BEFS Director provides a brief overview of the Scottish Government draft Budget 2023-2024.
The Scottish Government published its draft Budget 2024-2025 on 19th December 2023 with details across all portfolios, including that of Historic Environment Scotland within Constitution, External Affairs and Culture.
Last year it was noted by the Scottish Government that we were living in, what were referred to by the Deputy First Minister as, “the most turbulent economic and financial context most people can remember”. The mood music has not changed tempo in the intervening year, and it is of note that SPICe’s initial overview is titled, In the bleak midwinter. Challenging times and difficult decisions (for Cabinet Secretaries and others) remain.
This overview highlights a few headline figures which may be of interest across the breadth of the existing built environment but we suggest that all those with a detailed interest explore the document in full before drawing any more definitive conclusions. Please also note that this is explicitly a one year budget – perhaps understandable in challenging times, but fails to support the many sectors suffering due to repeated one-year budgets.
Historic Environment Scotland (HES): the budget fails to draw any clear link between Net Zero and sector (present in the previous two iterations) which is surprising given the rest of the budget’s emphasis in this area. An extract from the overview reads as follows:
“Our continued and increased investment in Scotland’s culture and heritage will improve the resilience and sustainability of our culture sector and, in tandem with our crossGovernment public service reform activity, will support our publicly funded culture bodies to deliver high-quality services, sustainably and equitably, that are fit for the future. We will continue to support the culture sector to deliver highly skilled jobs, successful businesses, and thriving communities. We will work with delivery partners to promote equity of access to our world-class collections and heritage assets and opportunities for cultural and creative participation.” (p.98)
The total operational cost forecast for HES in 2024-25 is £129.7 million, an increase of just over 13% on the previous year’s budget. The budget as stated, suggests an income generation of £63.5M. Based on the evidence below, and with continued uncertainty around cost-of-living impacts on visitor numbers, and rising costs – this may seem a touch optimistic.
The most recent HES Annual reports covering times impacted by covid are as follows: the Annual Report for 2021-2022 income is listed as £22.3M (almost £20M short of the expectations set within the Scottish Budget in 2022-23, as can be seen above), and still 67% down on 2019-2020. Published the same day as the 2024-2025 budget we have the Annual Report for 2022-2023 where commercial income is listed as £49.7M – almost matching the forecast above. We can only hope that the modelling for 2024-2025 proves as accurate.
Over previous years there was a significant increase in Government funding to HES (in 2022-2023 around 25% on 2021-2022 – from £55.9M to £70.1M), last year the increase was a more modest 3.8% overall, and this year sees a 2% increase. Positive in these difficult times, but significantly below inflation.
Level 4 data spreadsheets details HES Capital in the same way as previously (with an 11% reduction from the prior year), “Investment towards restoring, enhancing and conserving our HES Properties in Care and associated visitor facing facilities across Scotland. Capital funding for corporate infrastructure.” With the uplift specifically to “support an increase in essential maintenance.”
The description of running costs is detailed as follows, “Staff and operating costs including conservation of estate to protect and promote Scotland’s historic environment. HES is the largest operator of paid visitor attractions in Scotland as well as the lead body for enabling and delivering Scotland’s Historic Environment Strategy, Our Place in Time and providing advice on the management of Scotland’s wider historic environment. Building, Archaeology and Voluntary Sector grants to third parties plus goods and services not included in administration and operating costs. ”
Ignoring the now erroneous reference to OPiT, this is a welcome direct reference to the grants provided to the sector via HES. The importance of these grants across the sector cannot be emphasised enough; with HES one of the few funders able to fund both organisations as well as building fabric. Sector stability, and the community impact of organisations and projects working with Scottish Government funding, through HES’ dispersal of these grants.
After last year’s cuts and the changes to Creative Scotland’s budget over the course of the year, it is positive to see that the Culture Budget is receiving a modest uplift overall.
The Planning Budget’s increase seems exceptionally positive in the face of the continued and sustained activity in this area. However with Planning reforms and new consultation suggested in early 2024, it remains to be seen if this budget fits the ever increasing pressures put on the profession. More about current resourcing can be read in RTPI Scotland’s research briefing, Resourcing the Planning Service Key trends and findings 2023 (released December 2023).
The significant decrease in Cities & Investment Strategy is not good news for place. Stasis is also seen in the budget for City Region and Growth Deals in Local Authority budgets. The Regeneration Budget also reduces slightly.
An area only recently examined within BEFS brief budget analysis statements has been the position of the Scottish Funding Council and the Skills & Training budgets. Both budget lines don’t necessarily paint a positive picture. Scottish Funding Council receives a 5.3% decrease with Skills Development Scotland facing a 2% cut. At a time of skills emergency across the sector, and with ever stretched collages and courses – as well as significant need to meet future net zero demands, this seems short-sighted at best.
Within the Local Government Funding outwith Core Settlement (p52) we can see that the Home Energy Efficiency Programmes for Scotland (HEEPS) remained static as does the Vacant & Derelict Land programme. When considering net-zero specifically, the Climate Action & Just Transition funding sees a significant decrease almost halving since last year.
Significant news within the built environment has been the slashing of the More Homes budget by 33% – initial thinking could see this as of note to our existing built environment, but as the stasis to other areas is seen above (and below); and with councils declaring housing emergencies this reduction in funding for homes may just put pressure on all aspects of our housing system.
A small chink of light within a budget devoid of much good news is the increase to Building Standards (95% increase) which will fund: “a programme of research and professional advice to ensure the Building Standards system in Scotland delivers its regulatory requirements and supports the creation and renewal of safe and sustainable buildings that stand the test of time.”
That is what so many across the sector work for, “the creation and renewal of safe and sustainable buildings that stand the test of time”. I feel perhaps, that one small budget line is not enough to achieve that necessary aim.
Please note that due to budgetary changes throughout the previous years, and changes in naming of funds and portfolios (all issues which fail to give clarity, and highlighted by SPICe) it may not be of greatest benefit to read each year-to-year budget as an accurate reflection of what occurred during the year.
| 2020-2021 Budget | 2021-2022 Budget | 2022-2023 Budget | 2023-2024 Budget | 2024-2025 Budget | |
| £m | £m | £m | £m | £m | |
| Architecture and Place | 1.4 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| Building Standards | 2 | 16.7 | 11.8 | 31.3 | 2.4 |
| Housing and Building Standards | 533.2 | ||||
| Planning | 8.3 | 11.5 | 13.7 | 12.3 | 65.6 |
| Planning and Environmental Appeals | 0.7 | 0.7 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.6 |
| More Homes | 896.1 | 748.1 | 744.3 | 567.5 | 375.8 |
| Registers of Scotland | 12.4 | 11.2 | 8.5 | 10.4 | 10 |
| Fuel Poverty/Energy Efficiency | 135.2 | 187.7 | 194.3 | 231.1 | – |
| Energy Efficiency and Decarbonisation | 358.2 | ||||
| Fuel Poverty & Housing Quality | 1.7 | ||||
| Cities & Investment Strategy | 205.6 | 209.8 | 233.2 | 263.2 | 211.1 |
| Regeneration | 47.4 | 111.6 | 96.4 | 59.2 | 58.5 |
| Vacant and Derelict Land Grant | 7.6 | 7.6 | 7.6 | 7.6 | 5 |
| Creative Scotland and Other Arts | 67.3 | 63.2 | 69.3 | 64.2 | 75.6 |
| Cultural Collections | 79.2 | 75.7 | 90 | 87.9 | 91.9 |
| Major Events and Themed Years | 6.6 | 8.2 | 18.2 | 24.2 | – |
| Culture and Major Events Staffing | 4.4 | 4.7 | 5.1 | 5 | 3.6 |
| National Performing Companies | 22.9 | 22.9 | 22.9 | 22.9 | 23.6 |
| National Parks | 13.9 | 17.5 | 18.5 | 20.9 | 21.8 |
| Natural Resources, Peatland (and Flooding not 2023 or 2024) | 29.7 | 44.1 | 56.4 | 60.7 | 31.4 |
| Scottish Environmental Protection Agency | 37.1 | 43.5 | 41.4 | 49 | 52.6 |
| NatureScot | 49.1 | 50.2 | 49.6 | 61.1 | 65.6 |
| Zero Waste | 16.5 | 40.2 | 43.4 | 47.4 | 48.9 |
| Land Reform | 15 | 14.9 | 12.3 | 13.9 | 11.6 |
| Tourism | 50.6 | 65.1 | 51.2 | 49.4 | 47 |
| Climate Acton & Just Transition/ 2024 Climate Action and Policy | 28.7 | 29.8 | 49.1 | 79.5 | 29 |
| Just Transition | 12.2 | ||||
| Scottish Land Commission | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.6 | 1.5 | 1.6 |
| City Region and Growth Deals | 3.8 | 11.2 | 7.2 | 12.7 | 12.4 |
| Clyde Gateway Urban Regeneration Company | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.5 |
| …………………………………………………………………………….Capital | |||||
| Capital Land and Works | 22 | 22 | 18.9 | 15 | – |
| City Region and Growth Deals – in Local Government Funding 2024 | 201 | 198.1 | 226 | 191.3 | 190 |
| Home Energy Efficiency Programmes for Scotland (HEEPS) | 55 | 58 | 64 | 64 | 64 |
| Regeneration Capital Grant Fund | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 |
| Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme | – | 5 | 5 | 10 | 10 |
| Place Based Investment Programme (was Place, Town Centres and 20 Minute Neighbourhoods) | – | 23 | 33 | 23 | 23 |
Get The Latest Built Environment News, Policy Developments, Publications & Consultations
BEFS NEWS
This week BEFS gathered together Members, Associates, and stakeholders to celebrate BEFS 20th year. It was a delight to see so many colleagues in the Dovecote Studios to raise a glass to many more years of BEFS supporting the sector. Thank you to all those who came and shared the celebration.
You can read our short publication on 20 years of BEFS here.
Last week BEFS and Historic Environment Scotland released the new Sustainable Investment Tool (SIT). Investment in our existing buildings and heritage contributes to positive outcomes for people and places across a huge number of areas, including employment, the environment, good places for communities, healthy town centres, and homes. Sustainable investment is also important as current economic conditions and climatic impacts increase the challenges felt by all, including our existing built environment. The SIT enables visualisation around decision-making for projects and investment in built heritage and will help organisations as well as community and interest groups with heritage assets to explore sustainability, enabling greater resilience for Scotland’s places.
The SIT is released by Built Environment Forum Scotland (BEFS), with the support of Historic Environment Scotland, on behalf of the Our Place in Time – Built Heritage Investment Group (BHIG) and supports the new strategy for Scotland’s historic environment – Our Past, Our Future. Our thanks go to everyone that has contributed their time, expertise and vision to this project. More information about the origins of the SIT can be found on BEFS website.
Our Past, Our Future has been receiving the attention of the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture committee with a number of sector professionals giving evidence on the 23rd, HES giving evidence on the 30th, and Ms McKelvie in her ministerial role talking to the committee on the 7th. BEFS is delighted the sector is being better understood for its contributions to communities and places and appreciates the scrutiny given by the committee.
A new consultation has been launched: Delivering net zero for Scotland’s buildings – Heat in Buildings Bill. The consultation invites views on proposals to make new laws around the energy efficiency of our homes and buildings and the way we heat those buildings. Introduced in a Ministerial Statement on 28 November, the purpose of the consultation is to gather views on the proposals to make new laws around the heating systems that can be used in homes and places of work. Following extensive work on the Heat in Buildings Strategy, BEFS looks forward to working with the sector during the consultation process. The consultation closes on 8 March 2024. You can read more in the ministerial statement, found here.
During the parliamentary session where the Heat in Buildings Bill was introduced, a number of pertinent questions were asked, and Graham Simpson MSP’s question concerning tenements can be found here.
In related news, BEFS are pleased to see the long-awaited release of the final report of the Tenements Short Life Working Group (published on 28 November), summarising all the work and recommendations made to the Scottish Government by the group members. In addition, a report summarising analysis of multi-owner buildings archetypes and costing of retrofit works and zero emissions heating was published alongside two consultation documents: proposals for a Heat in Buildings Bill and a Social Housing Net Zero Standard.
A vast number of churches and places of worship are in transition, with some in the process of being assessed and sold on the open market. Recognising that churches will be divesting assets at speed and scale in the near future – and that those sites still publicly accessible will need to have sustainable purposes – SPAB and BEFS jointly hosted a CPD Conference, addressing the complexity of finding sustainable futures for these special places, across the planning arena, hearing from those involved with many aspects of decision making as well as funders, community support organisations and heritage specialists.
Further events on this important topic will be delivered by the Heritage Trust Network and Historic Churches Scotland. A Scotland Churches Sector Map has also been created by Heritage Trust Network, with support from Historic Churches Scotland, Scotland’s Churches Trust, National Churches Trust and Historic Environment Scotland. The map is aimed at groups who are looking for funding, resources or advice but who are unsure where to start and helps groups locate the support they need.
Historic England’s annual collation of datasets, Heritage Counts, details a range of indicators that provide useful insights into the state of the historic environment, enabling sector professionals to understand changes in the historic environment, develop policies to protect it, and demonstrate its importance. The latest published Heritage Indicator Data provides useful trends and statistics into the state of the historic environment around eight themes.
And finally, if you can’t get enough of BEFS Bulletin and are looking for another excellent regular publication to sign up to, Lintel is Historic Environment Scotland’s quarterly newsletter providing updates from regulatory work. You can check out the latest issue here; and sign up so you don’t miss the next issue.
CONSULTATIONS
Education Bill Provisions
Scottish Government
A consultation on a new national qualifications body and a new approach to inspection of education in Scotland, including elements of the proposed Education Bill.
Closes 18 December 2023
Proposed Desecration of War Memorials (Prevention) (Scotland) Bill
Scottish Parliament
This consultation relates to a draft proposal lodged as the first stage in the process of introducing a Member’s Bill in the Scottish Parliament, to ensure that war memorials in Scotland receive the protection that they deserve by creating the specific offence of desecration of a war memorial.
Closes 19 December 2023
Outline Strategic Plan for Holyrood Park
Historic Environment Scotland
This survey on the Outline Strategic Plan for Holyrood Park will gather public views to help deliver a new future for the Park that reflects community aspirations, the needs of the City and the inherent value and sensitivity of Holyrood Park.
Closes 19 December 2023
Corporate Plan 2024-27
Architecture & Design Scotland
A&DS are inviting feedback on their plans for the period 2024-27. In 2021 they launched a ten-year strategy, and having broken the delivery of this strategy into 3-year plans, they are now planning their future work and would like people to have a say in what they are proposing.
*NEW* Closes 19 December 2023
Feedback on Historic England Advice and Guidance documents
Historic England
Historic England seeks feedback on the effectiveness of the advice contained in the new Historic England Advice Note (HEAN) covering Climate Change and Historic Building Adaptation.
*NEW* Closes 24 December 2023
Wellbeing and Sustainable Development (Scotland) Bill
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government is gathering views to help inform the scope of any legislation for a proposed Wellbeing and Sustainable Development Bill.
The Bill aims to further improve decision making and the implementation of the National Performance Framework to ensure that all policy and delivery is focused on increasing the wellbeing of people living in Scotland, both now and in the future.
*NEW* Closes 14 February 2023
National Parks in Scotland
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government invites individuals, communities and organisations to develop and submit formal nominations for their area to become Scotland’s next National Park.
Closes 29 February 2024
Social Housing Net Zero Standard in Scotland
Scottish Government
The social housing sector has led the way on energy efficiency in recent years and is well placed to build on this further while building in longer term ambition to transition to clean heating. This consultation seeks views on a new Social Housing Net Zero Standard (SHNZS) in Scotland. This new standard will replace the second Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing (EESSH2).
*NEW* Closes 8 March 2024
Proposals for a Heat in Buildings Bill
Scottish Government
There is no way to meet a legal obligation to reach ‘net zero’ without changing the heating systems in the vast majority of buildings. The purpose of this consultation is to make everyone aware of the proposal to make new laws around the heating systems that can be used in homes and places of work, and to invite views on those proposals.
*NEW* Closes 8 March 2024
CONSULTATION RESPONSES
Local Living and 20 Minute Neighbourhood – draft planning guidance: consultation analysis (Scot Gov 09/11/2023)
Local Living and 20 Minute Neighbourhood – draft planning guidance: published responses (Scot Gov 09/11/2023)
Management of Burial Grounds, Application for Burial, Exhumation and Restoration of Lairs: Regulation in Scotland (BEFS 17/11/2023)
BEFS welcomes the recognition within the minimum requirements that historic and ruined places of worship will require appropriate procedures, and is supportive of the proposals for management plans outlined in the consultation document. To enable best management and decision making we would consider that alongside the management plans, appropriate and accessible guidance will be key.
Statement in relation to the call for views: Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill (BEFS 17/11/2023)
BEFS comments reiterate previous statements that ‘the environment’ should be considered to include the natural and historic environment. Power to provide support in relation to historic and cultural sites is an excellent start, however further integration within the Bill could elicit greater benefits more broadly.
Ambitions for the Planning System (BEFS 01/12/2023)
BEFS considers a key and impactful outcome of the planning system is a holistic understanding of what makes good places for people and communities. The response highlights the need for the appropriate skills and training within planning teams to enable appropriate consideration of the needs of communities and an understanding of the value and contribution of historic and existing buildings as assets towards outcomes set within NPF4 and Scotland’s National Outcomes.
NEWS RELEASES
Creative & Cultural Skills is closing its doors (CCSkills 14/11/2023)
Delivering Net Zero for England’s Historic Buildings: Local Data on the Demand for Retrofitting Skills and Economic Growth (Historic England 16/11/2023)
Support for communities working with church buildings (Heritage Trust Network 16/11/2023)
A pre-election Statement: Putting the Autumn Statement 2023 in context (Resolution Foundation 23/11/2023)
House set within a ruin is Scotland’s building of the year (RIAS 29/11/2023)
Alex Paterson, Chief Executive of Historic Environment Scotland (HES), has resigned after over seven years in the role (HES 29/11/2023)
Reappointments to the National Heritage Memorial Fund and The National Lottery Heritage Fund (UK Gov 05/12/2023)
PUBLICATIONS
Whole building assessment for energy efficiency and zero direct emissions heat in multi-owner and mixed-use buildings (Climate Exchange April 2023)
Auckland’s heritage counts 2023 (Knowledge Auckland 20/10/2023)
Heat pumps and domestic heat decarbonisation in the UK: A systems thinking analysis of barriers to adoption (CaCHE 14/11/2023)
Interactive Map and Dashboard – Local Data on the Demand for Retrofitting Skills and Economic Growth (Historic England 16/11/2023)
A Climate for Change: Adaptation and the National Trust (National Trust 20/11/2023)
SESARF: First three chapters from the South East Scotland Archaeological Research Framework go live (ScARF 22/11/2023)
Borrowed from the Future: An Ecological Blueprint (Scottish Ecological Design Association, 22/11/2023)
Report on social housing retrofit in Scotland (CIOB 23/11/2023)
Autumn Statement 2023 Analysis (The Heritage Alliance 24/11/2023)
Insulating Britain: Examining the barriers and motivations to decarbonising our homes (Social Market Foundation 24/11/2023)
UK natural capital accounts: 2023 (ONS 27/11/2023)
Heritage Counts: Indicator data (Historic England 29/11/2023)
An Evidence Based Approach to Supporting the Transition to Net Zero (Skills Development Scotland 30/11/2023)
Impact of increased cost of living on adults across Great Britain: July to October 2023 (ONS 04/12/2023)
Scottish Archives and Records Year in Review (Scottish Council on Archives 30/11/2023)
SCOTTISH & UK: GOVERNMENTAL & PARLIAMENTARY PUBLICATIONS
Building a greener future: Aggregates Tax Bill to encourage use of recycled materials in construction (Scot Gov 15/11/2023)
Scotland’s guiding principles on the environment: statutory guidance – error correction (Scot Gov 15/11/2023)
Budget Scrutiny 2024-15: Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee Letter to the Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Net Zero and Just Transition (Scot Parl 16/11/2023)
Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee Report on Heat Networks (Heat Network Supply Target) (Scotland) Regulations 2023 (Scot Parl 17/11/2023)
SPICe Spotlight: Renewable energy map of Scotland (SPICe 20/11/2023)
Short Term Lets Licensing Statistics, to 30 June 2023 (Scot Gov 20/11/2023)
Six projects awarded grants from round three of the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund to support major regeneration and transport projects (UK Gov 21/11/2023)
Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill Timetable (Scot Parl 21/11/2023)
Adapting to Climate Change – Progress in Scotland (Climate Change Committee 21/11/2023)
Autumn Statement – Scottish Government priorities: Deputy First Minister statement (Scot Gov 21/11/2023)
Autumn Statement 2023 (UK Gov 22/11/2023)
Chief Planner letter: stakeholder update – autumn 2023 (Scot Gov 22/11/2023)
Transforming Great Britain’s Electricity Network: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero written statement (UK Gov 22/11/2023)
House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee The financial sector and the UK’s net zero transition First Report of Session 2023–24 (UK Gov 22/11/2023)
Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee Historic Environment Strategy (Scot Parl 23/11/2023)
SPICe Blog: UK Autumn Statement 2023 (SPICe 23/11/2023)
Planning appeals and other cases: guidance on taking part (Scot Gov 23/11/2023)
Single Building Assessment programme: spending information (Scot Gov 23/11/2023)
Private Sector Rent Statistics, Scotland, 2010 to 2023 (Scot Gov 28/11/2023)
Tenements Short Life Working Group – energy efficiency and zero emissions heating: final report (Scot Gov 28/11/2023)
Heat in buildings – multiple ownership mixed use buildings: energy retrofit possibilities (Scot Gov 28/11/2023)
Delivering net zero for Scotland’s buildings – Heat in Buildings Bill: consultation (Scot Gov 28/11/2023)
Heat in buildings monitoring and evaluation Framework (Scot Gov 28/11/2023)
Social housing net zero standard: consultation (Scot Gov 28/11/2023)
Net zero heating and energy efficiency standards: research summary (Scot Gov 28/11/2023)
Net zero heating and energy efficiency standards – phase 1 and 2: qualitative research (Scot Gov 28/11/2023)
Net zero heating and energy efficiency standards – phase 3 and 4: qualitative research (Scot Gov 28/11/2023)
UK Employer Skills Survey 2022 – Scotland Report (Scot Gov 29/11/2023)
Scottish Government Draft Planning Guidance: Biodiversity (Scot Gov 30/11/2023)
Finance and Public Administration Committee (FPAC) Report on the Financial Memorandum for the Circular Economy (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 30/11/2023)
Place Directors: factsheet (Scot Gov 04/12/2023)
Planning performance statistics: Uses of the information (Scot Gov 04/12/2023)
SPICe Spotlight: How is Scotland Performing? (SPICe 04/12/2023)
Scottish islands: data overview 2023 (Scot Gov 05/12/2023)
Green Heat Finance Taskforce minutes: 1 November 2023 (Scot Gov 05/12/2023)
OPINION & COMMENT
CIOB calls for reuse and refurbishment over demolition in Ireland and NI (CIOB 24/10/2023)
Three Scots areas found to be in urgent need of home insulation (The Herald 15/11/2023)
Edinburgh named as one of worst cities in Scotland for vacant homes with almost 7,000 lying empty (STV News 17/11/2023)
Six Scottish regeneration and transport projects receive £122m levelling up funding (Project Scotland 21/11/2023)
Taxing questions: Chief Executive Hamish Trench looks at what the Commission’s research and advice says about land and property tax reform (Scottish Land Commission 21/11/2023)
Sector skills should be funded by employers, not Arts Council England (Arts Professional 22/11/2023)
Culture is not trivial, it’s about who we are. That’s why Labour needs a plan to save the arts (The Observer 26/11/2023)
Public sector workforce will have to shrink – Shona Robison (BBC News 27/11/2023)
When sea levels rise, so does your rent (BBC News 28/11/2023)
UK told to ‘supercharge heat pumps’ as Patrick Harvie launches vision (The Herald 28/11/2023)
Jocelyne Fleming: Why we need to take a step back in order to support Scotland’s social housing (Scottish Construction Now 30/11/2023)
Community group bid for ‘Outlander church’ fails (BBC News 01/12/2023)
Glasgow council declares ‘housing emergency’ (BBC News 01/12/2023)
Short-term let policy ruled unlawful for second time (BBC News 01/12/2023)
Scottish councils warn of ‘bankruptcy’ risk without more funding (BBC News 01/12/2023)
Humza Yousaf calls emergency cabinet amid concern over Scottish budget (The Herald 05/12/2023)
PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Questions marked with a triangle (?) are initiated by the Scottish Government to facilitate the provision of information to the Parliament. Questions in which a member has indicated a declarable interest are marked with an “R”.
Miles Briggs, Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 31/10/2023
S6W-22602
To ask the Scottish Government what discussions have taken place regarding the development of an infrastructure levy.
Current status: Answered by Joe FitzPatrick on 14 November 2023
S6W-22603
To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding the transfer of powers required to implement its proposed Building Safety Levy.
S6W-22604
To ask the Scottish Government when it plans to publish its proposals for a Building Safety Levy.
S6W-22606
To ask the Scottish Government what formula it plans to use to calculate its proposed Building Safety Levy.
S6W-22607
To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it has given to whether the introduction of a Building Safety Levy would be an obstacle to investment in the construction sector.
S6W-22608
To ask the Scottish Government what modelling it has undertaken of any wider economic impact of the introduction of a Building Safety Levy.
Current status: Answered by Tom Arthur on 14 November 2023
S6W-22605
To ask the Scottish Government what work it has undertaken to estimate the costs required for cladding remediation of so-called “orphan” buildings.
Current status: Answered by Paul McLennan on 14 November 2023
Miles Briggs, Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 01/11/2023
S6W-22592
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment has been made of (a) the use and (b) any potential fire risks of spray insulation in buildings.
Current status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 14 November 2023
S6W-22600
To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to introduce a register of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete held and inspected by all public sector bodies.
Current status: Answered by Shirley-Anne Somerville on 14 November 2023
Sarah Boyack, Lothian, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 01/11/2023
S6W-22639
To ask the Scottish Government what information it holds on how many (a) public sector buildings, (b) privately-owned homes and (c) housing association homes have double glazing that was installed before 2002.
Current status: Answered by Paul McLennan on 14 November 2023
Brian Whittle, South Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 02/11/2023
S6W-22673
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the current construction skills landscape, and what plans it has to target and develop particular sectors within the construction industry based on any such assessment.
Current status: Answered by Richard Lochhead on 17 November 2023
Monica Lennon, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 08/11/2023
S6W-22387
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-15639 from Elena Whitham on 6 March 2023, whether it will provide an update on (a) what action it will take and (b) the timescales for any such action, in response to the finding by the Aarhus Convention Compliance Committee that Scotland was not in full compliance with access to justice requirements of the Aarhus Convention.
Current status: Answered by Siobhian Brown on 20 November 2023
Donald Cameron, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 06/11/2023
S6W-22683
To ask the Scottish Government whether it has any plans to increase the funding available to preserve the heritage of Scotland’s churches and chapels, in light of the reported announcement by the Church of Scotland that it is to close and sell up to 40% of its churches.
Current status: Answered by Christina McKelvie on 20 November 2023
S6W-22684
To ask the Scottish Government whether it has any plans to introduce an equivalent scheme to the Community Facilities Programme in Wales, which provides small and large grants to community and voluntary sector organisations to improve community facilities that are well used by local people, such as churches, post offices and community shops.
Current status: Answered by Joe FitzPatrick on 20 November 2023
Willie Rennie, North East Fife, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: 07/11/2023
S6W-22628
To ask the Scottish Government how many households (a)(i) were eligible for and (ii) received support in each year of phase one and (b)(1) are eligible for and (2) will receive support in each year of phase two, of the Warmer Homes Scotland scheme.
Current status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 21 November 2023
Miles Briggs, Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 08/11/2023
S6W-22790
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of any potential double charging for boats that do not include accommodation under the provisions in the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill.
Current status: Answered by Tom Arthur on 21 November 2023
Miles Briggs, Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 10/11/2023
S6W-22796
To ask the Scottish Government, further to previous commitments by its ministers, how much funding in total it has allocated to each City Region Deal to date, also broken down by project.
Current status: Answered by Neil Gray on 22 November 2023
Mark Griffin, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 10/11/2023
S6W-22778
To ask the Scottish Government what review it has undertaken of the impact of Regulation 6 of the Town and Country Planning (Fees for Applications) (Scotland) Regulations 2022, which provides planning authorities with the power to levy a surcharge of up to 25% on retrospective applications as a means of recovering the costs of undertaking enforcement investigations.
Current status: Answered by Joe FitzPatrick on 23 November 2023
Miles Briggs, Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 10/11/2023
S6W-22791
To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many people have been charged up to double the normal council tax rate for homes that have been empty for 12 months or more, or 24 months where the property is being actively marketed for sale, in each year since 1999, also broken down by local authority.
Current status: Answered by Paul McLennan on 24 November 2023
Miles Briggs, Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 10/11/2023
S6W-22842
To ask the Scottish Government what funding it is providing for colleges to deliver courses on the traditional trades.
S6W-22843
To ask the Scottish Government what funding it is providing for college courses in the traditional crafts, particularly stonemasonry, at colleges in Edinburgh.
Current status: Answered by Graeme Dey on 24 November 2023
Miles Briggs, Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 15/11/2023
S6W-22937
To ask the Scottish Government what work it has undertaken to provide for exemption schemes in the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill for people working in agriculture and aquaculture.
Current status: Answered by Tom Arthur on 28 November 2023
Alex Cole-Hamilton, Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: 17/11/2023
S6W-23034
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-20632 by Shona Robison on 11 September 2023, whether the (a) stage 1 desktop and (b) stage 2 visual inspection of the Scottish Government Estate has been competed, and, if so, what the outcome of each of these inspections was.
Current status: Answered by Shona Robison on 29 November 2023
Miles Briggs, Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 15/11/2023
S6W-22941
To ask the Scottish Government how many council houses that are currently unoccupied have been assessed to establish the cost of bringing them back into use.
S6W-22942
To ask the Scottish Government what estimate it has made of the cost of bringing back into use council houses that are currently unoccupied.
S6W-22943
To ask the Scottish Government how many temporary accommodation facilities have been in breach of the standards and outcomes that social landlords should aim to achieve when performing housing activities, as set out in the Temporary Accommodation Standards Framework, which was published in April 2023.
S6W-22948
To ask the Scottish Government what information it holds on how much each local authority has spent on people living in temporary accommodation, in each year since 1999.
Current status: Answered by Paul McLennan on 29 November 2023
Sarah Boyack, Lothian, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 22/11/2023
S6O-02817
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on what plans it has to review property factor legislation.
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on 30 November 2023
Daniel Johnson, Edinburgh Southern, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 20/11/2023
S6W-23075
To ask the Scottish Government for what reason it reportedly refused proposals by (a) the Scottish Building Apprenticeship and Training Council, (b) the Scottish Painting and Decorating Apprenticeship Council and (c) Unite the Union to use Professional Development Awards to alleviate the backlog in construction apprentices who have completed most of their SVA units and portfolio work but remain uncertified.
Current status: Answered by Graeme Dey on 4 December 2023
Miles Briggs, Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 20/11/2023
S6W-23067
To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had regarding the suspension of home sharing and house swapping from the short-term lets licensing scheme.
Current status: Answered by Paul McLennan on 5 December 2023
Mark Griffin, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 24/11/2023
S6W-23199 R
To ask the Scottish Government when it received the advice relating to the European Convention on Human Rights implications of Compulsory Rental Orders and Compulsory Sales Orders; whether it has been refreshed, and whether ministers have begun the “substantial consideration” that officials have suggested.
Current status: Answered by Paul McLennan on 5 December 2023
Donald Cameron, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 27/11/2023
S6W-23268
To ask the Scottish Government what action it plans to take regarding the number of buildings described by Historic Environment Scotland as “of national importance” that the Church of Scotland plans to release from its estate over the next decade.
S6W-23269
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the National Trust for Scotland estimate that only 30% of the actions in the 2019 Skills Investment Plan for Scotland’s historic environment sector have been delivered, mainly due to a lack of resource.
S6W-23270
To ask the Scottish Government whether the refresh of the Skills Investment Plan for Scotland’s historic environment sector is still on track to be published in February 2024.
S6W-23271
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to reported warnings from the National Trust for Scotland that the provision of stonemasonry apprenticeships is currently in crisis and requires action immediately.
S6W-23272
To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to change the current funding mix to Creative Scotland to enable it to introduce a capital programme to support the refurbishment of cultural assets.
S6W-23273
To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to increase the provision of micro-grants to support and promote volunteering via Creative Scotland.
Current status: Answered by Christina McKelvie on 5 December 2023
Donald Cameron, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 20/11/2023
S6W-23109
To ask the Scottish Government how much of the £100 million of funding announced by the First Minister at the Scottish National Party conference in October 2023 will be allocated to Creative Scotland in each year until 2028.
Current status: Answered by Angus Robertson on 6 December 2023
Mark Ruskell, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Green Party
Date lodged: 05/12/2023
S6W-23610
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the proposed Wellbeing and Sustainable Development Bill and Future Generations Commissioner.
Current status: Answered by Shona Robison on 6 December 2023
Graham Simpson, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 23/11/2023
S6W-23255
To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to increase domestic energy efficiency.
Current status: Answer expected on 8 December 2023
Colin Smyth, South Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 27/11/2023
S6W-23221
To ask the Scottish Government what proportion of public sector grants and contracts are currently delivered on a multi-year basis.
S6W-23222
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that multi-year funding arrangements for the voluntary sector have annual inflation-based uplifts inbuilt, at a level as close to inflation as possible.
S6W-23223
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that its funding decisions regarding support for the voluntary sector are issued no later than December, and that any funds are paid no later than the start of the tax year in April.
S6W-23224
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to develop a longer-term funding model for the voluntary sector across all of its directorates.
S6W-23225
To ask the Scottish Government whether it defines multi-year funding for voluntary sector organisations as a three-year minimum commitment.
Current status: Answers expected on 12 December 2023
Alex Cole-Hamilton, Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: 28/11/2023
S6W-23314
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will create a reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete register, covering the Scottish Government estate and public bodies, similar to the one reportedly being looked at by the UK Government.
S6W-23315
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on what it is doing to support local authorities in locating and addressing reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete outside of schools and housing.
S6W-23316
To ask the Scottish Government what information it holds on how many of the 39 school buildings that have reportedly been identified as still needing a reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) assessment have (a) been confirmed as containing the substance and (b) received a RAG rating for any RAAC identified.
Current status: Answers expected on 13 December 2023
Sue Webber, Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 06/12/2023
S6O-02864
To ask the Scottish Government whether it is planning any new infrastructure investments in the next financial year in connection with City and Regional Growth Deals.
Current status: To be taken in the Chamber on 13 December 2023
Maurice Golden, North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 29/11/2023
S6W-23325
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide a list of all active funding streams within the (a) Energy and Climate Change and (b) Environment and Forestry directorate, broken down by the (i) purpose of, (ii) launch and end dates of, (iii) total value of and (iv) total amount awarded to date through each funding stream.
Current status: Answer expected on 14 December 2023
Miles Briggs, Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 29/11/2023
S6W-23409
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of its recently announced proposals for a Heat in Buildings Bill, how many (a) rental properties and (b) privately-owned homes it estimates would have to be retrofitted by 2033 to comply with its proposed measures.
Current status: Answer expected on 14 December 2023
Willie Coffey, Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 06/12/2023
S6O-02889
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its cladding remediation programme.
Current status: To be taken in the Chamber on 14 December 2023
Alex Cole-Hamilton, Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: 30/11/2023
S6W-23351
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the date by which it expects reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) to be removed from all NHS buildings, and whether it has a comparable target to that set in England to eradicate RAAC from the NHS estate by 2035.
Current status: Answer expected on 15 December 2023
Pam Duncan-Glancy, Glasgow, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 30/11/2023
S6W-23417
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its discussions with independent education providers regarding any presence of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete in the private education estate.
Current status: Answer expected on 15 December 2023
Donald Cameron, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 30/11/2023
S6W-23469
To ask the Scottish Government how many heat pump engineers it estimates there currently are in Scotland, and what support it will offer to the sector in order to train more engineers to (a) install and (b) maintain heat pumps.
Current status: Answer expected on 15 December 2023
Tess White, North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 30/11/2023
S6W-23472
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-21458 by Michael Matheson on 4 October 2023, how many NHS properties have been physically surveyed as part of the national programme to identify the use of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete.
Current status: Answer expected on 15 December 2023
Monica Lennon, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 04/12/2023
S6W-23346
To ask the Scottish Government whether the topic of any Barnett consequential funding arising from the UK Government’s policy of 75% rates relief for retail, hospitality and leisure premises for 2023-24 has been discussed at the weekly meetings between the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Finance and senior finance officials, and, if so, when it was (a) first and (b) last discussed.
Current status: Answer expected on 18 December 2023
Alexander Burnett, Aberdeenshire West, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 05/12/2023
S6W-23595
To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it has given to introducing statutory designation for the sites of important historic battles.
S6W-23596
To ask the Scottish Government what the appeal process is for Historic Environment Scotland land designations.
Current status: Answers expected on 19 December 2023
Brian Whittle, South Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 05/12/2023
S6W-23582
To ask the Scottish Government how it defines the term “just transition” in the context of urban communities.
S6W-23583
To ask the Scottish Government how it defines the term “just transition” in the context of skills development.
S6W-23584
To ask the Scottish Government how it defines the term “just transition” in the context of rural communities.
Current status: Answers expected on 19 December 2023
Mark Griffin, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 05/12/2023
S6W-23569 R
To ask the Scottish Government what proportion of the £50 million fund announced on 19 December 2020 to bring vacant and derelict land back into use has been used to invest in new affordable housing.
S6W-23570
To ask the Scottish Government what proportion of the £50 million fund announced on 19 December 2020 to bring vacant and derelict land back into use has been allocated to date.
S6W-23571
To ask the Scottish Government how many hectares of vacant and derelict land have been brought back into use as a result of the fund that it announced on 19 December 2020.
Current status: Answers expected on 19 December 2023
Maurice Golden, North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 05/12/2023
S6W-23562
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to recommendation 22 in the report, Investor Panel, Mobilising international capital to help finance the transition to Net Zero, on whether public sector connections to heat grids should be mandatory.
Current status: Answer expected on 19 December 2023
Monica Lennon, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 05/12/2023
S6W-23572
To ask the Scottish Government, further to its announcement on 7 November 2023, when it will provide an update on the anticipated publication date of the new Climate Change Plan; whether it will publish a timeline setting out the periods for public engagement and proposed parliamentary scrutiny of the new plan, and what time will be allocated, ahead of the statutory deadline, to permit an assessment and considered response to that engagement and scrutiny.
S6W-23573
To ask the Scottish Government on what date it plans to publish the final version of the publication, Reducing car use for a healthier, fairer and greener Scotland: A route map to achieve a 20 per cent reduction in car kilometres by 2030, which was committed to in the 2020 Climate Change Plan update and subject to consultation between January and April 2022.
S6W-23574
To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to reform energy performance certificate (EPC) ratings, and whether it will consider linking its stated policy of introducing rent controls to EPC ratings.
Current status: Answers expected on 19 December 2023
Pam Gosal, West Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 05/12/2023
S6W-23580
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the establishment of new national parks.
S6W-23581
To ask the Scottish Government whether it has carried out any assessment of how effectively Scotland’s national parks are being governed.
Current status: Answers expected on 19 December 2023
Donald Cameron, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 06/122023
S6W-23622
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-12793 by Neil Gray on 12 December 2022, what information it has on how many Freedom of Information requests have been made to Historic Environment Scotland in 2023, and what percentage of those requests were answered on or within 20 working days.
S6W-23623
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-12784 by Neil Gray on 12 December 2022, what information it has on how many members of Historic Scotland there are as of 30 November 2023.
S6W-23624
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-12785 by Neil Gray on 12 December 2022, what information it has on what the total cost was for an (a) adult, (b) concession and (c) young person Direct Debit membership for Historic Scotland in 2023.
S6W-23625
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-12786 by Neil Gray on 12 December 2022, what information it holds on how many sites that are managed by Historic Environment Scotland and its predecessor agencies have been (a) open, (b) temporarily closed and (c) permanently closed in 2022-23.
Current status: Answers expected on 20 December 2023
MOTIONS
Culture in Communities: The Challenges and Opportunities in Delivering a Place-based Approach
S6M-11153
Submitted by: Clare Adamson, Motherwell and Wishaw, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 08/11/2023
That the Parliament notes the conclusions and recommendations contained in the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee’s 4th Report, 2023 (Session 6), Culture in Communities: The challenges and opportunities in delivering a place-based approach (SP Paper 431).
Recognising Edinburgh’s Housing Emergency
S6M-11244 R
Submitted by: Sarah Boyack, Lothian, Scottish Labour.
Date lodged: 20/11/2023
That the Parliament notes the cross-party decision of City of Edinburgh Council to declare a housing emergency on 2 November 2023; is concerned at what it considers is the extreme nature of the emergency that Edinburgh is facing, with, it understands, approximately 5,000 households in temporary accommodation, a severe shortage of social homes and unsustainable rises in private sector rents in the city, in spite, it believes, of the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act 2022; understands that the council has committed to taking a human rights-based approach to developing a Housing Emergency Action Plan, alongside organisations such as Shelter Scotland and SHAPE, to build on and consolidate existing actions; considers that Edinburgh is in the grip of a housing emergency, and notes the view that urgent support and resources are needed for Edinburgh to address the emergency and overcome the severe challenges that it considers that the city faces.
Scotland’s Housing Emergency
S6M-11351 R
Submitted by: Mark Griffin, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 20/11/2023
That the Parliament agrees that Scotland is experiencing a housing emergency.
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on 22 November 2023
Approval of SSI
S6M-11375
Submitted by: George Adam, Paisley, Scottish National Party.
Date lodged: 21/11/2023
That the Parliament agrees that the Heat Networks (Supply Targets) (Scotland) Regulations 2023 [draft] be approved.
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, 22 November 2023
Aberdeenshire Architectural and Landscape Design Awards
S6M-11473
Submitted by: Alexander Burnett, Aberdeenshire West, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party.
Date lodged: 29/11/2023
That the Parliament congratulates the winners of the 2023 Aberdeenshire Architectural and Landscape Design Awards (AALDA); acknowledges that the awards highlight sustainable design principles, and the creative use of materials and existing buildings in residential and commercial developments; applauds GD Lodge Architects for winning the Ian Shepherd Award, and overall winner of the scheme, for the Vinery; notes that the judges chose the Vinery, by GD Lodge Architects, as an excellent example of reusing unusual buildings in development, rather than building a brand-new structure; congratulates all category winners, including Quarry Studios by Moxon Architects, in the Business and Community Enterprise category and in the Landscape and Biodiversity Enhancement category, The Old School, Ballater, by Ian Rodgers, in the Building Communities for the Future category, the Steading by Allison Joy Architects, in the Innovative Single House Design category, the Vinery by GD Lodge, in the Conservation and Building Adaption category, and wishes them well in their future architectural and landscape design efforts.
Aberdeen City Council Awarded Royal Town Planning Institute Award for Excellence in Plan Making Practice
S6M-11554
Submitted by: Audrey Nicoll, Aberdeen South and North Kincardine, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 06/12/2023
That the Parliament congratulates Aberdeen City Council on receiving the Royal Town Planning Institute award for Excellence in Plan Making Practice, in recognition of its Net Zero Aberdeen Route Map; understands that the route map, and six enabling strategies, will support a net zero city transition spanning the built and natural environment, and deliver positive outcomes for people, communities and the environment; further understands that the project was considered a best practice example, drawing together a wide range of stakeholders to chart a course for achieving an ambitious net zero target for the area; congratulates everyone involved in the project, and wishes them every success for the future.
EVENTS
For further listings, please see our events calendar
AHSS Lecture – Happy Homes: Cooperation, Community and the Edinburgh Colonies
Date & Time: Monday 11 December 2023; 6.30-8pm
Location: Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL (wheelchair accessible). Also streamed online via Zoom.
Edinburgh and Leith colony housing represents a very distinctive, immediately recognisable built form. Or so you might think. In fact there is considerable divergence in design, in prices (rents) and in the occupants. In this talk, Richard Rodger dissects the background to colony housing, their owners, occupants, and other characteristics, to reveal a new perspective on this housing type.
Tickets available from Eventbrite or on the door: £6 / students £2
Society of Antiquaries of Scotland – On their terms: Black women subverting the plantation economy in the Caribbean
Date & Time: Thursday 14 December 2023; 6-7pm
Location: In person and streamed online via Zoom
“How did Black women negotiate their place in the plantation economies of the Caribbean 200 years ago? This free lecture with Dr Peggy Brunache, draws on a Black feminist lens to reveal alternative narratives of Atlantic enslaved and free communities. A free drinks reception will follow the talk and all are welcome.”
TRAINING
Built Environment Technical Seminars and Masterclasses – Mortar Analysis Explained
Date & Time: Tuesday 12 December 2023; 1-3.30pm
Location: Online
Gain a greater understanding of the process of mortar analysis! This seminar will allow attendees to gain a greater understanding of the process of mortar analysis and to be able to understand and use the results of mortar analysis to create better specifications for replacement mortars.
Built Environment Technical Seminars and Masterclasses – Stone Analysis Explained
Date & Time: Tuesday 19 December 2023; 1-3.30pm
Location: Online
Gain a greater understanding of the process of stone analysis! Many conservation projects require the replacement of structurally compromised stone and will require stone analysis and matching in order to find currently available sources of compatible replacement stone. Stone analysis may also be required to gain listed building consent or to meet funder’s requirements.
Developing My Leadership Programme 2024
Date & Time: 6 online sessions between January and April 2024
Location: Online via Zoom
Applications are open again for the Developing My Leadership Programme, aimed at aspiring and established leaders in the Scottish heritage sector. Delivered by Social Enterprise Academy, the programme offers an invaluable opportunity to connect and share challenges, good practice, and experience with peers. It’s designed to support learners in developing key leadership skills to work productively with those around them and lead in an effective and authentic way. Applications must be received by 16 January 2024.
VACANCIES
The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland – Community Engagement and Development Specialist
Estimated Fee: £20-25,000 (inclusive of meeting and travel expenses, and VAT if applicable)
Status: Fixed term; Six months (Jan-Jun 2024)
Location: Home or company based; able to travel around Scotland
The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland are inviting expressions of interest from a suitably qualified Consultant to lead the Society’s “Scotland’s Heritage Hub” project. The role will involve undertaking consultation (meetings and focus groups) with existing and potential partners to identify needs and opportunities, to develop a database of contacts of organisations, community groups and individuals, to map potential partnerships, and to develop an initial set of potential activities/programmes and evaluation framework. This community engagement and audience development research will report on what people’s views and ideas are for the Society’s ambitious “Scotland’s Heritage Hub” project.
Job Specification and applications
Closing date: 10am on Monday 11 December 2023.
LOCO Home Retrofit CIC – Retrofit Assessor/ Team Member
Salary: £25 – 28,000
Status: Permanent
Location: Central Glasgow/Hybrid
Loco Home is a non-profit intermediary for accelerating home retrofit in Glasgow, bringing together homeowners, installers and advisers to provide services that make better retrofit (insulation and zero emissions heating) more accessible to more people. The Retrofit Assessor role involves surveying homes to collect information to inform whole home retrofit plans in the role of PAS2035 Retrofit Assessor; participating in innovation projects and delivering a community engagement programme with homeowners, communities and tradespeople about the benefits of low carbon, healthy, efficient homes. Pease see the detailed Job Description for more information and how to apply.
Closing date: Friday 15 December 2023
The Heritage Trust Network is recruiting for the post of Heritage Trainee (Scotland).
This exciting opportunity continues the Network’s focus on welcoming new people to the sector, already evident through the Network’s Youth Forum and involvement with the Make Your Mark campaign. The post has been designed to help the successful applicant develop on-the-job skills, knowledge, and networks to help them gain early-career access to the heritage sector. The role is funded by Historic Environment Scotland and National Trust for Scotland.
More information and application details here.
Salary: Pro rata of £23,400 p.a. (Real Living Wage)
Status: Full-time (37.5 hours p/w); 12 months fixed term
Location: Working from home or from an agreed shared workspace anywhere in Scotland.
Closing date: 10pm on Monday 6 May 2024
BACK
Get The Latest Built Environment News, Policy Developments, Publications & Consultations
BEFS News
The issues around places of worship are gaining significant interest as closures/sales/repurposing become part of many communities’ experiences. There are several recent articles covering this subject, such as Church closures Scotland: ‘Existential crisis’ as up to 700 churches predicted to close across Scotland by end of the decade. It seems extremely timely that the BEFS/SPAB CPD Conference, Scotland’s Churches in Transition: Planning for the future, bringing together interests from both planning and conservation, looking at what good decisions for the future can look like, is at the end of this month.
Next week BEFS Director will be giving evidence (with a number of sector stakeholders) to the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture – Parliamentary Committee in relation to the new strategy for Scotland’s historic environment, Our Past, Our Future. You can read the recent Committee report on pre-budget scrutiny for Culture – with clear recommendations, here.
When it comes to finances and decision-making for our places, the sector and OPIT (and we do mean OPIT) Built Heritage Investment Group worked collaboratively on the Sustainable Investment Tool. The Tool will soon launch, supporting the sector, communities, and the new strategy, Our Past, Our Future – do keep your eyes peeled. You can remind yourself of the earlier work and development, here.
As supporting members of the Climate Heritage Network (CHN), BEFS have been proud to sign the CHN Call to Action ahead of COP28 in Dubai. This calls for cultural voices uniting to ensure that climate negotiators put cultural heritage, arts, and creative industries at the heart of climate action. You can sign-up as an individual or as an organisation here.
Historic Environment Scotland have published Managing Change in the Historic Environment: Fire and Historic Buildings – their non-statuary guidance note sets out the principles of fire safety in historic buildings. And, for voluntary organisations Make Your Mark launched their Inclusive Volunteering Toolkit & Report.
The State of the Profession 2023 report from Royal Town Planning Institute has analysed information on the 22,000 planners in the UK that make up profession, and how they play an essential role in tackling the modern challenges of the 21st century, from climate change adaptation to the housing crisis.
When considering the state of the nation, it’s not just the professions that matter – but the residents across the nation. In the last Bulletin we brought you the CIOB survey which noted that many can’t afford, or are not informed, about energy upgrades. As you’ll see by examining the Parliamentary Questions section below, there’s a great deal of MSP interest in this information!
And, if you want to help support further research and opinion, The Participation and Communities Team (PACT) of the Scottish Parliament are inviting tenants and landlords in the private rented sector to participate in respective lived experience housing panels. The outcomes of the panels will be used as recommendations to Members of the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee who will scrutinise Scottish Government proposals to change housing laws. The Committee are seeking a diverse participant pool to represent a wide range of people in the UK. Tenants who are interested in participating should follow this link and landlords who are interested in participating should follow this link.
Across the UK we note that there have been big changes in the UK Government with a significant Cabinet reshuffle (please note, the Parliament website is still being updated), welcoming in the 16th Housing Minister since 2010; as well as the first King’s Speech. As matters specifically pertaining to BEFS work, be that planning, housing, culture, or net-zero goals are devolved (or set by the Scottish Government), we hope our readers are happy to explore these matters across a range of media in their own time.
And finally, BEFS thanks Bobby Jewell for all his work at BEFS over the last few months, and wishes him continuing success in his freelance career – we’ve been delighted to work with you.
CONSULTATIONS
Management of burial grounds, application for burial, exhumation, private burial and restoration of lairs: regulation in Scotland
Scottish Government
The consultation paper sets out a range of proposals and approaches with the aim of clarifying and streamlining existing burial practices as well as introducing new provisions; including the management of burial grounds and restoration of lairs.
Closes 17 November 2023
Draft Transformation Action Plan Consultation
Construction Leadership Forum
This consultation seeks feedback to develop a Transformation Action Plan. A Transformation Action Plan is intended to support the Just Transition to Net Zero, construction quality, improved construction procurement, investment in jobs, training and ongoing CPD, developed MMC knowledge, and a digitally enabled industry.
Closes 17 November 2023
The Agricultural and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill Consultation
The Rural Affairs and Islands Committee
This consultation seeks input on the Bill which would be used as a framework for Scottish ministers to better develop the support that farming and rural communities need. The committee planning to take oral evidence from late November through to early February before reporting to the Scottish Parliament with its recommendations in spring 2024.
Closes 24 November 2023
*LAST CALL* Call for Ideas on Planning System Ambitions
The Improvement Service / Scottish Government
This consultation seeks to obtain the views on proposed increases to the building warrant fees required to deliver change to strengthen the building standards system and the development of a new building warrant fees model in Scotland.
Closes 30 November 2023
*NEW* Housing (Cladding Remediation) (Scotland) Bill
The Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee has launched a consultation on the Housing (Cladding Remediation) (Scotland) Bill.
Closes 8 December 2023
*NEW* Education Bill provisions: consultation
Scottish Government
A consultation on a new national qualifications body and a new approach to inspection of education in Scotland, including elements of the proposed Education Bill.
Closes 18 December 2023
Proposed Desecration of War Memorials (Prevention) (Scotland) Bill
Scottish Parliament
This consultation relates to a draft proposal lodged as the first stage in the process of introducing a Member’s Bill in the Scottish Parliament, to ensure that war memorials in Scotland receive the protection that they deserve by creating the specific offence of desecration of a war memorial.
Closes 19 December 2023
Outline Strategic Plan for Holyrood Park
Historic Environment Scotland (HES)
This survey on the Outline Strategic Plan for Holyrood Park will gather public views to help deliver a new future for the Park that reflects community aspirations, the needs of the City and the inherent value and sensitivity of Holyrood Park.
Closes 19 December 2023
National Parks in Scotland
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government invites individuals, communities and organisations to develop and submit formal nominations for their area to become Scotland’s next National Park.
Closes 29 February 2024
CONSULTATIONS RESPONSES
Scottish Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) consultation: Scottish Government response (Scot Gov 07/11/2023)
Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs): consultation analysis – final analysis report on the responses to the consultation on Scottish Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) which ran from 12 December 2022 to 17 April 2023. (Scot Gov 07/11/2023)
Local Living and 20 Minute Neighbourhood – draft planning guidance: consultation analysis (Scot Gov 09/11/2023)
NEWS RELEASES
Enter the sustainability category for the Museums + Heritage Awards 2024 (Heritage Fund 01/11/2023)
Minister Noonan launches €9 million in funding for 2024 built heritage schemes (Government Ireland 02/11/2023)
Decarbonising the built environment celebrated at A to Z Awards (Scottish Construction Now 03/11/2023)
Scottish Liberal Democrat Conference calls for government support for removing dangerous concrete (Scot Lib Dems 04/11/2023)
UK museums agree to collective action to tackle the climate crisis (The Guardian 06/11/2023)
Scottish Government confirms ‘very disappointing’ delay to climate change plan (The Independent 07/11/2023)
hub South West forum discusses barriers facing Scotland’s construction sector (Project Scotland 09/11/2023)
CIOB welcomes Scottish legislation to tackle unsafe cladding (Construction Management 13/11/2023)
Fuel poverty dataset added to Improvement Service Spatial Hub (Improvement Service 13/11/2023)
Latest UK Heritage Pulse results: Governance (UK Heritage Pulse 14/11/2023)
New planning guidance for Tall Buildings in Glasgow city centre being developed (Glasgow Gov 15/11/2023)
PUBLICATIONS
It’ll Be Great When It’s Finished – Film charting the birth of Glasgow Building Preservation Trust and sets it within the wider context of changing attitudes and approaches to heritage 40 years on (Glasgow Buildings Trust 24/10/2023)
Managing Change in the Historic Environment: Fire and Historic Buildings. Non statuary guidance note sets out the principles of fire safety in historic buildings (Historic Environment Scotland 31/10/2023)
Toward a Wellbeing Economy: The Distribution of Wellbeing in the UK. Report looking at how wellbeing varies between different parts of the UK and what drives these differences. (BiGGAR Economics 03/11/2023)
RTPI State of the Profession 2023 – The UK Planning profession in numbers. Report looking at the 22,000 planning professionals are working in the UK and how they play an essential role in tackling the modern challenges of the 21st century, from climate change adaptation to the housing crisis. (RTPI 06/11/2023)
The economic impact of university research funding – report focusing on the return of investment for public research and development in the UK, comparing Scotland to other regions in the UK, and outlining different approaches to estimating the return of investment in research. (Fraser of Allander Institute 09/11/2023)
Make Your Mark – Inclusive Volunteering Toolkit & Report. Toolkit and report to support voluntary organisations to be more inclusive. Part of Our Place in Time and Scotland’s Volunteering Action Plan. (Make Your Mark Volunteering Action Group 11/11/2023)
SCOTTISH & UK: GOVERNMENTAL & PARLIAMENTARY PUBLICATIONS
Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee [Draft] (Scot Parl 31/10/2023)
Housing (Cladding Remediation) (Scotland) Bill: the Presiding Officer requires a financial resolution for the Housing (Cladding Remediation) (Scotland) Bill under Rule 9.12 (Scot Parl 01/11/2023)
Letter from Minister for Community Wealth and Public Finance (Scot Parl 01/11/2023)
The Housing (Cladding Remediation) (Scotland) Bill has been introduced (Scot Parl 01/11/2023)
Environmental principles policy statement (UK Gov 01/11/2023) Devolved matter in Scotland.
Delegated powers in the Circular Economy (Scotland) Bill at Stage 1 report (Scot Parl 02/11/2023)
Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee: pre-budget scrutiny 2024-25 and the Circular Economy (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 02/11/2023)
National Transition Training Fund (NTTF): year two report Scot Gov 03/11/2023)
Green Heat Finance Taskforce minutes (Scot Gov 03/11/2023)
Education and Skills Reform: Education Secretary statement by Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, Jenny Gilruth (Scot Gov 07/11/2023)
Planning permission appeals: housing development statistic – Planning permission appeal statistics for housing developments involving 10 or more houses since January 2015 (Scot Gov 07/11/2023)
Pre-budget Scrutiny 2024-25: Funding Our Culture – Report detailing the challenges, innovations and How the ‘perfect storm’ facing the culture sector has evolved over the last 12 months (Scot Parl 07/11/2023)
Scottish Government Draft Climate Change Plan – Letter from the Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Net Zero and Just Transition (Scot Parl 07/11/2023)
Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill Committee Public Paper (Scot Parl 07/11/2023).
Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee – Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill Meeting Notes (Scot Parl 07/11/2023)
Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee 31st Meeting, 2023 (Session 6) Tuesday, 7 November 2023 Circular Economy (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 07/11/2023)
Proposed Wellbeing and Sustainable Development (Scotland) Bill final draft consultation summary (Scot Parl 07/11/2023)
Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee meeting minutes (Scot Parl 07/11/2023)
Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice Committee [Draft] (Scot Parl 07/11/2023)
Education Reform: A Consultation on the provisions of the Education Bill (Scot Parl 07/11/2023)
Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee [Draft] (Scot Parl 07/11/2023)
Energy Security and Net Zero Committee Oral evidence: A flexible Grid for the future (UK Parl 08/11/2023)
PE2063: Increase funding for local authorities to enable better management and protection of conservation areas (Scot Parl 08/11/2023)
Government response to the Environment and Climate Change Committee report ‘An extraordinary challenge: Restoring 30 per cent of our land and sea by 2030’ (UK Parl 08/11/2023)
Scottish Government response to the Committees report on Culture in Communities (Scot Parl 09/11/2023)
The Value Added Tax (Refunds to “Do-It-Yourself” Builders) (Amendment of Method and Time for Making Claims) Regulations 2023 – Statutory Instrument (UK Gov 10/11/2023)
How is Scotland Performing? Scotland’s performance measured against the National Performance Framework (SPICe Scot Parl 13/11/2023)
Aggregates Tax and Devolved Taxes Administration (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 14/11/2023)
Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee meeting (Scot Parl 14/11/2023)
Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee – Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill meeting(Scot Parl 14/11/2023)
Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee – Council Tax Freeze meeting (Scot Parl 14/11/2023)
Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee (Scot Parl 14/11/2023)
Building standards approved energy assessment software: guidance
(Scot Gov 14/11/2023)
Council Tax Reduction: local authority tables and charts – April 2013 to September 2023
(Scot Gov 14/11/2023)
Modern methods of construction – what’s gone wrong? Oral evidence from Dr Suzanne Peters and Prof Jonatan Pinkse (Scot Parl 14/11/2023)
Education, Children, and Young People Committee report by James Withers on the Independent Review of the Skills Delivery Landscape (Scot Parl 15/11/2023)
OPINION & COMMENT
Who pays the price of long short-termism? (David Hume Institute 02/11/2023)
What a retrofit-first approach offers the UK (RICS 03/11/2023)
Five things we learned from Scotland’s Housing (Cladding Remediation) Bill (Inside Housing 06/11/2023)
Business leaders warns SNP ministers against ‘sacrificing’ investment in skills (The Scotsman 06/11/2023)
Shetland: ‘We must build better’ architect says as he moves into new Passive House (Scottish Beacon (07/11/2023)
SNP-Green Government poised to delay climate change plan (The Herald 07/11/2023)
Culture still in middle of “perfect storm” (All Edinburgh Theatre 07/11/2023)
Scottish cultural traditions ‘at risk of being lost’ to time (The National 07/11/2023)
‘Desperately disappointing’ and ‘missed opportunity’: sector responds to King’s Speech(Inside Housing 07/11/2023)
Housing: Use old buildings to tackle crisis, says charity (BBC News 08/11/2023)
Edinburgh Council ‘at odds’ with Scottish Government over STL control area, court hears(Edinburgh News 09/11/2023)
Church closures Scotland: ‘Existential crisis’ as up to 700 churches predicted to close across Scotland by end of decade (The Scotsman 11/11/2023)
National Portrait Gallery head says museums ‘can’t afford to be activists’ (The Times 12/11/2023)
New planning guidance for Tall Buildings in Glasgow city centre being developed (Project Scotland 14/11/2023)
Devil will be in detail of the Scottish Government’s new Housing Bill (The National 14/11/2023)
PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Questions marked with a triangle (?) are initiated by the Scottish Government to facilitate the provision of information to the Parliament. Questions in which a member has indicated a declarable interest are marked with an “R”.
Willie Rennie, MSP for North East Fife, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: 07/11/2023
S6W-22628
To ask the Scottish Government how many households (a)(i) were eligible for and (ii) received support in each year of phase one and (b)(1) are eligible for and (2) will receive support in each year of phase two, of the Warmer Homes Scotland scheme.
Current status: Answer expected on 21 November 2023
Donald Cameron, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 06/10/2023
S6W-22067
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its work to take forward a review of the expressive arts curricular area, as set out in its response to the recommendations from the National Partnership for Culture.
Current status: Answer expected on 06 November 2023
Miles Briggs, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 11/10/2023
S6W-22090
To ask the Scottish Government what support it has provided for town centre regeneration in each year since 1999.
Current status: Answered by Joe FitzPatrick on 06 November 2023.
Sarah Boyack, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 24/10/2023
S6W-22384
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will consult on proposals to establish a Future Generations Commissioner by the end of 2023.
S6W-22385
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-07586 by Patrick Harvie on 7 April 2022, whether it will set out proposals for a Wellbeing and Sustainable Development Bill by the end of 2023.
Current status: Answered by Shona Robinson on 06 November 2023.
Donald Cameron, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 06/11/2023
S6W-22683
To ask the Scottish Government whether it has any plans to increase the funding available to preserve the heritage of Scotland’s churches and chapels, in light of the reported announcement by the Church of Scotland that it is to close and sell up to 40% of its churches.
S6W-22684
To ask the Scottish Government whether it has any plans to introduce an equivalent scheme to the Community Facilities Programme in Wales, which provides small and large grants to community and voluntary sector organisations to improve community facilities that are well used by local people, such as churches, post offices and community shops.
Current status: Answers expected on 20 November 2023
Jackie Dunbar, MSP for Aberdeen Donside, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 06/11/2023
S6W-22775
To ask the Scottish Government what progress it is making with the UK Government on climate policy, and whether there it will provide an update on the timing of its draft Climate Change Plan.
Current status: Answered by Mairi McAllan on 7 November 2023
Monica Lennon, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 06/11/2023
S6W-22701
To ask the Scottish Government when the Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development last met with COSLA to discuss culture; what was discussed at this meeting, and when the Minister will next meet with COSLA to discuss these issues.
Current status: Answers expected on 20 November 2023
Donald Cameron, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 06/10/2023
S6W-22063 R
To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to introduce a similar scheme in Scotland to the Museum Estate and Development Fund (MEND) delivered by Arts Council England, which is an open-access capital fund for non-national accredited museums and local authorities to apply for funding to undertake vital infrastructure and urgent maintenance that are beyond the scope of day-to-day maintenance budgets.
Current status: Answered by Christina McKelvie on 3 November 2023
Miles Briggs, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 01/11/2023
S6W-22592
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment has been made of (a) the use and (b) any potential fire risks of spray insulation in buildings.
Current status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 14 November 2023
Miles Briggs, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 01/11/2023
S6W-22600
To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to introduce a register of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete held and inspected by all public sector bodies.
Current status: Answer expected on 15 November 2023
Miles Briggs, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 01/11/2023
S6W-22607
To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it has given to whether the introduction of a Building Safety Levy would be an obstacle to investment in the construction sector.
S6W-22608
To ask the Scottish Government what modelling it has undertaken of any wider economic impact of the introduction of a Building Safety Levy.
Current status: Answers expected on 15 November 2023
Sarah Boyack, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 24/10/2023
S6W-22356
To ask the Scottish Government, in relation to its £500 million strategic investment to help create thousands of green jobs and deliver the full economic potential of offshore renewables projects, as announced on 17 October 2023, whether it will propose the scheduling of time for a ministerial statement, or use other appropriate means, to update the Parliament on its plans.
Current status: Answered by Gillian Martin on 31 October 2023
Brian Whittle, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 02/11/2023
S6W-22644
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-21208 by Patrick Harvie on 26 September 2023, what the (a) smallest, (b) median and (c) largest (i) grant and (ii) loan issued under the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan scheme was in the period from September 2022 to date, broken down by (A) local authority area, (B) household income and (C) council tax band.
S6W-22645
To ask the Scottish Government what key performance indicators it uses to measure the success of the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan scheme, in terms of the improvements to energy efficiency delivered by funded works.
S6W-22646
To ask the Scottish Government what information it holds on how many Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) certified installers are employed within Scotland, broken down by local authority area.
S6W-22647
To ask the Scottish Government how many students who have completed energy efficiency qualifications have remained in Scotland and are currently employed within the energy efficiency sector.
S6W-22648
To ask the Scottish Government how many students are currently pursuing energy efficiency qualifications.
S6W-22649
To ask the Scottish Government what information it holds on the number of registered heat pump installation businesses in Scotland, and how many qualify as SMEs.
S6W-22650
To ask the Scottish Government what information it holds on the number of registered energy efficiency businesses in Scotland, and how many qualify as SMEs, broken down by local authority area.
S6W-22651
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-21208 by Patrick Harvie on 26 September 2023, how many households have received the rural uplift within the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan scheme in each month since September 2022.
Current status: Answers expected on 16 November 2023
Brian Whittle, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 02/11/2023
S6W-22656
To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it has given to creating a funding scheme to assist with ongoing maintenance costs of renewable heating solutions installed under the current government capital support schemes for (a) housing associations, (b) private homeowners and (c) landlords.
S6W-22657
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the potential impact of future demand for servicing of renewable heating solutions on market rates for (a) labour and (b) parts.
Current status: Answers expected on 16 November 2023
Brian Whittle, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 02/11/2023
S6W-22660
To ask the Scottish Government whether regular maintenance and servicing are included as terms in the contracts for the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan scheme.
S6W-22661
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the suitability of (a) whole-house renewable heating systems and (b) other renewable solutions for retrofitting on existing housing stock, and how many existing homes it estimates there currently are that are not suitable for retrofitting these systems.
S6W-22662
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to a survey by the Chartered Institute of Building, which reportedly found that 39% of respondents had not heard about Home Energy Scotland schemes.
S6W-22663
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to increase awareness of Home Energy Scotland schemes among people aged over 55.
S6W-22664
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the importance of ensuring that the fabric of homes is repaired prior to completing insulation works.
S6W-22665
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the importance of ensuring that homes are insulated to standard prior to completing any installation of renewable heating systems.
S6W-22666
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the effectiveness of the current supply chain for heat pump maintenance, including (a) parts, (b) labour and (c) its ability to grow to meet any increasing demand.
S6W-22667
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to prepare future supply chains for heat pump maintenance, including in relation to (a) parts and (b) labour.
S6W-22668
To ask the Scottish Government how many applications in total for loans or grants for energy efficiency measures or clean heating systems were approved in the 2022-23 financial year.
S6W-22669
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide (a) further information on the demographics of the 6,000 applications to the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan scheme since its launch in August 2023 and (b) a breakdown by (i) the age of applicants, (ii) the median household income of applicants and (iii) local authority area.
S6W-22670
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide (a) further information on the demographics of the 1,900 funding offers through the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan scheme since its launch in August 2023 and (b) a breakdown by (i) the age of applicants, (ii) the median household income of applicants and (iii) local authority area.
S6W-22671
To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many people there are in Scotland who are qualified to undertake heat loss surveys, broken down by local authority area.
S6W-22672
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to reported statements from industry that current funding for energy efficiency retrofit projects needs to be more flexible and distributed from fewer sources.
S6W-22673
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the current construction skills landscape, and what plans it has to target and develop particular sectors within the construction industry based on any such assessment.
S6W-22674
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of its publication, Heat in Buildings: progress report 2023 , how much funding was available for the Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan scheme, and what the total spend in the form of grants and loans was, in the 2022-23 financial year.
S6W-22675
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that sufficient numbers of qualified insulation contractors are available to meet demand.
Current status: Answers expected on 16 November 2023
Graham Simpson, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 02/11/2023
S6W-22629
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to improve awareness of home energy upgrades and retrofit schemes, in light of reported data from the Chartered Institute of Buildings, which found that two in five residents cannot afford these upgrades and that 39% of those surveyed had not heard of any Scottish Government incentive schemes.
S6W-22630
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to reported problems with affordability and low awareness of home energy upgrades and retrofit schemes.
Current status: Answer expected on 16 November 2023
Paul Sweeney, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 02/11/2023
S6W-22636
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the overall risk of fire in relation to Scotland’s pre-1945 building stock.
Current status: Answered by Siobhian Brown on 10 November 2023
Sarah Boyack, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 02/11/2023
S6W-22639
To ask the Scottish Government what information it holds on how many (a) public sector buildings, (b) privately-owned homes and (c) housing association homes have double glazing that was installed before 2002.
Current status: Answer expected on 16 November 2023
Liam Kerr, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 29/09/2023
S6W-21919
To ask the Scottish Government how many applications it has received for the second round of funding for the Just Transition Fund.
S6W-21920
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on whether the £20 million that was allocated in the first round of the Just Transition Fund has been distributed in its entirety.
Current status: Answered by Richard Lochhead on 1 November 2023
Pam Gosal, MSP for West Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 23/10/2023
S6W-22265
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the impact of the decision to reinstate the £6.6 million reduction of the Creative Scotland budget.
Current status: Answered by Christina McKelvie on 1 November 2023
Mark Ruskell, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Green Party
Date lodged: 06/10/2023
S6W-22077
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the contribution of its latest Infrastructure Investment Plan to meeting Scotland’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets.
S6W-22078
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on (a) its position on aligning its Infrastructure Investment Plan (IIP) with Scotland’s pathway for achieving net zero and (b) whether it has discussed creating a new methodology for assessing the contribution of individual infrastructure projects within the IIP to greenhouse gas reduction efforts.
Current status: Answered by Shona Robison on 2 November 2023
Sarah Boyack, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 24/10/2023
S6W-22355
To ask the Scottish Government whether it has set any targets on the number of jobs to be created through the £500 million strategic investment to help create thousands of green jobs and deliver the full economic potential of offshore renewables projects, as announced on 17 October 2023.
Current status: Answered by Gillian Martin on 2 November 2023
Miles Briggs, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 08/11/2023
S6W-22779
To ask the Scottish Government what work it has undertaken to provide for exemption schemes in the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill for people undertaking respite breaks.
S6W-22780
To ask the Scottish Government what work it has undertaken to provide for exemption schemes in the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill for children and young people.
S6W-22781
To ask the Scottish Government what work it has undertaken to provide for exemption schemes in the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill for workers and business travellers.
S6W-22782
To ask the Scottish Government what work it has undertaken to provide for exemption schemes in the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill for school, college and university trips.
S6W-22783
To ask the Scottish Government what work it has undertaken to provide for exemption schemes in the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill for outward bound education visits.
S6W-22784
To ask the Scottish Government what work it has undertaken to provide for exemption schemes in the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill for youth groups.
S6W-22785
To ask the Scottish Government what work it has undertaken to provide for exemption schemes in the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill for people resident in the local authority area where a visitor levy is in place.
S6W-22786
To ask the Scottish Government what work it has undertaken to provide for exemption schemes in the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill for charities and third sector workers.
S6W-22787
To ask the Scottish Government what work it has undertaken to provide for exemption schemes in the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill for medical professionals working in Scotland.
S6W-22788
To ask the Scottish Government what work it has undertaken to provide for exemption schemes in the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill for military personnel working in Scotland.
S6W-22789
To ask the Scottish Government what work it has undertaken to provide for exemption schemes in the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill for refugees staying in temporary accommodation in Scotland.
Current status: Answers expected on 22 November 2023
Monica Lennon, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 08/11/2023
S6W-22387
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-15639 from Elena Whitham on 6 March 2023, whether it will provide an update on (a) what action it will take and (b) the timescales for any such action, in response to the finding by the Aarhus Convention Compliance Committee that Scotland was not in full compliance with access to justice requirements of the Aarhus Convention.
Current status: Answer expected on 22 November 2023
Jackie Dunbar, MSP for Aberdeen Donside, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 20/10/2023
S6W-22325
To ask the Scottish Government how much has been spent on rail infrastructure in each local authority area in each of the last 10 years.
Current status: Answered by Fiona Hyslop on 7 November 2023
Katy Clark, MSP for West Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 13/10/2023
S6W-22224
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-12681 by Mairi McAllan on 13 December 2022, whether the second National Marine Plan (NMP2) will require Regional Marine Plans that set specific areas, bounded by grid coordinates, for individual uses of marine space or specific combinations of such uses. S6W-22224
S6W-22225
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-12681 by Mairi McAllan on 13 December 2022, whether the second National Marine Plan (NMP2) will require Regional Marine Plans to be produced by a set date.
Current status: Answered by Mairi McAllan on 7 November 2023
Neil Bibby, MSP for West Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 30/10/2023
S6W-22536
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the First Minister’s announcement of an additional £100 million for the arts and culture sector on 17 October 2023, how this figure was arrived at; how the funding will be distributed over the next five years, and whether it will be attributed on an annual rolling basis or using a multi-year approach.
S6W-22537
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish a timeline outlining when decisions about the distribution of the additional £100 million for the arts and culture sector will be made, and, if so, when.
Current status: Answered by Angus Robertson on 7 November 2023
Neil Bibby, MSP for West Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 30/10/2023
S6W-22538
To ask the Scottish Government what the additional £100 million of funding for arts and culture includes, and, in particular, whether it includes an explicit increase to the national performing companies annual budget line for the next five years.
S6W-22539
To ask the Scottish Government when the Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture was first made aware of the First Minister’s decision to announce an additional £100 million for the arts and culture sector on 17 October 2023.
Current status: Answered by Christina McKelvie on 7 November 2023
Rachael Hamilton, MSP for Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 8/11/2023
S6O-02716
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on what plans it has to restore a reported £6.6 million reduction in funding to Creative Scotland for 2024-25.
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on 15 November 2023
Kaukab Stewart, MSP for Glasgow Kelvin, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 8/11/2023
S6O-02718
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its commitment to increase funding for the arts and culture sector.
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on 15 November 2023
James Dornan, MSP for Glasgow Cathcart, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 8/11/2023
S6O-02729
To ask the Scottish Government what preparations are being made to implement the recommendations of the Independent Review of the Skills Delivery Landscape.
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on 16 November 2023
Liam McArthur, MSP for Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: 25/10/2023
S6W-22414
To ask the Scottish Government what proportion of the housing stock in each local authority area is comprised of homes within buildings constructed before 1914.
S6W-22415
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answers to questions S6W-21728 and S6W-21745 by Patrick Harvie on 23 and 24 October 2023 respectively, what discussions it has had with Historic Environment Scotland on approaches to retrofitting traditional and listed buildings.
S6W-22416
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answers to questions S6W-21728 and S6W-21745 by Patrick Harvie on 23 and 24 October 2023 respectively, which stakeholders it (a) has had and (b) plans to have discussions with on approaches to retrofitting traditional and listed buildings.
S6W-22417
To ask the Scottish Government what research it (a) has conducted and (b) plans to conduct into the results of various energy efficiency interventions on traditional and listed buildings.
S6W-22418
To ask the Scottish Government what proportion of the housing stock in each local authority area is comprised of homes within traditional buildings.
Current status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 8 November 2023
Miles Briggs, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 31/10/2023
S6W-22594
To ask the Scottish Government, regarding the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill, what work has been undertaken to provide for exemption schemes for people visiting family members in hospital.
S6W-22595
To ask the Scottish Government, regarding the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill, what work has been undertaken to provide for exemption schemes for people visiting family members in prison.
S6W-22596
To ask the Scottish Government, regarding the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill, what work has been undertaken to provide for exemption schemes for people providing personal care for a family member.
S6W-22597
To ask the Scottish Government, regarding the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill, what work has been undertaken to provide for exemption schemes for artists and technicians working at festivals.
S6W-22598
To ask the Scottish Government, regarding the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill, what work has been undertaken to provide for exemption schemes for people attending a funeral.
Current status: Answered by Tom Arthur on 8 November 2023
Rachael Hamilton, MSP for Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 26/10/2023
S6W-22461
To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish its analysis of the consultation responses on Highly Protected Marine Areas, which was launched in December 2022.
Current status: Answered by Mairi McAllan on 8 November 2023
Sharon Dowey, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 31/10/2023
S6W-22574
To ask the Scottish Government what plans are in place to review non-domestic rates, particularly for hospitality businesses.
Current status: Answered by Tom Arthur on 8 November 2023
Mark Griffin, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 10/11/2023
S6W-22778
To ask the Scottish Government what review it has undertaken of the impact of Regulation 6 of the Town and Country Planning (Fees for Applications) (Scotland) Regulations 2022, which provides planning authorities with the power to levy a surcharge of up to 25% on retrospective applications as a means of recovering the costs of undertaking enforcement investigations.
Current status: Answer expected on 24 November 2023
Miles Briggs, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 10/11/2023
S6W-22791
To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many people have been charged up to double the normal council tax rate for homes that have been empty for 12 months or more, or 24 months where the property is being actively marketed for sale, in each year since 1999, also broken down by local authority.
Current status: Answer expected on 24 November 2023
Miles Briggs, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 10/11/2023
S6W-22796
To ask the Scottish Government, further to previous commitments by its ministers, how much funding in total it has allocated to each City Region Deal to date, also broken down by project.
Current status: Answer expected on 24 November 2023
Miles Briggs, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 10/11/2023
S6W-22842
To ask the Scottish Government what funding it is providing for colleges to deliver courses on the traditional trades.
S6W-22843
To ask the Scottish Government what funding it is providing for college courses in the traditional crafts, particularly stonemasonry, at colleges in Edinburgh.
Current status: Answers expected on 24 November 2023
Willie Rennie, MSP for North East Fife, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: 26/10/2023
S6W-22487
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-12674 by Mairi McAllan on 14 December 2022, whether it will provide an update on which of the 42 formal flood protection schemes or engineering works are (a) under construction and (b) at the planning or other stage of development, broken down by (i) the expected completion date, including the reason for any date being beyond the 2021 timeframe, (ii) the number of properties that will be protected and (iii) the (A) initial forecast and (B) final expected cost of each.
Current status: Answered by Mairi McAllan on 9 November 2023
Miles Briggs, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 31/10/2023
S6W-22599
Miles Briggs (Lothian) (Con): To ask the Scottish Government when it plans to undertake a review of legislation relating to the Home Report.
Current status: Answered by Paul McLennan on 10 November 2023
Monica Lennon, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 13/10/2023
S6W-22209
To ask the Scottish Government how much total funding it allocated to (a) improve energy efficiency and (b) decarbonise the heating of homes in (i) social, (ii) owner-occupied and (iii) private rented housing in (A) 2021-22, (B) 2022-23 and (C) 2023-24.
S6W-22210
To ask the Scottish Government how much of the £1.8 billion Heat in Buildings funding has been spent to date, and what the forecast trajectory is of spending to the end of the current parliamentary session.
S6W-22211
To ask the Scottish Government how much funding has been allocated to (a) Warmer Homes Scotland, (b) Home Energy Efficiency Programmes for Scotland (HEEPS) area based schemes, (c) Home Energy Scotland grants and loans for energy efficiency and zero emissions heating and (d) Home Energy Scotland advice and support services, in (i) 2021-22, (ii) 2022-23 and (iii) 2023-24.
Current status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 10 November 2023
Monica Lennon, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 06/11/2023
S6W-22701
Monica Lennon (Central Scotland) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Government when the Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development last met with COSLA to discuss culture; what was discussed at this meeting, and when the Minister will next meet with COSLA to discuss these issues.
Current status: Answered by Christina McKelvie on 10 November 2023
Paul Sweeney, MSP for Glasgow, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 02/11/2023
S6W-22636
Paul Sweeney (Glasgow) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the overall risk of fire in relation to Scotland’s pre-1945 building stock.
Current status: Answered by Siobhian Brown on 10 November 2023
Kate Forbes, MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 30/10/2023
S6W-22531
To ask the Scottish Government as part of its post-implementation review into short-term let licensing, whether it plans to undertake any stakeholder engagement and consultation ahead of the review, and what the nature of any stakeholder involvement in the review will be.
S6W-22532
To ask the Scottish Government when it will commence its post-implementation review into short-term let licensing; what the scope, remit and nature of this work is; what the timeline is for the completion of the review, and when it plans to report to (a) ministers and (b) the Parliament on its findings.
Current status: Answered by Paul McLennan on 13 November 2023
MOTIONS
Designation of Lead Committee
S6M-11147
Submitted by: George Adam, Paisley, Scottish National Party.
Date lodged: 07/11/2023
That the Parliament agrees that the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee be designated as the lead committee in consideration of the Housing (Cladding Remediation) (Scotland) Bill at stage 1.
Borders Student Wins National Young Roofer of the Year Award
S6M-11131
Submitted by: Rachael Hamilton, Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party.
Date lodged: 08/11/2023
That the Parliament congratulates Hamish Morgan, of Hume Roofing and Property Maintenance in Hawick, on receiving the National Federation of Roofing Contractors Scottish Young Roofer of the Year title; notes that this award was given to Hamish at the recent awards ceremony in Glasgow; understands that Hamish had received the highest available grading by the college staff in his studies and was also awarded Apprentice of the Year at Edinburgh College; further understands that Hamish also won the Scottish heat of SkillBuild, which is the largest multi-trade skills competition in the UK for construction trainees and apprentices, and wishes the Borders student every success in Milton Keynes when he represents Scotland in the UK final of SkillBuild later in November 2023.
Culture in Communities: The Challenges and Opportunities in Delivering a Place-based Approach
S6M-11153
Submitted by: Clare Adamson, Motherwell and Wishaw, Scottish National Party.
Date lodged: 08/11/2023
That the Parliament notes the conclusions and recommendations contained in the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee’s 4th Report, 2023 (Session 6), Culture in Communities: The challenges and opportunities in delivering a place-based approach (SP Paper 431).
Council Tax (Variation for Unoccupied Dwellings) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2023 [draft]
S6M-11186
Submitted by: Tom Arthur, Renfrewshire South, Scottish National Party.
Date lodged: 10/11/2023
That the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee recommends that the Council Tax (Variation for Unoccupied Dwellings) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2023 [draft] be approved.
EVENTS
Heritage Trust Network – Rescue, Reuse & Regenerate Series
Date & Time: Ongoing series, next Thursday 16 November; 2:30-4pm
Location: Online
What do we need to do to ensure a future for our town and city centres? Where are the successful initiatives and partnerships? See how independent community-led organisations are working with local authorities to bring life back to our high streets. Join Heritage Trust Network for an online event series that will explore case studies and expert opinions on how we can Rescue, Reuse and Regenerate our town centres.
The Institution of Engineering and Technology – Powering Net Zero Week
Date & Time: 14-17 November 2023
Location: Crowne Plaza, Glasgow
A forum for engineers, planners and innovators to meet, learn, and discuss all the most pertinent issues relating to engineering solutions to net zero. Topics for learning and discussion include the latest wind, solar PV and hydropower technologies, infrastructure planning and investment, demand side management, energy storage and EV charging integration with the grid, electrification load forecasting, battery technology for electric transport and energy storage, and fuel cell development.
RSA Fellows’ MCICH Network – Arts & Culture at the Core of Cultural Philanthropy
Date & Time: Tuesday 21 November; 6-7:30pm
Location: Online
An online event, exploring arts and culture in relation to philanthropy. Speakers include Lucia Patuzzi (Philea, Italy) and RSA Fellows Shonaig Macpherson (Culture Summit), Graham Bell (Cultura Trust and Europa Nostra) and Dr Rupert Graf Strachwitz (Maecenata Institute, Germany).
The Improvement Service and Planning Aid Scotland – Improvement Service for Community Councils – Local Place Plans
Date & Time: Tuesday 21 November; 6-7pm
Location: Online
Local Place Plans are a new right enshrined in planning legislation for communities to prepare a plan for their own place. The webinar will provide an overview of Local Place Plans, and how they are different from other types of community-led plan. It will also look at what the key requirements are in terms of preparing a Local Place Plan, and at some examples of Local Place Plans that have already been prepared. There will be plenty of time for discussion so please come along with any questions.
Architecture & Design Scotland – Place Forum: Thinking big, thinking beyond
Date & Time: Wednesday 22 November; 11am-1pm
Location: Online
Join Architecture and Design Scotland for the next Place Forum where they will be looking at whole place design and collaborative approaches. The question they ask is ‘How do we explore and collaborate with place and people to help embrace the ‘scale’ of vision required for the future’ Confirmed speakers include: Brendan Turvey of NatureScot, Lisa MacKenzie and Anais Chanon of ESALA and Alistair Shaw of Falkirk Council.
Edinburgh Futures Institute – Conservation and heritage buildings archetype & low-carbon heating approach
Date & Time: Friday 24 November; 9:30-1:30pm
Location: Edinburgh Climate Change Institute (Conference Room)
Workshop 3: Conservation and heritage buildings archetype and low-carbon heating approach. Part of the Workshop series on Scottish building. In a facilitated discussion, we will explore current approaches to this challenge, future visions and potential opportunities related to novel ways of gathering data, maximising data efficiency, utilising citizen science, and galvanising stakeholders.
RSA Fellows’ MCICH Network – Perspectives on International Cultural Relations
Date & Time: Tuesday 28 November; 6-7:30pm
Location: Online
An online event exploring different perspectives on international cultural relations. Speakers include Svetlana Sequira Costa FRSA (Arts Cabinet), Dr Ines Fialho Brandao FRSA (Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, Lisbon), Sylwia Spooner (Polish Consulate, Edinburgh) and Professor Gayle Macpherson FRSA (UWS).
Historic Environment Scotland – Ar Dàimhean is Dualchas / Our Relationships and Heritage
Date & Time: Tuesday 28 November; 6:30-8pm
Location: Online
An online, interactive workshop to explore how we can improve the ways we work together to protect and promote local heritage practicess.
Scotland’s Towns Conference 2023: Delivering Towns for All
Date & Time: Wednesday 29 November; 9am-5pm
Location: Apex Hotel, Dundee
Join Scotland’s Towns Partnership and around 200 industry stakeholders for this year’s Scotland’s Towns Conference – Delivering towns for all. Scotland aims to deliver places for all – a wellbeing economy – creating equality and opportunity for an economy that ensures our towns, neighbourhoods and communities are thriving, engaging and viable for all.
BEFS/SPAB – Scotland’s Churches in Transition: Planning for the Future
Date & Time: Wednesday 29 November; 9:30am-4pm
Location: The Ramshorn, 98 Ingram Street, Glasgow
SPAB and BEFS are delighted to jointly host this CPD Conference for decision makers across the planning and built environment sector. A huge number of churches are in transition, with some in the process of being assessed and sold on the open market. Changes of use and ownership such as these may often mean the sites will no longer be covered by Ecclesiastical Exemption.
Glasgow City Heritage Trust – Annie’s Loo: Flushing Out the Past & Retrofitting for the Future
Date & Time: Wednesday 29 November; 7-8pm
Location: Fairfield Heritage, Govan, G51 4XS
Join Raymond Young, who wrote the book on Annie’s Loo, and Carmen Lean from Loco Home Retrofit to hear more about the history of Annie’s Loo and how we can make tenement retrofit accessible.
Icon Scotland Group – 2023 AGM
Date & Time: Thursday 30 November; 5:30-6:15pm
Location: The Engine Shed, Stirling
Join the Icon Scotland Group committee to discuss everything we’ve been doing in 2023, and everything we have planned for 2024. Tickets are free and you can join us whether you’re an Icon member or considering joining.
Icon Scotland Group – 26th Annual Plenderleith Memorial Lecture
Date & Time: Thursday 30 November; 6:30-8:30pm
Location: The Engine Shed, Stirling and Online
Join Icon Scotland for a lecture in memory of Dr Harold Plenderleith, one of the key founders of modern conservation. Our invited speaker is Professor Christina Young, Director of the Kelvin Centre for Conservation and Cultural Heritage Research, University of Glasgow. Christina will reflect on how the Kelvin Centre addresses issues facing the conservation landscape in Scotland and helps promote and support the conservation profession.
Heritage Trust Network – Local Authority Information Session with Heritage Trust Network
Date & Time: Tuesday, 5 December 10-11am
Location: Online
The Heritage Trust Network are running a free information session to share how the Heritage Trust Network might be able to support you or the groups you work with. There will be a short presentation on our work, including a discussion on Buildings at Risk, followed by a case study from one of HTN members and a relaxed discussion.
TRAINING
Scottish Civic Trust – Inclusive heritage training
Date & Time: Wednesday 29 November; 1-2:15pm
Location: Online
Join the Scottish Civic Trust for a free inclusive heritage training session for local civic, heritage and community groups in Scotland. The session will cover key terms related to inclusion, the benefits of engaging more diverse audiences, mapping possible partners and how to build mutually beneficial partnerships with excluded audiences.
VACANCIES
Scottish Historic Buildings Trust – Director
Salary: Competitive salary commensurate with experience
Status: Full-time
Location: Edinburgh.
Scottish Historic Buildings Trust (SHBT) is a dynamic and innovative charity which plays a unique role in preserving and promoting the nation’s heritage, with over 40 years’ experience delivering complex projects that regenerate neglected historic buildings and give them a sustainable future. SHBT holds a property portfolio of important historic buildings that are available to lease or hire for offices, events and functions. SHBT are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Director to lead this Building Preservation Trust, providing strategic vision, financial management and leadership.
Heritage Trust Network – Scotland Trustee
Salary: Voluntary w/ expenses covered
Status: Mix of in-person & online meetings including four board member meetings and annual conference
Location: Scotland
The Heritage Trust Network is currently recruiting for a Scotland Trustee position. ‘We are recruiting a new trustee to ensure continuity, bring in new experiences and perspectives, and diversify our board.’
Get The Latest Built Environment News, Policy Developments, Publications & Consultations
BEFS News
The team had a visit to BEFS Members The Ridge Foundations, a fantastic charity serving Dunbar and the surrounding villages in East Lothian with jobs, training and support around local heritage, you can read BEFS Director’s personal reflection on the visit, here.
As the clocks go back and weather gets colder the resilience of our buildings becomes ever more apparent. A new survey by the Chartered Institute of Building reports that two in five Scottish residents can’t afford energy upgrades. Whether old or new, there can be housing issues, the poor state of Britain’s new housing is reported in The Guardian and a new BBC documentary series.
This week the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act has received Royal Assent. You can read The Heritage Alliance’s briefing for the Bill in formation, here. It seems that on Assent the Act does have heritage specific clauses, although these may be part of a staged process, and some actions will, in due course require secondary legislation in due course.
BEFS bring you a wealth of events and training this month, including the BEFS/SPAB CPD Conference, Scotland’s Churches in Transition: Planning for the Future. The Heritage Alliance’s Heritage Debate 2023 puts Careers in the spotlight asking, ‘How Can We Future-Proof the Heritage Sector Workforce?’. If you’re interested in heritage careers, have a look at the BEFS/THA/Heriot Watt Heritage Career Guide updated earlier this year. The Scottish Civic Trust are also hosting free Inclusive heritage Training for local civic, heritage and community groups in Scotland.
Consultations of note include: The Improvement Service Call for Ideas on planning system ambitions, and from the Scottish Parliament The Agricultural and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill which will be used to better develop the support that farming and rural communities need. There has already been some small success with lobbying from CIfA and other Members in the sector to get the historic environment acknowledged within the Bill, this can be seen in Part 4 – Power to Provide Support.
And finally, BEFS Conservation Officers Group welcomes new chair Dr Alison McCandlish. You can read more on our blog here and a huge thanks go to outgoing, and foundation, Chair Mark Douglas.
Consultations
Management of burial grounds, application for burial, exhumation, private burial and restoration of lairs: regulation in Scotland
Scottish Government
The consultation paper sets out a range of proposals and approaches with the aim of clarifying and streamlining existing burial practices as well as introducing new provisions; including the management of burial grounds and restoration of lairs.
Closes 17 November 2023
*NEW* Draft Transformation Action Plan Consultation
Construction Leadership Forum
This consultation seeks feedback to develop a Transformation Action Plan. A Transformation Action Plan is intended to support the Just Transition to Net Zero, construction quality, improved construction procurement, investment in jobs, training and ongoing CPD, developed MMC knowledge, and a digitally enabled industry.
Closes 17 November 2023
*NEW* The Agricultural and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill Consultation
The Rural Affairs and Islands Committee
This consultation seeks input on the Bill which would be used as a framework for Scottish ministers to better develop the support that farming and rural communities need. The committee planning to take oral evidence from late November through to early February before reporting to the Scottish Parliament with its recommendations in spring 2024.
Closes 24 November 2023
*NEW* Call for Ideas on Planning System Ambitions
The Improvement Service / Scottish Government
This consultation seeks to obtain the views on proposed increases to the building warrant fees required to deliver change to strengthen the building standards system and the development of a new building warrant fees model in Scotland.
Closes 30 November 2023
Proposed Desecration of War Memorials (Prevention) (Scotland) Bill
Scottish Parliament
This consultation relates to a draft proposal lodged as the first stage in the process of introducing a Member’s Bill in the Scottish Parliament, to ensure that war memorials in Scotland receive the protection that they deserve by creating the specific offence of desecration of a war memorial.
Closes 19 December 2023
Outline Strategic Plan for Holyrood Park
Historic Environment Scotland (HES)
This survey on the Outline Strategic Plan for Holyrood Park will gather public views to help deliver a new future for the Park that reflects community aspirations, the needs of the City and the inherent value and sensitivity of Holyrood Park.
Closes 19 December 2023
National Parks in Scotland
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government invites individuals, communities and organisations to develop and submit formal nominations for their area to become Scotland’s next National Park.
Closes 29 February 2024
Survey Buildings at Risk Register (BARR)
Historic Environment Scotland (HES)
HES have commissioned Harlow Consulting, a leading research agency in the heritage sector, to undertake an extensive survey to help HES to understand who uses the Buildings at Risk Register, and the impact it is having.
Consultation Responses
Enhancing the accessibility, adaptability and usability of Scotland’s Homes (BEFS 19/10/2023)
BEFS statement supports measures that increase the accessibility and usability of Scotland’s dwellings, improving quality of life and enabling people to stay in their homes for longer – positively contributing to the continued use and occupancy of existing buildings. For any interventions and decisions which impact on traditionally constructed homes and the historic environment, BEFS points to existing guidance on the adaptation of historic or designated properties.
Council tax for second and empty homes, and thresholds for non-domestic rates: consultation analysis (Scot Gov 24/10/23)
Building Community Wealth in Scotland: consultation analysis (Scot Gov 26/10/23)
Mandatory Training on Planning for Elected Members (BEFS 26/10/2023)
BEFS fully supports the proposal for mandatory training on planning for elected members. We would consider that good decision making for people and places recognises the National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) view that ‘Scotland’s rich heritage, culture and outstanding environment are national assets which support our economy, identity, health and wellbeing’, delivering against the spatial principles within NPF4.
News Releases
European Commission opens calls to invest in data spaces for cultural heritage and tourism (Network of European Museum Organisations 09/10/2023)
Scotland’s plumbing and heating apprenticeship to undergo ‘comprehensive’ review (Project Scotland 19/10/2023)
Patrick Harvie reaffirms commitment to Passivhaus standard (Scottish Housing News 20/10/2023)
Two in five Scottish residents can’t afford energy upgrades says Charted Institute of Building survey (CIOB 25/10/2023)
Call for Papers – The Public Country House: ‘Treasure of Quiet Beauty’ or a Site for Public Histories (V&A 27/10/2023)
The Improvement Service has teamed up with LANDCLAN to help bring its Spatial Hub data to the commercial market (Improvement Service 27/10/2023)
Scottish home on RIBA House of the Year shortlist (Scottish Housing News 31/10/2023)
Publications
Youth participation in cultural heritage management: a conceptual framework (International Journal of Heritage Studies 16/10/2023)
Heat Pump Supply – The Social Market Foundation has published a report on the UK heat pump supply chain (Social Market Foundation 18/10/2023)
One Life Two Cultures – African and Caribbean Elders in Scotland have published their new book of experiences of African and Caribbean Scots over the past 50 years. Its publication was supported by the Scottish Civic Trust Diverse Heritage Project and the Year of Stories 2022 Community Stories Fund. (Scottish Civic Trust 23/10/2023)
Applying the Robbins Principle to Further Education and Apprenticeships report on further education, apprenticeships, and inequality (The Resolution Foundation 24/10/2023)
Learning to grow: How to situate a skills strategy in an economic strategy – report focusing on strategically important sectors to the UK, including finance and business, creativity and culture, life sciences, AI, and clean technology. (The Resolution Foundation 24/10/2023)
Glasgow 2030 Tourism Strategy (Glasgow Tourism and Visitor Plan 27/10/2023)
CIPD report; Devolution and evolution in UK skills policy – report comparing and analysing the labour market in across the four nations, with a focus on skills development policy. Notably, the report analyses the plummet of apprenticeship starts in SMEs in England since the introduction of the apprenticeship levy. (The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development 31/10/2023)
Watt’s the plan? – report highlighting the major infrastructure challenges in the UK and and makes recommendations for a new institutional framework to support investment and delivery. (The Resolution Foundation 01/11/2023)
SFT Outcomes – report disseminating the outcomes corresponding to the business objectives outlined in Scottish Future Trust’s 2019-24 Corporate Plan. The report includes new case studies and analyses of infrastructure needs, investments, innovative construction, technology-enabled construction, and more. (Scottish Futures Trust 02/11/2023)
Scottish & UK: Governmental & Parliamentary Publications
Guidance for custodians on how to deal with commemorative heritage assets that have become contested (UK Gov 05/10/2023) Devolved matter in Scotland.
Letter from the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills (Scot Gov 23 October 2023)
Modern methods of construction – what’s gone wrong? The Built Environment Committee has launched an inquiry into the future of modern methods of construction (MMC) (UK PARL Built Environment Committee 24/10/2023)
Letter from Minister for Community Wealth and Public Finance (Scot Gov 25 October 2023)
Ending homelessness together: annual report 2023 (Scot Gov 26/10/2023)
Heat in Buildings: progress report 2023 (Scot Gov 27/10/2023)
Scotland’s Land Use Strategy Annual Progress Report – 2022/2023 (Scot Gov 27/10/2023)
Letter from the Convener to the Minister for Local Government Empowerment and Planning (Scot Parl 27 October 2023)
Building standards: national annual verification performance report 2022 to 2023 (Scot Gov 31/10/2023)
Letter from the Minister for Housing (Scot Gov 31 October 2023)
Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee meeting on the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill (Scot Gov 31 October 2023)
Opinion & Comment
Concrete crisis: What is Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC)? (Twentieth Century Society 06/09/2023)
Why is Keir Starmer ignoring the concrete and steel elephant in the room? (Architects Journal 12/10/2023)
Trads Forget the Past at Their Peril (Failed Architecture 06/10/2023)
How local authorities can benefit from working with the community heritage sector (Heritage Trust Network / ACES Terrier Autumn 2023)
Famous Gallowgate tenement from 1771 now comes with climate control (The Herald 10/10/2023)
Britain’s Housing Crisis: What Went Wrong? (BBC Two 17/10/2023)
Cracked tiles, wonky gutters, leaning walls – why are Britain’s new houses so rubbish? (The Guardian 21/10/2023)
More focus needed on climate and social impact of dull buildings – top designer (The National 21/10/2023)
Sue Bridge: Are the purposes of the green belt still relevant for the 21st century? (RTPI 23/10/2023)
Culture secretary fails to clear up confusion over promise to ‘more than double’ arts funding in Scotland (Scotsman 25/10/2023)
Second National Infrastructure Assessment: the good, the bad and the next steps (RTPI 26/10/2023)
Patrick Harvie Scottish Green Autumn Conference Speech (Scottish Greens 30/10/2023)
City of Edinburgh Council set to declare housing emergency (BBC News 02/11/2023)
The Big Read: What can we do to save Scotland’s towns? (The Herald 02/11/2023)
Parliamentary Questions & Answers
Questions marked with a triangle (?) are initiated by the Scottish Government to facilitate the provision of information to the Parliament. Questions in which a member has indicated a declarable interest are marked with an “R”.
Kenneth Gibson, MSP for Cunninghame North, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 18/10/2023
S6O-02633
To ask the Scottish Government what progress it is making on implementing the recommendations on the skills delivery landscape in the report, Fit for the Future: developing a post-school learning system to fuel economic transformation.
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on 26 October 2023
Sarah Boyack, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 20/10/2023
S6W-22334
To ask the Scottish Government when any revisions to its onshore wind carbon calculator will be published.
S6W-22335
To ask the Scottish Government how much peatland has been excavated, according to data within onshore wind applications consented to by the Energy Consents Unit, within the last 10 years.
S6W-22336
To ask the Scottish Government how much peatland has been restored, according to data within onshore wind applications consented to by the Energy Consents Unit, within the last 10 years.
S6W-22337
To ask the Scottish Government how much carbon has been emitted as (a) a direct and (b) an indirect result of development on peatland, according to data within onshore wind applications consented to by the Energy Consents Unit, within the last 10 years.
S6W-22338
To ask the Scottish Government what processes are in place to ensure the accuracy and reliability of data inputted into its onshore wind carbon calculator by a prospective developer
Current status: Answers expected on 17/11/2023
Liam McArthur, MSP for Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: 25/10/2023
S6W-22345
To ask the Scottish Government with which organisations it has consulted regarding the development of a Green Industrial Strategy, as committed to in its Programme for Government 2023-24.
S6W-22346
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide more information on how the First Minister’s commitment to “invest up to £500 million to anchor a new offshore wind supply chain” will be delivered.
S6W-22347
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide a timeline for when it expects to deliver the First Minister’s commitment to “invest up to £500 million to anchor a new offshore wind supply chain”.
S6W-22348
To ask the Scottish Government how it will engage with the renewable energy industry in the delivery of the First Minister’s commitment to “invest up to £500 million to anchor a new offshore wind supply chain”.
S6W-22349
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will outline how the First Minister’s commitment to “invest up to £500 million to anchor a new offshore wind supply chain” will be delivered in conjunction with the £500 million Just Transition Fund.
S6W-22350
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the development of a Green Industrial Strategy, as committed to in its Programme for Government 2023-24.
Current status: Answers expected on 08/11/2023
Alex Cole-Hamilton, MSP for Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: 29/09/2023
S6W-21882
To ask the Scottish Government what action it has taken to ensure that the key stakeholders in the private sector are aware of the issue of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete and know where to go for advice, as referenced in the minutes of the meeting of the Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) Cross Sector Working Group on 14 August 2023.
S6W-21883
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the meeting of the Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) Cross Sector Working Group on 14 August 2023, what action it has taken to “signpost and share information which supports effective assessment and reporting on RAAC as a potential building defect”.
Current status: Answered by Shirley-Anne Somerville on 20 October 2023
Liam McArthur, MSP for Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: 25/10/2023
S6W-22414
To ask the Scottish Government what proportion of the housing stock in each local authority area is comprised of homes within buildings constructed before 1914.
S6W-22415
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answers to questions S6W-21728 and S6W-21745 by Patrick Harvie on 23 and 24 October 2023 respectively, what discussions it has had with Historic Environment Scotland on approaches to retrofitting traditional and listed buildings.
S6W-22416
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answers to questions S6W-21728 and S6W-21745 by Patrick Harvie on 23 and 24 October 2023 respectively, which stakeholders it (a) has had and (b) plans to have discussions with on approaches to retrofitting traditional and listed buildings.
S6W-22417
To ask the Scottish Government what research it (a) has conducted and (b) plans to conduct into the results of various energy efficiency interventions on traditional and listed buildings.
S6W-22418
To ask the Scottish Government what proportion of the housing stock in each local authority area is comprised of homes within traditional buildings.
Current status: Answers expected on 08/11/2023
Mark Ruskell, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Green Party
Date lodged: 25/10/2023
S6W-22436
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on what plans it has to support grassroots music venues across Scotland.
S6W-22437
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on what assessment it has made of any additional revenue raising tools, such as ticket levies on large music events and areas, to support grassroots music venues and the talent pipeline.
Current status: Answers expected on 08/11/2023
Ben Macpherson, MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith, Scottish National Party
S6W-22486
Date lodged: 26/10/2023
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the progress of its Heat in Buildings Strategy.
Current status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 27 October 2023
Jamie Greene, MSP for West Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 27/10/2023
S6W-22459
To ask the Scottish Government for what reason Govan Graving Dock was granted £2.4 million for its restoration, and whether any such grants are being considered for other dry docks in similar states of disuse.
Current status: Answer expected on 10/11/2023
Kate Forbes, MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 30/10/2023
S6W-22531
To ask the Scottish Government, as part of its post-implementation review into short-term let licensing, whether it plans to undertake any stakeholder engagement and consultation ahead of the review, and what the nature of any stakeholder involvement in the review will be.
S6W-22532
To ask the Scottish Government when it will commence its post-implementation review into short-term let licensing; what the scope, remit and nature of this work is; what the timeline is for the completion of the review, and when it plans to report to (a) ministers and (b) the Parliament on its findings.
Current status: Answers expected on 13/11/2023
Neil Bibby, MSP for West Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 30/10/2023
S6W-22536
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the First Minister’s announcement of an additional £100 million for the arts and culture sector on 17 October 2023, how this figure was arrived at; how the funding will be distributed over the next five years, and whether it will be attributed on an annual rolling basis, or using a multi-year approach.
S6W-22537
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish a timeline outlining when decisions about the distribution of the additional £100 million for the arts and culture sector will be made, and, if so, when.
S6W-22538
To ask the Scottish Government what the additional £100 million of funding for arts and culture includes, and, in particular, whether it includes an explicit increase to the national performing companies annual budget line for the next five years.
S6W-22539
To ask the Scottish Government when the Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture was first made aware of the First Minister’s decision to announce an additional £100 million for the arts and culture sector on 17 October 2023.
Current status: Answer expected on 13/11/2023
Sarah Boyack, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 30/10/2023
S6W-22527
To ask the Scottish Government how many groups are currently being supported by the Community and Renewable Energy Scheme, broken down by local authority area.
S6W-22528
To ask the Scottish Government how much energy is currently generated in Scotland from community and locally owned sources.
S6W-22529
To ask the Scottish Government how much funding was allocated to groups through the Community and Renewable Energy Scheme in (a) 2019, (b) 2020, (c) 2021 and (d) 2022, also broken down by local authority area.
Current status: Answers expected on 13/11/2023
Daniel Johnson, MSP for Edinburgh Southern, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 28/09/2023
S6W-2185
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the Heat in Buildings Workforce Assessment Project outlined in its Heat in Buildings Strategy.
Current status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 24 October 2023
Miles Briggs, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Conservatives and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 31/10/2023
S6W-22602
To ask the Scottish Government what discussions have taken place regarding the development of an infrastructure levy.
S6W-22603
To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding the transfer of powers required to implement its proposed Building Safety Levy.
S6W-22604
To ask the Scottish Government when it plans to publish its proposals for a Building Safety Levy.
S6W-22605
To ask the Scottish Government what work it has undertaken to estimate the costs required for cladding remediation of so-called “orphan” buildings.
S6W-22606
To ask the Scottish Government what formula it plans to use to calculate its proposed Building Safety Levy.
Current status: Answers expected on 14/11/2023
Jackie Baillie, MSP for Dumbarton, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 19/09/2023
S6W-21465
To ask the Scottish Government how much it estimates will be the cost of the removal or remedial action required for reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete within the NHS.
Current status: Answered by Michael Matheson on 4 October 2023
Sarah Boyack, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 20/09/2023
S6W-21288
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of its reported plans to amend the Energy Performance (EPC) system, what consideration it has given to how to deal with properties that are off grid, and whose EPC rating may change depending on gas costs, and whether any such properties will be penalised.
Current status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 4 October 2023
Tess White, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 19/09/2023
S6W-21458
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the national survey programme of the NHS estate to identify the use of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete in NHS buildings, including the number of buildings at risk and their location.
Current status: Answered by Michael Matheson on 4 October 2023
Liam Kerr, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 29/09/2023
S6W-21921
To ask the Scottish Government when an updated Estates Condition Survey for the college sector will be conducted and completed, in light of the last survey, which was completed in 2017 and estimated that £360 million of work was required in the subsequent five years to bring the college estate to a generally sound (wind and watertight) condition.
S6W-21922
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on what progress has been made in developing and delivering a fully costed infrastructure delivery plan for the college sector.
Current status: Answered by Graeme Dey on 27 October 2023
Miles Briggs, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 31/10/2023
S6W-22599
To ask the Scottish Government when it plans to undertake a review of legislation relating to the Home Report.
Current status: Answer expected on 14 November 2023
Liam Kerr, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 29/09/2023
S6W-21889
To ask the Scottish Government what the resource funding increase of £46 million for the college and university sectors, announced in the Budget statement on 15 December 2022, was specifically intended to be used for; whether it expects colleges and universities to still proceed with that work, in light of the funding being withdrawn, and, if not, what its position (a) was on the importance of this work in December 2022, in light of its decision to allocate an additional £46 million of funding for it at that time, and (b) is on whether this work is still necessary.
Current status: Answered by Graeme Dey on 30 October 2023
Rhoda Grant, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 03/10/2023
S6W-21970
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide a list of the 30 police buildings that Police Scotland plans to dispose of, as detailed in its proposals submitted to the Scottish Police Authority.
Current status: Answered by Angela Constance on 30 October 2023
Alexander Stewart, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 03/10/2023
S6W-21929
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of reports that some local residents were required by Clackmannanshire Council to evacuate their homes, in a majority council-owned block of flats, and move into short-term accommodation due to reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete being found and the flats being deemed unsafe, what immediate action it can take to (a) help provide suitable long-term accommodation and (b) support any proposals for repairs of these properties.
Current status: Answered by Paul McLennan on 18 October 2023
Donald Cameron, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 06/10/2023
S6W-22065
To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish its refreshed Culture Strategy Action Plan, in light of it being delayed from summer 2022 and spring 2023.
Current status: Answered by Angus Robertson on 18 October 2023
Donald Cameron, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 04/10/2023
S6W-22012
To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to develop an artificial intelligence strategy in relation to the culture sector, and how it plans to ensure that any such strategy is safe and ethical in its implementation.
Current status: Answered by Christina McKelvie on 19 October 2023
Miles Briggs, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 03/102023
S6W-21989
To ask the Scottish Government whether it anticipates any workforce pressures in relation to skilled stonemasons in the next 10 years.
Current status: Answered by Christina McKelvie on 19 October 2023
Pam Gosal, MSP for West Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 23/10/2023
S6W-22265
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the impact of the decision to reinstate the £6.6 million reduction of the Creative Scotland budget.
Current status: Answered by Christina McKelvie on 01 November 2023
Alexander Stewart, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 05/10/2023
S6W-22038
To ask the Scottish Government, regarding short-term let licensing, what its position is on whether holiday accommodation providers that have multiple similar premises types on the same site should be required to pay a licence fee for each individual accommodation that they provide.
Current status: Answered by Paul McLennan on 20 October 2023
Donald Cameron, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 06/10/2023
S6W-22068
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its plans to work jointly across the health and culture portfolios to ensure that culture is represented in social prescribing discussions, as set out in its response to the recommendations from the National Partnership for Culture.
Current status: Answered by Christina McKelvie on 20 October 2023
Liam Kerr, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 29/09/2023
S6W-21918
To ask the Scottish Government for what reason its Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan, which had previously been due to be published in Spring 2022, will now not be available until summer 2024.
Current status: Answered by Gillian Martin on 23 October 2023
Liam McArthur, MSP for Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: 25/09/2023
S6W-21719
To ask the Scottish Government how many properties have had energy efficiency measures installed through funding from the Private Rented Sector Landlord Loan scheme since it was introduced.
Current status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 23 October 2023
Liam McArthur, MSP for Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: 25/092023
S6W-21728
To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to apply its proposed energy performance certification reforms to listed buildings, including whether any consideration has been given to (a) exemptions for such properties and (b) changes to regulations governing listed building consent to facilitate net zero retrofitting measures.
Current status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 23 October 2023
Motions
Apprentice of the Year 2023 Named as Ayr’s Charlie White
S6M-10840
Submitted by: Sharon Dowey, South Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party.
Date lodged: 16/10/2023
That the Parliament congratulates Ayr’s Charlie White on being awarded Apprentice of the Year at the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) Awards; understands that Charlie was presented with this accolade at the APSE Building Maintenance Seminar, incorporating the APSE Apprentice Awards 2023; further understands that Charlie passed his Final Integrated Competence Assessment (FICA) at 98.55%, scoring 136 points out of 138; understands that Charlie is now a fully qualified tradesperson, having completed his four-year apprenticeship; congratulates Charlie on what it sees as a significant achievement, and wishes him the very best in his future career.
Ensuring Scotland’s Skills System is Fit for the Future
S6M-10922
Submitted by: Daniel Johnson, Edinburgh Southern, Scottish Labour.
Date lodged: 23/10/2023
That the Parliament notes the findings of the independent review of the skills delivery landscape, particularly that skills delivery has lacked clear leadership and direction, and substantial structural change is required to ensure that the skills system is fit for the future; regrets that Modern Apprenticeship starts are lower than in 2015-16 at a time when 70% of businesses are reporting skills shortages; is concerned that the proportion of people in employment who participated in job-related training is lower than it was in 2007; notes that net zero targets will require a step change in workforce skills but that the Scottish Government has only allocated 15% of its Just Transition Fund; considers that it is 21 months on from Audit Scotland’s conclusion that urgent action was needed on skills from the Scottish Government and that it is therefore disappointing that no reforms are yet planned; believes that Scotland urgently needs a vision for a flexible and responsive skills delivery system that is fit for the future, and calls, therefore, on the Scottish Government to set out its response to the review of the skills delivery landscape before the end of 2023 and to bring forward legislation on skills reform, as referenced in its Programme for Government, within the parliamentary year.
Supporting Scotland’s Culture Sector
S6M-10917
Submitted by: Neil Bibby, West Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 23/10/2023
That the Parliament values greatly the enormous contribution of the arts and culture sector to Scotland’s national life and economy, noting that the creative industry is estimated to be worth nearly £4.5 billion and 80,000 jobs; recognises what many in the sector have described as a “perfect storm” of crisis in the sector, resulting from years of underfunding as well as the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the cost of living crisis; condemns the Scottish Government’s decision to break its promise to the sector not to cut Creative Scotland’s budget by 10%, and notes the furious reaction in response; notes the commitment from the Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture that Creative Scotland’s funding will be restored in 2024-25, but recognises with concern that Creative Scotland has stated that up to a third of its regularly funded organisations are at serious risk of insolvency in the short term, and over half are financially weak, which will require redundancies or other cost savings, and therefore considers that there is an urgent need for funding now; further notes the announcement made by the First Minister on 17 October 2023 to more than double arts and culture funding over the next five years, but believes that, in the current context, financial certainty for the sector is crucial; calls, therefore, on the Scottish Government to reverse the 10% budget cut to Creative Scotland with immediate effect; further calls on the Scottish Government to set out full details for its proposed increase in the arts and culture budget, including timescales for funding increases, and believes that it is essential that this is clarified ahead of the publication of a refreshed Scottish Government Culture Strategy.
Purchase of Hoy and Sanday Churches
S6M-10944
Submitted by: Liam McArthur, Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: 25/10/2023
That the Parliament congratulates Friends of Sanday Kirk on being awarded £83,730 from the Scottish Land Fund to purchase Cross Kirk on Sanday; understands that the group formed in 2022 after the Church of Scotland announced that Cross Kirk would be slated for closure; further understands that after initially winning a 12-month postponement in the closure of the kirk, a charity was officially formed for the purposes of seeking funds to purchase and renovate the building; commends the group’s intention to turn the building into a multi-use community facility and meeting space, providing a range of essential services for the residents of Sanday; understands that £93,802 from the Scottish Land Fund was also secured by Hoy Youth Hub to purchase and convert St Columba’s Church in Longhope, providing a dedicated space for young people on the island; believes that these projects and facilities will be of immense value to their local communities, and pays tribute to the hard work of all those involved in securing the future of what it sees as these important community assets in Sanday and Hoy.
Welcoming the Contribution of Rural Estates to Scotland’s Wellbeing Economy
S6M-11029
Submitted by: Finlay Carson, Galloway and West Dumfries, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 30/10/2023
That the Parliament welcomes the report, The Contribution of Rural Estates to Scotland’s Wellbeing Economy, by Scottish Land and Estates, which was published in February 2023; believes that this report, for which the research was carried out by BiGGAR Economics Ltd and Scottish Land and Estates, is an innovative example of a whole sector measuring its outputs against Scotland’s National Performance Framework’s National Outcomes, rather than just through traditional economic metrics; considers that the report describes and quantifies how rural estates drive local economic development through agriculture, forestry, tourism, sporting, recreation and renewable energy generation, act as stewards of the natural environment, protect and enhance biodiversity, support the transition to net zero, provide homes and create sustainable new communities, provide a gateway to nature, and function as anchors of communities and support community-led projects; further considers that the report also identifies areas in which there is scope for estates to increase their contributions across the National Outcomes, and provides an improvement framework to complement the research; recognises Scotland’s rural estates as, it considers, key delivery partners of the Scottish Government across a wide range of policy areas, including improving outcomes for people, jobs and nature across the country, including in the Galloway and West Dumfries constituency, and commends the sector for what it sees as its commitment to this innovative work.
Events
For further listings, please see our events calendar.
Heritage Trust Network – A Future for Your Church: Creating a Church Plan
Date & Time: Friday 3 November; 9:30-11am
Location: Online via Zoom
Heritage Trust Network and Historic Churches Scotland are joining forces to host the next event in this series for any group contemplating the future of their church building. At this event Isobel Milne from The Churches Conservation Trust will explain the key elements of a Church Plan and how to create your own using a helpful template. A copy of CCT’s template will be provided for you to adapt and use at your own church.
Festival of Social Science – Wellbeing wander: Creative Community City Planning with your Senses
Date & Time: Saturday 4 November; 2pm-4pm
Location: Clarice Pears Building School of Health & Wellbeing, Glasgow G12 8TB
A two hour gently paced activity led by Dr Alison McCandlish including a short guided walk and workshop- get some steps in and spend some time using all of your available senses to see, hear and experience Byres Road, exploring and explaining explain urban planning issues which many communities face, with a social science eye. No prior drawing skills needed, all materials provided. Open to professional town planners and related built environment professionals or community activists.
IHBC – Retrofit Workshop with IHBC Scotland branch
Date & Time: Monday 6 November; 10:30am-3.30pm
Location: Glasgow City Heritage Trust, Glasgow
Workshop on retrofit in Glasgow by John Edwards (Edwards Hart – Consultants). Introducing the IHBC Retrofit Toolbox, the value of a holistic approach and of maintenance as well as interventions to meet the standards. Fee £20 includes lunch. Click on to the ‘events’ tab on the webpage to see this event.
Under One Roof – Property Repair and Maintenance Event
Date & Time: Tuesday 7 November; 5:30pm-7:30pm
Location: ESPC Property Information Centre, 107 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 3ES
The aim of this event is to provide tenement owners with the tools required to ascertain building condition, carry out repairs and ensure correct maintenance of their properties. Changes to the law of tenement maintenance are coming – find out what you need to know at the event. Topics covered include property conditions, repair and maintenance processes, funding options, and neighbourhood collaboration.
Scottish Historic Buildings Trust – Cardross Seminary: Fate, Failure or Tragic Myth?
Date & Time: Wednesday 8 November; 6:30pm-8:30pm
Location: Riddles Court, Edinburgh
Dr Diane Watters will summarise the sixty-odd year history of Cardross Seminary as outlined in her book of 2016, and place Cardross within the wider religious, architectural and preservation movements of which it formed an important symbolic part. Its history divides neatly into two: the story of its design and use, and the story of its decline and salvage.
RTPI – Sustainability and resilience through planning – building adaptability to future challenges
Part of the World Town Planning Online Programme
Date & Time: Wednesday 8 November; 8:30am-9:45am
Location: Online
On World Town Planning Day planners and communities all over the world come together to celebrate how good planning improves the lives of people and benefits society at large, creating places where to live, work and play together. You are invited you to join our special online webinar programme as part of our pre National Planning Conference programme.
RTPI – Grampian AGM and Quiz
Date & Time: Thursday 9 November; 5:30pm-9:30pm
Location: Advocates Library, Aberdeen
This in-person AGM will take place in the Advocates Library. The AGM will be followed by the Quiz and an opportunity to catch up with colleagues. Light bites and refreshments will be provided. Please sign up as individuals but teams will be a maximum of four. If you can’t make up a team we can coordinate one.
Society of Antiquaries of Scotland – Changing His Tune: Robert Bruce, Ireland and the Papacy
Date & Time: Thursday 9 November; 6pm
Location: Online
Robert Bruce had been on a mission for over a decade by 1318, intent on forcing a peace treaty out of England acknowledging Scottish independence and his own rights as king. After Bannockburn, ever more extravagant military options were pursued to try to force the issue, a priority that required avoiding direct engagement with Pope John XXII who was determined to stop the violence. The death of Bruce’s heir, his brother Edward, in Ireland in October 1318 changed all that. Join historian Fiona Watson and the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland to hear more about this crucial period in the reign of Scotland’s warrior king.
Institution of Civil Engineers – The Burrell Collection Refurbishment
Date & Time: Thursday 9 November; 6pm-8pm
Location: University of Strathclyde, Lecture Theatre TL455
A presentation by the structural engineer and architect on the Burrell Renaissance project.
The Heritage Alliance – Heritage Debate 2023 Careers at a Crossroads
Date & Time: Wednesday 15 November; 11am-1pm
Location: Online
Now in its 13th year, Heritage Debate brings sector leaders, professionals, volunteers and students together for cross sector insight, connection and to find solutions to key challenges facing the sector. This year’s Heritage Debate is: ‘Careers at a Crossroads: How Can We Future-Proof the Heritage Sector Workforce?’
The Improvement Service and Planning Aid Scotland – Improvement Service for Community Councils – Local Place Plans
Date & Time: Tuesday 21 November; 6pm-7pm
Location: Online
Local Place Plans are a new right enshrined in planning legislation for communities to prepare a plan for their own place. The webinar will provide an overview of Local Place Plans, and how they are different from other types of community-led plan. It will also look at what the key requirements are in terms of preparing a Local Place Plan, and at some examples of Local Place Plans that have already been prepared. There will be plenty of time for discussion so please come along with any questions.
Architecture & Design Scotland – Place Forum: Thinking big, thinking beyond
Date & Time: Wednesday 22 November; 11am-1pm
Location: Online
Join Architecture and Design Scotland for the next Place Forum where they will be looking at whole place design and collaborative approaches. The question they ask is ‘How do we explore and collaborate with place and people to help embrace the ‘scale’ of vision required for the future’ Confirmed speakers include: Brendan Turvey of NatureScot, Lisa MacKenzie and Anais Chanon of ESALA and Alistair Shaw of Falkirk Council.
Scotland’s Towns Conference 2023: Delivering Towns for All
Date & Time: Wednesday 29 November; 9am-5pm
Location: Apex Hotel, Dundee
Join Scotland’s Towns Partnership and around 200 industry stakeholders for this year’s Scotland’s Towns Conference – Delivering towns for all. Scotland aims to deliver places for all – a wellbeing economy – creating equality and opportunity for an economy that ensures our towns, neighbourhoods and communities are thriving, engaging and viable for all.
BEFS/SPAB – Scotland’s Churches in Transition: Planning for the Future
Date & Time: Wednesday 29 November; 9:30am-4pm
Location: The Ramshorn, 98 Ingram Street, Glasgow
SPAB and BEFS are delighted to jointly host this CPD Conference for decision makers across the planning and built environment sector. A huge number of churches are in transition, with some in the process of being assessed and sold on the open market. Changes of use and ownership such as these may often mean the sites will no longer be covered by Ecclesiastical Exemption.
Icon Scotland Group – 2023 AGM
Date & Time: Thursday 30 November; 5:30pm-6:15pm
Location: The Engine Shed, Stirling
Join the Icon Scotland Group committee to discuss everything we’ve been doing in 2023, and everything we have planned for 2024. Tickets are free and you can join us whether you’re an Icon member or considering joining.
Icon Scotland Group – 26th Annual Plenderleith Memorial Lecture
Date & Time: Thursday 30 November; 6:30pm-8:30pm
Location: The Engine Shed, Stirling and Online
Join Icon Scotland for a lecture in memory of Dr Harold Plenderleith, one of the key founders of modern conservation. Our invited speaker is Professor Christina Young, Director of the Kelvin Centre for Conservation and Cultural Heritage Research, University of Glasgow. Christina will reflect on how the Kelvin Centre addresses issues facing the conservation landscape in Scotland and helps promote and support the conservation profession.
Training
Culture & Business Scotland – Going for gold – securing business sponsorships from start to finish
Date & Time: Tuesday 7 November; 9.30am-4pm
Location: Online, on Zoom
This practical course, led by Alice Samtoy, provides comprehensive training to deepen your knowledge and take your corporate fundraising to the next level.
Culture & Business Scotland – Effective copywriting: from blank page to impactful story
Date & Time: Tuesday 14 & Wednesday 15 November; 10am-1pm
Location: Online
Move from a blank page to a compelling case for support in the capable hands of professional copywriter, Allison Traynor. Packed with tips, tools and techniques and delivered in two live classroom online sessions over two days.
Scottish Civic Trust – Inclusive heritage training
Date & Time: Wednesday 29 November; 1pm – 2.15pm
Location: Online
Join the Scottish Civic Trust for a free inclusive heritage training session for local civic, heritage and community groups in Scotland. The session will cover key terms related to inclusion, the benefits of engaging more diverse audiences, mapping possible partners and how to build mutually beneficial partnerships with excluded audiences.
Vacancies
Scottish Historic Buildings Trust – Director
Salary: Competitive salary commensurate with experience
Status: Full-time
Location: Edinburgh.
Scottish Historic Buildings Trust (SHBT) is a dynamic and innovative charity which plays a unique role in preserving and promoting the nation’s heritage, with over 40 years’ experience delivering complex projects that regenerate neglected historic buildings and give them a sustainable future. SHBT holds a property portfolio of important historic buildings that are available to lease or hire for offices, events and functions. SHBT are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Director to lead this Building Preservation Trust, providing strategic vision, financial management and leadership.
Historic Environment Scotland – Collections Officer
Salary: £23,971 – £26,842
Status: Full-time
Location: Edinburgh and the Lothians.
Historic Environment Scotland are looking for a Collections Officer to join the Collections & Applied Conservation team to manage daily operations at Trinity House Maritime Museum in Leith. You will work with internal and external stakeholders to open the house up to the public and community groups, ensuring a high level of collections care throughout.
Deadline: Monday 6 November 2023
UNESCO – Non-Executive, Culture
Salary: Unremunerated with reasonable expenses reimbursed.
Status: Minimum 20 days per year commitment.
Location: London/Flexible.
The UK National Commission for UNESCO is inviting applications for a pro bono Non-Executive Director (NED) with expertise and experience in the field of Culture (with a focus on World Heritage).
Deadline: Tuesday 14 November 2023
Royal Institute of Architecture Scotland – Head of Outreach
Salary: £38,000 – £42,000
Status: Full-time
Location: Edinburgh, flexible working.
The RIAS seeks a Head of Outreach, to play a pivotal role in driving the success of the RIAS by spearheading the development and implementation of robust public affairs, policy, communications, and awards program strategies.
Deadline: Thursday 16 November 2023
In this BEFS blog, BEFS Director gives a personal reflection on visiting The Ridge in Dunbar.
Last week BEFS team (or at least some of us) were lucky enough to visit The Ridge in Dunbar. Here, I’m going to give a personal reflection on this long-planned trip.
BEFS have worked with The Ridge Foundations CIC since they became Members in 2020 (you can see our intro to them, here). A lot of our work together has, understandably, been around skills: skills shortages, skills training, and skills policy. Within a policy world many things we deal with can seem quite theoretical. What makes the work meaningful is knowing it has real-world applications (and implications). Visiting The Ridge is seeing so much of what the sector now champions made manifest.
As you wander round – and the word ‘wander’ belies the immense skill at being taken through the journey of an organisation – seeing repurposed commercial premises with temporary uses to support those more vulnerable in the community; gardens (both commercial flowers and quiet reflection); a SPAB award winning completed project; and areas in many and various stages of exciting development, “the windows arrive today!”. Along this wander you’re bombarded by the layers of place, and materials, and the stories of the people; from tales of past residents sitting by their stove – to beams, reused from boats scuttled in the harbour, to seeing a first apprentice now training a team of his own.
What is done here, is to fulfil a need. People who might not have thrived in traditional educational settings, or had other challenges thrown their way, need training, support and entry level roles. So that’s what the Ridge Foundations has developed and supports, enabling those local people to work towards increasingly skilled roles on properties within the Conservation Area. It happens that the surrounding heritage sites are ripe to be made purposeful again, to provide the rooted sense of place for the whole community – but the people are the fulcrum. Training and developing traditional skills, to fix traditional places – where people learn, and grow, and gain qualifications seems symbiotic. That apparent symbiosis comes from years of balancing hard won funding, and demonstrating continued project successes.
The connection between the skills, and the place, and the people is tangible at The Ridge, it’s a hub of activity (of all sorts). And, at every stage, it seems every completed project is to be learnt from; training frameworks are made more meaningful for those progressing through them because there’s an understanding that, “it’s not that satisfying to make something useless then take it apart just to demonstrate a skill”. The pride that comes in making also means that ‘commercial’ is not a dirty word – locals (and those further afield) need their homes fixed, income streams need to be diversified and generated. Sustainable is not just about re-use – it’s about ensuring a future for The Ridge, ensuring it can continue to meet the needs of those it inspires, as well as enabling further projects to provide space within the community to meet their needs, both social and economic. This sustainability is also what BEFS advocate for across the built environment policy spectrum. When it comes to the existing built environment a fabric-first approach (ensuring a building is wind/water tight and in a good state of repair) should be the first step of all retro-fitting, regardless of what appropriate interventions/technologies are then used to reduce energy consumption and move to zero emissions.
The Ridge sits in Dunbar an area now well connected to Edinburgh by train but a long bus journey from many training centres. Regional delivery for traditional skills is a topic much discussed at policy level, and The Ridge is showing what can be done in practise.
There was a time, not so very long ago, when heritage was spoken of in a silo – with the buildings the pinnacle of what mattered. The Ridge demonstrates why community matters to heritage and vice versa; why skills and people, and how we learn to care for these places again, is integral to the future. And not because they want to tick boxes, but to meet local need, and deliver meaningful place-based change. Their strap line is, “inspiring transformational change” – I was only there for a few hours, but I’ve no doubt they chose the right words.
BEFS Team thanks all those at the The Ridge for all their work, and for letting us be inspired. Particular thanks to Kevin McClure, who took the time to tell us so much about the place, the people, and all their skills.
BACK
Read more about the new Chair and Conservation Officers Group
BEFS Conservation Officers Group welcomes new Chair Dr Alison McCandlish – and a huge thank you to our outgoing Chair Mark Douglas, who has steered the group with his invaluable efforts since its formation in 2021.
Speaking to Alison she said of the new post, “I am honoured and absolutely delighted to take on the role of the BEFS Conservation Officers Group Chair. I’d also like to formally thank the BEFS team and Mark Douglas for helping ease the transition to Chair, Mark and I used to correspond often on conservation when he worked in the Borders and I was on the Northumberland side, a kind of micro conservation officers forum as such, so it feels like a rather fun circle to be asked to take on his former role!”
Alison has been working in heritage for over 20 years, having worked as a Local Authority conservation officer, and in planning roles involving development plans, development management and grant projects.
Now a lecturer in City Planning at the University of Glasgow, she teaches on the postgraduate planning, heritage and public policy courses. Her research focuses on creative and experiential ways of demystifying policy in heritage, planning, culture and regeneration and she has an academic background in Environmental Planning, European Urban Conservation, Education and Creative Media Practice.
Alison is a member of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC), a chartered town planner (MRTPI), a recognised Historic Environment Service Provider under the IHBC HESPR scheme, as well as being a member of the Association of Illustrators.
For BEFS the role of the Conversation Officers Group is a vital one for the sector. Through our position as secretariat we aim to enable those working in the wide range of roles loosely covered by the title, ‘Conservation Officers Group’ to: connect; gain CPD opportunities; build confidence within roles; and to find a network of peers to continue developing knowledge – all actions which give skilled planners the resources to take good decisions for our existing built environment.
For more information on the Conservation Officers Group please see here
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Image credit © Andrew Lee
BEFS News
Earlier this week the First Minister told the SNP Conference as part of his address that, “over the next five years we will more than double our investment in Scotland’s arts and culture. […] This is a huge vote of confidence in the future of our cultural sector […]”. He then went on to list a range of arts organisations and festivals, so only time will tell what this means for heritage – but it can be seen as positive intent for culture more broadly.
How we value and appreciate culture always changes, and the recent publication by Historic Houses highlights just that. From visitor attractions, to EPCs, and with asks relating topics as diverse as VAT and Landscape design, public benefit is at the heart of this new report.
If you also care about those places known to be more at risk, please complete the HES Buildings at Risk Survey. This survey is to help HES understand the kinds of individuals, organisations and communities that are using the Buildings at Risk Register (BARR), and the impact it is having. This survey builds on the findings of the previous survey of the Conservation Officers Group, findings from the current survey will be used to make evidence-based recommendations to inform long-term decisions about the BARR, and how best to bring buildings at risk back into use.
In the previous Bulletin we mentioned that BEFS Director, Ailsa Macfarlane, had given evidence to the Local Government Committee in relation to RAAC, the full report is now available here. Within the evidence the issue of data was highlighted – it is timely then, given that the recent consultation on EPC reform (you can see BEFS response here) considers a digital repository for EPC data within Scotland, that a new EPC data service has just been launched, covering all of the UK. More information can be found on the Cad Corp site. Further calls for the importance of data, particularly in relation to Building Passports can be seen in this recent article from Dr Charles Gillott – he clearly links the call for more information about our buildings with the ongoing investigations into where RAAC may be present.
A push for a greater understanding of our existing buildings has also been made through the Built Environment Carbon Database – a resource so useful BEFS have yet to explore it as the site is continually overwhelmed. Worth a look – once it’s up and running again!
In Tenement news, there is an update from the Scottish Law Commission. Unfortunately their work is taking longer than hoped and there is now an aim to publish a discussion paper in 2024. The work around tenemental property will not only provide safer, warmer, buildings – but it also helps to pave the way for further necessary retrofitting to be delivered. This is vital as a new report from the UK Green Building Council outlines. And closer to home, it’s fantastic to see Stirling City Heritage Trust roll out a new retrofit service.
It’s not just homeowners getting new resources this month. Architecture and Design Scotland have released a new resource package, Place skills for plan-making, to help planning authorities take on a place-based and collaborative approach to Local Development Plan preparations. Heather Claridge, Director of Design at Architecture and Design Scotland and Chair of the Key Agencies Group said: “This new resource package will be a valuable tool for planning authorities in Scotland as they implement the new Local Development Planning Guidance and start to prepare their new style Local Development Plans.”
Despite the name, Community Land Week (Scottish Land Fund and National Lottery Community Fund) has been positive for the built environment across Scotland, with places of worship – particularly those transitioning into community use – being particularly well represented. Whilst solutions such as this are good to see, a note of caution needs to be made that the scale of change across (particularly) the Church of Scotland estate means that these options will not be possible for all sites transitioning to new uses and ownerships. BEFS works with a number of stakeholders on this topic at strategic level through the Places of Worship Forum.
Consultations
Building Warrant Fees
Scottish Government
This consultation seeks to obtain the views on proposed increases to the building warrant fees required to deliver change to strengthen the building standards system and the development of a new building warrant fees model in Scotland.
Closes 24 October 2023
Mandatory training on planning for elected members
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government is intending to implement mandatory training on planning for elected members as part of a wider package of measures to improve the performance of the planning system as a whole. This consultation is seeking views on the proposed approach to implementing this training.
Closes 26 October 2023
Heat networks regulation: consumer protection
UK Government
The UK Government is seeking views on consumer protection requirements such as pricing, which will be introduced as part of the heat networks regulatory framework.
Closes 27 October 2023
Management of burial grounds, application for burial, exhumation, private burial and restoration of lairs: regulation in Scotland
Scottish Government
The consultation paper sets out a range of proposals and approaches with the aim of clarifying and streamlining existing burial practices as well as introducing new provisions; including the management of burial grounds and restoration of lairs.
Closes 17 November 2023
Proposed Desecration of War Memorials (Prevention) (Scotland) Bill
Scottish Parliament
This consultation relates to a draft proposal lodged as the first stage in the process of introducing a Member’s Bill in the Scottish Parliament, to ensure that war memorials in Scotland receive the protection that they deserve by creating the specific offence of desecration of a war memorial.
Closes 19 December 2023
Outline Strategic Plan for Holyrood Park
Historic Environment Scotland (HES)
This survey on the Outline Strategic Plan for Holyrood Park will gather public views to help deliver a new future for the Park that reflects community aspirations, the needs of the City and the inherent value and sensitivity of Holyrood Park.
Closes 19 December 2023
*New* National Parks in Scotland
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government invites individuals, communities and organisations to develop and submit formal nominations for their area to become Scotland’s next National Park.
Closes 29 February 2024
*New* Survey Buildings at Risk Register (BARR)
Historic Environment Scotland (HES)
HES have commissioned Harlow Consulting, a leading research agency in the heritage sector, to undertake an extensive survey to help HES to understand who uses the Buildings at Risk Register, and the impact it is having.
Consultation Responses
Energy Performance & Certificate Reform (16/10/2023)
BEFS broadly agrees with the metrics proposed and supports the drive to improve the energy performance of Scotland’s homes, including traditionally built properties. The inefficiencies of the EPC in relation to traditional buildings has been raised previously and BEFS would reiterate that the existing built environment is the most sustainable building resource we have, through the embodied energy present and the potential for adaptation and reuse. Assessed appropriately our existing built environment presents an enormous opportunity to provide climate solutions. As such we are pleased to see greater consideration given to fabric within the proposals but would hope that inclusion of a Fabric Rating could and should positively contribute to a fabric first and maintenance approach to Scotland’s buildings, alongside appropriate retrofit.
News Releases
Six projects to measure value of culture and heritage (UK Research and Innovation 07/09/2023)
UK Green Building Council Report says Retrofit key to delivering Net Zero (UKGBC 03/10/2023)
Demolishing Station Hotel ‘would have huge environment impact’ (Ayr Advertiser 17/10/2023)
Guide to Sustainability in the Built Environment published by Charted Institute of Building(CIOB 05/10/2023)
Glasgow flats demolition project put on hold after court threat (The Herald 07/10/2023)
Stirling City Heritage Trust announce launch of New Retrofit and Energy Efficiency service in Winter 2024 (October 2023)
Historic Houses launch Changing Times, Valuing History: historic houses for the 21st century report (Historic Houses 17/10/2023)
Grants for projects across Scotland during Community Land Week (The National Lottery Community Fund 17/10/2023)
Funding secured for new community co-curation project exploring Aberdeen’s historic connections with empire in sub-Saharan Africa (Scottish Civic Trust 18/10/2023)
Publications
The Built Environment Carbon Database (BECD 01/10/2023)
The Built Environment Carbon Database is a free-to-use repository of whole-life carbon assessments of built assets and product LCA data
UK Heritage Pulse Summer 2023 Review (Heritage Pulse September 2023)
Consumers and the transition to net zero – Consumer Scotland/Fraser Stewart (Consumer Scotland September 2023)
Creative & Cultural Skills – Literature Review on current recruitment challenges and skills needs for the creative and cultural sectors (Creative & Cultural Skills October 2023)
Historic Houses report Changing Times, Valuing History: historic houses for the 21st century (Historic Houses 17/10/2023)
Reform Scotland has submitted its response to the Scottish Government’s council tax consultation highlighting it is a missed opportunity to investigate the replacement of council tax in its entirety, and calling the consultation “effectively pointless.” (Reform Scotland 19/09/2023)
From missed chances to green advances: The case for a green industrial strategy (IPPR 05/10/2023)
Climate Emergency UK – How good is your council’s climate action? Climate Emergency UK assessed all UK councils on the actions they’ve taken towards net zero (Climate Emergency UK 18/10/2023)
Scottish & UK: Governmental & Parliamentary Publications
First Minister sets out agreed priorities on how the 2023-2024 commitments in the Policy Prospectus will be delivered. Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee (Scot Gov 03/10/2023)
Architecture & Planning News – Local Development Plans: Examples of graphic and visual communication for Local Development Plans (Scot Gov 05/10/2023)
The Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) launch intergovernmental activity hub (Scot Gov 05/10/2023)
SPICe briefing on changes to the UK Government’s net zero policies and their implications for Scotland (SPICe 05/10/2023)
Greenhouse gas emissions, UK: provisional estimates: 2022 (ONS 09/10/2023)
The Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act 2022: report to the Scottish Parliament – 1 June to 30 September 2023 (Scot Gov 12/10/2023)
Letter from Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity Committee (Scot Gov 12 October 2023)
Planning and environmental appeals: quarterly performance statistics Jul-September 2023 (Scot Gov 13/10/2023)
Report tracking the work of the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee 2022-23 (Scottish Parliament 13/10/2023)
Rural and Islands Housing: action plan (Scot Gov 13/10/2023)
The Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act 2022: report to the Scottish Parliament – 1 June to 30 September 2023 (Scot Gov 16/10/2023)
Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for the Agricultural Tenancies proposals Environmental Report (Scot Gov 16/10/2023)
Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for the Small Landholdings and Land Use Tenancy Proposals Environmental Report (Scot Gov 16/10/2023)
Opinion & Comment
BBC Podcast series Building With Soul: Thomas Heatherwick (BBC Radio 4 first broadcast 03/10/2023)
Culture secretary admits world cycling event went £8m over budget days after £6.6m arts cut was revealed (The Scotsman 05/10/2023)
Culture Counts Scotland Update on the Last Two Weeks (Culture Counts 06/10/2023)
Edinburgh short-term lets: Consent refused for historic Holyrood park lodges owned by Scottish Ministers (Edinburgh News 06/10/2023)
How can Scotland face the challenges of climate change? ICE Scotland chair, Donald Bell(Project Scotland 06/10/2023)
Building Passports could help remedy future crises. Dr Charles Gillot (Project Scotland 09/10/2023)
Scottish Culture Secretary Angus Robertson gave MSPs his ‘gold plated’ commitment to restore Creative Scotland’s budget next year (Arts Professional 11/10/2023)
Luing slate: Islanders dream of return industry to its golden age (The Herald 13/10/2023)
Efforts to avoid ‘Grenfell- scale tragedy’ not taken seriously, says ex-mandarin (The Guardian 16/10/2023)
Lack of regulation on housebuilders leaving householders vulnerable to climbing bills and increased retrofitting costs (The Guardian 16/10/2023)
Stratum Masonry: Growing and keeping an ancient craft alive (The Herald 16/10/2023)
Built environment ‘desperate for an upgrade’ says Building Engineering Services Association president (Scottish Construction Now 17/10/2023)
Parliamentary Questions & Answers
Questions marked with a triangle (?) are initiated by the Scottish Government to facilitate the provision of information to the Parliament. Questions in which a member has indicated a declarable interest are marked with an “R”.
Date lodged: 04/09/2023
S6W-20958
To ask the Scottish Government when it became aware of the safety concerns regarding reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete.
Current status: Answered by Shirley-Anne Somerville on 3 October 2023
Date lodged: 19/09/2023
S6W-21467
To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the Institution of Structural Engineers regarding reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete.
Current status: Answered by Shirley-Anne Somerville on 10 October 2023
Date lodged: 19/09/2023
S6W-21468
To ask the Scottish Government what contingencies it has put in place for the potential relocation of patients and staff in hospitals or health care facilities found to contain reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete.
Current status: Answered by Michael Matheson on 13 October 2023
Date lodged: 19/09/2023
S6W-21458
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the national survey programme of the NHS estate to identify the use of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete in NHS buildings, including the number of buildings at risk and their location.
Current status: Answered by Michael Matheson on 4 October 2023
Date lodged: 21/09/2023
S6W-21574
To ask the Scottish Government on how many occasions its ministers have met with the Institution of Structural Engineers in the past year, and what issues were discussed.
Current status: Answered by Shirley-Anne Somerville on 10 October 2023
Date lodged: 21/09/2023
S6W-21575
To ask the Scottish Government how many heating and plumbing apprentices have been funded through the Low Carbon Skills Grant to undertake heat pump training since the introduction of the scheme.
Current status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 5 October 2023
Date lodged: 21/09/2023
S6W-21576
To ask the Scottish Government how many people have received training through the Mobile Heat Pump Training Centre to date.
Current status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 5 October 2023Daniel Johnson, Edinburgh Southern, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 22/09/2023
S6W-20944
To ask the Scottish Government how many organisations applied to develop pilots for the launch of the Culture & Business Scotland Marketplace in May 2023; how many organisations were awarded places beginning in May 2023; how many organisations had, in addition to the pilots, or the launch of the Marketplace, developed and tested programmes ready to be rolled out across companies, and which of those organisations had the resources to do so; whether any of the organisations that were subsequently awarded places in the Culture & Business Scotland Marketplace had previously been turned down for funding or had funding reduced by Creative Scotland; if so, whether there has been any communication between the Scottish Government, Creative Scotland and Arts & Business Scotland or Culture & Business Scotland regarding the Marketplace, and how many organisations had informed Arts & Business Scotland or Culture & Business Scotland by January 2023 that they had already developed and tested programmes that had a wealth of evidence to show their effectiveness, and had teams of practitioners who are leaders in the field of arts-based wellbeing and development.
Current status: Answered by Christina McKelvie on 4 October 2023Meghan Gallacher, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 22/09/2023
S6W-21665
To ask the Scottish Government what changes in its budget it is considering to prevent any further closures or reduction of essential community facilities and services.
Current status: Answered by Tom Arthur on 5 October 2023Liam McArthur, Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: 26/09/2023
S6W-21745
To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to apply its proposed Energy Performance Certificate reforms to traditional buildings, and whether consideration has been given to changes to the building standards or minimum energy requirements for such properties.
Current status: Answer expected on 24 October 2023Pam Gosal, West Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 26/09/2023
S6W-21754
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to address the reported significant challenges in relation to the availability of a skilled and competent workforce that is able to carry out Single Building Assessments at scale.
Current status: Answered by Paul McLennan on 13 October 2023Pam Gosal, West Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 28/09/2023
S6W-21849
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to accelerate (a) the Single Building Assessment programme and (b) remedial works to ensure that buildings are safe.
Current status: Answered by Paul McLennan on 13 October 2023Daniel Johnson, Edinburgh Southern, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 28/09/2023
S6W-21858
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the Heat in Buildings Workforce Assessment Project outlined in its Heat in Buildings Strategy.
Current status: Answer expected on 26 October 2023
Alex Cole-Hamilton, Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: 29/09/2023
S6W-21882
To ask the Scottish Government what action it has taken to ensure that the key stakeholders in the private sector are aware of the issue of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete and know where to go for advice, as referenced in the minutes of the meeting of the Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) Cross Sector Working Group on 14 August 2023.
S6W-21883
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the meeting of the Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) Cross Sector Working Group on 14 August 2023, what action it has taken to “signpost and share information which supports effective assessment and reporting on RAAC as a potential building defect”.
Current status: Answers expected on 27 October 2023
Liam Kerr, North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date Lodged: 29/09/2023
S6W-21921
To ask the Scottish Government when an updated Estates Condition Survey for the college sector will be conducted and completed, in light of the last survey, which was completed in 2017 and estimated that £360 million of work was required in the subsequent five years to bring the college estate to a generally sound (wind and watertight) condition.
Current Status: Expected Answer date 27/10/2023
Sarah Boyack, Lothian, Scottish Labour
Date Lodged: 02/10/2023
S6W-21956
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether its Infrastructure Investment Plan is compatible with the emissions targets set out in the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009, in light of a reported breach of statutory duties identified by the Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland and Good Law Project.
Current Status: Expected Answer date 30/10/2023
Alexander Stewart, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date Lodged: 03/10/2023
S6W-21929
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of reports that some local residents were required by Clackmannanshire Council to evacuate their homes, in a majority council-owned block of flats, and move into short-term accommodation due to reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete being found and the flats being deemed unsafe, what immediate action it can take to (a) help provide suitable long-term accommodation and (b) support any proposals for repairs of these properties.
Current Status: Expected Answer date 31/10/2023
Rhoda Grant, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Labour
Date Lodged: 03/10/2023
S6W-21970
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide a list of the 30 police buildings that Police Scotland plans to dispose of, as detailed in its proposals submitted to the Scottish Police Authority.
Current Status: Expected Answer date 31/10/2023
Neil Bibby, MSP for West Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date Lodged: 03/10/2023
S6W-21969
To ask the Scottish Government whether ministerial responsibility for fair work in the culture sector sits with the Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Fair Work and Energy, or with the Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture.
Current status: Answered by Angus Robertson on 10 October 2023
Alexander Stewart, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date Lodged: 05/10/2023
S6W-22038
To ask the Scottish Government, regarding short-term let licensing, what its position is on whether holiday accommodation providers that have multiple similar premises types on the same site should be required to pay a licence fee for each individual accommodation that they provide.
Current status: Expected Answer Date 02/11/2023
Monica Lennon, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date Lodged: 05/10/2023
S6W-22054
To ask the Scottish Government which minister was responsible for the overall operation of the World Cycling Championships, in light of reports that the event overran its budget by £8 million.
Current Status: Expected Answer date 02/11/2023
Alex Cole-Hamilton, MSP for Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date Lodged: 06/10/2023
S6W-22080
To ask the Scottish Government how many qualified engineers and assessors there currently are in Scotland who are able to ascertain whether reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete is present in a building, and whether it is able to determine how high the demand for these engineers and assessors currently is.
Current status: Expected Answer date 03/11/2023
Alex Cole-Hamilton, MSP for Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date Lodged: 06/10/2023
S6W-22081
To ask the Scottish Government what training a person needs to be able to identify reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete and assess whether it is present in a building.
Current status: Expected Answer date 03/11/2023
Alex Cole-Hamilton, MSP for Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date Lodged: 06/10/2023
S6W-22082
To ask the Scottish Government how many people in Scotland are currently registered as being qualified to assess whether reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete is present in buildings.
Current status: Expected Answer date 03/11/2023
Alex Cole-Hamilton, MSP for Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date Lodged: 06/10/2023
S6W-22083
To ask the Scottish Government how many people in Scotland have undertaken any training necessary to be able to assess whether reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete is present in buildings.
Current status: Expected Answer date 03/11/2023
Alex Cole-Hamilton, MSP for Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date Lodged: 06/10/2023
S6W-22084
To ask the Scottish Government whether it has been contacted by any organisations or local authorities about any issues in relation to finding people qualified to assess buildings for the presence of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete.
Current status: Expected Answer date 03/11/2023
Donald Cameron, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date Lodged: 06/10/2023
S6W-22063 R
To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to introduce a similar scheme in Scotland to the Museum Estate and Development Fund (MEND) delivered by Arts Council England, which is an open-access capital fund for non-national accredited museums and local authorities to apply for funding to undertake vital infrastructure and urgent maintenance that are beyond the scope of day-to-day maintenance budgets.
Current status: Expected Answer date 03/11/2023
Donald Cameron, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date Lodged: 06/10/2023
S6W-22064
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking regarding the concerns raised by the Museums Association in its submission to the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee’s pre-Budget scrutiny that the majority of museums in Scotland are in historic and vitally important listed buildings and that there is currently a backlog in repairs and maintenance that requires urgent investment to fund the work.
Current status: Expected Answer date 03/11/2023
Donald Cameron, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date Lodged: 06/10/2023
S6W-22065
To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish its refreshed Culture Strategy Action Plan, in light of it being delayed from summer 2022 and spring 2023.
Current status: Expected Answer date 03/11/2023
Mark Ruskell, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Green Party
Date Lodged: 06/10/2023
S6W-22077
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the contribution of its latest Infrastructure Investment Plan to meeting Scotland’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets.
Current status: Expected Answer date 03/11/2023
Mark Ruskell, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Green Party
Date Lodged: 06/10/2023
S6W-22078
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on (a) its position on aligning its Infrastructure Investment Plan (IIP) with Scotland’s pathway for achieving net zero and (b) whether it has discussed creating a new methodology for assessing the contribution of individual infrastructure projects within the IIP to greenhouse gas reduction efforts.
Current status: Expected Answer date 03/11/2023
Monica Lennon, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date Lodged: 09/10/2023
S6W-22101
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the recommendations in the Community Land Scotland publication, Beyond community benefit – a new deal for thriving communities.
Current status: Expected Answer date 06/11/2023
Miles Briggs, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date Lodged: 11/10/2023
S6W-22090
To ask the Scottish Government what support it has provided for town centre regeneration in each year since 1999.
Current Status: Answer expected on 8 November 2023
Alasdair Allan, MSP for Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Scottish National Party
Date Lodged: 12/10/2023
S6W-22221 ?
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the publication of the Remote, Rural and Islands Housing Action Plan.
Current Status: Initiated by the Scottish Government. Answered by Paul McLennan on 13 October 2023
Monica Lennon, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date Lodged: 13/10/2023
S6W-22209
To ask the Scottish Government how much total funding it allocated to (a) improve energy efficiency and (b) decarbonise the heating of homes in (i) social, (ii) owner-occupied and (iii) private rented housing in (A) 2021-22, (B) 2022-23 and (C) 2023-24.
Current Status: Answer expected on 10 November 2023
Jackie Baillie, MSP for Dumbarton, Scottish Labour
Date Lodged: 16/10/2023
S6W-22243
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the Short Life Working Group report arising from the Fatal Accident Inquiry recommendations following the fire at Cameron House Hotel, and in relation to the commitment to establish an expert working group to consider mandating automatic fire suppression systems where historic buildings are being converted into hotels, whether it will confirm (a) the membership of the group and (b) when the group’s (i) terms of reference and (ii) remit will be in place, and when it expects the group to report.
Current Status: Answer expected on 13 November 2023
Jackie Baillie, MSP for Dumbarton, Scottish Labour
Date Lodged: 16/10/2023
S6W-22244
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the Short Life Working Group report arising from the Fatal Accident Inquiry recommendations following the fire at Cameron House Hotel, when it will amend the guidance in the technical handbooks to promote the use of automatic fire suppression systems for historic building conversions to hotels.
Current Status: Answer expected on 13 November 2023
Jackie Baillie, MSP for Dumbarton, Scottish Labour
Date Lodged: 16/10/2023
S6W-22245
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the Short Life Working Group report arising from the Fatal Accident Inquiry recommendations following the fire at Cameron House Hotel, when it will carry out its commitment to “amend the Section 34 letter to Local Authority Chief Executives under the Building (Scotland) Act 2003 (Section 34 – Reports and Information – Notification of Application for Building Warrant – Section 2 – Fire) to require that a verifier must notify the Scottish Government where future conversions of historic buildings are to be used as hotel accommodation”.
Current Status: Answer expected on 13 November 2023
Jackie Baillie, MSP for Dumbarton, Scottish Labour
Date Lodged: 16/10/2023
S6W-22246
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the Short Life Working Group report arising from the Fatal Accident Inquiry recommendations following the fire at Cameron House Hotel, when the first workshop will be held with partners, including industry, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Local Authority Building Standards Scotland/The Building Standards Hub, and Historic Environment Scotland, to promote key fire safety messages around the dangers of historic construction techniques, materials, and fire spread in hidden voids.
Current Status: Answer expected on 13 November 2023
Motions
S6M-10840
Submitted by: Sharon Dowey, South Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party.
Date lodged: 16/10/2023
That the Parliament congratulates Ayr’s Charlie White on being awarded Apprentice of the Year at the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) Awards; understands that Charlie was presented with this accolade at the APSE Building Maintenance Seminar, incorporating the APSE Apprentice Awards 2023; further understands that Charlie passed his Final Integrated Competence Assessment (FICA) at 98.55%, scoring 136 points out of 138; understands that Charlie is now a fully qualified tradesperson, having completed his four-year apprenticeship; congratulates Charlie on what it sees as a significant achievement, and wishes him the very best in his future career.
Events
For further listings, please see our events calendar.
Date & Time: Thursday 19 October 2023; 7:30-9pm
Location: St Andrews West Church & Renfield Centre, 260 Bath Street, Glasgow
Lectures will also be streamed online via Zoom
Niall Murphy, Director of Glasgow City Heritage Trust, discusses the work of the Trust over the last 15 years, focusing on 15 key projects drawn from across that period for what they reveal about the Trust, its mission and objectives and why the Trust does what it does.Under One Roof – Tenement maintenance and repair management event
Date & Time: Thursday 26 October; 1-3pm
Location: Civic Hall, Perth
Join us for an informative event hosted by Under One Roof and Perth & Kinross Council, aimed at owner-occupiers and landlords who want to learn more about maintaining and managing their tenement building. Topics covered will include a pro-active approach to common repairs, the benefits of owners’ associations and tips for setting one up in your building, and the importance of regular building checks and surveys. Additionally, we will be joined by Louis Daillencourt from Novoville Shared Repairs, who will give an overview and demonstration of the Shared Repairs app that can be used to help owners organise common repairs.RIAS – Conservation 2023: Climate, Policy and Practice
Date & Time: Tuesday 31 October 2023; 1-4:30pm
Location: Online
Presentations will be from RIAS Conservation Accredited architects on: the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Palm House restoration project and the historical research and carrying out of practical conservation at Invereshie House in the Cairngorm National Park. Learn about Historic Environment Scotland’s Climate Change policy in relation to the historic built environment and various aspects of retrofit, including issues of moisture, damp and condensation and other key issues.BE-ST – The International Retrofit Conference
Date & Time: Thursday 2 November 2023; 8:30-5pm
Location: BE-ST Innovation Campus
The free day-long event aims to reimagine the challenge through co-creation between communities, users of the built environment, those creating the built environment and those setting the net zero policy.Heritage Trust Network – A Future for Your Church: Creating a Church Plan
Date & Time: Friday 3 November 2023, 9:30-11am
Location: Online via Zoom
Heritage Trust Network and Historic Churches Scotland are joining forces to host the next event in this series for any group contemplating the future of their church building. At this event Isobel Milne from The Churches Conservation Trust will explain the key elements of a Church Plan and how to create your own using a helpful template. A copy of CCT’s template will be provided for you to adapt and use at your own church.IHBC – Retrofit Workshop with IHBC Scotland branch
Date & Time: Monday 6 November; 10:30-3.30pm
Location: Glasgow City Heritage Trust, Glasgow
Workshop on retrofit in Glasgow by John Edwards (Edwards Hart – Consultants). Introducing the IHBC Retrofit Toolbox, the value of a holistic approach and of maintenance as well as interventions to meet the standards. Fee £20 includes lunch.Scottish Historic Buildings Trust – Cardross Seminary: Fate, Failure or Tragic Myth?
Date & Time: Wednesday 8 November; 6:30-8:30pm
Location: Riddles Court, Edinburgh
Dr Diane Watters will summarise the sixty-odd year history of Cardross Seminary as outlined in her book of 2016, and place Cardross within the wider religious, architectural and preservation movements of which it formed an important symbolic part. Its history divides neatly into two: the story of its design and use, and the story of its decline and salvage.RTPI – Sustainability and resilience through planning – building adaptability to future challenges
Part of the World Town Planning Online Programme
Date & Time: Wednesday 8 November 2023 8:30-9:45am
Location: Online
On World Town Planning Day planners and communities all over the world come together to celebrate how good planning improves the lives of people and benefits society at large, creating places where to live, work and play together. You are invited you to join our special online webinar programme as part of our pre National Planning Conference programme.RTPI – Grampian AGM and Quiz
Date & Time: Thursday 9 November 5:30-9:30pm
Location: Advocates Library, Aberdeen
This in-person AGM will take place in the Advocates Library. The AGM will be followed by the Quiz and an opportunity to catch up with colleagues. Light bites and refreshments will be provided. Please sign up as individuals but teams will be a maximum of four. If you can’t make up a team we can coordinate one.Institution of Civil Engineers – The Burrell Collection Refurbishment
Date & Time: Thursday 9 November 2023; 6-8pm
Location: University of Strathclyde, Lecture Theatre TL455
A presentation by the structural engineer and architect on the Burrell Renaissance project.Scotland’s Towns Conference 2023: Delivering Towns for All
Date & Time: Wednesday 29 November 2023; 9-5pm
Location: Apex Hotel, Dundee
Join Scotland’s Towns Partnership and around 200 industry stakeholders for this year’s Scotland’s Towns Conference – Delivering towns for all. Scotland aims to deliver places for all – a wellbeing economy – creating equality and opportunity for an economy that ensures our towns, neighbourhoods and communities are thriving, engaging and viable for all.
Training
Date & Time: Wednesday 18 October 2023; 9:30-1:30pm/9:30-4pm
Location: The Engine Shed, Stirling
Members of Historic Environment Scotland’s Heritage Team and Stirling Council will discuss how they manage change to Scotland’s built heritage, both in strategic terms as well as practical matters. This includes how proposals to alter listed buildings or build new developments in conservation areas are reviewed, considered and determined both fairly and transparently. A networking lunch will provide an opportunity to continue discussions and explore the Engine Shed and the full-day experience includes an afternoon tour through Stirling’s Old Town to discuss recent developments in the conservation area, key buildings of concern for the council and other matters affecting the significance of the city’s historic townscape.Culture & Business Scotland – Legacy giving: now is the time if you do it right!
Date & Time: Tuesday 24 October 2023; 11-3pm
Location: Online
From triggering interest to cultivating prospects, this excellent four-hour crash course on integrating legacy giving into your fundraising programme (at little or no cost!) is delivered by legacy specialist Richard Radcliffe and is backed up by data and practical advice. The course also runs Wednesday 8 November; 11-3pm.Culture & Business Scotland – Going for gold – securing business sponsorships from start to finish
Date & Time: Tuesday 7 November; 9.30-4pm
Location: Online, on Zoom
This practical course, led by Alice Samtoy, provides comprehensive training to deepen your knowledge and take your corporate fundraising to the next level.Culture & Business Scotland – Effective copywriting: from blank page to impactful story
Date & Time: Tuesday 14 & Wednesday 15 November; 10–1pm
Location: Online
Move from a blank page to a compelling case for support in the capable hands of professional copywriter, Allison Traynor. Packed with tips, tools and techniques and delivered in two live classroom online sessions over two days.
Vacancies
Salary: £34,376-£38,027 (subject to experience)
Status: Full-time (flexible working possible)
Location: Hybrid working, available for meetings in Edinburgh
The National Trust for Scotland is looking to recruit a heritage compliance officer to help identify and manage the conservation and operations risks. This is a unique opportunity to work across all aspects of a major heritage organisation, liaising with colleagues in all disciplines.
All enquiries and applications should be addressed to: Diarmid Hearns, Head of Public Policy, Risk and Environment.
Scottish Historic Buildings Trust (SHBT) is a dynamic and innovative charity which plays a unique role in preserving and promoting the nation’s heritage, with over 40 years’ experience delivering complex projects that regenerate neglected historic buildings and give them a sustainable future. SHBT holds a property portfolio of important historic buildings that are available to lease or hire for offices, events and functions. SHBT are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Director to lead this Building Preservation Trust, providing strategic vision, financial management and leadership.Scottish Civic Trust – Trustee with Legal Experience
The Scottish Civic Trust is recruiting for a new Trustee with experience of the legal sector to join their board. As a Trustee, you’d participate in decision-making at the national organisation for local heritage, civic and community groups and join new professional networks.
Deadline: Friday 27 October
Get The Latest Built Environment News, Policy Developments, Publications & Consultations
BEFS News
BEFS are delighted to announce two new team members, and welcome both Bobby Jewell in his role as Senior Communication Lead, and Jonna Meredith as Policy and Communications Officer. You can read more about them both here. Those working with BEFS will hear from them soon, and we look forward to introducing them to Members and Associates in the near future.
Last month BEFS Bulletin noted that Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) was front and centre of the news – with interest only growing over the last month. This week, BEFS Director – Ailsa Macfarlane – gave evidence at the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee. The full session can be seen, here.
In further political news, the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee have released their report, “Culture in Communities: The challenges and opportunities in delivering a place-based approach”. BEFS and a number of Members contributed to the evidence within this report.
Earlier this year, in work led by CIfA, a number of BEFS Members lobbied in relation to the (then) forthcoming Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill. Mairi Gougeon has since introduced the Bill, which, if passed, will introduce a new payments framework – to be brought into law by secondary legislation – and will bring forward a five-year Rural Support Plan covering farming, forestry and rural development. CIfA have released a statement about the initial positive steps within the Bill which point towards the historic environment – “After lobbying Scottish Government, we are delighted that provision has been included in the draft Bill that will enable Scottish Ministers to fund the protection and enhancement of historic or cultural sites of interest.”
This week BEFS has been working with HES on one of the series of round-tables in relation to the Skills Investment Plan (SIP), it was great to see colleagues across the Architecture, Engineering, Planning and Surveying professions. This useful and productive workshop also facilitated shared knowledge across the sector. An example of which is the recently launched, RICS Whole life carbon assessment (WLCA) for the built environment. This 2nd edition builds upon the success of the existing RICS WLCA standard, having been extended to cover all buildings and infrastructure throughout the built environment life cycle.
In a time of challenging financial constraints, the recent evidence given in Pre-Budget Scrutiny to the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee, at the end of September makes for sobering reading. The reverse of fortunes for Creative Scotland as the Scottish Government withdraws previously agreed funding – and the delayed information and timing – should be notable to all across the sector.
And finally, the Updated NPF4 Delivery Programme has now been launched, and BEFS is keen to hear from Members and Associates how this will help to support delivery.
Consultations
Call for Evidence: Restoration and Renewal Recall
UK Government
The Public Accounts Committee has previously reported on the failures of transparency and “wasteful, nugatory spending” in the Restoration and Renewal programme, and expressed serious concern about ongoing risks and hazards in the deteriorating UNESCO World Heritage Site. They are seeking written evidence submissions regarding the ‘real and rising risk” that the Palace of Westminster will be destroyed by a catastrophic event before it is restored.
Closes 6 October 2023
Energy Performance Certificate Reform Consultation
Scottish Government
The purpose of this consultation is to set out the Scottish Government’s final proposals for Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) reform and to seek stakeholder views ahead of the introduction of new legislation.
Closes 16 October 2023
Enhancing the accessibility, adaptability and usability of Scotland’s homes
Scottish Government
This consultation sets out proposed updates to Part 1 of the Housing for Varying Needs design guide and to building standards and guidance.
Closes 19 October 2023
Building Warrant Fees
Scottish Government
This consultation seeks to obtain the views on proposed increases to the building warrant fees required to deliver change to strengthen the building standards system and the development of a new building warrant fees model in Scotland.
Closes 24 October 2023
Mandatory training on planning for elected members
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government is intending to implement mandatory training on planning for elected members as part of a wider package of measures to improve the performance of the planning system as a whole. This consultation is seeking views on the proposed approach to implementing this training.
Closes 26 October 2023
Heat networks regulation: consumer protection
UK Government
The UK Government is seeking views on consumer protection requirements such as pricing, which will be introduced as part of the heat networks regulatory framework.
Closes 27 October 2023
Management of burial grounds, application for burial, exhumation, private burial and restoration of lairs: regulation in Scotland
The consultation paper sets out a range of proposals and approaches with the aim of clarifying and streamlining existing burial practices as well as introducing new provisions; including the management of burial grounds and restoration of lairs.
Scottish Government
Closes 17 November 2023
Proposed Desecration of War Memorials (Prevention) (Scotland) Bill
Scottish Parliament
This consultation relates to a draft proposal lodged as the first stage in the process of introducing a Member’s Bill in the Scottish Parliament, to ensure that war memorials in Scotland receive the protection that they deserve by creating the specific offence of desecration of a war memorial.
*NEW* Closes 19 December 2023
Outline Strategic Plan for Holyrood Park
HES
This survey on the Outline Strategic Plan for Holyrood Park will gather public views to help deliver a new future for the Park that reflects community aspirations, the needs of the City and the inherent value and sensitivity of Holyrood Park.
*NEW* Closes 19 December 2023
Culture Counts Response to Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee’s Budget Scrutiny 2024-25: Funding for Culture – call for views (Culture Counts 01/09/2023)
Effective Community Engagement in Local Development Planning Guidance (BEFS 13/09/2023)
BEFS response welcomes this guidance on effective community engagement in local development planning, for communities and local authorities, and supports all moves towards clarity on how planning authorities can comply with their legal duties to engage with the public when preparing their local development plans. Questions around delivery – in particular around capacity of local planning authorities’ duties regarding monitoring and reporting – remain.
Visitor Levy Bill – call for views – published responses (Scottish Parliament 15/09/2023)
Visitor Levy Bill – Call for Views (BEFS 15/09/2023)
In response to this call for views on the Visitor Levy Bill, BEFS statement reiterates previous comments given on this topic, and continues to emphasize the central role that the historic environment specifically – and the built environment more widely – play as a direct contributor to the tourism offer of Scotland. BEFS notes that the historic environment can be directly impacted by tourism; the economic, cultural, environmental, and social value of Scotland’s places, sites, and landscapes being appreciated by visitors comes at a price. As such, any legislation and ensuing revenue must be part of a wider conversation towards a successful management plan to simultaneously celebrate and protect our natural and built heritage, whilst ensuring quality of life for Scotland’s communities.
Draft energy strategy and Just Transition plan: consultation analysis (Scottish Government 28/09/2023)
New National Parks – appraisal framework: consultation analysis (Scot Gov 02/10/2023)
News Releases
France launches a major national initiative to protect its religious heritage, which includes over 100,000 churches (Future for Religious Heritage Europe 14/09/2023)
Economic Impact of Scotland’s Museums and Galleries – Summary Report (Museums Galleries Scotland 21/09/2023)
Supporting Improvement in the Planning System (Improvement Service 27/09/2023)
Craig McLaren, Scotland’s new National Planning Improvement Champion, sets out how he intends to work with planning authorities and others to create a high performance planning system.
RICS launches new manifesto for the built environment ahead of party conferences (RICS 28/09/2023)
European Heritage Awards Ceremony 2023 in Venice: 5 Grand Prix and Public Choice Award unveiled (Europa Nostra 28/09/2023)
Publications
Motivations and barriers associated with adopting domestic heat pumps in the UK(CaCHE April 2023)
PAS 2035:2023 Retrofitting dwellings for improved energy efficiency – Specification and guidance (The British Standards Institution September 2023)
Sustainable Traditional Building Alliance and Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings Scotland Sustaining Buildings Conference Report 2022 (STBA-SPAB September 2023)
RICS – Whole life carbon assessment (WLCA) for the built environment (RICS 19/09/2023)
Towns Vitality Roadmap: A new policy framework for the UK’s towns (Social Market Foundation 19/09/2023)
Unleashing the potential of the UK’s cities (RSA 28/09/2023)
Historic Environment Scotland – Archaeology Short Guides: Identifying and Recording Scotland’s Prehistoric Rock Art (HES 28/09/2023)
Built Environment Carbon Database (BECD 01/10/2023)
Scottish & UK: Governmental & Parliamentary Publications
Constitution, External Affairs and Culture: FM letter to Cabinet Secretary (Scot Gov 05/09/2023)
First Minister sets out agreed priorities on how the 2023-2024 commitments in the Policy Prospectus will be delivered.
Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC): Parliamentary statement (Scot Gov 07/09/2023)
Local authorities publish RAAC data (Scot Gov 08/09/2023)
Just transition sector plans: letter to Just Transition Commission – September 2023 (Scot Gov 08/09/2023)
Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee Report: Culture in Communities: The challenges and opportunities in delivering a place-based approach(Scot Parl 14/09/2023)
Correspondence between Lord Callanan and the Energy Security and Net Zero Committee regarding the launch of the Great British Insulation Scheme (UK Gov 14/09/2023)
Correspondence between Shona Robison MSP and the Finance and Public Administration Committee regarding the timing of the 2024-25 Scottish Budget (Scot Gov 14/09/2023)
Registers of Scotland – September Update (Scot Parl 15/09/2023)
Financing the green economy: First Minister’s speech (Scot Gov 18/09/2023)
Bringing empty homes back into use: audit of privately owned empty homes (Scot Gov 19/09/2023)
Correspondence between the Minister for Housing and the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee on the publication of independent research on long-term empty homes (Scot Gov 19/09/2023)
HSE Correspondence to Work and Pensions Select Committee – RAAC (HSE 19/09/2023)
Approaches to achieving net zero across the UK (Audit Scotland – all UK Audit bodies 20/09/2023)
UK Shared Prosperity Fund Grant (revenue) Scotland determination update (UK Gov 20/09/2023)
Future of National Parks: strategic environmental assessment – environmental report (Scot Gov 21/09/2023)
Correspondence relating to the Draft Climate Change Plan:
Correspondence between the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee and the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee (Scot Parl 20/09/2023)
Correspondence between the Economy and Fair Work Committee and the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee (Scot Parl 21/09/2023)
Correspondence between the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee and the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee (Scot Parl 22/09/2023)
Correspondence between the Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee and Tom Arthur MSP regarding the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill – Delegated Powers (Scot Parl 22/09/2023)
SPICe briefing Circular Economy (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 22/09/2023)
Building standards – ministerial view: compartmentation (Scot Gov 26/09/2023)
Statement by the Deputy Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism: Cadw: Engaging communities with heritage (Welsh Senedd 26/09/2023_
Non-domestic rates revaluation appeals statistics (Scot Gov 27/09/2023)
Proposed Desecration of War Memorials (Prevention) (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 27/09/2023)
Social Security and Social Justice Committee 23rd Meeting, 2023 (Session 6), Thursday, 28 September 2023 2024-25 Pre-budget scrutiny (Scot Parl 28/09/2023)
Ministerial Statement: Vision for Scotland’s future energy system (Scot Gov 28/09/2023)
Autumn Budget Revision 2023-24: Supporting document (Scot Gov 28/09/2023)
Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 28/09/2023)
Updated NPF4 Delivery Programme (Scot Gov 29/09/2023)
Minister for Community Wealth and Public Finance writes to Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee Visitor Levy. (Scot Gov 29/09/2023)
Community Ownership in Scotland 2022 (Scot Gov 03/10/2023)
SPICe Spotlight: How is Scotland Performing? (Scot Parl 03/10/2023)
Opinion & Comment
Appeal: Landscape impacts of wind farm outweigh renewable energy benefits (The Planner 04/09/2023)
Building ‘passports’ could prevent RAAC-style safety failings – engineers (The National 07/09/2023)
SNP could cut civil service and shut offices instead of raising taxes (The Herald 10/09/2023)
Venice awaits UNESCO heritage ruling as beds for tourists outnumber residents for first time (The Guardian 11/09/2023)
Preserving traditional construction skills is an ‘absolute must’ (Project Scotland 11/09/2023)
Scottish Government sees off challenge to short-term lets scheme (Holyrood Magazine 13/09/2023)
Short-term lets licensing scheme ‘could breach human rights laws’ (Scottish Legal News 18/09/2023)
Built environment body response to PM’s Net Zero scale backs (Politics Home 20/09/2023)
What happened to Portofino? A cautious tale of losing authenticity (Taste Atlas 20/09/2023)
Glasgow EnerPHit trial led to ‘astounding’ drop in bills (The Herald 22/09/2023)
How do we upskill our heritage professionals? (Construction Management 25/09/2023)
Humza Yousaf has ‘no intention to change’ key net zero targets (Independent 25/09/2023)
Does Aotearoa need a National Spatial Plan? (World Landscape Architect 25/09/2023)
Rishi’s EPC U-turn slammed by RICS (Property 118 27/09/2023)
SNP Arts Cuts: ‘We have lost our international reputation for culture’ (The Herald 28/09/2023)
£300,000 funding recognises the power of Glasgow’s built heritage (The Herald 29/09/2023)
Police Scotland to sell 30 more buildings in £19m budget warning (BBC News 29/09/2023)
Parliamentary Questions & Answers
Questions marked with a triangle (?) are initiated by the Scottish Government to facilitate the provision of information to the Parliament. Questions in which a member has indicated a declarable interest are marked with an “R”.
Mark Griffin, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 14/08/2023
S6W-20627 R
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-17172 by Patrick Harvie on 11 May 2023, whether it will provide (a) a breakdown of the 10 applications and the reasons that they have been rejected, invited to resubmit following feedback or referred to alternative funding sources and (b) details of any additional applications since the question was answered.
Current status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 11 September 2023
Alex Cole-Hamilton, Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: 14/08/2023
S6W-20631
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-19778 by Graeme Dey on 25 July 2023, when the Scottish Funding Council guidance on reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete will be delivered.
Current status: Answered by Graeme Dey on 11 September 2023
S6W-20632
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-19677 by Shona Robison on 31 July 2023, when the scoping exercise will be completed.
Current status: Answered by Shona Robison on 11 September 2023
Miles Briggs, Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 15/08/2023
S6W-20654
To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to introduce land value capture.
Current status: Answer expected on 12 September.
Miles Briggs, Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 15/08/2023
S6W-20653
To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to exempt mid market rent properties from regulations in the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act 2022.
S6W-20655
To ask the Scottish Government how much has been spent from the Social Housing Net Zero Heat Fund in each year since its creation.
S6W-20656
To ask the Scottish Government how many homes have been retrofitted through the Social Housing Net Zero Heat Fund in each year since its creation, also broken down by local authority area.
Current status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 12 September 2023
Miles Briggs, Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 15/08/2023
S6W-20657
To ask the Scottish Government when it plans to roll out the Winter Heating Payment to households in 2023-24.
Current status: Answered by Shirley-Anne Somerville on 8 September 2023
Alexander Burnett, Aberdeenshire West, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 15/08/2023
S6W-20665 R
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on how many homes in each parliamentary region Warmworks Warmer Homes Scotland is planning to improve to at least EPC grade C; by what date this work will be completed; how many homes in each region have received such assistance to date; what other schemes are working alongside Warmer Homes Scotland to ensure that no homes are listed below EPC grade C, and by what date it anticipates that this target will be achieved.
Current status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 12 September 2023
Mark Griffin, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 15/08/2023
S6W-20670 R
To ask the Scottish Government how frequently its Innovative Finance Steering Group meets; on what dates it has met since it was established; what its full (a) remit and (b) membership is; whether its remit extends beyond the affordable housing supply programme, and where the minutes of its meetings can be accessed.
Current status: Answered by Paul McLennan on 11 September 2023
Mark Griffin, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 24/08/2023
S6W-20844 R
To ask the Scottish Government how many applications from (a) registered social landlords and (b) local authorities have been (i) received and (ii) approved for the National Acquisition Plan since it was announced on 19 July 2023.
Current status: Answered by Paul McLennan on 13 September 2023
Pam Duncan-Glancy, Glasgow, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 25/08/2023
S6W-20851
To ask the Scottish Government what criteria it used to identify and nominate railway stations for the UK Government Department for Transport’s Access for All programme.
Current status: Answered by Fiona Hyslop on 22 September 2023
Mark Griffin, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 25/08/2023
S6W-20861 R
To ask the Scottish Government whether it anticipates that the £60 million for the National Acquisition Plan will be spent in full in 2023-24.
Current status: Answered by Paul McLennan on 22 September 2023
Sarah Boyack, Lothian, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 28/08/2023
S6W-20685
To ask the Scottish Government what information it holds on the total number of public sector buildings and their carbon footprints, broken down by public body responsible for managing the buildings.
S6W-20686
To ask the Scottish Government what the electricity consumption was of public sector buildings in (a) 2022, (b) 2019 and (c) 2018.
Current status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 26 September 2023
Paul Sweeney, Glasgow, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 28/08/2023
S6W-20874
To ask the Scottish Government what the status is of the £9.6 million loan granted by the Scottish Partnership for Regeneration in Urban Centres (SPRUCE) fund in 2012 for the development of 110 Queen Street, Glasgow.
Current status: Answered by Joe FitzPatrick on 25 September 2023
Rachael Hamilton, Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 30/08/2023
S6W-20918
To ask the Scottish Government how the Energy Consents Unit assesses the potential impact on communities of battery storage sites that are to be built around them when approving or denying an application.
Current status: Answered by Gillian Martin on 19 September 2023
Sarah Boyack, Lothian, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 30/08/2023
S6W-20922
To ask the Scottish Government when the next bidding rounds for the Just Transition Fund will be announced.
Current status: Answered by Richard Lochhead on 26 September 2023
Sarah Boyack, Lothian, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 04/09/2023
S6W-20958
To ask the Scottish Government when it became aware of the safety concerns regarding reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete.
Current status: Holding Answer by Shirley-Anne Somerville on 19 September 2023
Sarah Boyack, Lothian, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 04/09/2023
S6W-20959
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on how many public buildings in Scotland have been built with reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete.
S6W-20960
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on what action it is taking to ensure that public buildings that have been built with reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete are safe to be used.
Current status: Answered by Shirley-Anne Somerville on 19 September 2023
Paul Sweeney, Glasgow, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 04/09/2023
S6W-20968
To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish a list of all hospital buildings that are (a) suspected and (b) have been confirmed to contain reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete.
S6W-20969
To ask the Scottish Government how many of the reported 255 NHS buildings that are suspected to contain reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete have been inspected by structural engineers.
S6W-20970 R
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish an inspection schedule for all NHS buildings that have still to be inspected for reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete.
Current status: Answered by Michael Matheson on 19 September 2023
Alex Cole-Hamilton, Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: 05/09/2023
S6W-20984
To ask the Scottish Government when it next plans to review the regulation of property factors.
Current status: Answered by Paul McLennan on 15 September 2023
Ariane Burgess, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Green Party
Date lodged: 06/09/2023
S6W-21093
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment has been made of any risk related to the use of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete in domestic housing.
Current status: Answered by Paul McLennan on 15 September 2023
Liam Kerr, North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 06/09/2023
S6W-20964
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on whether it plans to carry out an assessment of the cost of fixing any elements of the school estate that have reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete present; whether any such costs will be met by local authorities or the Scottish Government; if they are to be met by local authorities, whether it anticipates that they will be met from existing funding or funding from other sources, and, if other sources, which sources.
Current status: Answered by Jenny Gilruth on 19 September 2023
Pauline McNeill, Glasgow, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 07/09/2023
S6W-21106
To ask the Scottish Government whether it can provide an update on how many prison estates it estimates were built using reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete.
Current status: Answered by Angela Constance on 19 September 2023
Culture and Major Events (Skills and Careers) Debate
Scottish Parliament
Date: 20 September 2023
Roz McCall, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 05/09/2023
S6W-21046
To ask the Scottish Government how many public buildings in the Mid Scotland and Fife region have been identified as containing reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete.
Current status: Answered by Shirley-Anne Somerville on 20 September 2023
Liam Kerr, North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 06/09/2023
S6W-20962
To ask the Scottish Government, further to its statement on 31 August 2023 that it had already “received returns for the majority of the school estate” and that it expected “to have full returns from all local authorities this week”, whether it will publish all of the returns that it has received from local authorities regarding the (a) presence of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete in school buildings and (b) projected cost to remedy any issues, and, if so, when.
Current status: Answered by Jenny Gilruth on 21 September 2023
Sarah Boyack, Lothian, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 30/08/2023
S6W-20922
To ask the Scottish Government when the next bidding rounds for the Just Transition Fund will be announced.
Current status: Answered by Richard Lochhead on 26 September 2023
Alex Cole-Hamilton, Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: 11/09/2023
S6W-21167
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6F-02316 by Humza Yousaf on 7 September 2023, whether it can confirm when it first provided education leaders with guidance from the Institution of Structural Engineers regarding reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC); on what dates the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills met with local authorities to discuss the presence of RAAC, and whether minutes of those meetings will be published.
Current status: Answered by Jenny Gilruth on 26 September 2023
Jamie Greene, West Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 11/09/2023
S6W-21168
To ask the Scottish Government how many Scottish schools have been closed or partially closed since 1 September 2023 due to structural or safety concerns not caused by the presence of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete.
Current status: Answered by Jenny Gilruth on 26 September 2023
Donald Cameron, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 11/09/2023
S6W-21210
To ask the Scottish Government whether it can provide details of its reported expansion of the Home Energy Scotland advice service.
Current status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 26 September 2023
Jamie Greene, West Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 19/09/2023
S6W-21311
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether households and their guests who are engaged in the specific scenarios of pet-sitting, house-sitting or house-swapping, where no financial transaction is involved nor any business or commercial activity has taken place, will require a short-term let licence under the new licensing scheme.
Current status: Answered by Paul McLennan on 26 September 2023
Rachael Hamilton, Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 11/09/2023
S6W-21248
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether the implementation of a four-tiered agricultural payment structure, as consulted on in relation to the Agriculture Bill, would require the appointment of external consultants in order to administrate such a system.
S6W-21249
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide further details on whether payments under a four-tiered payment structure in the Agriculture Bill would be weighted towards base support (tiers 1 and 2) or tied to results (tiers 3 and 4).
Current status: Answered by Mairi Gougeon on 26 September 2023
Rachael Hamilton, Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 19/09/2023
S6W-21475
To ask the Scottish Government who will provide the education and training services that will be offered to farmers and crofters under the planned Agriculture Bill.
S6W-21479
To ask the Scottish Government how much it has budgeted for the education and advisory services that are being proposed in the Agriculture Bill.
S6W-21480
To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to respond to the concerns raised in the consultation on the proposed Agriculture Bill that the use of the Whole Farm Plan for base level payments in Tier 1 would be a “one-size-fits-all solution” to what is a more complex issue.
S6W-21481
To ask the Scottish Government when the previously ring-fenced £33 million of funding allocated to the agriculture sector as a result of the Bew Review will be returned to its budget for the portfolio covering agriculture.
S6W-21482
To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to respond to concerns raised about incentivising tree planting on agricultural land in the consultation on the proposed Agriculture Bill.
Current status: Answered by Mairi Gougeon on 27 September 2023
Katy Clark, West Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 14/09/2023
S6W-21350
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will list, by local authority, any buildings where reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) has been used on the justice estate since 2007, and whether any action was taken following structural inspection of these buildings.
Current status: Answered by Angela Constance on 28 September 2023
Monica Lennon, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 22/09/2023
S6W-21696
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on financially supporting the reparation of historical artefacts that reside in Scotland as the result of colonialism or imperialism, in light of reports that it did not initially wish to pay for the return of the House of Ni’isjoohl memorial pole from the National Museum of Scotland to the Nisga’a Nation in Canada.
Current status: Answered by Christina McKelvie on 2 October 2023
Sarah Boyack, Lothian, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 04/09/2023
S6W-20958
To ask the Scottish Government when it became aware of the safety concerns regarding reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete.
Current status: Holding Answer by Shirley-Anne Somerville on 19 September 2023
Tess White, North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 19/09/2023
S6W-21458
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the national survey programme of the NHS estate to identify the use of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete in NHS buildings, including the number of buildings at risk and their location.
Current status: Holding Answer by Michael Matheson on 3 October 2023
Jackie Baillie, Dumbarton, Scottish Labour
Date Lodged: 19/09/2023
S6W-21463
To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to expedite the physical survey of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete within the NHS.
Current status: Answered by Michael Matheson on 28 September 2023
Daniel Johnson, Edinburgh Southern, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 22/09/2023
S6W-20944
To ask the Scottish Government how many organisations applied to develop pilots for the launch of the Culture & Business Scotland Marketplace in May 2023; how many organisations were awarded places beginning in May 2023; how many organisations had, in addition to the pilots, or the launch of the Marketplace, developed and tested programmes ready to be rolled out across companies, and which of those organisations had the resources to do so; whether any of the organisations that were subsequently awarded places in the Culture & Business Scotland Marketplace had previously been turned down for funding or had funding reduced by Creative Scotland; if so, whether there has been any communication between the Scottish Government, Creative Scotland and Arts & Business Scotland or Culture & Business Scotland regarding the Marketplace, and how many organisations had informed Arts & Business Scotland or Culture & Business Scotland by January 2023 that they had already developed and tested programmes that had a wealth of evidence to show their effectiveness, and had teams of practitioners who are leaders in the field of arts-based wellbeing and development.
Current status: Answer expected on 6 October 2023
Meghan Gallacher, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 22/09/2023
S6W-21665
To ask the Scottish Government what changes in its budget it is considering to prevent any further closures or reduction of essential community facilities and services.
Current status: Answer expected on 6 October 2023
Liam McArthur, Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: 26/09/2023
S6W-21745
To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to apply its proposed Energy Performance Certificate reforms to traditional buildings, and whether consideration has been given to changes to the building standards or minimum energy requirements for such properties.
Current status: Answer expected on 24 October 2023
Pam Gosal, West Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 26/09/2023
S6W-21754
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to address the reported significant challenges in relation to the availability of a skilled and competent workforce that is able to carry out Single Building Assessments at scale.
Current status: Answer expected on 24 October 2023
Pam Gosal, West Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 28/09/2023
S6W-21849
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to accelerate (a) the Single Building Assessment programme and (b) remedial works to ensure that buildings are safe.
Current status: Answer expected on 26 October 2023
Daniel Johnson, Edinburgh Southern, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 28/09/2023
S6W-21858
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the Heat in Buildings Workforce Assessment Project outlined in its Heat in Buildings Strategy.
Current status: Answer expected on 26 October 2023
Alex Cole-Hamilton, Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: 29/09/2023
S6W-21882
To ask the Scottish Government what action it has taken to ensure that the key stakeholders in the private sector are aware of the issue of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete and know where to go for advice, as referenced in the minutes of the meeting of the Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) Cross Sector Working Group on 14 August 2023.
S6W-21883
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the meeting of the Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) Cross Sector Working Group on 14 August 2023, what action it has taken to “signpost and share information which supports effective assessment and reporting on RAAC as a potential building defect”.
Current status: Answers expected on 27 October 2023
Liam Kerr, North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date Lodged: 29/09/2023
S6W-21921
To ask the Scottish Government when an updated Estates Condition Survey for the college sector will be conducted and completed, in light of the last survey, which was completed in 2017 and estimated that £360 million of work was required in the subsequent five years to bring the college estate to a generally sound (wind and watertight) condition.
Sarah Boyack, Lothian, Scottish Labour
Date Lodged: 02/10/2023
S6W-21956
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether its Infrastructure Investment Plan is compatible with the emissions targets set out in the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009, in light of a reported breach of statutory duties identified by the Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland and Good Law Project.
Current Status: Expected Answer date 30/10/2023
Alexander Stewart, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date Lodged: 03/10/2023
S6W-21929
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of reports that some local residents were required by Clackmannanshire Council to evacuate their homes, in a majority council-owned block of flats, and move into short-term accommodation due to reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete being found and the flats being deemed unsafe, what immediate action it can take to (a) help provide suitable long-term accommodation and (b) support any proposals for repairs of these properties.
Current Status: Expected Answer date 31/10/2023
Rhoda Grant, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Labour
Date Lodged: 03/10/2023
S6W-21970
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide a list of the 30 police buildings that Police Scotland plans to dispose of, as detailed in its proposals submitted to the Scottish Police Authority.
Current Status: Expected Answer date 31/10/2023
S6M-10511
Submitted by: Sue Webber, Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party.
Date lodged: 20/09/2023
That the Parliament recognises that the Open University (OU) in Scotland and the National Trust for Scotland have signed a joint memorandum of understanding; welcomes the partnership working between what it sees as two of the country’s leading institutions to achieve their common aims; understands that a successful series of staff development roadshows have already taken place to promote the OU’s support of the Trust’s staff development programme to promote lifelong learning in the workplace; further understands that the OU will also help the Trust to support the development of its volunteers, through access to free learning and employability resources; notes that the OU and the Trust will work together to organise events that bring together professionals from both organisations, providing opportunities for networking and knowledge sharing and contributing to the Scottish Government’s objective of fostering collaboration and partnership working, and wishes both organisations every success with their partnership.
Events
For further listings, please see our events calendar.
AHSS Lecture – Making Our Industrial Heritage Work for a More Sustainable Future
Date & Time: Monday 9 October 2023; 6:30-8pm
Location: Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL (wheelchair accessible)
Lectures will also be streamed online via Zoom
As the world comes to terms with the worsening climate crisis, Dr Miles Oglethorpe, Head of Industrial Heritage at Historic Environment Scotland, considers how we can better harness the potential of our industrial heritage to help us bring about a more sustainable future for our communities.
Scottish Historic Buildings Trust – Edinburgh: Twentieth-Century City
Date & Time: Wednesday 11 October 2023; 5:30-7:30pm
Location: Riddles Court, 322 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2PG
Edinburgh’s architectural heritage is usually defined in terms of the medieval Old Town and the eighteenth-century New Town. This talk by Dr Alistair Fair, Reader in Architectural History, University of Edinburgh however, will argue that the city has a substantial body of notable twentieth-century architecture, and that the decades since 1945 have, in fact, seen substantial interventions in the built environment which have fundamentally shaped the city of today.
The Mark Turnbull Symposium – Designing the Landscape of Power: Balancing Climate, Energy Transition and Communities
Date & Time: Thursday 12 October 2023; 5-8pm
Location: Royal College of Physicians, Queens Street, EdinburghEH12 1JG/Hybrid event
Cost: £5 – £25
Hosted by Dr Sarah Govan, Project Manager ClimateXChange, join this debate that considers the power of collaboration, the value of sensitive management and design in landscape scale change decisions to help reduce land use conflicts and to create more sustainable and equitable results in addressing the challenges that Scotland faces.
AHSS Lecture – Glasgow City Heritage Trust; 15 years – 15 projects
Date & Time: Thursday 19 October 2023; 7:30-9pm
Location: St Andrews West Church & Renfield Centre, 260 Bath Street, Glasgow
Lectures will also be streamed online via Zoom
Niall Murphy, Director of Glasgow City Heritage Trust, discusses the work of the Trust over the last 15 years, focusing on 15 key projects drawn from across that period for what they reveal about the Trust, its mission and objectives and why the Trust does what it does.
National Lottery Heritage Fund – Digital Skills for Heritage: Reflect, Share, Inspire
Date & Time: Wednesday 18 October 2023; 11am-5:30pm
Location: British Museum, London/Online
Digital Skills for Heritage has raised digital skills and confidence across the UK heritage sector over the past three years. This free hybrid event celebrates the wealth of resources created by this initiative, bringing together speakers from Digital Skills for Heritage projects to reflect and share the achievements and learning from their digital journeys to help inspire the wider sector. This event is for anyone working or volunteering in a UK heritage organisation, to allow for reflection on the achievements of Digital Skills for Heritage over the past three years.
RIAS – Conservation 2023: Climate, Policy and Practice
Date & Time: Tuesday 31 October 2023; 1-4:30pm
Location: Online
Booking is now open for the RIAS online Autumn Conservation Seminar. Presentations will be from RIAS Conservation Accredited architects on: the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Palm House restoration project and the historical research and carrying out of practical conservation at Invereshie House in the Cairngorm National Park. Learn about Historic Environment Scotland’s Climate Change policy in relation to the historic built environment and various aspects of retrofit, including issues of moisture, damp and condensation and other key issues.
Further information and bookings
Date & Time: Tuesday 10 October 2023; 9:30am-1:30pm/9:30am-4pm
Location: The Engine Shed, Stirling
Join HES to explore the strategies and philosophies governing architectural conservation in Scotland. The course will examine the nature of traditional Scottish building materials, and outline how international standards of good conservation practice can be applied to offset or adapt to the impact of climate change on our historic built environment. A networking lunch will provide an opportunity to continue discussions and explore the Engine Shed and the full-day experience includes an afternoon site visit to Bannockburn House for a technical tour of this remarkable late 17th-century mansion and to identify conservation techniques in practice.Scottish Lime Centre Trust – Lime Pointing
Date & Time: Date & Time: Friday 13 October 2023; 9:30am-4:30pm
Location: Merryhill Training Centre, Charlestown, Dunfermline KY11 3DR
Would you like to undertake repointing works as part of a renovation project or simply as general maintenance to traditional masonry structures? This practical ‘hands on’ training day will give participants the skill to undertake repointing works with confidence. This course will provide a sound understanding of traditional building technology, repair techniques and the materials to use when carrying out repointing.Historic Environment Scotland – Heritage Planning
Date & Time: Wednesday 18 October 2023; 9:30am-1:30pm/9:30am-4pm
Location: The Engine Shed, Stirling
Members of Historic Environment Scotland’s Heritage Team and Stirling Council will discuss how they manage change to Scotland’s built heritage, both in strategic terms as well as practical matters. This includes how proposals to alter listed buildings or build new developments in conservation areas are reviewed, considered and determined both fairly and transparently. A networking lunch will provide an opportunity to continue discussions and explore the Engine Shed and the full-day experience includes an afternoon tour through Stirling’s Old Town to discuss recent developments in the conservation area, key buildings of concern for the council and other matters affecting the significance of the city’s historic townscape.Culture & Business Scotland – Legacy giving: now is the time if you do it right!
Date & Time: Tuesday 24 October 2023; 11am-3pm
Location: Online
From triggering interest to cultivating prospects, this excellent four-hour crash course on integrating legacy giving into your fundraising programme (at little or no cost!) is delivered by legacy specialist Richard Radcliffe and is backed up by data and practical advice.
Salary: £34,376-£38,027 (subject to experience)
Status: Full-time (flexible working possible)
Location: Hybrid working, available for meetings in Edinburgh
The National Trust for Scotland is looking to recruit a heritage compliance officer to help identify and manage the conservation and operations risks. This is a unique opportunity to work across all aspects of a major heritage organisation, liaising with colleagues in all disciplines.
All enquiries and applications should be addressed to: Diarmid Hearns, Head of Public Policy, Risk and Environment.
Jonna Meredith joined BEFS in 2023, having previously conducted research in academia and the private sector.
Jonna has a postgraduate research degree in sociolinguistics from The University of Edinburgh. Her research foci include micro and macro approaches to policy, national movements, and political theory.
Previously Jonna has worked with national and regional policy, social access, and sustainability in both the natural and built environment. She has experience in social media management, as well as synthesising and translating governmental policy for accessibility. She brings an interest and experience in Ethics, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EEDI) work to BEFS.
Jonna is interested in how policy can support increased participation in the heritage sector by minoritised communities, particularly those minoritised on the basis of geography, race and ethnicity, disability, and socio-economic status. She is motivated by questions of what heritage entails, who gets to define the term, and whose heritage is considered worth nurturing.
Email: jmeredith@befs.org.uk
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