the survey as part of the retrofit process; Competencies and equipment required; How condition affects performance; Examples of issues of particular importance and how to analyse them; Determining the suitability of types and levels of retrofit including materials; Making sure that heritage values are part of the process; Q&A at end.
IHBC Virtual MATE
Date & time: Wed, 21 April 2021; 14:00 – 17:00.
Online: CPD.
You are invited to attend an online IHBC Membership Application Training Event (MATE). This will last approximately 3 hours. This MATE will be led by Ramona Usher and Fiona Newton. How will the online MATE work? The format is similar to the familiar in person MATE, helping you to understand the IHBc Application process and how best to complete your application. The MATE will be delivered through GoToMeeting. Log in details will be provided closer to the event. All delegates will be encouraged to raise issues specific to their experience and application. All preparation and event hours qualify as IHBC CPD hours.
Architectural Conservation CPD: Design and Retrofit on the Gannochy Estate
Date & time: Wed. 28 April, 12:30-13:30 (log-on with light refreshments from 12:15)
Online: Microsoft Teams, streamed live from Lower City Mills, Perth.
The first session in a 6-part CPD programme provides a local example of retrofitting traditional properties for the 21st Century in-line with conservation guidance and principles. Delivered by The Gannochy Trust’s Estates Manager Andy Duncan, this session also includes Gannochy’s new build housing projects where traditional design philosophies are inspiring the next generation of social housing. Sessions are delivered by industry accredited professionals and are recognised CPD by the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC) and Scottish Traditional Building Forum (STBF).
As part of their year-long awareness raising campaign, Police Scotland highlight the dangers of building development to bats and badgers.
Brown long-eared stuck to fly paper © Daniel Hargreaves.
Police Scotland is running a year-long awareness raising campaign to tackle wildlife crime across the country.
Operation Wingspan, which started in October last year, focusses on each of the National Police Chief Council (NPCC) wildlife crime priorities in turn.
In February and March bat crime is being highlighted, while the previous phase referred to badger persecution.
One of the greatest threats to the wellbeing of bats and badgers is development such as construction, roof work and tree cutting. Such development, even if well intentioned, may be a criminal offence if these species or their homes are disturbed. As such Police Scotland Wildlife Crime Officers have been proactively visiting and surveying badger setts and bat roosts across Scotland that have been identified as at risk.
Detective Chief Superintendent Gary Cunningham, Police Scotland’s Wildlife Crime portfolio holder said:
“Police Scotland is committed to tackling wildlife crime and Operation Wingspan provides a platform to do that.
We have a rich natural environment in Scotland including badgers and bats, which are afforded legal protection. But that does not necessarily mean development or restoration cannot go ahead in locations where these species reside. There is often a solution that works for all parties. But it is crucial that anyone wishing to undertake such development follow correct procedures”.
Liz McLachlan, NatureScot Licensing Manager, said:
“It’s important that anyone wishing to undertake development that may disturb badger setts, bat roosts or any other protected species takes advice at the earliest opportunity.
“Our website has lots of really useful guidance to support developers to take forward proposed work where possible, while maintaining the welfare of protected species.”
Bats
Bats often roost in the roofs of old buildings, which can pose difficulties for those in the heritage sector.
Regulation 39(1) Conservation (Natural Habitats etc) Regulations 1994 makes it an offence for a person to deliberately or recklessly disturb a bat in a manner likely to impact on breeding, rearing young or population distribution. Under this regulation it is also a strict liability offence to destroy or damage a bat roost, even if no bats are present.
If someone wishes to undertake development where a bat roost is present they should consult NatureScot (01463 725364 / licensing@nature.scot) or the Bat Conservation Trust first. These organisations might advise that a bat survey be undertaken by an ecologist to establish if a roost is present. Subject to the outcome of that report it may be necessary to apply for a license from NatureScot. These licences are available free of charge to enable most development works to go ahead while minimising the impact upon bats.
Contact NatureScot Licensing Team on 01463 725364 or licensing@nature.scot.
More information on bats and development can be found on the NatureScot and Bat Conservation Trust websites.
Badgers
Section 2(1)(c) Protection of Badgers Act 1992 makes it an offence to Interfere with a badger sett. This includes damaging a sett, obstructing access or disturbing a badger while it is in the sett.
A spokesperson from Scottish Badgers said:
“As badgers live in underground structures, they are particularly sensitive and vulnerable to nearby construction. As soon as a sett is suspected to be within the footprint of any development, professional advice should be sought immediately. It is an offence to interfere with or damage an active sett in any way, and licences through NatureScot while available, do come with strict conditions that must be adhered to in order to remain legal”.
If someone wishes to undertake development which is within 30m of an active badger sett or they think may disturb a badger sett (pile driving or blasting), the process is very similar to that of bats, where early contact with NatureScot Licensing Team is advised, or alternatively advice may be sought from Scottish Badgers operationscoordinator@scottishbadgers.org.uk (www.scottishbadgers.org.uk).
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