Check out the built environment related events taking place at the Edinburgh International Book Festival this August.
NEXT STEPS TO SAVING THE PLANET
From Carbon’s Casualties to Climate Solutions
Sun 11 Aug 19:30 – 21:00
Since 2015, Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times photographer Josh Haner has documented the realities of climate change across the globe. His photo series Carbon’s Casualties explores the many consequences of a warming world, offering the space to consider solutions. Join us for a special discussion with Haner, acclaimed Australian novelist and campaigner Tim Winton and Laura Watts, whose Energy at the End of World offers a way forward through Orkney’s role as a centre for energy innovation. In collaboration with Beyond Borders.
Siân Reynolds & Sara Sheridan
Mon 12 Aug 10:30 – 11:30
Meet two women on a feminist mission. Former Stirling University professor Siân Reynolds is one of the editors of The New Biographical Dictionary of Scottish Women. Join her in conversation with local author Sara Sheridan whose guidebook Where Are The Women? is a radical reimagining of Scottish heritage and landscape to include the women who were there all along. Chaired by Susan Stewart.
Michael Anderson
Tue 13 Aug 11:00 – 12:00
Distinguished academic Michael Anderson – a stalwart at the University of Edinburgh for 40 years who has been honoured with an OBE – discusses the change in Scotland’s population since the 1850s. Exploring issues such as rural settlement, migration, deprivation and industrial investment, Anderson offers a comparison between Scotland’s population shifts and those in the rest of Europe.
Alan Powers
Sat 17 Aug 17:30 – 18:30
In its centenary year, the Bauhaus art school’s legacy continues to gather momentum. Art curator and journalist Alan Powers adds to the discussion with Bauhaus Goes West, which looks at how the movement landed in Britain and America following the closure of the original school by the Nazis in 1933. Through this event, Powers seeks to re-evaluate the influence of Bauhaus on modern art and design.
Murray Pittock
Sun 18 Aug 10:30 – 11:30
Professor of English Literature at Glasgow University, Murray Pittock’s work focuses on Edinburgh and its civic development across the 17th and 18th centuries. Some of the main drivers of national cultural change, including newspapers, gentry politics and coffee house culture, were based in the city but what was the real reason for Edinburgh’s Enlightenment? Find out as Pittock discusses his fascinating study with John Gordon.
THE CLEARANCES AND THE SCOTTISH PEOPLE
Tom Devine
Sun 18 Aug 18:45 – 19:45
The Clearances of the 18th and 19th centuries helped shape the nation we know today, but historians have struggled to define what happened. Scotland’s leading historian, Sir Tom Devine, brings us The Scottish Clearances, his authoritative, readable and even-handed account. Today, he sets the record straight, conjuring the voices of the dispossessed and exploding myths about this defining period for Scotland and its people.
Philip Long & Joanna Norman
Mon 19 Aug 10:00 – 11:00
Philip Long is director of the V&A Dundee and co-editor of The Story of Scottish Design. Together with Joanna Norman, curator of the museum’s Scottish Design Galleries, Long presents a broad survey of 500 years of great Scottish design and pioneering designers, from textiles to technology, furniture to video games. Long and Norman discuss the importance of design (and a certain new building).
Tracey Thorn
Mon 19 Aug 20:30 – 21:30
Returning to our roots can be tough, revealing and, as Tracey Thorn discovers in Another Planet, inspiring. The singer-songwriter behind Everything But The Girl follows up her bestselling Bedsit Disco Queen with a wonderfully witty walk through the maligned suburbia of her youth. Today, Thorn shares hilarious recollections of the physical and emotional cul-de-sacs of her Green Belt upbringing and its lasting impact.
Miles Glendinning, Stefan Muthesius & Stefi Orazi
Tue 20 Aug 12:30 – 13:30
Britain faces a housing crisis: what can the nation’s last major building scheme teach us? Architectural historians Miles Glendinning and Stefan Muthesius analyse the high-rise revolution in Towers for the Welfare State. Stefi Orazi widens the perspective with Modernist Estates — Europe, exploring some of the continent’s housing schemes with input from residents. Today they debate the social impact of what we build.
Ellie Harrison & Jemma Neville
Tue 20 Aug 14:00 – 15:00
Meet two activists who dig beneath the stereotypes to real lived experience. Jemma Neville campaigned for human rights law, and in Constitution Street explores global rights issues through the stories of the residents of one road in Leith. ‘Think Global, Act Local’ is the inspiration for artist-activist Ellie Harrison, and in her new book The Glasgow Effect she sheds light on the inequality and disconnection of people in Glasgow communities, putting forward a new vision for sustainable living. The two authors discuss their ideas with fellow writer and social historian Daniel Gray.
Finlay McKichan
Wed 21 Aug 11:00 – 12:00
Francis Humberston Mackenzie was a complex man: a profoundly deaf Scot who became Governor of Barbados; a benevolent Highland landowner during the Clearances who went on to own a slave plantation – and fight for slaves rights. Historian Finlay McKichan’s study Lord Seaforth, discussed today, reassesses his story, the connections between Highland and Caribbean communities, and the end of the imperial slave trade.
Iain Sinclair
Wed 21 Aug 11:45 – 12:45
Among our finest voices on the significance of place, Welsh writer and filmmaker Iain Sinclair health checks our relationships with buildings across the world in Living with Buildings and Walking with Ghosts. From Marseille to Mexico, inner London to the Outer Hebrides, Sinclair wonders whether buildings might be affecting our health. Today he shares discoveries on why we project hopes and fears onto structures.
Who Owns Scotland’s Land?
Fri 23 Aug 10:00 – 11:00
Land ownership has been a contentious source of conflict throughout Scotland’s history. Public access and a belief in sharing the landscape has clashed with the economic power and influence held within the land. We explore these issues and the feasibility of land tax with our panel, which includes Andrew Thin, Chair of the Scottish Land Commission, author of Soil and Soul: People versus Corporate Power Alastair McIntosh and publisher and former member of the Scottish Land Review Agnes Rennie. In partnership with Quakers in Scotland.
Mike Berners-Lee
Sun 25 Aug 14:00 – 15:00
Warnings of looming environmental catastrophe rain down on us with increasing frequency, and only the most ardent climate change sceptics deny we live at a crucial point for the Earth’s future. Join sustainability expert Mike Berners-Lee in conversation with WWF’s Tanya Steele, as he cuts through the noise with practical advice on how we can avoid calamity, drawn from his book There is No Planet B, a ‘Handbook for the Make or Break Years’.
For the full programme visit the Edinburgh International Book Festival website.
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Archaeology Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland and the Scottish Council on Archives call for contributions to Scotland’s Community Heritage Conference 2019.
Making Places, Connecting People’ – Call for Papers, Speakers, Displays and Contributions
Date: Saturday 9th November 2019
Venue: Birnam Arts and Conference Centre, Dunkeld and Birnam
Archaeology Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland and the Scottish Council on Archives are delighted to announce the call for contributions to Scotland’s Community Heritage Conference 2019. Returning for its eighth year, the Conference provides a vibrant stage for volunteers, community groups and professionals to network and share experiences, inspiring one another and unlocking the tools that lead to successful projects and fruitful working partnerships.
The conference theme this year is Making Places, Connecting People. Your very involvement in local heritage plays a vital role in defining and celebrating your community, your place. Moreover, by involving your friends and neighbours, you are building and strengthening connections that bring benefits far beyond the aims of individual projects. These are also priorities for government – to help communities discover, cherish and protect the richness that is our heritage, right across Scotland. So we invite you to join us to share your experiences, thoughts and plans in the annual celebration that is Scotland’s Community Heritage Conference!
This year we will be returning to the Birnam Arts and Conference Centre in Perthshire (https://www.birnamarts.com/). Conveniently sited close to the A9 and just a five-minute walk from the railway station, this marvellous building offers an exciting range of spaces for the conference and is fully accessible to those with disabilities. With your help, we will be creating a memorable day of talks, workshops and exhibitions, hearing from you about your involvement with community heritage. As usual, volunteers and members of community groups have priority in the main plenary sessions, but there are also plenty of opportunities for the professional sector to add their skills and energy to the event.
We want to hear from you!
If you would like to be involved, please use the form to tick the option that best suits your proposal, using the boxes to outline your ideas (or to suggest an alternative), and send it to chcscot@gmail.com. Please pass on this invitation to others who might be interested in sharing their experiences – we are sure there are many people, many groups, many communities we haven’t yet reached who could have a huge positive impact on the conference, so help us find them!
Any questions – don’t hesitate to get in touch with the organising team on chcscot@gmail.com.
Closing date for submissions: Sunday 18th August (if you miss it, contact us anyway: no promises, but we’ll see what we can do!).
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Get The Latest Built Environment News, Events, Vacancies, Consultations And Publications In Our News Bulletin.
BEFS News
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has commissioned DC Research to carry out an evaluation of ‘Our Place in Time – The Historic Environment Strategy for Scotland’. This is a mid-term evaluation which seeks to understand and identify what has been achieved so far, as well as looking at priorities for the future, and potential areas for improvement. As part of the evaluation a survey is taking place – please take the time to respond. It should only take 10-12 minutes to complete, and HES are keen to receive responses from a wide range of organisations and individuals. It gives you the opportunity to provide feedback on the achievements of the strategy, future priorities, as well as identify any areas for improvement around structures and delivery arrangements. The deadline for responding is Friday 2nd August 2019.
HES has also launched a major survey about how historic sites and heritage places affect our wellbeing. The research will explore how people use the historic environment across Scotland and the contribution it makes to their lives. The findings will be used to understand how people benefit from Scotland’s historic environment, and to guide the organisation’s work over the next few years. The survey is being carried out by Progressive Partnership and will run until 25 August 2019.
HES would also be grateful if you would complete an evaluation survey about the Engine Shed. This survey is being conducted by Jura Consultants, to inform an evaluation of the delivery of services and activities to date and to take views from the sector and the public on priorities for the future.
Launched in 2012, it is now seven years since the national Scottish Archaeological Research Framework (ScARF) was created and published online. If you have used or been involved in the creation of any of the ScARF resources since then, please take a few moments to complete a short survey. The survey seeks views from everyone who has used or contributed to ScARF and will close on the 31st of July. Please share your views to help plan for the future development of the framework!
The Sustainable Development Goals report ‘On Target for 2030?’ has now been published and is available via the UWS-Oxfam Partnership website here. BEFS contribution to the recent consultation is included in the publication.
Readers may also be interested in Housing to 2040, which sets out the Scottish Government’s draft vision and principles for 2040. It now includes references to existing housing stock and to maintenance which were absent in the initial discussion paper.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed The Big Climate Conversation, which will run nationwide to discuss action to tackle the global climate emergency, will take place in Scotland this summer. The first six engagement events have been scheduled.
Have you signed the latest UK parliamentary petition, Zero-rate VAT on deep retrofit/eco-refurbishment building works on all homes, to cut VAT on ‘energy-saving measures’?
Don’t miss the opportunity to promote your activities! Submit your project as a best practice case study for our historic environment database and the next Our Place in Time (OPiT) performance report. Deadline for submissions is 26th July.
Watch this space for the launch of the full Doors Open Days 2019 – 30th anniversary programme.
Consultations
Are Scotland’s Roads Funded Properly?
The Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee is looking for views from a wide range of road users on the effectiveness of the current approach to road maintenance in Scotland and whether current funding levels are sufficient. The deadline for submissions is 6 September 2019.
Strengthening Fire Safety for High Rise Domestic Buildings
Closes 17 Jul 2019.
Short-Term Lets: Consultation
Closes 19 Jul 2019.
Building a safer future: proposals for reform of the building safety regulatory system
Closes 31 July 2019.
Proposed Fair Rents (Scotland) Bill
Consultation closes on 6 August 2019.
Consultation on the Enhanced Heating Regimes within the new definition of Fuel Poverty
Closes 16 Aug 2019.
The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (Scotland) Regulations 2019
Closes 13 Sep 2019.
Consultation on the Right to Buy Land to Further Sustainable Development
Closes 19 Sep 2019.
Consultation Responses
Scottish charity law: consultation analysis (SG 02/07/19)
Publications
Climate Change and Older Buildings – Key Sources (IHBC 07/19)
Rebuilding Trust Research Finding Summary (Grosvenor 10/07/19)
Rebuilding Trust Discussion Paper (Grosvenor 10/07/19)
Local Government Finance: Facts and Figures 2013-14 to 2019-20 (SG 02/07/19)
Future of Our Pasts: Engaging Cultural Heritage in Climate Action Report (ICOMOS 02/07/19)
Warmer Homes Scotland: annual review 2017 to 2018 (SG 28/06/19)
Urban Built Heritage – Research Summary (NT 07/19)
Scottish Government News Releases
Charity law consultation responses published (SG 03/07/19)
A majority of responses to the Scottish charity law consultation support changes to increase transparency and accountability.
Improved energy efficiency standards reducing bills (SG 27/06/19)
Low income households are saving on their fuel bills as a result of improved energy efficiency measures in their homes.
News Releases
The country needs more homes but it has never been harder – Rebuilding Trust Research (Grosvenor 10/0719)
Grosvenor Britain & Ireland (GBI) has conducted the largest ever canvassing of public trust in placemaking in the UK.
Make “places not just homes” and transform retail parks into thriving communities, says Commission (MHCLG 09/07/19)
Building Better, Building Beautiful Commission publishes interim report.
Welsh government demands 50% affordable housing on new developments (IH 09/07/19)
Wales’ housing minister is calling on planning departments across the country to demand that at least 50% of housing on development sites be affordable.
Sir Mark Jones named as new NTS Chair (NTS 04/07/19)
Sir Mark Jones will take over as National Trust for Scotland Chairman, when Sir Moir Lockhead steps down in August 2019.
Edinburgh Traditional Building Festival prepares for seventh annual outing (SHN 04/07/19)
Sponsored by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and forming part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, this year’s event will focus on the need to repair and maintain traditional buildings which follows the findings of the Tenement Working Group in the Scottish Parliament.
“Future of Our Pasts” report to increase engagement of cultural heritage in climate action (ICOMOS 02/06/19)
Putting forward a multi-disciplinary approach to cultural heritage, the report is intended for site managers, scientists, researchers, but also to climate activists and policy-makers.
Orkney world heritage sites threatened by climate change (BBC 02/07/19)
The world heritage status of Orkney’s archaeological treasures is threatened by climate change, a report has warned.
Orkney Report submitted to World Heritage Committee (HES 02/07/19)
A report outlining how climate change prevention methods will be trialled in Orkney is launched during the UNESCO World Heritage Committee meeting on Tuesday 2 July.
RICS consultation on Home Survey Standard (IHBC 01/07/19)
RICS has launched a consultation on a new mandatory RICS Home Survey Standard, which closes on 29 July.
Scottish Living History Festival (AS 06/19)
Archaeology Scotland are working hard to make their 75th anniversary celebration of Scotland’s history, heritage, & archaeology incredible and free of charge. They have set up this crowdfunding campaign to help make it happen!
Project to use space technology to protect Scotland’s historic environment (HES 28/06/19)
A new partnership to harness space and satellite technology to protect Scotland’s historic sites from climate change has been launched.
Local Place Plans: communities call for greater support to create success (PAS 28/06/19)
Earlier this year, PAS ran a short survey to gather views on what support communities would like to see, what barriers they believe may prevent them from taking part in a Local Place Plan and how these barriers might be overcome. 350 people responded to the survey.
Tourism: Sector Deal (DCMS 28/06/19)
The Tourism Sector Deal sets out how the government and industry will work in partnership to boost productivity, develop the skills of the UK workforce and support destinations to enhance their visitor offer.
Braw Buildings 2019 (SCT 28/06/19)
Scottish Civic Trust are delighted to deliver the Braw Buildings Project, a part of Doors Open Days 2019, in partnership with Hostelling Scotland.
RIBA announces National Award winners (RIBA 27/06/19)
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has announced the 54 winners of 2019 RIBA National Awards for architecture. The awards recognise the UK’s best new construction projects and provide an insight into the UK’s design and economic trends.
The European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage (EN 25/06/19)
Europa Nostra Awards is Europe’s top honour in the heritage field. It recognises the best achievements in conservation, research, dedicated service as well as education, training and awareness-raising. In 2020 and 2021 two new ILUCIDARE Special Prizes will be awarded in cultural heritage-led innovation and diplomacy. Deadline: 1 October 2019.
Opinion & Comment
Here’s how we can end Scotland’s housing crisis (Tammy Swift-Adams in The Scotsman 09/07/19)
Planning (Scotland) Bill – Collaborate to Move Forward (HOPS 05/07/19)
Design can’t solve all our problems, so stop pretending it can (dezeen 02/07/19)
Understanding the ugly building, with Timothy Hyde (Prospect Magazine 27/06/19)
City or Symbol? Dundee and perils of regeneration (Christopher Silver 24/06/19)
What is the future of Urban Heritage? (NT 21/06/19)
Parliamentary Questions
Questions marked with a triangle (?) are initiated by the Scottish Government in order to facilitate the provision of information to the Parliament.Questions in which a member has indicated a declarable interest are marked with an “R”.
Question S5W-24286: Graham Simpson, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 09/07/2019
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to all five pathfinder housing first pilots reportedly being behind in meeting their June 2019 targets.
Question S5W-24217: Alex Cole-Hamilton, Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats, Date Lodged: 03/07/2019
To ask the Scottish Government, of the 35,000 homes for social rent due to be delivered by the end of this parliamentary session, how many have (a) been completed and (b) started construction.
Question S5W-24145: Alex Cole-Hamilton, Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats, Date Lodged: 02/07/2019
To ask the Scottish Government how many of the 50,000 affordable homes that it has committed to building in the current parliamentary session have started construction.
Question S5W-24130: Alex Cole-Hamilton, Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats, Date Lodged: 02/07/2019
To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of social landlords currently meet its minimum site standards for Gypsy/Travellers, broken down by local authority.
Parliamentary Questions & Answers
Questions marked with a triangle (?) are initiated by the Government in order to facilitate the provision of information to the Parliament.
Question S5W-23544: John Finnie, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Green Party, Date Lodged: 30/05/2019
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of it declaring a climate emergency and committing to review all its policies, how long it expects this assessment to take and for action to be taken to ensure that coastal communities in the Western Isles are adequately protected.
Answered by Roseanna Cunningham (07/06/2019)
Events
For the latest information about BEFS Members’ events see our events calendar.
Monuments in Monuments 2019
Date & time: Mon. 2 – Wed.4 September 2019; 10am – 4pm.
Venue: The Engine Shed.
Full ticket: £300. Day tickets: £120
This conference explores the conservation challenges facing carved stones and objects inside historic buildings. Hear from specialists from all over the world about how traditional skills, emerging technology and conservation science are helping to overcome these challenges. You can buy full conference or individual day tickets. Student rates are available.
IPTW: Crafting the Future
Dates: Thursday 5 – Saturday 7 September 2019.
Venue: The Engine Shed.
We are delighted to be hosting the first International Preservation Trades Workshop (IPTW) held outside of the US, in partnership with the Preservation Trades Network (PTN). This unique event brings together practitioners of traditional trades to share skills, knowledge and best practice. Enjoy a packed programme with craft demonstrations from both the USA and the UK, lectures, tours and more. On Saturday 7 September, everyone from families to enthusiasts will be able to see traditional crafts up close at our free demonstrations. The event will close with a ceilidh and auction in the magnificent Great Hall at Stirling Castle. The proceeds from the renowned PTN auction are used to fund educational bursaries and specific projects.
Interested in taking part? Have knowledge or expertise you want to share? Participating in an IPTW is a great way to connect with the traditional trades. You’ll have the opportunity to network with the wider industry. We are looking for a variety of craft demonstrators with varying experience willing to showcase their skills. If you are interested, please fill out our application form accessible on our webpage here, and return to ian.walker@hes.scot or charles.jones@hes.scot.
Scottish Land Commission Conference – Scotland’s Land & Economy
Date & time: Wed, 2 October 2019; 09:30 – 16:30.
Venue: Dynamic Earth, Holyrood Road, Edinburgh EH8 8AS.
Join us at the Scottish Land Commission’s conference to look at the role of land reform in achieving Scotland’s agenda for sustainable and inclusive economic growth. Land ownership and use are central to increasing productivity, reducing inequalities, creating a fair and prosperous Scotland. We will explore these themes through a number of key note speakers and panel discussions.
The conference will explore:
- Land reform and it’s role in growing Scotland’s economy
- Productive land ownership – what it means and how it can be achieved
- What can we learn from international experience
- Learning from other sectors
Training
Stone, Digital Documentation, and Energy Improvements
Date & time: Friday 9 August; 9.30am – 12.15pm.
Venue: The Engine Shed
Hear from Historic Environment Scotland experts on how to source and select stone for repairs, improve energy efficiency in traditional buildings and receive an introduction to digital documentation. Run in conjunction with the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. This event is free, but booking is essential.
The Damp in Buildings Masterclass
Date & time: 6 September 2019; 09.30 – 16.30.
Venue: Charlestown Workshops, Fife
Cost: £190 + vat …… Remember if you are a BLF, IHBC, RIBA or RIAS member you are eligible for 20% discount on this seminar. Please just give us a call with your member number.
We are pleased to welcome back Mike Parrett, one of the world’s leading building pathologists and co-author of the RICS’ bestselling book ‘Diagnosing Damp’, recognised as the primary reference work on dampness in buildings.
Vacancies
Engagement Manager
The National Lottery Heritage Fund is recruiting for a full time Engagement Manager on a permanent contract based in Scotland.
The closing date for applications is Midnight 12 July 2019.
Project Officer (Journal Editor)
Archaeology Scotland is seeking a Project Officer for its Discovery and Excavation in Scotland journal.
Closing Date for Applications: Sunday 14th July at 12 midnight.
Traditional Buildings Inspector
Stirling City Heritage Trust are looking for a new inspector to join our Traditional Buildings Health Check team.
The closing date is Monday 15 July 2019.
Parks Endowment Communication Manager
greenspace scotland is looking for an experienced communications and marketing manager (employed or freelance role) to lead the public facing phase of our exciting programme to develop an Endowment Fund for Scotland’s parks.
Closing date: Mon 29 July.
Green Health Programme Manager (Lothians)
greenspace scotland is recruiting a Programme Manager to lead and support delivery of the Lothians Green Health Strategy.
Closing date: 29 July 2019.
Scottish Land Commission Internship
Scottish Land Commission are looking for an intern to research and develop at least two innovative community funding models for the Scottish context.
Deadline for applications: 29 July 2019.
Get The Latest Built Environment News, Events, Vacancies, Consultations And Publications In Our News Bulletin.
BEFS News
The final vote on the Planning (Scotland) Bill took place on 20th June 2019 after 3 days of vigorous debate. The Bill passed 78:26, supported by the SNP and Conservative MSPs, with Labour, Liberal and Green Party members voting against. All Amendments, with the decisions made in each case, can be found in the document, here. One week on, BEFS Director Euan Leitch, reflects on responses to the Bill.
Prior to the debates, BEFS issued a Stage 3 briefing for MSPs, based on previous work by the Planning Taskforce and comments in relation to refreshed and new topics of interest to BEFS Membership.
The Scottish Parliament debated a motion on the recommendations of the Working Group on Tenement Maintenance yesterday. MSPs recognised that the issue needs addressed and Kevin Stewart, Minister for Local Government, Planning and Housing, has committed to a substantive response from the Scottish Government to the recommendations in the autumn. The consensual, non-partisan nature of the working group was recognised by all side in the Chamber and appreciation of the hard work of the stakeholders acknowledged. Watch the full debate here or read the transcript.
BEFS responded to the Scottish Government’s Energy Efficient Scotland consultation. The response highlights the importance of accurate EPC ratings for all buildings, the necessary time needed for the skills-supply chain to be in place, and the necessity for education around behaviour change. It also highlights the need for mandatory adaptations to truly enable holistic, substantial and significant change. BEFS sits on the Short Life Working Group in relation to this area.
BEFS also responded to Historic Environment Scotland’s Climate Change & Environmental Action Plan Consultation. BEFS response was in the form of a workshop report compiled after a recent Historic Environment Working Group (HEWG) meeting, which explored the questions raised with BEFS Members. The ‘actions’ in the current plan were thought to tend more towards achievable than ambitious goals. Respondents raised whether this was enough given the declared climate crisis.
Have you submitted your project as a best practice case study for our data base and the next Our Place in Time (OPiT) performance report? Deadline for submissions is 26th July.
RTPI President Ian Tant shares his impressions of his recent visit to Scotland in this week’s blog: Awards, beliefs & communities in Scottish planning.
Save the date! The Climate Heritage Network Global Launch is taking place in Edinburgh in October. Find out more about the aims of the network and the launch event here.
Finally, don’t miss Edinburgh Traditional Building Forum (ETBF) and partners at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The 11 events in August range from traditional building skills demonstrations to maintenance and energy efficiency seminars.
Consultations
Consultation on the Right to Buy Land to Further Sustainable Development
Opened 26 Jun 2019 and closes 19 Sep 2019.
Consultation on the Enhanced Heating Regimes within the new definition of Fuel Poverty
Opened 24 Jun 2019 and closes 16 Aug 2019.
The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (Scotland) Regulations 2019
Opened 17 Jun 2019 and closes 13 Sep 2019.
Forestry and Land Scotland Corporate Plan – Consultation
Closes 5 Jul 2019.
Consultation on adding new categories to the definition of a House in Multiple Occupation
Closes 8 Jul 2019.
Strengthening Fire Safety for High Rise Domestic Buildings
Closes 17 Jul 2019.
Short-Term Lets: Consultation
Closes 19 Jul 2019.
Building a safer future: proposals for reform of the building safety regulatory system
Closes 31 July 2019.
Proposed Fair Rents (Scotland) Bill
Consultation closes on 6 August 2019.
Consultation Responses
Publications
TThe Practice of Kindness: Learning from the Kindness Innovation Network and North Ayrshire (Carnegie UK Trust 25/06/19)
Planning (Scotland) Bill [AS PASSED] (SP 20/16/19)
Backing the Bedrock – Five Heritage Fiscal & Funding Priorities 2019 (THA 20/06/19)
Referendums (Scotland) Bill – SPICe Briefing (SPICe 19/06/19)
The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (Scotland) Regulations 2019: guidance (SG 17/06/19)
Rent affordability in the affordable housing sector: literature review (SG 17/06/19)
Game of Homes: The rise of multiple property ownership in Great Britain (RF 15/06/19)
Update on current workstreams: Chief Planner letter (SG 14/06/19)
Marshalled List of Amendments selected for Stage 3 – Planning (Scotland) Bill (SP 13/06/19)
Scottish Government News Releases
Tackling climate change (SG 24/06/19)
The Scottish Government has committed significant funding to help repair and restore Scotland’s peatland areas, which store around 1600 million tonnes of carbon.
Culture to strengthen Scotland’s global links (SG 23/06/19)
The unifying power of culture will be used to emphasise Scotland’s global connections in the face of Brexit.
Communities given more say in planning (SG 20/06/19)
Communities will have more say in shaping the future development of their areas in a radical shake-up of planning laws.
The Big Climate Conversation (SG 19/06/19)
A nationwide conversation to discuss action to tackle the global climate emergency will take place in Scotland this summer, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed.
Household numbers continue to rise (SG 18/06/19)
The number of households in Scotland has continued to increase to 2.48 million in 2018, according to figures published today by National Records of Scotland (NRS).
Young people and families helped to buy their own homes (SG 18/06/19)
More than 30,000 households have been helped to buy their home through Scottish Government support schemes since 2007.
International Creative Ambition Programme (SG 14/06/19)
Scotland’s cultural links around the world will be strengthened thanks to Scottish Government investment of £150,000.
News Releases
Public asked which significant Scots should be recognised (HES 25/06/19)
Nominations have opened for this year’s national Commemorative Plaque scheme, it was announced today (25 June 2019).
Edinburgh’s tourism industry urged to act to avoid ‘backlash’ (Scotsman 25/06/19)
An official report on the future of tourism in Edinburgh has urged industry leaders to encourage visitors to leave the city to help ease the impact of its “growing pains” amid warnings it is running the risk of a “backlash” from residents
Toads, Romans, Railways and Inverkeithing (Herald 25/06/19)
Toads, railways and a museum dedicated to Roman history in Scotland have received more than £3m from the National Lottery.
Thousands of long-term empty homes brought back to life under Scottish scheme (Herald, 24/06/19)
Hundreds of empty homes are now being brought back into use in an effort to breathe fresh life into fragile and rural communities.
Scotland set for ‘more inclusive and collaborative’ planning system as MSPs back ‘radical’ reforms (SHN 21/06/19)
Planning minister Kevin Stewart said communities will have more say in shaping the future development of their areas after MSPs agreed to a “radical shake-up” of planning laws.
British Council & Heritage Alliance Travel Grant Scheme (THA 20/06/19)
The Heritage Alliance, in partnership with the British Council, is offering a second round of travel grants for heritage professionals to develop mutually beneficial international projects and partnerships for their organisations.
Public Choice Award (EN 20/06/19)
Vote for the 2019 European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards.
Launch of £100 million Heritage Horizon Awards (NLHF 19/06/19)
The Heritage Horizon Awards will invest £100million over the next three years in ambitious, innovative and transformational projects that will revolutionise UK heritage.
Paris Wants to Grow ‘Urban Forests’ at Famous Landmarks (CityLab 19/06/19)
The city plans to fill some small but treasured sites with trees—a climate strategy that may also change the way Paris frames its architectural heritage.
7 Most Endangered programme 2020 (EN 19/06/19)
If you know of an important heritage site in Europe that is endangered – such as a historic monument or archaeological site, a place of worship, an industrial complex, a historic park, a museum or a movable heritage asset, nominate it for the 7 Most Endangered programme 2020.
FutureTown Design 2019: Open for Applications! (STP 19/06/19)
What changes would you like to see in your town or city neighbourhood? Share your vision in this innovative national competition!
National Trust and National Lottery team up for Future Parks initiative (NLHF 17/06/19)
Eight towns and cities have been selected to take part in Future Parks, an £11million initiative that aims to secure the future of our urban parks and green spaces.
Europa Nostra and the Global Heritage Fund join forces through a transformational partnership (EN 14/06/19)
Europa Nostra and the Global Heritage Fund (based in San Francisco) are joining forces to support the communities protecting endangered cultural heritage, initially in Europe, and eventually around the world.
Scottish Government appoints Indigo House to research short-term lets (SHN 13/06/19)
The Scottish Government has commissioned consultancy firm Indigo House to undertake research into the positive and negative impacts of short-term lets.
National Trust awarded Independent Research Organisation status (NT 06/06/19)
The National Trust has been awarded Independent Research Organisation (IRO) status enabling it to collaborate further with researchers across culture, history and the natural environment.
Opinion & Comment
Scotland’s Planning Bill – who will “frontloading” work for? (Cliff Hague, 21/06/19)
Democracy Versus the Climate? (RSA 21/06/19)
Introduction of statutory Chief Planning Officers welcomed by RTPI Scotland (RTPI Scotland 20/06/19)
What’s Wrong With Modern Buildings? Everything, Starting With How They’re Made (Bloomberg 19/06/19)
Planning (Scotland) Bill Stage 3 (Tammy Swift-Adams, Homes for Scotland 18/06/19)
‘Historic’ opportunity for planning reform but more funding needed (RTPI Scotland 18/06/19)
Architects Declare is a remarkable call-to-arms on climate change (Hattie Hartman, AJ 30/05/19)
Parliamentary Questions
Questions marked with a triangle (?) are initiated by the Scottish Government in order to facilitate the provision of information to the Parliament.Questions in which a member has indicated a declarable interest are marked with an “R”.
Question S5W-23989: Alex Cole-Hamilton, Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats, Date Lodged: 24/06/2019
To ask the Scottish Government what progress it is making with its commitment to deliver 50,000 affordable homes in the current parliamentary session.
Parliamentary Questions & Answers
Questions marked with a triangle (?) are initiated by the Government in order to facilitate the provision of information to the Parliament.
Question S5W-23544: John Finnie, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Green Party, Date Lodged: 30/05/2019
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of it declaring a climate emergency and committing to review all its policies, how long it expects this assessment to take and for action to be taken to ensure that coastal communities in the Western Isles are adequately protected.
Answered by Roseanna Cunningham (07/06/2019)
Motions
Motion S5M-17892: Kevin Stewart, Aberdeen Central, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 24/06/2019
Working Group on Tenement Maintenance
That the Parliament appreciates the work of the Working Group on Maintenance of Tenement Scheme Property and the publication of its Final Recommendations Report; acknowledges that the group had cross-party representation and has gathered views from across the Parliament and that of the housing sector; notes that the report acknowledges the important action that has already been taken to improve the condition of Scottish tenements; recognises the challenges that must be met to ensure that Scotland’s housing stock can continue to provide safe and sustainable homes for the future, and believes that the group’s recommendations merit serious and careful consideration.
Supported by: Andy Wightman, Aileen Campbell, Graham Simpson, John Mason.
Read the full debate in Chamber on 26/06/2019.
Events
For the latest information about BEFS Members’ events see our events calendar.
Scotland 2030: A Sustainable Future for Urban Scotland
Date & time: Wednesday 26 June, 6pm to 8pm.
Venue: The Scottish Parliament.
Life in Scotland’s towns and cities is forecast to change significantly in the coming decades. Cities are set to continue to grow, facing the challenge of providing housing and services for new populations, while the role and place of towns in Scotland remains uncertain as traditional high streets disappear and services are increasingly centralised. Join an expert panel to consider how we can build a sustainable future for urban Scotland, putting communities at the heart of regeneration.
Meet the Makers – Traditional Craftsmanship in the Modern World
Date& time: 2nd July 6pm.
Venue: 54 Bell Street.
Think masters, journeymen, and travelling apprentices in ancient crafts are a thing of the past? Welcome to the world of the French Compagnons, an ancient traditional still very much alive… And we’ve brought them to Glasgow! Traditional travelling apprenticeships are still very much alive, with thousands of craftspeople travelling around Europe every year honing and sharing their skills. In France they are called compagnons, an ancient tradition that still produces master craftspeople who make art, furniture, and buildings we use and cherish. Glasgow City Heritage Trust is pleased to welcome three traditional craftspeople in the French compagnon tradition, who will speak to us about craft, tradition, and the unbelievable journey taken in the pursuit of craft mastery. This event, for enthusiasts as well as students and craftspeople, aims to inspire enthusiasm for studying and honing traditional building crafts.
End of the Line: Photographs of Glasgow by John R Hume
Date & time: Friday June 28th, 6pm-8pm.
Venue: GCHT, 54 Bell St, Glasgow, G1 1LQ.
John R Hume first started documenting Glasgow’s industrial buildings in 1964. Wandering the city by bicycle, he was determined to get images of as many of the city’s decaying industrial buildings as possible before they disappeared. He was just in time. The photographs in End of the Line represent the enormity of the loss of Glasgow’s industrial heritage since the 1960s and 1970s. They shed a light on Glasgow’s industrial decline as the buildings fell in to gradual disuse and were demolished.
Training
Practical CPD: Stone Cleaning
Date & time: 24th July 12:30-1:30
Venue: CBC Stone 119 Whitefield Rd, Glasgow.
Cleaning stone buildings can be a double-edged sword: It can bring beauty and elegance to facades and streetscapes, but it also can have disastrous unintended consequences if the wrong materials or techniques are used. Graeme Frame, director of CBC Stone and member of the national Stone Federation, will cover the appropriate and inappropriate applications of different stone cleaning methods. At CBC Stone’s premises near Govan, participants will learn through a combination of lecture and hands-on activity, testing and trying different methods out in the stone yard. This session will be valuable to enthusiasts and homeowners, as well as to professionals. Please note: This practical CPD session will take place off-site, at 119 Whitehill Rd. Light lunch and all PPE will be provided. Please wear close-toed shoes. All GCHT CPD sessions are recognised by the IHBC, and attendees can obtain a CPD certificate upon completion. £20 per person /£15 for students, including light lunch and PPE
Claim that funding!
Date & time: Wednesday 28th August, 9.30am – 4pm
Venue: The Acorn Centre, Inverurie.
Full Cost Recovery and Measuring Impact – two of the most challenging areas of a built heritage project. Join us for training in both topics from Pamela Redpath and come armed with any queries that you would like answered! We will also hear from local heritage case studies, including the team at the Garioch Heritage Centre, whilst making sure that there is plenty of time for attendees to network, problem solve and share their news. This is a joint event run by the Heritage Trust Network and the Scottish Civic Trust.
Vacancies
Traditional Buildings Inspector
Stirling City Heritage Trust are looking for a new inspector to join our Traditional Buildings Health Check team.
The closing date is Monday 15 July 2019.
Post-Brexit environmental governance in Scotland
LINK is currently seeking an individual (or organisation) to undertake a research project, on post-Brexit environmental governance in Scotland.
Deadline for tenders: 29 June 2019.
Professional Development (PD) Officer
The Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC) is seeking a Professional Development (PD) Officer to operate across all their UK-based branches.
Closing Date: Monday 8 July 2019.
Scottish Land Commission Internship
Scottish Land Commission are looking for an intern to research and develop at least two innovative community funding models for the Scottish context.
Deadline for applications: 29 July 2019.
BEFS Director, Euan Leitch, reflects on responses to the Planning (Scotland) Bill since it was passed.
It has been a week since the Planning (Scotland) Bill was passed, after 3½ years of intensive activity across professional organisations, third sector groups and communities. When the “root and branch” review of the planning system was announced for the Scottish Government’s programme in 2015 it had the following aims:
- Ensure that planning realises its full potential, unlocking land and sites, supporting more quality housing across all tenures and delivering the infrastructure required to support development.
- Streamline, simplify and improve current systems and remove unnecessary blockages in the decision-making process.
- Ensure that communities are more engaged in the process.
- Continue to meet our statutory and international obligations in protecting and enhancing Scotland’s nature and environment.
Has the Bill achieved those aims? On the evidence of the Bill alone, it seems doubtful and most commentators await secondary legislation.
There have been very few press releases to date (or at least published) and most positive comments are in response to individual aspects of the Bill. RTPI Scotland welcome the introduction of Chief Planning Officers and retention of regional spatial strategies but question the availability of funding new aspects – Local Place Plans and Mediation? Calum Macleod of Community Land Scotland welcomes parts of the Bill that address rural repopulation. The BBC provided a summary of the Bill, as did CommonSpace and Lesley Riddoch covered aspects in a podcast, but complained that no national newspaper was interested enough in planning to publish a piece on it. Cliff Hague has offered perhaps the most detailed analysis and comment. Neil Collar of Brodies’ summation concludes that while not a reforming piece of legislation, “useful conversations have been started”.
Anderson Strathearn held a breakfast seminar yesterday primarily attended by the development industry with presentations from Lichfields, Gladman Land and Playfair Scotland. The consensus was relief at not totally losing regional spatial strategies, fears about losing influence in the gatecheck process for local development plans and further relief that land value capture had not been fully introduced. There was no strong conviction that it would result in the delivery of more housing or that local place plans or the introduction of mediation would satisfy community needs. While this sounds downbeat, it was more of a ‘phew’ that no new obstacles had been introduced, and the defeat of third party right of appeal, described as a “victory” for industry, with that being attributed to the successful lobbying of the Scottish Property Federation. One industry representative was more positive, citing the housing target being in the National Planning Framework as of benefit, but followed that by encouraging developers to “pretend to trust” planning authorities when engaging with them.
It is perhaps telling that there is little comment on the Bill as a whole, just praise for individual aspects reflecting a particular interest or disappointment that certain amendments were voted down. What is notably absent is any community group recognising greatly improved engagement as a result.
Perhaps the blueprint for a streamlined and more engaging process will be revealed in secondary legislation, although as observed by Alastair Mckie yesterday, they may well be mutually exclusive goals. Secondary legislation was the answer to many questions as the Bill proceeded though committees at Stage 2 – will it be jam tomorrow?
Postscript: commentary has subsequently been published by Planning Democracy, Scottish Green Infrastructure Forum and Heads of Planning Scotland. 09 July 2019
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RTPI President Ian Tant shares his impressions of his recent visit to Scotland.
Originally publish on the RTPI website on 25 June 2019
On a sunny midsummer morning, there are few more dramatic sights than that of approaching Stirling with the Castle sparkling above and the Highlands gleaming in the background. The view from Dumyat Path in the Ochil Hills is equally stirring, stretching across the city from the Highlands in the west to the Forth and Grangemouth in the east.
Stirling Enhanced Landscape Mitigation Project
It’s into this spectacular landscape that Scottish Power Energy Networks had the task of inserting a major power line on 604 high towers. How to mitigate its impact on the landscape? The identified solution was a progressive programme of engagement with the nine local communities.
Ideas were drawn up with each of the community groups, leading to tree and woodland planting in some areas and improved access in others, such as new paths and cycleways and footpath improvements. Connecting places and improving accessibility were seen as a key priority in all the communities.
At Dumyat Path, the project has involved a new car park, rebuilding several kilometres of dry stone wall, and footpath enhancements on the hillside. It’s little wonder then that the Stirling Enhanced Landscape Mitigation Project won this year’s RTPI award for Excellence in Planning for the Natural Environment.
Dargavel Village – excellence in large housing delivery
Equally impressive is Dargavel Village, winner of the Large Housing category at the Awards. Occupying 964 hectares of a former Royal Ordnance Factory on the edge of Bishopton, the village is developed according to a masterplan and design guides produced through partnership working between the owners, BAe Systems, Renfrewshire Council and the local community. The result is a truly high quality development that makes a major contribution to meeting housing needs of the area and regenerating a major derelict site.
But it has also taken perseverance in the face of challenging economic circumstances and serious contamination issues for the scheme to be delivered.
Over 1,000 of the 4,000 homes have been built and a new village centre is nearing completion close to Bishopton railway station, one of the key links between the existing and new villages.
Innovation is playing its part too. Taylor Wimpey have chosen Dargavel for the company’s Project 2020 scheme – new architect-designed homes meeting a brief set by customer survey and incorporating modern methods of construction, flexible interior layouts and low-carbon energy systems that look ahead to the zero net carbon target.
My visit to the Scottish Parliament coincided with the chance to witness the passing of the new Planning Bill, a major reform of the Scottish Planning System.
Containing many positive provisions including the statutory requirement for Chief Planning Officers, the Bill has proven controversial with the passion behind the debates highlighting the importance of planning to the politicians and communities of Scotland.
Excellence in planning for health and well being
Communities lie at the heart of the Cuningar Loop Woodland Park, winner of the RTPI Planning Excellence Award for Health and Wellbeing. Here, the Clyde Gateway Urban Regeneration Company has worked closely with South Lanarkshire District and Glasgow City Councils, the Forestry Commission and local communities to deliver a country park right alongside the East End of Glasgow.
The park stands on what was wasteland – literally, in that the ground is filled with rubble (and worse) overspilling from the city. Masonry blocks come to the surface and are reused as sculptural features. A new footbridge over the Clyde links the former Commonwealth Games athletes village, now converted to homes for the local community, to the footpaths, riverside boardwalks and open spaces of the park.
Whilst holding firm to a vision of a place that could improve health and wellbeing, Clyde Gateway planners have shown that adaptivity is an important part of the planners’ toolkit. The park continues to develop, with new features planned and exploration for ground-source heat underway in a corner of the site.
Dundee Waterfront
Finally, all credit for the award-winning Dundee Waterfront development lies firmly with the planners and councillors of the City Council, who have worked hard to instil belief and confidence in the reshaping of this former industrial area. The use of digital technology has been at the heart of public engagement over the masterplan and proposals.
The exciting new building of the V&A Dundee provides an inspiring centrepiece to new public realm and there is huge optimism that new hotels and offices are on their way to complete this important regeneration project.
Planning lies front and centre in each of the impressive RTPI award-winning schemes, demonstrating yet again the vision, leadership, community engagement, determination and adaptability of our important profession.
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BEFS Policy Lead provides a brief and concise overview of Stage 3 amendments to the Planning (Scotland) Bill.
It is now confirmed that Stage 3 debates on the Bill will take place in the Scottish Parliament on 18, 19 June with the final decision potentially being made on 20 June 2019. All documentation can be found on the Bill’s page.
Stage 3 has proven to be as complex and ‘guddle’ making as Stage 2. The below is the very briefest of overviews – highlighting only a few of the changes which had previously been discussed by the BEFS Planning Taskforce. A full document of Stage 3 Amendments is linked here, and details of past work can be found on BEFS Planning page.
Many changes have been made along the way – with new roles suggested for Planning Improvement Coordinator and a person to assess Planning Authority/Authorities performance, but no further detail provided on the Chief Planning Officer role.
A purpose for planning has been reduced somewhat, and perhaps points more at the pragmatic housing delivery need expressed than the wider aspiration for planning (such as the UN-SDGs of New Urban Agenda).
The National Planning Framework has been through two iterations at Stage 3 alone, with multiple amendments expanding the reach in terms of policies referred to, and consultees needed. The second iteration added the need to meet any targets relating the reduction of emissions of greenhouse gases – which given the declared climate emergency feels like a step in an appropriate direction.
Strategic Development Plans have been removed (again) and replaced with Regional Spatial Strategies.
The Local Development Plan has also been through multiple changes. The formation of such plans no-longer includes children and young people, community engagement requirements appear to have been reduced in relations to responsibilities placed upon planning authorities, cultural zones have been removed and the agent of change principle remains in flux as Stage 3 amendments both remove, and return it in various forms.
What has been removed for LDPs, also seem to apply in part to the Local Place Plans – where there is no duty to provide assistance to communities in forming a LPP. There is also the addition of the community to ‘identify land and buildings that the community body considers to be of particular significance to the local area’. Perhaps giving the opportunity to form a sort ‘local list’.
Land Value Capture has morphed into the potential for Land Value Sharing. (Recent Scottish Land Commission recommendations can be found here.)
Rights of Appeal, on which BEFS did not take a stance, have several variations at Stage 3.
Training for Planning Authorities has been put back in at Stage 3.
New topics have also come to the fore:
- Mediation
- Annual Reporting for Planning Authorities (as well as the new roles mentioned previously)
- Forestry/Ramsar and Biodiversity Amendments – as well as renewable energy, cycling facilities and small scale renewables.
BEFS will be preparing a briefing for MSPs based on previous work, and new comments from the Planning Taskforce and looks forward to what may well be a lively few days of debate.
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Get The Latest Built Environment News, Events, Vacancies, Consultations And Publications In Our News Bulletin.
BEFS News
The Scottish Parliamentary cross-party Working Group for Tenement Maintenance, of which BEFS and RICS are the secretariat, has published its report of recommendations. The report calls for regular building inspections, the establishment of compulsory owners’ associations and Building Reserve Funds to be written into legislation to protect the future of Scotland’s tenement buildings. More information and the full report can be found here.
We are looking for case studies of projects or initiatives undertaken between April 2018 and March 2019. Your project could feature in our Historic Environment Case Studies database and be linked to the Our Place in Time (OPiT) performance report 2019. This is an opportunity for you to showcase your work within the national strategy for the historic environment, contributing to the case for continued government support for the sector. Further information on what we are looking for and how to submit your project here.
The Engine Shed is Scotland’s dedicated building conservation centre. Part of Historic Environment Scotland, it serves as a central hub for building and conservation professionals and the general public. Complete this short survey to inform an evaluation of the delivery of activities to date and to share your views on priorities for the future.
The Scottish Government have published a version of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 showing how it would look if the amendments to the Planning (Scotland) Bill were accepted. It is also now confirmed that stage 3 debates on the Bill will take place in the Scottish Parliament on 18, 19 and 20 June 2019. BEFS Policy Lead provides a brief and concise overview of Stage 3 amendments.
Young Placechangers – last chance to get your Idea funded! The final deadline for the Young Ideas Fund is 21st June. Groups can apply for up to £3000 to involve their local community to develop their idea and deliver changes on the ground. So, if you are between 12-25 years old or support/work with young people and you have an idea to how to change your local place for the better, now is the time to put pen to paper.
The 2019 SURF Awards for Best Practice in Community Regeneration, in partnership with the Scottish Government, are now open for applications. The SURF Awards are widely recognised as the most prestigious in the field of Scottish community regeneration. This year, there are five categories of entry: Scotland’s Most Improved Place; Housing and Regeneration; Creative Regeneration; Supporting Youth Employability and Community Led Regeneration.
The Edinburgh Traditional Building Forum will be delivering a traditional building skills demonstration during this year’s Royal Highland Show at the end of the month.
The Architecture Fringe 2019 is now in full swing. Check out their fantastic programme of events.
Consultations
A consultation on proposals to designate four Marine Protected Areas in Scottish waters
Opened 7 Jun 2019 and closes 30 Aug 2019.
Building a safer future: proposals for reform of the building safety regulatory system
Opened 6 June. Closes 31 July 2019.
Energy Efficient Scotland: Consultation
Closes 17 Jun 2019.
The future of low carbon heat for off gas buildings: a call for evidence
Closes 17 Jun 2019.
Climate Change and Environmental Action Plan 2019-24
This HES consultation will close at 12pm on Wednesday 19 June.
Forestry and Land Scotland Corporate Plan – Consultation
Closes 5 Jul 2019.
Consultation on adding new categories to the definition of a House in Multiple Occupation
Closes 8 Jul 2019.
Strengthening Fire Safety for High Rise Domestic Buildings
Closes 17 Jul 2019.
Short-Term Lets: Consultation
Closes 19 Jul 2019.
A Scottish Government consultation on Implementation of the Gender Representation on Public Boards (Scotland) Act 2018
Closes 4 Aug 2019.
Proposed Fair Rents (Scotland) Bill
Consultation closes on 6 August 2019.
Publications
Heritage and Immigration Brexit Briefing Update (THA 06/06/19)
Archaeology and Immigration – Position Statement Briefing (CIfA 05/19)
High Streets in Great Britain (Office for National Stats 06/06/19)
OS data supports Britain’s high streets – Interactive Map (OS 06/06/19)
Planning Bill stage 3: proposed amendments (SG 31/05/19)
Scottish climate change adaptation programme: progress report 2019 (SG 31/05/19)
Brexit Update – Breifing (SPICe 30/05/19)
Empty Housing (England) – Briefing (HoC 29/05/19)
Adapting European Cities to Population Ageing: Policy challenges and best practices (EPSON 04/19)
Scottish Government News Releases
New Bill to lift households out of fuel poverty (SG 11/06/19)
The Fuel Poverty Bill enshrines in law the Scottish Government’s commitment to tackle the root causes of fuel poverty and transform homes to be warmer and more energy-efficient.
Number of new build homes completed tops 20,000 for the first time in a decade (SG 11/06/19)
There were 20,255 new build homes completed across all sectors over the year ending December 2018, an increase of 15% on the previous year, and the highest number of annual completions since 2008.
More affordable homes completed (SG 11/06/19)
The Scottish Government is on track to hit its ambitious target of 50,000 affordable homes by 2021.
Rural skills plan (SG 10/06/19)
A new strategic approach to support the skills needs of rural Scotland has been launched.
Rural tourism investment (SG 06/06/19)
Projects to benefit from a share of nearly £2.9 million. Some of Scotland’s most iconic, rural and island tourist sites will receive funding for new facilities to further enhance the experience of visitors.
News Releases
Saltire Society Housing Design Awards 2019 (SSS 11/06/19)
The Saltire Society Housing Design Awards have celebrated good housing made for the people of Scotland for over 80 years and we are pleased to announce the 2019 shortlist.
New partnership for Orkney’s World Heritage Site (HES 11/06/19)
An ambitious new partnership to shape the future direction for Orkney’s World Heritage Site has been unveiled today.
Planning system widening North-South wealth divide (Centre for Cities 11/06/19)
The restrictive planning system has made urban homeowners in the Greater South East more than £80,000 richer over the past six years than those elsewhere in England and Wales, Centre for Cities has found.
Celebrate landscapes greatest legacies at this year’s Landscape Institute Awards (LI 11/06/19)
2019 is the Landscape Institute’s 90th anniversary. Up from one open category last year, we now have three that are open to everyone – including the Landscape Legacy Award. There are also opportunities for leaders in the sector to join our judging panel.
Government plans new regulator for building safety (SCN 07/06/19)
The UK Government has proposed the creation of a new national regulator for building safety as part of a series of reforms in response to the Hackitt report.
Building excellence celebrated at FMB Scotland Awards (SCN 07/06/19)
High-quality building work, fantastic craftsmanship, exceptional customer service and building excellence were recognised last night the Federation of Master Builders’ Scotland Awards.
High streets in Great Britain – ONS & OS releases data analysis & interactive maps (ONS 06/06/19)
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) and Ordnance Survey (OS) have collaborated to identify high streets in Great Britain, what types of properties and businesses are on high streets as well as how the number of businesses and employment have changed in recent years.
Architecture on Shortage Occupation List (RIBA 06/05/19)
RIBA responds to MAC’s recommendation to add architecture to Shortage Occupation List (RIBA 06/05/
Clearer plans needed on climate change (SP 05/06/19)
Clearer plans are needed on how climate change will be addressed according to a new report issued today by Holyrood’s Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee.
100 miles of new paths celebrated across Scotland (SNH 05/06/19)
More than 100 miles of new and improved paths will be created across Scotland as part of a scheme to boost outdoor access.
My Place Mentoring (SCT 03/06/19)
We are delighted to be able to offer community groups across Scotland the opportunity to build their skills and capacity through our free mentoring programme.
RIAS Award Winners 2019 (RIAS 29/05/19)
The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) announced 10 winners for its 2019 Awards, representing the very best of current Scottish architecture.
Opinion & Comment
How we can make tourism work in Scotland (Herald 09/06/19)
Coming Soon…….more of the same? (Duncan Smith 07/06/19)
The role of heritage in uncertain times (NLHF 07/06/19)
SPAB Scotland working party (Lucy Stewart SPAB 29/05/19)
Parliamentary Questions
Questions marked with a triangle (?) are initiated by the Scottish Government in order to facilitate the provision of information to the Parliament.Questions in which a member has indicated a declarable interest are marked with an “R”.
Question S5W-23544: John Finnie, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Green Party, Date Lodged: 30/05/2019
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of it declaring a climate emergency and committing to review all its policies, how long it expects this assessment to take and for action to be taken to ensure that coastal communities in the Western Isles are adequately protected.
Other Parliamentary Activity
The Parliament has agreed the following parliamentary recess dates in 2019:
- 30 June to 1 September 2019 (inclusive)
- 12 to 27 October 2019 (inclusive)
- 21 December 2019 to 5 January 2020 (inclusive)
Events
For the latest information about BEFS Members’ events see our events calendar.
Gosford House Tour & Picnic
Date & time: 11am Saturday 15th June
Venue: Gosford House, Longniddry, East Lothian
Gosford House is an imposing neo-classical mansion which was one of the last great architectural commissions of the celebrated Scots architect, Robert Adam. Constructed for the seventh Earl of Wemyss, the building was completed in 1800 – eight years after the architect’s death – and is recognised as an outstanding example of the later period of his work. This private tour will be given by Lord Wemyss, and is a rare opportunity to hear first-hand from the owner about this splendid building.
Johnstone School Kirkcudbright
Date & time: 18 June, Tuesday, 18 June 2019 at 12:00PM – 2:00PM.
Venue: Cairndale Hotel, English Street, Dumfries DG1 2PF.
Don’t miss this fascinating presentation from Andrew Ward telling us about the Kirkcudbright Development Trust’s journey to secure ownership of Johnston School in Kirkcudbright and the plans for its future including developing it into a dark skies visitor centre and how Creetown Initiative took ownership of the Barholm Arms in Creetown and what they have done with it
Historic Environment Scotland kick off European Space Agency project
Date & time: Fri, 28 June 2019, 09:30 – 13:30.
Venue: The Engine Shed, Stirling.
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) kick off ESA Business Applications project to address challenges faced in managing / maintaining assets affected by coastal erosion, ground movement and climate change. Speakers will cover the challenges faced in managing and maintaining historically important assets and how they presently manage the situation. This will include an overview of technologies that are currently being used and how satellite capability may assist. An overview of the Engine Shed and importance of educational / school curriculum / showcase aspects will also be provided. The workshop will also provide an overview of the satellite and space market and why it is important to the Scottish and UK economy. Speakers from representatives of the Scottish Government and Scottish Centre of Excellence in Satellite Applications (SoXSA), The Bayes Centre, University of Edinburgh and the European Space Agency will provide an update on what is going on in this important sector.
Walter Scott’s Romantic Landscape : Abbotsford Gardens Study Day
Date & time: 27 July 2019, 11am – 4pm
Cost: £20.00 SGLH Members, £30 Non-members
Since 2014 Gardens Heritage Development Manager Pippa Coles has been overseeing the rehabilitation of the gardens and policies at Abbotsford. With Pippa as our guide for the day, we shall begin with a brief introduction, followed by an examination of the formal gardens and terraces surrounding the house. After lunch in the Ochiltrees Café, we shall explore the wider landscape created by Walter Scott as the setting for his romantic creation. This will be an opportunity to see work in progress, and to discuss the challenges of managing this iconic landscape. For further information or to book, please contact info@sglh.org
Training
Scotland Branch: Contemporary Design in Historic Places – case studies in Dunfermline
Date & time: 19 June – 10:00 – 16:00.
Venue: Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries, Abbot Street, Dunfermline, Fife KY12 7NL.
IHBC Scotland Branch 2019 CPD Training, jointly with Fife Council, takes the theme of contemporary design in historic places. Case studies in Dunfermline will stimulate discussion on issues that IHBC members regularly face in the adaptation of old buildings into new uses; the contemporary alteration or extension of a historic building.
An introduction to dendrochronology in Scottish archaeology, buildings and landscapes
Date: 20 June
Location: Dalkeith
The day will introduce you to the principles and techniques involved in using dendrochronology to date and investigate archaeological sites and historic buildings, using mainly Scottish examples. This will help participants recognise when dendrochronology could be applicable in their projects.
A presentation and practical session in the morning will be followed by a related site visit in the afternoon. This workshop will suit professional archaeologists, students of archaeology and interested individuals from other walks of life.
Vacancies
City Mills Development Officer
Perth & Kinross Heritage Trust are seeking an enthusiastic and driven historic buildings conservation professional to join their team.
Closing date: 5pm on Thursday 13 June 2019.
Professional Development (PD) Officer
The Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC) is seeking a Professional Development (PD) Officer to operate across all their UK-based branches.
Closing Date: Monday 8 July 2019.
Submit your project as a best practice case study to illustrate the breadth of activity undertaken in the historic environment in Scotland.
We are looking for case studies of projects or initiatives undertaken between April 2018 and March 2019.
Your project would feature in our Historic Environment Case Studies database and be linked to the Our Place in Time (OPiT) performance report 2019. This is an opportunity for you to showcase your work within the national strategy for the historic environment, contributing to the case for continued government support for the sector.
We would be particularly interested in submissions that demonstrate evidence of the following OPIT Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):
- KPI 2 (CO2 emission reduction)
- KPI 3 (informed decision making – evidence that historic environment evidence informs priorities)
- KPI 4 (leadership and shared working – evidence of an increase in joined up working on strategic investment across public, private and voluntary sectors)
- KPI 8 (Effective and proportionate protection and regulation – evidence that the outcomes of management, including designation, reflects what people value)
- KPI 10 (Ensuring capacity – evidence of improved capacity by supporting communities through community empowerment and engagement)
Please submit your case study via the link below by Friday 26 July 2019.
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BACK
A report is calling for regular building inspections, the establishment of compulsory owners’ associations and Building Reserve Funds to be written into legislation to protect the future of Scotland’s tenement buildings.
The report has been published by the Working Group on Maintenance of Tenement Scheme Property, of which BEFS and RICS are the secretariats. The Working Group was established in March 2018 and is comprised of sector experts and MSPs from all parliamentary parties. In January 2019, the group published its interim recommendations report and then formally discussed stakeholder and public responses to the report, which were received via consultation. The Working Group on Maintenance of Tenement Scheme Property Final Recommendations Report was published on Tuesday 4 June.
The Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning, Kevin Stewart MSP, said:
“This report brings together views from across the Scottish Parliament and housing stakeholders, and its recommendations merit serious and careful consideration.
“We welcome that it acknowledges the important action we have already taken to improve the condition of Scottish tenements, and recognises the challenges that must be met to ensure that our housing stock can continue to provide safe and sustainable homes for the future.”
Recommendations cover three areas: building inspections, owners’ associations and Building Reserve Funds, and how these aspects could function and be implemented.
- The “scheme property” of all tenements should be inspected every five years with a report prepared that will be publicly available to existing or prospective owners and tenants, neighbours and policy makers.
- Establishing compulsory owners’ associations are an essential element of tenement maintenance by providing leadership, effective decision-making processes and the ability for groups to enter into contracts.
- Building Reserve Fund (BRF) should be set up, with funds used for maintenance – as defined in Schedule 1 of the 2004 Act – including repairs and replacement, the installation of insulation, cleaning, gardening, painting and other routine works, the day to day running of a tenement and the reinstatement of a part (but not most) of the tenement.
Shadow housing and planning minister, Graham Simpson MSP, said:
“The final report from the Working Group on Tenement Maintenance is the result of hard work and dedication to this matter. We set out, knowing there is a ticking timebomb on building maintenance across the country.
“We have produced a timely report with some challenging recommendations, but government can be assured that there is cross-party and cross-sector support for what we are suggesting.
“This report is not the end of the road though and we hope the Scottish Government will take up our final recommendations and put in place practices to help keep tenements safe, energy efficient and well maintained.
“I would like to thank all members for their contributions and I look forward to seeing our hard work become policy and practice, improving the lives of the people living in tenements across Scotland.”
The issue of tenement maintenance has grown in prominence in Holyrood, with cross-party support for action to make changes to existing legislation and practice. Numerous debates have taken place in the chamber over the last 18 months; the first of which led to the establishment of the Working Group.
Hew Edgar, RICS Interim Head of Policy, commented:
“Following the publication of the interim recommendations report in January, the group has consulted widely on the three recommendations – through cross-party working and extensive stakeholder engagement – and updated the final recommendations based on feedback received.
“The recommendations are interlinked, and while each recommendation has its own benefits, the required transformative change to improve the fabric of Scotland’s tenement property can only arise through the implementation of all three.”
“RICS welcomes all recommendations within the report and we will continue to work with the Working Group, Government and interested parties to help implement these robust solutions to help future proof Scotland’s historic residential property.”
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