BEFS Policy & Advocacy Officer, Ailsa Macfarlane reflects on the ‘Scotland at a Crossroads, Heritage Past and Futures’ Symposium
Symposium – Intercultural Research Centre, Heriot Watt – 13 March 2019
Scotland, the United Kingdom and Europe find themselves at a cross-roads. Perhaps it wouldn’t be presumptuous to say that a cross-roads is almost too straightforward for the juncture we are now at, politically and perhaps even emotionally. At the Heriot Watt event (detailed above) academics and researchers explored the personal and the political in relation to heritage. Many aspects were covered and I highly recommend that those interested explore the link above where presentations from the day will be posted in due course.
Dr Gina Netto explored what heritage is – how it is defined, how it is expressed and experienced. And how migration is represented, albeit selectively, within heritage expression. Scotland’s heritage is often, too often, represented by our built environment.
This raised questions of language – does our reliance on ‘heritage’ and the historic environment (as defined via our national policies) rather than ‘cultural heritage’, by necessity become exclusionary? Are we pushing the people out of our stories?
The scene set, we heard two more personal perspective on belonging, (longing to be, Dr Lina Fadel) and the choice, or imposition of belonging. Dr Katerina Strani brought us into the world of multicultural citizenship and the importance of interculturalism as helping to form cohesive civil societies through the notion of multiple identities. The salad bowl, rather than the melting pot.
Scotland was seen as a positive example – New Scots are being welcomed, multilingualism is championed (Gaelic, BSL), migrants are normalised into the dominant publics. And to an extent this is amplified by Brexit – Scotland is defining itself in relation to another, less inclusive seeming other. However, Dr Emma Hill highlighted the discourse of the ‘New Scot’ as often unrelated to length of settlement/time in a place – and how this manifested in relation to Glasgow’s decades old Somali community.
Our keynote came from Dr Tuuli Lähdesmäki – Europe at a Crossroads. Cultural Heritage in the Creation of a European Narrative.
Culture as a tool of European creation and inclusion, or exclusion. Propaganda of the past, but also for the future. A single European-ness being central to a comprehensible European ideal. A shared ‘European identify’ which helps to bring cohesion – but excludes ideas of both nationality and aspects of the past which don’t contribute positively to the ideals for the future. The new European Heritage Label highlighting shared, yet diverse, heritages; increasing the politicisation of heritage – providing (sometimes spurious) parallels between the past and a shared political future. Heritage is a tool with diverse purposes – this is politics of scale; the sub-national example becoming the supra-national ideal.
The second session expanded on challenges, and echoed some of the questions raised around the Prioritisation work on which BEFS has been leading. Dr Jennie Morgan spoke of the profusion predicament and needing breadth for our future heritages. If 90% of museums’ collections are in stores – what are we seeing and ‘saving’ as representative of our pasts? New ways of thinking, unsettling the taken-for-granted assumptions and embracing a social inclusion agenda can give us some inroads into our future cultural heritage.
Catherine McCullagh’s ongoing research highlighted the perils of heritage professionals who may find themselves as gate-keepers of sentimental ideas; ideas which may not chime with communities’ own ideas of heritage, living or otherwise.
New approaches to living heritage are not without challenges: intangible cultural heritage (ICH) unchallenged, unexamined – with the potential to offend, commercialised (by accident or design). This ‘dark’ side was explored by Prof Alison McCleery – asking us to question ownership, notions of authenticity and conformity. Our behaviours and culture can adapt and change, but we need the confidence to question what is presented. Prof McCleery was plain that we, and UNSECO, cannot shy away from these difficult conversations.
In our final session music as heritage was explored by David Francis from TRACS – not just music as part of cultural expression but with the attendant ‘heritigisation’ – coming from assimilation, commoditisation and co-option of local singers to be recorded and be heard more widely. By promoting the recordings, what the singers represented became more static; the process of passing on the songs, as a living expression of the craft, was frozen becoming part of the ‘heritigisation’ of the cultural expression. How the parity of esteem for the traditional forms of cultural expression is maintained and expressed in the Culture Strategy will be interesting to see.
Marc Romano brought the ‘Outlander effect’ to the fore – the huge increase which some sites have experienced through new visitors. (An effect the heritage sector is clear comes with challenges and responsibilities.) Outlander-esque representations view Scottish ‘heritage’ through a very specific lens. A lens which elevates aspects of the past, perhaps beyond the reach of current cultural heritage grasping at parity.
Our final speaker, Alastair Mackie, discussed the notion of identity itself, only becoming an issue when it’s in crisis/uncertainty. The uncertainty in question remains Brexit.
The notions of the current liminality of Brexit and the personal and national impacts were discussed by a panel to close the day. Practical and personal concerns merged: visas, skills, information, disruption, racist slights, Imperialist attitudes and the disconnect between people and place.
Stewardship of land, of place, of how we prevent further climate breakdown all came to the fore. Is climate the crossroads we find ourselves at – is Brexit a mere bump in the road comparatively?
I found myself reflecting that so much of cultural heritage is how we steward our knowledge, what we choose to take forward, to leave as legacy, and to promote. I continue to assume that culture in its widest sense can be of benefit to societies, crossing barriers of demography – but perhaps the choices we make around what to foreground need more careful stewardship for the future.
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The Latest News, Consultations, Events And Job Vacancies from the Heritage and Built Environment Sector
BEFS News
BEFS have been leading on Prioritisation work for the built and historic environment since Autumn 2018. Our research and discussions will help to inform the work on the Built Heritage Investment Plan taking place within Historic Environment Scotland and the OPiT Built Heritage Investment Group.
Many involved organisations and individuals have given their time, views, methodologies and valued critique to develop a suggested set of Principles for Prioritisation. These Principles were discussed at a public event in Edinburgh on 25 February.
Further to our event, and feedback from participants and interested parties, we have produced a short questionnaire designed to aid progress of this valuable work. Please see full details here
We very much want your considered opinions on this area of work – please log your responses to the survey by noon, Friday 22 March 2019.
Consultations
Historic Marine Protected Areas (HES 20/02/19)
Views requested concerning proposals on the designation of two Historic Marine Protected Areas:
Scapa Flow, Orkney and The Queen of Sweden, Shetland
Opened: 20 February 2019. Closes: 6pm, 17 April 2019
Environmental Principles and Governance in Scotland Consultation (SG 16/02/19)
Opinions requested on maintaining effective environmental governance following an exit from the European Union.
Opened: 16 February 2019. Closes: 11 May 2019
Publications
Joint Housing Policy and Delivery Group Meeting – Discussion Papers on Tenement Maintenance February 2019 (SG 27/02/19)
Shared space: How Scottish housing co-ops build communities (Coop UK 26/02/19)
Scottish House Condition Survey – Local Authority Analyses (SG 26/02/19)
Centre for the Study of Financial Innovation: Report on housing and finance in an ageing society
(CSFI 25/02/19)
Barclay Implementation Advisory Group (SG 22/02/19)
Analyses of Responses
Final Report
Factsheet: Building Standards contact information (SG 22/02/19)
UK housing: Fit for the future? (CCC 21/02/19)
Scottish Government News Releases
£20m of support for regeneration in local communities (SG 07/03/19)
Communities across Scotland are to benefit from a share of £20.4m to support local regeneration activity.
New scheme to support town centres (SG 01/03/19)
A £50 million fund to help boost town centres has been launched.
News Releases
Strengthening economic cases for housing: the productivity gains from better housing outcomes (PS 27/02/19)
Professor Duncan Maclennan has published research making a case for housing construction to be classed as infrastructure investment, akin to investment in transport links, water and communications.
Another record-breaking year for Scottish heritage sites (HES 27/02/19)
Heritage visitors have generated £620 million local tourism expenditure
New ambassadors to champion green action (DEFRA 27/02/19)
George McGavin named as one of the UK’s Green Action Ambassadors.
Scotland’s Towns Partnership’s Funding Finder (STP 26/02/19)
The Funding Finder is the go-to place to source potential funding. Comprising nine categories, the Finder provides easy to read information on current funding streams, highlighting announcements of new funds and application deadlines. Download the February 2019 Funding Finder
Legislative proposal for assisting self- and custom-builders in Scotland (RICS 25/02/19)
RICS asks the Scottish Government to prioritise alternative solutions to housing development aimed at supporting self- and custom-build.
Construction sector devises plan to brace for Brexit (CITB 25/02/19)
Action Plan for Industry identifying the need for construction to adopt a twin-track strategy: growing investment in the domestic workforce and driving up productivity, while working with Government to agree how to maintain access to migrant workers to give it the breathing space to adapt.
Rural Planning Policy to 2050: Research to Inform NPF 4 (SG/Savills/Inherit 25/02/19)
What challenges will rural communities & businesses face in the next 30 years and how will these translate into development on the ground? Take part in this Scottish Government commissioned research & help inform preparation of future planning policy.
Closing date: Friday 22 March 2019
Rural Homes, Rural Lives Campaign (SRA 22/02/19)
The campaign states that rural housing is the key to unlocking rural economic potential. It calls on the Scottish Government, local authorities, community organisations, housing associations, landowners and employers to work together to ensure rural equity in housing provision.
UK homes unfit for the challenges of climate change (CCC 21/02/19)
In a new report the CCC warns that the UK’s legally-binding climate change targets will not be met without the near-complete elimination of greenhouse gas emissions from UK buildings.
Opinion & Comment
Kathleen Veitch: uncovering an architect (HES 01/03/19)
Scottish Parliament at 20: the unfinished business of land reform (HM 28/02/19)
Coul Links: One of the wildest parts of Britain is under threat (Scotsman 26/02/19)
Concrete Week (Guardian 25/02-03/03 19)
Common Space Special Week of Coverage on Scotland’s Towns & Places (22/02/19)
Westminster’s high street reforms ‘could leave Scotland behind’ (Scotsman 21/02/19)
Maybe Modern Ruins Are Just the Kind of Failure We Need (FA 18/02/19)
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-21930: Finlay Carson, Galloway and West Dumfries, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 05/03/2019
To ask the Scottish Government what statutory protection is available to home owners to protect them from excessive charges for repairs by (a) registered social landlords and (b) factors.
Current Status: Expected Answer date 19/03/2019
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 S5O-02915: John Mason, Glasgow Shettleston, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 20/02/2019
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the Interim Recommendations Report by the Working Group on Maintenance of Tenement Scheme Property.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (27/02/2019)
Question S5W-21618: Jamie Halcro Johnston, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 11/02/2019
To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has for the implementation of the updated Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EU) 2018/844 and the creation of strategies (a) to improve indoor air quality, (b) for renovating existing buildings to improve energy efficiency and (c) to make buildings ready for smart energy systems.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (26/02/2019)
Question S5W-21530: Dean Lockhart, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 07/02/2019
To ask the Scottish Government how many large housing development sites with outline planning permission there are in each local authority area, broken down by the number of houses.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (22/02/2019)
Question S5W-21531: Dean Lockhart, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 07/02/2019
To ask the Scottish Government what information it has regarding the build-out rate for large housing development sites in each local authority area.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (22/02/2019)
Question S5W-21388: Oliver Mundell, Dumfriesshire, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 04/02/2019
To ask the Scottish Government what help it offers to communities that are seeking to (a) improve the appearance of buildings that are considered to be “eyesores” and (b) bring derelict buildings back to use.
Answered by Aileen Campbell (21/02/2019)
Question S5W-21336: Gail Ross, Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 30/01/2019
To ask the Scottish Government how complete the Scottish Land Register is.
Answered by Kate Forbes (19/02/2019)
Other Parliamentary Activity
Planning Scotland Bill
The Delegated Powers & Law Reform Committee published a series of suggestions and questions on the delegated powers aspects of the Planning (Scotland) Bill at Stage 2.
Funding of EU Structural Fund Priorities in Scotland, post-Brexit
Finance & Constitution Committee calls for views on funding of EU structural fund priorities.
The closing date for responses is Thursday 25 April 2019.
Events
For the latest information about BEFS Members’ events see our events calendar.
RTPI Scotland Young Planners Conference 2019
Date & time: Wednesday 20 March; 09:00–17:30
Venue: Apex Hotel, Dundee
Our 2019 Young Planners’ Network conference takes place in the beautiful city of Dundee. This year we will be looking at how young planners can ‘deliver great places now and for the future’. A jam packed line up with some of the most esteemed built environment professionals in the country will be complemented by afternoon workshops, helping improve and refine skills critical for your development as a professional planner. We are expecting another sell-out event so don’t delay and book tickets today.
Volunteer Management Training Workshop
Date & time: Thursday 21 March; 10:00-16:00
Venue: Millenium Hotel, George Square, Glasgow, G2 1DS
Organised by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists, this one-day course covers some key areas of volunteer management to help ensure that you are confident when involving volunteers. We will look at what is needed to be ready for volunteers and ensure they feel welcome and ready to start. Drawing on your own experience we will consider the positive impact that effective communication and support can have on ensuring a volunteering positive experience. Finally, we’ll touch on evaluating your volunteer contributions to ensure that all the great activities that are delivered are celebrated!
Further/Booking Details
Our Past, Our Future: Young People & Heritage
Date & time: Wednesday 27 March; 09:30-17:00
Venue: AK Bell Library, Perth
This one-day conference at the AK Bell Library in Perth will bring together a range of speakers to share their experiences working on different heritage engagement projects across Scotland. We will reflect upon activities undertaken during the Year of Young People (2018) and explore how best to support young people’s interest in the past as they become the heritage caretakers of the future. The keynote address will be given by Dr Jeff Sanders who has delivered high-profile projects for the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, including the successful Dig It! engagement programme since 2015.
Debate: (Re)moving statues. Should statues ever be removed when circumstances change?
Date & time: Wednesday 27th March; 18:00-20:00
Venue: St Andrew’s in the Square, St Andrew’s Square, Glasgow, G1 5PP
Statues are ubiquitous and often bypassed as unnoticed elements of the urban furniture. And yet statues are also, in their depiction and representation of real life people, highly symbolic. Often statues which represent people who are celebrated in their own era can become embarrassing or even offensive to the values of a future generation. It is no coincidence – especially in an era of all-pervasive media and screens – that statues can even come to stand in for the people they depict with the toppling of statues of dictators as the preeminent symbol of revolution and therefore of the toppling of anachronistic ideologies. But statues are also objects and works of art in their own right, often created by highly skilled and revered artists. The removal or destruction of statues not only eradicates them as archival and art historical artefacts, it can symbolise the erasure of collective memory of historical events and past follies. Join us for a lively debate on this fascinating topic looking in particular at statues in Glasgow.
Speaking with clarity, confidence and impact: a master class
Date & time: Friday 29 March; 09:30-17:00
Venue: Edinburgh Training Centre and Conference Venue, 16 St Mary’s Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SU
Carol Jefferson-Davies, a former BBC producer in the UK and abroad, has trained many types of presenters for radio and tv documentaries and other clients for conferences, business and law courts. In this Master Class Carol will share years of insight and experience, revealing the ‘secrets’ of communicating really effectively with different types of audience and coach you in a range of skills that will not only improve your abilities but also boost your confidence. You will obtain insight, encouragement, individual personalised coaching, a tool kit of strategic techniques, as well as awareness of vital dos and don’ts. Whatever your current level of ability – whether in need of some basic help or simply a bit more polish – this is a Master Class not to be missed. Organised by the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists, it’s the difference a day makes to the rest of your speaking engagements.
Further/Booking Details
AF2019 March Meet-up – Edinburgh
Date & time: Saturday 30 March; 10:15 (10:30 start) – 13:00
Venue: Custom Lane, 1 Customs Wharf, Leith EH6 6AL
Join us for the March meet-up! These free-to-attend monthly meet-ups are very laid back and are open to anyone considering taking part in or contributing to the Architecture Fringe 2019 Open Programme. The Open Programme is a non-curated platform for self-directed projects, exhibitions, events and happenings. The meet-ups are an opportunity for you to hear more about the Architecture Fringe itself, to share your project thoughts and ideas, get feedback and meet new people. The meet-ups are analogue so just bring ideas or images to stick up on the wall. Open to all, free to attend. A lovely way to spend a Saturday morning!
Scotland’s Future Landscapes: Design for an Ageing Population
Date & time: Wednesday 24 April; 18:00-20:10
Venue: Hunter Lecture Theatre, Hunter Building, 74 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh EH3 9DF
Learn from a world perspective to influence in Scotland
Dr Amber Roberts, Winner of the Mark Turnbull Travel Award reflects on her research and travels to Japan, Sweden and USA. How do we design for ageing populations and strengthen Scottish landscape practice under the legacy and influence of Ian McHarg?
CIfA2019 Archaeology: values, benefits, and legacies
Date & time: Wednesday 24 – Friday 26 April; 09:30–17:30
Venue: Royal Armouries Museum, 5 Armouries Drive, Leeds LS10 1LE
Our 2019 conference will provide a forum for delegates to discuss and explore ideas around social value, public benefit, and the creation of knowledge. It offers the opportunity to think about legacy and how the work we undertake now will impact on future generations – from inspiring future careers to learning lessons from our failures. We also want to consider how a multitude of stakeholders – archaeologists, policy makers, clients, the public – value our discipline: financially, politically and intellectually and to think about how effective we are in communicating that value through the stories we tell.
Further/Booking Details
AF2019 April Meet-up – Glasgow
Date & time: Saturday 27 April; 10:15 (10:30 start) – 13:00
Venue: The Lighthouse, 11 Mitchell Lane, Glasgow G1 3NU
Join us at The Lighthouse for the April meet-up! These free-to-attend monthly meet-ups are very laid back and are open to anyone considering taking part in or contributing to the Architecture Fringe 2019 Open Programme. The Open Programme is a non-curated platform for self-directed projects, exhibitions, events and happenings. The meet-ups are an opportunity for you to hear more about the Architecture Fringe itself, to share your project thoughts and ideas, get feedback and meet new people. The meet-ups are analogue so just bring ideas or images to stick up on the wall. Open to all, free to attend. A lovely way to spend a Saturday morning!
Best practice approaches to place-based regeneration: A SURF Award Shared Learning Workshop
Date & time: Thursday 2 May; 10:00-13:30
Venue: The Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1SR
This free half-day SURF Awards workshop event in the Storytelling Centre provides an opportunity to explore successful current approaches towards regenerating Scotland’s places with three winning projects from the ‘Most Improved Place’, ‘Housing’ and ‘Community Led Regeneration’ categories highlighted in the 2018 SURF Awards process.
Booking Information
Rhind Lectures 2019 – Hadrian’s Wall: A Study in Archaeological Exploration and Interpretation
Date & time: Friday 10 May (18:00-20:00), Saturday 11 May (11:00-17:00) and Sunday 12 May (14:00-17:00).
Venue: National Museum Scotland auditorium, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF (use Lothian Street entrance).
Hadrian’s Wall was written about even when it was still in use as a frontier. Interest continued through the next 1000 years, but it was the spirit of enquiry generated by the Renaissance which led to more focussed study. Once archaeological excavations started, the pace quickened. Now we have an enormous data base even though only about 5% of the Wall has been examined. To understand our interpretations of Hadrian’s Wall today, it is necessary to start in the 1840s, and in particular consider the work and influence of John Collingwood Bruce (Rhind lecturer in 1883). The first two lectures in this series of six will review the excavations and surveys, theories and flights of fancy since that decade. The next two lectures concentrate on the different phases of activity on the Wall and through them seek understanding of how the Wall operated. The impact of the Wall on local people and the landscape is the subject of the fifth lecture, while in the final talk the state of Hadrian’s Wall today is considered, with time for questions.
Lectures given by Professor David Breeze OBE, FSA, Hon FSA Scot, FRSE, Hon CIfA.
Overcoming barriers to employability facing Scotland’s young people: A SURF Award Shared Learning Workshop
Date & time: Wednesday 15 May; 10:00-13:30
Venue: The Glasgow Women’s Library, 23 Landressy Street, Bridgeton, Glasgow G40 1BP
This free half-day SURF Awards workshop event in the Glasgow Women’s Library provides an opportunity to explore successful approaches towards tackling barriers to employability facing young people in Scotland. The winning and highly commended projects from the ‘Youth Employability’ category highlighted in the 2018 SURF Awards process will provide comment on their experiences and transferable learning.
Booking Information
The importance of culture and creative arts in community regeneration: A SURF Award Shared Learning Workshop
Date & time: Thursday 30 May; 10:00-13:30
Venue: Paisley Arts Centre, 15 New Street, Paisley PA1 1EZ
This free half-day SURF Awards workshop event in Paisley Arts Centre provides an opportunity to explore successful approaches towards linking creative arts and culture into regeneration initiatives. The winning and highly commended projects from the ‘Creative Regeneration’ category highlighted in the 2018 SURF Awards process will provide comment on their experiences and transferable learning.
Booking Information
IHBC Annual School – Nottingham 2019
Dates: Annual School: Thursday 4 – Saturday 6 July; Day School: Friday 5 July
Venue: Nottingham Conference Centre, Burton Street, Nottingham NG1 4BU
The Institute of Historic Building Conservation will hold its 21st Annual School in Nottingham, hosted by the IHBC East Midlands Branch. This year’s school focuses on the theme of ‘Heritage, Risk & Resilience: confronting conservation calamities, exploring:
– Heritage challenges and insights into solutions for Fire | Flood | Structural Failure
– Case studies – Technical, practical and strategic advice
– Planning for the worst: dealing with the aftermath
The Annual School includes three exciting days of:
– Tours – Nottingham, Leicester, Derby & the East Midlands
– CPD support: Up to 20 hours Continuing Professional Development linked
– Business opportunities: Sponsors, exhibitors, networks & supporters
Further information
‘PKARF: Priorities in Progress’ Regional Archaeology Conference
Date & time: Friday 30 August, 09:00-17:00
Venue: Soutar Theatre, AK Bell Library, 2-8 York Place, Perth, PH2 8EP
Save the date and book your travel for the first conference organised as part of the Perth and Kinross (Regional) Archaeological Research Framework (PKARF). Join Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust for a summary of findings from the first year of knowledge assessment and here preliminary research priorities presented by leading experts. Contribute to the shaping of the future Framework by joining ‘think tank’ workshops to review draft period summaries, nominate case studies, highlight knowledge gaps, and share your opinions on where future archaeological research should be directed. Student Attendance Bursaries available to assist with the cost of travel and accommodation.
Further information
Training
Future-proofing our heritage: the role of maintenance in mitigating the effects of climate change
Date & time: Friday 15 March, 09:00-13:00
Venue: A&DS, 9 Bakehouse Close, 146 Canongate, Edinburgh, EH8 8DD
A special half-day maintenance CPD event to explore the issues and solutions presented by the need to regularly maintain our historic building stock in the face of a changing climate.
Exploration of the fundamentals of maintenance, comparing and contrasting traditional and post-war buildings, and what lessons can be learned from the current Edinburgh World Heritage project in Turkey.
Cost: £15/£10 EWH members
Historic Glass and Glazing Conservation
Dates: Wednesday 27 March – Wednesday 10 April (5 days)
Venue: Forth Valley College, Drip Road, Stirling FK8 1RD
This course will explore a range of issues associated with the manufacture, use and conservation of plain and decorative glass, and traditional glazing systems, in Scotland’s historic built environment. You will get a historic overview of these materials, for their early beginnings in the Roman period and early 17th-century glassmaking industries, to technological advancements and innovation in their manufacture today. Study the science of glass manufacture, its composition, and its physical properties. Students will learn how to carry out archival research in order to identify the artist, craftsman or studio responsible for the original work and thereby establishing the cultural significance of the work or site. This course will teach you current conservation principles and how to undertake appropriate repairs, from an initial survey, through to specification, procurement and on-site repair of existing or installation of new material – all according to best current principles of best conservation practice.
Cost: £405
To register your interest: email Technical Education
Maintaining Traditional Buildings
Date: Friday 29 March
Venue: Charlestown Workshops, Fife KY11 3EN
A must for anyone who owns or is responsible for a traditional building.
This course provides the perfect starting point if you are considering undertaking some simple repairs yourself or will enable you to speak your builder’s language and be confident that you are being given the correct advice.
This seminar will outline the maintenance that traditional buildings require and attendees will gain an understanding of traditional building techniques and the correct materials to use when undertaking repairs. This will also be an excellent opportunity to speak to the Scottish Lime Centre Trust’s expert tutors about your project, attendees are welcome to bring along photos and mortar samples for some specific advice.
Above Eaves Level P1 – Traditional Slate Roofs
Dates: Tuesday 2 – Wednesday 3 April
Venue: Merryhill Training Centre, Fife KY11 3DR
This 2-day course aims to provide an introductory guide to traditional Scottish roofs including function, structure, types of trusses, external roof shapes, typical details and decorative features and the causes of deterioration and the main causes of failure. Practical work includes sizing and trimming of slates, setting out and nailing a simple traditional slate roof, undertaking repairs, executing a mortar skew fillet and installing rainwater goods correctly.
By the end of the course attendees will be able to recognise the structure of roofs, identify different types of trusses, different external roof shapes, their detailing, decorative features. Understand how natural slate was formed and the variety of slates used in the past on traditional roofs and the main causes of failure on a roof. Specifying roof repairs with sufficient detail to retain the character of a traditional slate roof.
The practical sessions will enable you to trim and size slates, set out and nail a simple traditional slate roof, execute a mortar skew fillet and install rainwater goods correctly.
Technical Seminar: Stained Glass
Date & time: Wednesday 3 April; 10:00–16:30
Venue: The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling, FK8 1QZ
This new technical seminar delves into the use of decorative glass in buildings. Listen to the experts cover various topics from the properties and characteristics of stained glass, to its decay mechanisms and conservation.
Cost: £35.00 Non-members; £31.50 HES members
Booking information
Conservation of Surface Finishes
Dates: Thursday 4 – Friday 12 April (4 days)
Venue: Forth Valley College, Drip Road, Stirling FK8 1RD
Discover the history and conservation of a range of internal and external surface finishes traditionally used on Scotland’s historic buildings. Study the science behind paints and coatings and the complex issues involved in the conservation of historic finishes today. This course offers a historic overview of the use of paints and other coatings in Scottish architectural traditions, from the medieval period through to the 20th century. Explore the impact of internationally renowned Scottish artists such as Adam, Cottier, Mackintosh and Traquair. Learn about technological developments, from hand-mixed coatings using natural materials such as lime and earth pigments, to the manufacturing of paints and varnishes on an industrial scale and innovative synthetic materials. You will get the chance to study the physical properties of paints, varnishes and other coatings, high-style decorative finishes such as gilding and stencilling, and the technical skills and knowledge required to conserve, restore and replicate these finishes today.
Cost: £420
To register your interest email Technical Education
Architectural Conservation CPD: Conservation Theory and Practice
Date & time: Wednesday 24 April, 12:30-13:30 (light refreshments from 12:15)
Venue: The Fair Maid’s House, 15-19 North Port, Perth, PH1 5LU
The first session in a 6-part CPD programme offers an introduction to conservation theory and practice and is delivered by Peter Burman. Whether you are starting out in a buildings related career, looking to refresh your conservation knowledge, encounter historic buildings as part of your work portfolio, or have limited knowledge of the best conservation practice to employ on a project involving buildings built before 1919, this is the CPD programme for you. Sessions are delivered in Perth by industry accredited professionals and are recognised CPD by the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC) and Scottish Traditional Building Forum (STBF).
Booking information
Traditional Masonry Repair C2 – Contractor Level 2
Dates: Tuesday 30 April – Thursday 2 May
Venue: Merryhill Training Centre, Fife KY11 3DR
This 3-day workshop builds on the knowledge and skills gained on ‘C1 Making and Using Traditional Mortars’. The workshop aims to enable you to complete seamless rebuilding and repair of traditional masonry to match original work. You will gain a conservation ethic and be able to develop repair strategies suitable for a variety of traditional masonry types.
The course deals with build types from ashlar to rubble walling, as well as finishes including harling and limewashing. Participants will be able to undertake sensitive surface repairs to ashlar and profiled stone to the highest standards using indenting, part indenting and mortared surface repairs
This workshop provides the underpinning knowledge and a practical rehearsal of the assessment and accreditation procedure for SQA National Unit 2 and Unit 3.
Vacancies
Participation Manager – National Trust for Scotland
This job leads teams to deliver programmes of work across the Trust, designed to increase participation in conservation activities at properties and increased inclusion from individuals and groups who do not currently engage with the Trust. The job holder will work with colleagues across the Trust to ensure these programmes meet local property needs, and to support the delivery of these programmes on the ground.
Location: Hermiston Quay, Edinburgh
Interested applicants should forward a completed application form by email to Work for Us or by post to National Trust for Scotland, 5 Cultins Road, Edinburgh, EH11 4DF by 15 March 2019
National Lottery Heritage Fund Director: Scotland
The National Lottery Heritage Fund is the largest dedicated funder of heritage in the UK, and everything we do for the heritage is made possible by National Lottery players. We are seeking exceptional candidates for the role of Director Scotland. This is an exciting time to join the Fund as it launches its ambitious Strategic Funding Framework and develops new ways of supporting and strengthening the UK’s heritage. The Director Scotland will play a key role in taking this forward, responsible for our investment and engagement activities across Scotland and will be an inspiring leader with excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time (35 hours p/w)
Location: Scotland. Interviews will be held in Edinburgh on 16 April 2019.
Salary: Up to £61k per annum (subject to review) Job Ref: BD001.01
Further details/Applications
Closing date: midnight, 29 March 2019
Perth City Mills Development Officer
Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust are seeking to appoint a historic buildings conservation professional to join our team to:
• Lead on the production of a Conservation Management Plan and Training and Volunteer Plan and Office Accommodation and Management Plan
• Lead on community and stakeholder consultation and the development of a costed project proposal and fund-raising strategy leading to funding applications for a 3-5 year project beginning in 2020
• Contribute to plans to sub-let the Trust’s Library Lodge building and the physical move of staff to Lower City Mills
Salary: £30,000 p.a. Full-time, 1-year fixed term contract.
Application is by covering letter and CV by 5pm, Friday 5 April 2019
Interviews will be held on Monday 15 April 2019.
Full job description and personal specification
Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) Development Officer
Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust are seeking to appoint a historic buildings conservation professional to join our team to:
• Update the Conservation Area Appraisal (2009) and Management Plan, research and develop specific projects and initiatives for the bid, working with Trust staff and key staff from Perth and Kinross Council
• Produce a Learning Plan, Professional Training Plan, and project and administrative proposals while developing community partners and correlating a final bid with additional funding as required.
Salary: £30,000 p.a. Part-time, 2-year fixed-term contract
Application is by covering letter and CV by 5pm, Friday 5 April 2019
Interviews will be held on: Tuesday 16 April 2019.
Full job description and personal specification
Chief Executive – Central Scotland Green Network Trust (CSGNT)
The Central Scotland Green Network (CSGN) seeks to change the face of Central Scotland by restoring and transforming the landscape of an area stretching from Ayrshire and Inverclyde in the west, to Fife and the Lothians in the east.
In anticipation of the retirement of Chief Executive, Simon Rennie, they are now seeking a new Chief Executive to lead the development of the Central Scotland Green Network (the largest environmental project of its kind in Europe) and to lead and manage the Central Scotland Green Network Trust. Working closely with the senior team, you will set the strategic direction of CSGNT in order to bring about ambitious plans of bringing real change to the environment, economy and people of Central Scotland. Reporting to the CSGNT Board, you will work closely with CSGNT’s Chair and will play a key role in projecting the Trust’s ambitions and in managing key stakeholder relationships.
Salary: £60k – £70k
Please send your completed application form along with your CV and any other supporting material in PDF format to Recruitment by Wednesday, 27 March 2019
First interviews will take place in Shotts on Thursday 25 April 2019
Further Information
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BEFS have been leading on Prioritisation work for the built and historic environment since Autumn 2018. This work will inform the Built Heritage Investment Plan. Now we are asking for your views.
BEFS have been leading on Prioritisation work for the built and historic environment since Autumn 2018, this will help to inform the work on the Built Heritage Investment Plan taking place within Historic Environment Scotland and the OPiT Built Heritage Investment Group.
Many involved organisations and individuals have given their time, views, methodologies and valued critique to develop a suggested set of Principles for Prioritisation. These Principles were discussed at a public event in Edinburgh last week (25th February 2019) – slides from that event can be accessed here.
After events and feedback from participants and interested parties we produced a short questionnaire designed to aid progress of this valuable work.
**UPDATE – The survey is now closed. Version 2 of Principles for Prioritisation were consulted upon: this is available in PDF here** .
In response to some of Monday’s (25th February) discussion we would offer the following comments:
- Principles in themselves cannot change the competition for funding – but they are designed to perhaps help level the playing field and make decision-making more transparent.
- Principles themselves cannot answer specific questions – such as the VAT concern, but they should enable greater clarity over how this generation wishes to frame the arguments to continue lobbying on such issues.
- Other questions arose, including mainstreaming heritage across Scottish Government departments. This is something BEFS will explore in relation to the data gathered for the Built Heritage Investment Group about investment in heritage already occurring across the vast majority of ministerial portfolios.
- Climate concerns should be at the top of any agenda and any resource directed towards the historic environment will contribute to the sustainability of the existing environment and is therefore implicitly addressing climate change be it through adaptation or mitigation.
We appreciate all those who took the time to complete the survey, a further iteration of the Principles for Prioritisation are being produced and further steps for this work are currently under consideration.
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All the latest heritage news, consultations, events and job vacancies
BEFS News
We have now published our responses to Historic Environment Scotland’s recent consultations. Following a well-attended workshop with members to inform our responses, you can view our detailed submissions to both consultations below:
Designations and Scheduled Monuments Consultation
Demolition and Use and Adaptation of Listed Buildings Consultation
Taking a lead from the December workshop dialogues (based on submissions from the sector), BEFS has drawn together some suggested Principles for Prioritisation. What these principles are, and how they might be utilised by the sector will be presented on Monday 25 February. To get the opportunity for a first look at the Principles, and to be involved in feeding back on the process – book here.
During this event we will hear from Emily Tracey (Project Manager with HES) about the progress of the Our Place in Time – Built Heritage Investment Plan Group; and also receive a presentation from Scottish Canals who have worked with EY to develop a matrix and methodological approach to enable them to best manage their assets.
Our first blog from Euan Leitch concerns recent planning decisions and questions the involvement of politicians in the decision-making process.
Ailsa Macfarlane’s blog asks: What good do current concepts of ‘community’ do us? and considers the outmoded employment of the term community in current discussions.
This is the final call for contributions to the cross party Scottish Parliamentary Working Group on Tenement Maintenance’s Consultation. Responses need to be submitted by 27 February 2019; full details can be found here
Consultations
Changing Places Toilets: Building Standards Consultation (SG 18/02/19)
Opinions sought on building standards being amended to ensure more Changing Places Toilets are available in public buildings and spaces.
Opened: 18 February 2019. Closes 13 May 2019
Environmental principles and governance after Brexit: Consultation (SG 16/02/19)
Evidence is being gathered on future arrangements for the application of EU environmental principles and for environmental governance in Scotland, in the event that the UK exits the EU.
Opened: 16 February 2019. Closes: 11 May 2019
Climate Ready Scotland: Scottish Climate Change Adaptation Programme 2019-2024 (SG 12/02/19)
Opinions invited on the draft programme for autumn publication.
Opened: 12 February 2019. Closes: 9 April 2019
Publications
IPPR Paper: Facing up to the age of environmental breakdown (IPPR 12/02/19)
Delivering Sustainable Flood Risk Management (SG 11/02/19)
The effects of ending the zero carbon homes policy (ECIU 10/02/19)
Our Place in Time Annual Report 2018 (HES 07/02/19)
Heritage Sector Insights – 2018-19 (Ecclesiastical 07/02/19)
Environmental Planning After Brexit (RTPI 31/01/19)
Housing and Ageing: Linking strategy to future delivery for Scotland, Wales and England 2030 (SUII
31/01/19)
Scottish Government News Releases
Infrastructure Commission appointed (SG 11/02/19)
An independent commission to advise on a 30 year strategy for infrastructure investment has appointed its final members.
News Releases
Survey reveals catalogue of concerns for Scottish charities (SCVO 20/02/19)
The majority of respondents to the survey are worried about what increased demand for services and lack of secure funding will mean for the people and communities they support over the next 12 months.
Architecture Fringe 2019 – sponsors sought (AF 18/02/19)
Sponsorship Opportunities brochure sets out how to contribute to make the Architecture Fringe 2019 the best yet.
Call for evidence on Scotland’s progress towards the UN SDGs (SCVO 15/02/19)
Scotland’s SDG Network and the Scottish Government have issued a call for evidence on Scotland’s progress towards the UN SDGs
New £7m loan and social investment fund to secure the future of the UK’s historic buildings (AHF 14/02/19)
The Heritage Impact Fund will support organisations with a clear social mission seeking to deliver demonstrable local economic and community impact, as well as helping deliver projects that support the sustainability of historic buildings.
Scottish Land Fund announces recipients of latest round of funding (NLCF 13/02/19)
Seven communities from the Borders to Raasay have been awarded cash for their projects.
Drochaid a’ Chaolais Chumhaing/Kylesku Bridge in Sutherland has been awarded Category A status (HES 13/02/19).
Drochaid a’ Chaolais Chumhaing/Kylesku Bridge has been recognised as being of special architectural interest and is the first to be legally named in Gaelic.
Applications open for Tesco Bags of Help Centenary Grants (GSS 11/02/19)
Tesco Bags of Help Centenary Grants are inviting applications from not-for-profit organisations for projects that bring significant benefit to communities.
Saltire Society 2019 Housing Awards launched (SSS 11/02/19)
Nominations are now open for the 2019 Saltire Society Housing Design Awards.
Deadline for submissions: 8 March 2019
Glasgow Council approves new strategy to make best use of its property and land estate (GCC 07/02/19)
The new strategy will guide the council on making the best use of its substantial property and land estate, the biggest in the city.
Heritage sector generated over £4bn for Scotland’s economy in 2017-18 (HES 07/02/19)
Scotland’s historic environment continues to make a strong contribution to the nation’s economy, as seen in the latest annual performance report for the sector.
Design Council appoints new Director of Architecture and the Built Environment (DC 06/02/19)
Sue Morgan has been appointed as the organisation’s new Director of Architecture and the Built Environment.
Creative Europe – Brexit update (06/02/19)
Advice for UK lead and partner organisations concerning applications for the forthcoming Creative Europe calls.
AIM launches 2019 Member and Stakeholder Survey
The Association of Independent Museums invites opinions on how it can better help heritage organisations prosper in the next few years. They particularly welcome responses to their short survey from Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland; non-AIM members can take part.
The survey will close on 4 March 2019.
Creating Better Towns – Aide Memoire Published (STP 16/01/19)
A free, simple aide-memoire for Councils and stakeholders in towns has been published, to identify and clearly define best practice, methodologies and the key ingredient for Creating Better Towns.
Opinion & Comment
An introduction to Edinburgh’s social housing, 1890-1945 (MD 19/02/19)
Alter rules so rights stack up for tenement living – David Alexander (Scotsman 14/02/19)
Fears of A9 dualling impact on historic sites (BBC 13/02/19)
Tackling poverty is about making places work better for people (RTPI 12/02/19)
Dumfries and Galloway Cases Panel voice their concern about a worrying trend in the appeal process (AHSS 12/02/19)
Brexit not an obstacle to environmental planning, study suggests (HES 11/02/19)
Civic cultural partnerships key to driving growth (AP 08/02/19)
Arms-length body set to buy Glasgows’ iconic buildings (TFN 08/02/19)
Part 2: Them & Us (or why we might need a dose of populism in planning) (PD 06/02/19)
School Pupils to be taught construction skills (HM 05/02/19)
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-21618: Jamie Halcro Johnston, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 11/02/2019
To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has for the implementation of the updated Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EU) 2018/844 and the creation of strategies (a) to improve indoor air quality, (b) for renovating existing buildings to improve energy efficiency and (c) to make buildings ready for smart energy systems.
Current Status: Expected Answer date 11/03/2019
Question S5W-21530: Dean Lockhart, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 07/02/2019
To ask the Scottish Government how many large housing development sites with outline planning permission there are in each local authority area, broken down by the number of houses.
Current Status: Expected Answer date 07/03/2019
Question S5W-21531: Dean Lockhart, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 07/02/2019
To ask the Scottish Government what information it has regarding the build-out rate for large housing development sites in each local authority area.
Current Status: Expected Answer date 07/03/2019
Parliamentary Questions and Answers
Questions marked with a triangle (?) are initiated by the Government in order to facilitate the provision of information to the Parliament.
Question S5W-21277: Kezia Dugdale, Lothian, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 29/01/2019
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is regarding the banning of most domestic wood burning stoves by 2022, in light of plans by the UK Government to do so.
Answered by Roseanna Cunningham: 14/02/2019
Events
For the latest information about BEFS Members’ events see our events calendar.
Talks at the Lane present Colm Moore on Temporal Architecture
Date & time: Thursday 28 February; 18:30
Venue: Custom Lane, 1 Customs Wharf, Leith EH6 6AL
Custom Lane invites you to join Colm Moore of Clancy Moore Architects to discuss their practice as part of the Talks at the Lane series.
Date & time: Monday 4 March; 18:30
Venue: St Andrew’s & St George’s West Church, 13 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PA
Since the second, devastating fire at Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s Glasgow School of Art, the project to restore this iconic building has been seismically changed in timescale and expansiveness – but in the underlying intent to restore to the City it’s much cherished and creative ‘castle on the hill’. Liz Davidson’s lecture will explore the aftermath of the fire and the ways in which the restoration team have re-examined their approach to the much greater challenge ahead of them.
All welcome – admission £5 (free for students), no booking required.
Archaeological Science: looking to the future
Dates & times: Monday 11 March; 18:00-19:00 in Edinburgh & Tuesday 12 March; 19.00-20.00 in Lerwick.
Venues: Monday in the National Museum Scotland auditorium, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF (use Lothian Street entrance); Tuesday in the Shetland Museum and Archives, Hay’s Dock, Lerwick, ZE1 0WP.
The application of science as a tool for analysing and interpreting archaeological remains is becoming much more commonplace. From the first measurements of the radiocarbon dates almost 70 years ago, providing an increasingly robust understanding of the chronology of the past, through to ancient DNA and isotopes, giving an insight into people’s diet and where they come from. This lecture will explore some of the challenges and opportunities of working with science in archaeology, before looking towards where we might see advances in the future.
Lecture given by Dr Lisa Brown FSA Scot MCIfA, Archaeological Science Manager at Historic Environment Scotland.
Date & time: Tuesday 12 March; 10:00 – 16:00
Venue: Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Terrace, Edinburgh, EH1 2JL
The way we heat our buildings is going to change dramatically in the coming years. The new Planning (Scotland) Bill, Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategies and district heating regulations will have a significant impact on how planning approaches energy and place, with the potential to improve air quality, reduce carbon emissions and create new, local economic opportunities.
Zero Waste Scotland is hosting a free workshop to help planners understand more about the changing policy landscape and how these changes might be addressed in practice. The session is free for all planning professionals, whether in the public or private sector.
Date & time: Thursday 14 March; 08:30 – 17:10
Venue: DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro, Perth Rd, Dunblane, FK15 0HG
Join RICS CPD Day, Dunblane to enhance your capabilities and knowledge around today’s ever-changing market trends, legislation and technical guidance. Learn from leading industry professionals and take away practical solutions which can be implemented into your daily practice – benefiting both your business and personal professional development. The conference offers a choice of 18 breakout sessions to allow you to tailor the day specifically to your personal CPD needs, network with colleagues and peers in your region and put your questions to leading experts in their field.
RTPI Scotland Young Planners Conference 2019
Date & time: Wednesday 20 March; 09:00–17:30
Venue: Apex Hotel, Dundee
Our 2019 Young Planners’ Network conference takes place in the beautiful city of Dundee. This year we will be looking at how young planners can ‘deliver great places now and for the future’. A jam packed line up with some of the most esteemed built environment professionals in the country will be complemented by afternoon workshops, helping improve and refine skills critical for your development as a professional planner. We are expecting another sell-out event so don’t delay and book tickets today.
Our Past, Our Future: Young People & Heritage
Date & time: Wednesday 27 March; 09:30-17:00
Venue: AK Bell Library, Perth
This one-day conference at the AK Bell Library in Perth will bring together a range of speakers to share their experiences working on different heritage engagement projects across Scotland. We will reflect upon activities undertaken during the Year of Young People (2018) and explore how best to support young people’s interest in the past as they become the heritage caretakers of the future. The keynote address will be given by Dr Jeff Sanders who has delivered high-profile projects for the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, including the successful Dig It! engagement programme since 2015.
Best practice approaches to place-based regeneration: A SURF Award Shared Learning Workshop
Date & time: Thursday 2 May; 10:00-13:30
Venue: The Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1SR
This free half-day SURF Awards workshop event in the Storytelling Centre provides an opportunity to explore successful current approaches towards regenerating Scotland’s places with three winning projects from the ‘Most Improved Place’, ‘Housing’ and ‘Community Led Regeneration’ categories highlighted in the 2018 SURF Awards process.
Rhind Lectures 2019 – Hadrian’s Wall: A Study in Archaeological Exploration and Interpretation
Date & time: Friday 10 May (6pm-8pm), Saturday 11 May (11am-5pm) and Sunday 12 May (2pm-5pm).
Venue: National Museum Scotland auditorium, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF (use Lothian Street entrance).
Hadrian’s Wall was written about even when it was still in use as a frontier. Interest continued through the next 1000 years, but it was the spirit of enquiry generated by the Renaissance which led to more focussed study. Once archaeological excavations started, the pace quickened. Now we have an enormous data base even though only about 5% of the Wall has been examined. To understand our interpretations of Hadrian’s Wall today, it is necessary to start in the 1840s, and in particular consider the work and influence of John Collingwood Bruce (Rhind lecturer in 1883). The first two lectures in this series of six will review the excavations and surveys, theories and flights of fancy since that decade. The next two lectures concentrate on the different phases of activity on the Wall and through them seek understanding of how the Wall operated. The impact of the Wall on local people and the landscape is the subject of the fifth lecture, while in the final talk the state of Hadrian’s Wall today is considered, with time for questions.
Lectures given by Professor David Breeze OBE, FSA, Hon FSA Scot, FRSE, Hon CIfA.
Date & time: Wednesday 15 May; 10:00-13:30
Venue: The Glasgow Women’s Library, 23 Landressy Street, Bridgeton, Glasgow G40 1BP
This free half-day SURF Awards workshop event in the Glasgow Women’s Library provides an opportunity to explore successful approaches towards tackling barriers to employability facing young people in Scotland. The winning and highly commended projects from the ‘Youth Employability’ category highlighted in the 2018 SURF Awards process will provide comment on their experiences and transferable learning.
Date & time: Thursday 30 May; 10:00-13:30
Venue: Paisley Arts Centre, 15 New Street, Paisley PA1 1EZ
This free half-day SURF Awards workshop event in Paisley Arts Centre provides an opportunity to explore successful approaches towards linking creative arts and culture into regeneration initiatives. The winning and highly commended projects from the ‘Creative Regeneration’ category highlighted in the 2018 SURF Awards process will provide comment on their experiences and transferable learning.
IHBC Annual School – Nottingham 2019
Dates: Annual School: Thursday 4 – Saturday 6 July; Day School: Friday 5 July
Venue: Nottingham Conference Centre, Burton Street, Nottingham NG1 4BU
The Institute of Historic Building Conservation will hold its 21st Annual School in Nottingham, hosted by the IHBC East Midlands Branch. This year’s school focuses on the theme of ‘Heritage, Risk & Resilience: confronting conservation calamities, exploring:
- Heritage challenges and insights into solutions for Fire | Flood | Structural Failure
- Case studies – Technical, practical and strategic advice
- Planning for the worst: dealing with the aftermath
The Annual School includes three exciting days of:
- Tours – Nottingham, Leicester, Derby & the East Midlands
- CPD support: Up to 20 hours Continuing Professional Development linked
- Business opportunities: Sponsors, exhibitors, networks & supporters
Training
Dates and time: Monday 25 February-Friday 1 March or Monday 3-Friday 7 June; 08:30 – 17:00 daily
Venue: RICS, 125 Princes Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4AD
A facilitative and evaluative approach to mediation in the built environment. Highly practical and intensive, the RICS Mediation Training Programme will prepare you to mediate the most complex disputes to the highest standards across land, property, construction and infrastructure.
Our expert trainers will provide you with in-depth, practical coaching and you will receive feedback from both your trainer and your peers.
CPD: 50 hours
Conservation of Non-Ferrous Metals
Dates: Wednesday 6 – Wednesday 20 March (3 days)
Venue: Forth Valley College, Drip Road, Stirling FK8 1RD
Discover the issues associated with non-ferrous metals in Scotland’s historic built environment. Study materials including bronze and brass, their cultural significance and how they’ve been used in traditional buildings. You will get an overview of the cultural significance of non-ferrous metals in Scottish architecture from the medieval period to the 20th century, and the diversity of items manufactured in non-ferrous metals. Learn the fundamental characteristics and physical properties of non-ferrous metals, and the metallurgical processes for producing alloys. This course will also teach you current conservation principles and how to undertake appropriate repairs, from an initial survey, through to specification, procurement and on-site repair of existing or installation of new material – all according to best current principles of best conservation practice.
Cost: £330
To register your interest: email technicaleducation@hes.scot
A Place for all Mortars Masterclass
Date: Friday 15 March
Venue: Charlestown Workshops, Fife KY11 3EN
This masterclass aims to demonstrate that there is a place for all mortars by explaining more about the mortars we have available today. These range from hot mixed mortars, closely replicating historic mortars, to formulated ready mixed mortars. We have a huge variety of lime binders available to us today compared to the fairly limited range on offer when the lime enlightenment first began. Research and analysis has helped us understand why we should specify mortars to closely replicate those originally used, however, modern pressures force us to look at mortars more practically. This masterclass looks at all mortars and the advantages and disadvantages of various applications.
Date: Saturday 16 March
Venue: Merryhill Training Centre, Fife KY11 3DR
Learn the skills to help you carry out your own mortar pointing repairs.
This popular one day workshop is aimed at those who would like to undertake repointing works as part of a renovation project or simply as general maintenance to traditional masonry structures. A practical ‘hands on’ training day, attendees will learn to undertake repointing works to with confidence. This course will give a sound understanding of traditional building technology, repair techniques and the materials to use when carrying out repointing. Attendees are encouraged to bring along images of their projects to discuss with the SLCT tutor on the day.
Historic Glass and Glazing Conservation
Dates: Wednesday 27 March – Wednesday 10 April (5 days)
Venue: Forth Valley College, Drip Road, Stirling FK8 1RD
This course will explore a range of issues associated with the manufacture, use and conservation of plain and decorative glass, and traditional glazing systems, in Scotland’s historic built environment. You will get a historic overview of these materials, for their early beginnings in the Roman period and early 17th-century glassmaking industries, to technological advancements and innovation in their manufacture today. Study the science of glass manufacture, its composition, and its physical properties. Students will learn how to carry out archival research in order to identify the artist, craftsman or studio responsible for the original work and thereby establishing the cultural significance of the work or site. This course will teach you current conservation principles and how to undertake appropriate repairs, from an initial survey, through to specification, procurement and on-site repair of existing or installation of new material – all according to best current principles of best conservation practice.
Cost: £405
To register your interest: email technicaleducation@hes.scot
Vacancies
Edinburgh World Heritage is looking to appoint a Grants Officer. The role will involve providing support for the successful delivery of the Conservation Funding Programme (70% of the role) and delivery of the maintenance programme (30% of the role).
Main responsibilities will include:
– Providing technical advice and support
– Promoting ongoing maintenance
– Ensuring that all grant documentation is compliant at every stage of the project cycle
Closing date for applications: 5pm, Wednesday 27 February
Prince’s Foundation Building Craft Programme
Applications are now open for the Prince’s Foundation Building Craft Programme, where you will work with a wide range of building crafts and expert craftspeople to take your skills to the next level.
The Foundation believe it is crucial to preserve these valuable skills, which are gradually being lost as the average age of workers in the Historic Buildings sector approaches retirement age. The course is designed for craftspeople looking to bridge the gap between basic qualifications and becoming a master craftsperson working in the heritage sector.
Deadline: Friday 1 March
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BEFS Policy & Advocacy Officer, Ailsa Macfarlane asks, is it time to rethink our definition of community and consider how it is applied?
Is the concept of community, like the concept of the ‘housewife’ – somewhat dated, incongruous and failing to communicate the diversity of experience and circumstance? A label applied rather than a label chosen.
The following tweet helped to tease out some of the concerns I find with the current use of ‘community’ as a descriptor:
“How to make communities walkable – and better places to live […]”
It isn’t communities that become more walkable. It is places, areas – a mappable surface of land. Communities are truly formed – by and of – people; the place could be seen as subservient to those located there.
Community is too often used as a short-hand description for an area, with the people implied – but not necessarily central to the issue being discussed. In relation to the text of the tweet above – people will have to do the walking; this may involve difference choices and opportunities – it may involve understanding of behavior, it may require behavior-change; and those things involve individuals.
From a heritage perspective are we torn between place-based issues and communities which may be formed, defined and exist, out-with a locale? Simultaneously attempting to answer the issues of place and the rights and concerns of those involved.
We hear about Community values, community importance, community significance – but what do we really mean by community? I’m suspicious that what was once organic and holistic, (perhaps previously also based on assumption) is now fractured and manufactured. Something which is not necessarily innate.
Whilst it could be argued the formation of communities was always circumstantial – our circumstances seem now to have many more variables: from less homogenous groupings of relations, to further travel for service provision and/or employment, to more single-person dwellings.
If we asked people who their community are –would those around their locale play a central role in the hierarchy? Family, friends, colleagues, (if there are) children- their friends and associated families, the consistent interactions with others where we shop and relax. These aspects of life may be geographically close to ‘home’ or some distance away. This can apply to rural and urban locations – if the local school is now closed, the local council offices moved away, the bus service limited – then the patterns of consistent interactions are reduced and the foundations that formed communities previously – are also eroded.The digital tools of the modern world can further reduce the necessity for human interaction in everyday life, additionally limiting the ability for communities to form organically.
Within a heritage environment it can feel that communities are currently co-created. Created by people and by conflict. There are the obvious examples – the shared (whether through choice or circumstance) groups – of interest, locality or experience.
But that sense of ‘community’ seems to be co-created by circumstance. Often coalesced by reaction/resistance to external (or even internal) factors. Is community now purely defined by ‘the other’? Is formation occurring in order to gain an identity and get a voice?
Who is represented will always be subjective and whilst I’m not sure there will ever be a clear answer to this – if we start with the principle that individuals having a voice and being able to articulate that voice in all circumstances (be they positive, benign, or challenging) is key to enabling informed outcomes – can we now start talk about social voices, rather than a community?
Social voices brought together by – circumstance, locality, experiences, interests. It’s a reflection and expression of society – micro or macro. Community too often implies cohesion and agreement – which when manufactured will be fragile and ultimately contentious.
A society – that’s already fractious and contentious, but also driven by a need to continue.
It almost exists without definition.
Expecting and reflecting the different social voices found within a place will not be easy, but it might be a more honest way forward. When we reduce any group to a simple descriptor we reduce the expression of a variety of experiences. The term ‘housewife’ did little to express the variety of lives lived within the descriptor – perhaps the same is now true for ‘community’.
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BEFS Director Euan Leitch asks, should politicians be influencing the final outcome of planning decisions?
Two recent planning decisions by Scottish Ministers are of note.
Ministers accepted the advice of their Reporter and refused consent for a large scale leisure and tourism development which included over 1000 houses and the consolidation of Loudon Castle, East Ayrshire. Permission was refused on the following grounds:
- There is no certainty that the scale of proposed housing development is the minimum level required as enabling development.
- The scale of the proposed enabling housing development would have an adverse impact on the Loudoun Castle Historic Garden and Designed Landscape.
- The separation of the proposed tourism leisure proposals from the proposed housing for enabling funding purposes is not acceptable.
- Furthermore, the scale of the proposed enabling housing development, and lack of suitable masterplanning mean that, in their present form, the proposals would not result in a well-planned sustainable community.
There is not an infrequent assumption that economics and housing numbers trump other planning matters such as heritage and sustainability, but in this case it is the converse. The full report, while lengthy, is worthy of further examination.
The other decision is in relation to the proposed expansion of Hyndford Quarry into the buffer zone of the New Lanark World Heritage Site. This has been a long running case and the Scottish Government Reporter found the western and southern expansion of quarry to be in line with policy and recommended that the proposals would:
- Contribute to overcoming an identified shortfall in the minerals reserve (landbank);
- Protect and preserve the character, integrity and quality of the New Lanark World Heritage Site, its setting and Outstanding Universal Value;
- Avoid compromise to the integrity of the Falls of Clyde Designed Landscape, its character and the objectives of its designation;
- Safeguard listed buildings, their settings, and any features of special interest they possess;
- Preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the New Lanark and Falls of Clyde Conservation Area;
- Protect scheduled ancient monuments and their settings;
- Not adversely affect the overall quality of special landscape areas;
- Not harm nature conservation interests;
- Support sustainable economic development; and
- Provide an acceptable restoration scheme.
For the western extension of the quarry Ministers found the opposite to be the case, that it contravened a range of regional and local planning policy, and are therefore only minded to grant permission for the southern extension of the quarry. The full report is again worth reading but raises similar questions as before around why East Ayrshire Council , Historic Environment Scotland and the Scottish Government Reporter are interpreting planning policy and heritage values so differently from Scottish Ministers?
As the Planning (Scotland) Bill has been progressing through parliamentary scrutiny, one repeated refrain has been on the topic of Ministerial intervention in the planning process, and the refrain is usually that it should be resisted. But is that wholly desirable? The thousands of people who objected to the Hyndford Quarry extension will be grateful for Ministerial intervention, but when Ministerial decisions go the other way there is usually disquiet expressed about their role. Perhaps we have to accept, or embrace, that planning is fundamentally political.
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News, views and upcoming events in the Built Environment sector
BEFS News
Many will have picked up the news that the Heritage Lottery Fund has rebranded as the National Lottery Heritage Fund, as part of its Strategic Funding Framework 2019-24. There are further details in the News Release section below and they are holding open workshops in West Lothian, Dumfries and Galloway, Glasgow, Inverness and Dundee over the next few months. Places are free but limited so booking is necessary.
You can still register to attend our Prioritisation & the Historic Environment Event at The Scottish Story Telling Centre on Monday 25 February. Discover more about our findings from the December workshop on the heritage sector and hear an update on how it complements the Our Place in Time – Built Heritage Investment Plan Group.
HES currently has 2 consultations running, covering four policy and managing change documents. BEFS has already held a workshop to gather Member views but, as ever, we encourage all organisations and individuals to form their own Consultation responses with further detail relating to their areas of knowledge and expertise.
The first, covers both Demolition and the Adaptation of Listed Buildings documents and closes at 6pm on Friday 15th February.
The second, covers Designations and Scheduled Monument Policy and this closes on Tuesday 19th February.
There is also still time to contribute to the cross-party Scottish Parliamentary Working Group on Tenement Maintenance’s Consultation. Your responses are required by 27 February 2019; full details of the interim recommendations and how to respond can be found here.
Finally, don’t miss out on the range of upcoming events and training featured below.
Consultations
Valuation of Development Land (RICS)
Help shape valuation surveyors’ day to day work
Opened: 7 January 2019. Closes: 18 February 2019
Reinvigorating Commonhold: the alternative to leasehold ownership (Law Commission)
Opened: 10 December 2018. Closes: 10 March 2019
Consultation Responses
Scotland’s Forestry Strategy – 2019-2029 (SG 06/02/19)
Publications
Cultural Cities (CC 05/02/19)
Annual Cities Outlook Report (CFC 28/01/19)
Building Beautiful (PE 28/01/19)
Inform Guide: Damp Gables (Engine Shed 15/01/19)
Scottish Government News Releases
Action Against Flooding (SG 06/02/19)
Communities across Scotland to benefit from more than £700,000 additional funding to improve flood protection.
Compulsory Purchase in Scotland: A guide for property owners and occupiers (SG 04/02/19)
Guidance for property owners and occupiers who believe they may be affected by a Compulsory Purchase project.
New Fire Safety Standards for Scottish Homes (SG 01/02/19)
New rules to reduce deaths in household fires, with improved standards introduced for fire and smoke alarms in Scottish homes.
High Hedges (Scotland) Act 2013 – Revised Guidance to Local Authorities 2019 (SG 31/01/19)
Revised guidance, following discussions with local authorities and interest groups, updating the High Hedges (Scotland) Act 2013 and addressing problems caused by high hedges.
Planning Application Decision Times Published (SG 29/01/19)
Statistics on quarterly planning performance, detailing number of planning applications decided across Scotland and average decision times for most types of application, including housing.
More Homes for Scotland (SG 25/01/19)
Funding increase assisting the drive to increase the supply of affordable homes via the 2019/20 Scottish Budget.
News Releases
Scottish Land Commission champions engagement process for successful land management (SLC 31/01/19)
Launch of new Protocol and toolkit setting out practical advice on how landowners, land managers and communities can work together to make better – and fairer – decisions about land use.
Heritage Alliance Travel Grant (IHBC 31/01/19)
The Heritage Alliance, with support from the British Council, is offering travel grants to support UK heritage professionals to develop mutually beneficial international projects and partnerships for their organisations. Apply here
Deadline: 5pm, Friday 15 February. Travel must be completed by 1 November 2019.
Scottish led project to be part of CACHE knowledge exchange funded projects (Cache 30/01/19)
University of Stirling project concerning Tenant Participation in the Private Rented Sector is one of five projects being funded.
New-look National Lottery Heritage Fund unveils plans for the next five years (HF 30/01/19)
A major devolution of decision-making across the whole of the UK is at the heart of new plans to distribute more than £1billion of National Lottery money to the UK’s heritage over next five years.
Heritage Alliance opens survey estimating Brexit impacts on heritage employees (IHBC 29/01/19)
The Heritage Alliance is calling on sector bodies to complete, share & retweet its 5-minute survey on EU Workers to help understand how Brexit will affect heritage sector employees.
Scotland’s Towns Partnership’s Funding Finder (STP 29/01/19)
The Funding Finder is the go-to place to source potential funding. Comprising nine categories, the Finder provides easy to read information on current funding streams, highlighting announcements of new funds and application deadlines. Download the January 2019 Funding Finder for more details.
2020 World Monuments Watch (WMF 29/01/19)
Nominations have opened for the 2020 World Monuments Watch. 25 sites from around the world in need of urgent action will be partnered with local stakeholders to design and implement targeted activities—including advocacy, planning, education, and conservation interventions in the historic built environment.
Deadline: 5pm, 1 March 2019
Social housing and green infrastructure design fund launched (GSS 28/01/19)
An opportunity for a path-finding social housing provider to access a package of financial and design support, helping to deliver an innovative social housing development and maximising the benefits of the vegetated land and water within and around housing sites.
Design Council launches Inclusive Environments CPD (DC 28/01/19)
Launch of a course for built environment professionals, providing them with an increased understanding and knowledge of inclusive design as standard practice at a national level.
My Place Awards and My Place Photography Competition (SCT 28/01/19)
The My Place Awards celebrate buildings, landscape, public realm and civic projects that have had a positive impact in local neighbourhoods, and delivered tangible benefits for communities.
Deadline: 22 February 2019
Funding announced for new collaborative centre for cultural value (AHRC)
The Arts and Humanities Research Council, part of UK Research and Innovation, has announced new funding for the creation of a collaborative Centre for Cultural Value, the first of its kind in the UK.
Opinion & Comment
Ministers reject plans for £450m Loudoun Castle resort (BBC 07/02/19)
How private landlords are destroying our tenements (SHN 05/02/19)
Community Engagement in decisions relating to land (SLC 05/02/19)
Prince Charles could ditch Scottish Eco-Village (TFN 04/02/19)
Leith Walk Development Campaign – latest (TER 30/01/19)
Holmhead Stone Circle: A Megalithic Mistake (HES 28/01/19)
A wider perspective on the planning bill: why we are where we are with planning – Dr Andy Inch (PD 27/01/19)
Political uncertainty ‘takes toll’ on building activity (RICS 24/01/19)
Edinburgh Council could buy your tenement flat and rent it back – to get it fixed (EEN 24/01/19)
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-21388: Oliver Mundell, Dumfriesshire, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 04/02/2019
To ask the Scottish Government what help it offers to communities that are seeking to (a) improve the appearance of buildings that are considered to be “eyesores” and (b) bring derelict buildings back to use.
Expected Answer date 04/03/2019
Question S5W-21336: Gail Ross, Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 30/01/2019
To ask the Scottish Government how complete the Scottish Land Register is.
Expected Answer date 27/02/2019
Question S5W-21277: Kezia Dugdale, Lothian, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 29/01/2019
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is regarding the banning of most domestic wood burning stoves by 2022, in light of plans by the UK Government to do so.
Expected Answer date 26/02/2019
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-21030: Murdo Fraser, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 16/01/2019
To ask the Scottish Government whether it is responsible for the protection and enhancement of the country’s historic environment.
Answered by Fiona Hyslop (28/01/2019)
Question S5W-21031: Murdo Fraser, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 16/01/2019
To ask the Scottish Government whether Historic Environment Scotland, as a statutory consultee in the A9 dualling project, is responsible for the protection and enhancement of the (a) historic environment and (b) inventory battlefield at Killiecrankie.
Answered by Fiona Hyslop (28/01/2019)
Question S5W-21032: Murdo Fraser, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 16/01/2019
To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers it conferred sufficient power on Historic Environment Scotland to be able to protect and enhance the (a) historic environment and (b) inventory battlefield at Killiecrankie.
Answered by Fiona Hyslop (28/01/2019)
Question S5W-20978: Bill Bowman, North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 14/01/2019
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the Scottish Retail Consortium’s call for local authorities to be able to use a portion of the town centres fund for reducing non-domestic rates.
Answered by Derek Mackay (23/01/2019)
Question S5W-20977: Bill Bowman, North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 14/01/2019
To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish details of its proposed town centres fund, and what its position is on the Scottish Retail Consortium’s call for business improvement districts and other organisations to be eligible to bid for funding.
Holding Answer issued by Derek Mackay (28/01/2019)
Other Parliamentary Activity
Motions: Graham Simpson: Housing Through the Lens of Ageing (17/01/19)
Debates: Housing through the Lens of Ageing (29/01/19)
Events
AF2019 February Meet-up – Inverness
Date & time: Saturday 9 February; 10:15 (10:30 start) – 13:00
Venue: The Bike Shed, 21D Grant Street, Inverness IV3 8BN
Join the first Architecture Fringe meet-up in the North of Scotland!
These free-to-attend meet-ups are very laid back and are open to anyone considering taking part in or contributing to the Architecture Fringe 2019 Open Programme. The Open Programme is a non-curated platform for self-directed projects, exhibitions, events and happenings. The meet-ups are an opportunity for you to hear more about the Architecture Fringe itself, to share your project thoughts and ideas, get feedback and meet new people. The meet-ups are analogue so just bring ideas or images to stick up on the wall. Open to all, free to attend. A lovely way to spend a Saturday morning!
The State Funeral and Heraldry of Mary Queen of Scots
Date & time: Monday 11 February (18:00-19:00) in Edinburgh, Tuesday 12 February (19:30-20:30) in Aberdeen.
Venue: Monday in the National Museum Scotland auditorium, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF (use Lothian Street entrance); Tuesday in the Regent Building Lecture Theatre, Regent Walk, Aberdeen, AB24 3FX.
Lecture by John Malden FSA Scot, President Heraldry Society of Scotland Royal Heraldry.
Preserving and Interpreting the Berlin Wall in a World of New Walls
Date & time: Wednesday 13 February; 18:00 (£6 – booking via website)
Venue: The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling, FK8 1QZ
The Berlin Wall was the Icon of the Cold War, symbolising a divided world until its political fall in November 1989. Today, not much is left of the world famous155km structure. Thanks to efforts initiated in December 1989, seven sections of the Wall and other border installations were listed and officially designated Historic Monuments by 1992. Today, the Berlin Wall Foundation is responsible for four prominent sites with a total of approximately 4 Million visitors a year. How are these precious physical remains being treated? What stories are being told, and what does the Berlin Wall stand for today?
Tackling Flooding Together
Date & time: Saturday 16 February; 10:30-14:30
Venue: The National Christian Outreach Centre, Riggs Road, Perth PH1 1PR
The Scottish Flood Forum (SFF) is holding another of its successful community networking events with support from Floodre who are engaging with flood risk communities across Britain as part of their transition plan. This community focussed event will give people the opportunity to share experience and discuss what we can do to tackle flooding together in a mutually supportive environment, so come along and give your views.
Heritage Trust Network Event: Scotland Members’ Meeting – Dundee
Date & time: Monday 18 February; 10:00-15:00
Venue: Dundee Central Baptist Church
Join us for our quarterly members’ meeting, to hear key speakers and build your contacts within Scotland’s network of Building Preservation Trusts and Community Groups involved in the rescue of historic buildings. This meeting will focus on the new National Lottery Heritage Fund (former Heritage Lottery Fund) and will offer the chance to hear all about the new funding streams available and ask any questions. Non-members are welcome to attend their first meeting without joining up, Attendance is free.
Highlands’ Heritage Hooley
Date & time: Tuesday 19 February; 18:00-20:00
Venue: Inverness Town House, High Street, Inverness IV1 1JJ
Join us for some lively conversation about what’s happening in Scottish heritage in a beautiful setting with music and refreshments. We’re inviting groups involved with the built environment to learn from each other’s experiences and build up local connections, with the opportunity to pick the brains of the sector’s major stakeholders. Representatives from Historic Environment Scotland, Heritage Lottery Fund, the Architectural Heritage Fund and the Heritage Trust Network, as well as local authorities, will all be there to answer your burning questions over a glass of something cheering in deepest darkest February.
Transforming Transport – Getting from A to EV
Date & time: Thursday 21 February, 14:00
Venue: The Studio, Level 9, 67 Hope Street, Glasgow, G2 6AE
From operators of energy assets, electricity networks to those working in transport, infrastructure and smart technology, this is a must attend event for anybody concerned with the detail surrounding the decarbonisation of our transport fleet. This event boasts speakers at the forefront of the transport transition – and is an excellent opportunity to learn about practical challenges and commercial opportunities delivering low-carbon transport will bring.
Central Belt Heritage Hooley
Date & time: Tuesday 26 February; 18:00-20:00
Venue: Linlithgow Burgh Halls, Linlithgow, EH49 7AH
Join us for some lively conversation about what’s happening in Scottish heritage in a beautiful setting with music and refreshments. We’re inviting groups involved with the built environment to learn from each other’s experiences and build up local connections, with the opportunity to pick the brains of the sector’s major stakeholders. Representatives from Historic Environment Scotland, Heritage Lottery Fund, the Architectural Heritage Fund and the Heritage Trust Network, as well as local authorities, will all be there to answer your burning questions over a glass of something cheering in deepest darkest February.
Talks at the Lane present Colm Moore on Temporal Architecture
Date & time: Thursday 28 February; 18:30
Venue: Custom Lane, 1 Customs Wharf, Leith EH6 6AL
Custom Lane invites you to join Colm Moore of Clancy Moore Architects to discuss their practice as part of the Talks at the Lane series.
Colm Moore is a partner of Dublin based architecture practice Clancy Moore. Established with Andrew Clancy in 2008, the practice works across Ireland and Europe seeking to understand ‘context‘ the fullest sense of the word – physical, historical, social, legislative and economic.
Since 2008 the practice has been the recipient of a number of national and international awards including the 2012 AAI Downes Medal for excellence in architectural design. In 2015 the practice was one of four emerging Irish practices involved in the London Festival of Architecture. Then in 2018, they were presented with the accolade of BD Young Architect of the Year. The practices work has been published and exhibited worldwide.
This talk follow on from Izat Arundell & Collaborators, Rural Office for Architecture and STUDIO NIRO.
Booking Details
Archaeological Science: looking to the future
Dates & times: Monday 11 March; 18:00-19:00 in Edinburgh & Tuesday 12 March; 19.00-20.00 in Lerwick.
Venues: Monday in the National Museum Scotland auditorium, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF (use Lothian Street entrance); Tuesday in the Shetland Museum and Archives, Hay’s Dock, Lerwick, ZE1 0WP.
Lecture given by Dr Lisa Brown FSA Scot MCIfA, Archaeological Science Manager at Historic Environment Scotland.
Planning for Low Carbon Heat
Date & time: Tuesday 12 March; 10:00 – 16:00
Venue: Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Terrace, Edinburgh, EH1 2JL
The way we heat our buildings is going to change dramatically in the coming years. The new Planning (Scotland) Bill, Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategies and district heating regulations will have a significant impact on how planning approaches energy and place, with the potential to improve air quality, reduce carbon emissions and create new, local economic opportunities.
Zero Waste Scotland is hosting a free workshop to help planners understand more about the changing policy landscape and how these changes might be addressed in practice. The session is free for all planning professionals, whether in the public or private sector.
RICS CPD Day, Dunblane
Date & time: Thursday 14 March; 08:30 – 17:10
Venue: DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro, Perth Rd, Dunblane, FK15 0HG
Join RICS CPD Day, Dunblane to enhance your capabilities and knowledge around today’s ever-changing market trends, legislation and technical guidance. Learn from leading industry professionals and take away practical solutions which can be implemented into your daily practice – benefiting both your business and personal professional development. The conference offers a choice of 18 breakout sessions to allow you to tailor the day specifically to your personal CPD needs, network with colleagues and peers in your region and put your questions to leading experts in their field.
RTPI Scotland Young Planners Conference 2019
Date & time: Wednesday 20 March; 09:00–17:30
Venue: Apex Hotel, Dundee
Our 2019 Young Planners’ Network conference takes place in the beautiful city of Dundee. This year we will be looking at how young planners can ‘deliver great places now and for the future’. A jam-packed line up with some of the most esteemed built environment professionals in the country will be complemented by afternoon workshops, helping improve and refine skills critical for your development as a professional planner. We are expecting another sell-out event so don’t delay and book tickets today.
Our Past, Our Future: Young People & Heritage
Date & time: Wednesday 27 March; 09:30-17:00
Venue: AK Bell Library, Perth
This one-day conference at the AK Bell Library in Perth will bring together a range of speakers to share their experiences working on different heritage engagement projects across Scotland. We will reflect upon activities undertaken during the Year of Young People (2018) and explore how best to support young people’s interest in the past as they become the heritage caretakers of the future. The keynote address will be given by Dr Jeff Sanders who has delivered high-profile projects for the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, including the successful Dig It! engagement programme since 2015.
Training
Conservation of Timberwork
Dates: Monday 18 February – Tuesday 26 March 2019 (5 days)
Venue: Forth Valley College, Stirling
Timber is one of Scotland’s most significant building materials. It has a rich history from cruck frame houses to decorative internal timbers, and is used across a range of building features. This course will provide an introduction to the essential biology of timber used in Scotland over the centuries, and will trace its sources, from early early samples of Scots origin to imports from the Baltic states and North America.
Examine timber’s physical properties, its natural weathering and decay processes, and its resilience to man-made damage or interference. You will learn about the complex issues surrounding decay caused by wet and dry rots, and current best practice methods to remove and prevent fungal problems in timber.
You will learn current conservation principles and how to undertake appropriate repairs, from an initial survey, through to specification, procurement and on-site repair of existing or installation of new material – all according to best current principles of best conservation practice.
Cost: £420.
Historic Concrete and Cements Conservation
Dates: Monday 19 February – Tuesday 26 March (5 days, TBC)
Venue: Forth Valley College, Stirling
Examine the relatively recent traditions of cement, gypsum and lime concrete construction in Scotland’s in Scotland’s built environment, and the practical conservation issue surrounding this important traditional building material.
This course will give an overview of the development and use of concrete since the 18th century and the manufacture of its most common forms. You will discover the wide range of structures built using this material across Scotland, from lighthouses and viaducts, to houses and office blocks.
You will also learn about the practical challenges faced in repairing and conserving historic concrete structures. Discover the appropriate methods of surveying historic concrete structures, diagnosing defects and the urgency and practicality of repairs or treatment. You will also learn how to devise specifications for repairs using appropriate and sustainable materials, safe work practices and working with contractors with the necessary expertise.
Cost: £405.
Drystone Walling
Date: Saturday 2 March, 09:30 – 4:30
Venue: Merryhill Training Centre, Fife KY11 3DR
Have you always wanted to try drystone walling? Would you like to add to your skills set? Why not join us for this one day workshop aimed at those who would like to learn the basics of dry stone walling to be able to undertake their own projects. During the course you will construct a new drystone wall and also gain the techniques needed to repair existing structures.
Dates: Monday 4 March – Monday 3 June; 09:00 – 17:00
Venue: RICS, 125 Princes Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4AD
Gain status in the market as a qualified expert witness
This 12-week blended learning programme designed to give you a sound knowledge of the law and best practice. Practically orientated and founded on the official RICS Professional Guidance, this course will ensure you develop the core competencies needed to be an effective expert witness.
What are the core competencies?
• Managing the appointment
• Managing the post appointment process
• Constructing a comprehensive expert report
• Cooperating productively with other experts
• Delivering effective expert evidence in court
CTA:
Repairing Traditional Masonry P1 – Professional Level 1
Dates: Tuesday 5 – Wednesday 6 March
Venue: Charlestown Workshops, Fife KY11 3EN
This is our most popular 2 day workshop for building professionals and provides an introduction to the effective conservation and repair of traditional masonry structures and buildings, for the most part using traditional lime based mortars.
By the end of the course attendees will be able to recognise vernacular and historic finishes to masonry buildings and will gain an understanding of building diagnostics in order to be able to develop specifications in relation to exposure, season, substrates and the nature of masonry repairs required.
Making & Using Hot Mixed Lime Mortars
Date: Friday 8 March
Venue: Merryhill Training Centre, Fife KY11 3DR
This one day workshop aims to provide an introductory guide to the preparation and use of ‘hot mixed’ lime mortars, that is, mortars prepared by slaking quicklime, sand and natural hydraulic lime binders (and possibly other additives like tallow or pozzolans) to more closely mimic the appearance and technical performance of conservation mortars and in some cases offer advantages in use and technical performance over more conventional ‘cold mortars’. More and more clients and specifiers are asking building contractors to make and use ‘hot mixed’ mortars on their repair jobs, so get ahead of the game and brush up your knowledge and skills with us.
Vacancies
Prince’s Foundation Building Craft Programme
Applications are now open for the Prince’s Foundation Building Craft Programme, where you will work with a wide range of building crafts and expert craftspeople to take your skills to the next level.
The Foundation believe it is crucial to preserve these valuable skills, which are gradually being lost as the average age of workers in the Historic Buildings sector approaches retirement age. The course is designed for craftspeople looking to bridge the gap between basic qualifications and becoming a master craftsperson working in the heritage sector.
Deadline: Friday 1 March
Get The Latest Built Environment News, Events, Vacancies, Consultations And Publications In Our News Bulletin.
BEFS News
The cross party Scottish Parliamentary Working Group on Tenement Maintenance published interim recommendations last week that it sees as central to improving how owners maintain communal property. The recommendations include statutory:
• property inspections,
• owner associations,
• sinking funds.
The working group is seeking responses by 27th February 2019 with full details of the interim recommendations and how to respond here.
In December BEFS held a workshop with individuals from across the heritage sector who had responded to our earlier call for ideas on prioritisation. The follow up event, open to all, will be on Monday 25th February at the Scottish Story Telling Centre in Edinburgh. We plan on sharing the findings of the workshop, update on how it complements the Our Place in Time – Built Heritage Investment Plan Group and look at one organisational prioritisation matrix. Booking details here.
Historic Environment Scotland has opened a consultation on its Designations and Scheduled Monuments Policy. BEFS Membership will be examining this along with the consultation on Demolition, Use and Adaptation of Listed Buildings guidance in early February.
In September 2018 BEFS responded to the Scottish Government Culture Strategy consultation. On 23/01/2019 the Scottish Government released a number of publications analysing the responses to the 2018 consultation. Full details can be found here.
Early in the summer of 2018 BEFS Members, SCAPE, were part of the project ‘Learning From Loss’ which examined the impacts of climate change on heritage and the interface with local communities. They have now published papers and an excellent short film. You can find both here.
The Planning (Scotland) Bill will give communities the right to develop proposals for the development and use of land through a new type of plan, known as a Local Place Plan. PAS have designed a short survey to gather views on what support communities would like to see and what barriers they believe would stop them taking part.
Greenspace Scotland are seeking professionals in the natural/built environment and youth work sector to form a Scotland-wide Skills Bank to support the Young Placechangers programme. As a member of the Advisory Board, BEFS would recommend taking the opportunity to join as a Skills Bank member. Deadline for applications is: 5pm 11 February 2019
BEFS Trustee and Director of Scottish Confucius Institute for Business & Communication at Heriot-Watt University, Ian Baxter has blogged in response to BEFS recent workshop on prioritisation. It is a thought provoking piece discussing the need to proactively put ourselves in others’ shoes and asking if behaviour change is the heritage sector’s next strategic challenge.
In our second blog, Bill Pagan, BEFS Trustee and a founder of the Cupar Development Trust, provides an update on activities in the town following the 2017 charrette with interesting details on being a pilot Digital Improvement District.
Finally, if you have been keeping up with some of the online chatter about different approaches to heritage you might find this podcast on of interest.
Consultations
Scotland’s Construction Sector Inquiry – Call for Views
The Scottish Parliament’s Economy, Energy and Fair Work Committee is seeking views on the construction sector in Scotland.
The closing date for receipt of submissions is Wednesday 13 February 2019
Consultation on Scottish Charity Law
Opened 7 Jan 2019. Closes 1 Apr 2019
Consultation on Principles and Practice for Designation and Scheduled Monument Policy and Procedures (HES)
Deadline: 6pm on Tuesday 19 February 2019
Demolition of Listed Buildings and The Use and Adaptation of Listed Buildings (HES)
Deadline: 6pm on Friday 15 February 2019
Consultation Responses
Building Standards Compliance and Fire Safety Consultation Analysis Report
A Culture Strategy for Scotland Responses
Publications
Architecture and Design Scotland’s Annual Review (A&DS 18/01/19)
Planning, Economy, Place Literature Review (SG 17/01/19)
Energy Performance of Buildings Directive: second cost optimal assessment (MHCLG 14/01/19)
Building for our future: A vision for social housing (Shelter 08/01/19)
Marine Protected Area Network – 2018 Report to the Scottish Parliament (SG 21/12/18)
Review of Tenancy Deposit Schemes in Scotland (SG 21/12/18)
Guidance for public bodies covering the purchase of products or services where heritage is an issue of concern (SG 19/12/18)
Launch of a new strategic framework for heritage science (NHSF 05/12/18)
Scottish Government News Releases
Boost for Tay cities region (SG 07/01/19)
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed £40 million will be invested in the new road, which will link the A9 over the River Tay to the A93 and A94 north of Scone, reducing congestion in Perth and opening up sites for housing and economic development.
Less Favoured Areas scheme (SG 07/01/19)
Hill farmers and crofters in Scotland’s most remote areas will continue to receive assistance under the Less Favoured Area Support Scheme (LFASS) into 2020.
News Releases
GovTech Catalyst funding secured (SNH 22/01/19)
An innovative project that will help improve planning around Scotland’s most valuable natural sites has secured funding of up to £1.25 million. Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has been granted the award through the UK-wide GovTech Catalyst Challenge to develop a new online service for protected areas.
IHBC Marsh Awards (IHBC 15/01/19)
Submissions are open for the IHBC Marsh Award ‘Successful Learning in Heritage Skills’. The award is designed to recognise the contribution of an individual for their significant learning in traditional building activities and craft skills. Deadline: 28 February 2019
Architecture Fringe 2019 – Open Call pack (AF 09/01/19)
The Architecture Fringe 2019 Open Call is now open for confirmed submissions to the 2019 Open Programme. You can submit your events, projects, exhibitions and happenings using the button below. The Open Call closes for confirmed submissions at 12 noon on Monday 8th April 2019
Shelter Report: RICS backs findings as starting point (RICS 08/01/19)
RICS believe the Shelter report recommendations must be picked up and driven forward by government. RICS has long called for more government resources to improve the housing sector, including more awareness and oversight at ministerial level, a national organisation to keep plans on track, and an independent ombudsman service to ensure fairness.
23 Remarkable Places Listed in 2018 (HE 20/12/18)
A former lifeboat house in Essex, two Rolls Royce testing hangars in Nottingham and a thatched memorial bus shelter in Dorset are among our highlights of the places listed in 2018
The My Place Awards and My Place Photography Competition 2019 (SCT)
The Scottish Civic Trust are delighted to announce the launch of their new My Place Scotland website. Entries for both the My Place Awards and My Place Photography Competition 2019 can now be made online. The closing date for both is Friday 22 February 2019
Place Value Wiki call for submissions
Place Value Wiki is a collaborative platform for anyone interested in the empirical links between aspects of place quality and aspects of place value.
Opinion & Comment
Handling Scotland’s derelict sites (James Simpson & Ian Hood, Scotsman 06/01/19)
Scotland’s proposed new Rights Act and land reform (SLC 11/12/18)
Dundee: Think global, act local (Design Council 11/12/18)
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-20977: Bill Bowman, North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 14/01/2019
To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish details of its proposed town centres fund, and what its position is on the Scottish Retail Consortium’s call for business improvement districts and other organisations to be eligible to bid for funding.
Question S5W-20978: Bill Bowman, North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 14/01/2019
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on the Scottish Retail Consortium’s call for local authorities to be able to use a portion of the town centres fund for reducing non-domestic rates.
Events
Country house politics: negotiating boundaries between the public and the private
Date: Monday 28 January; 16.00
Venue: Board Room, Scottish Confucius Institute for Business & Communication (Postgrad Centre Room 1.02, First floor)
Seminar organised jointly by Confucius Institute & Intercultural Research Centre
Speaker: Dr Ben Cowell, Director-General of Historic Houses
Sustainable Construction Launch: Meet & Greet with Sandy Halliday
Date: Thursday 31 January; 17.30– 19.00
Venue: RIAS Bookshop, 15 Rutland Square, Edinburgh, EH1 2BE
Come along to the RIAS Bookshop for a meet and greet with Sandy Halliday to celebrate the launch of Sustainable Construction (Second Edition). Sandy will give a short talk followed by a Q&A and book signing. Copies of the book will be available to purchase on the evening for the special discounted price of £32.99.
RSA Edinburgh Area: Shaping New Places Through the Human-Centred Smart City
Date: Tuesday 5 February; 18.00–19.45
Venue: Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Innovation, Old High School, 12 Infirmary Street, Edinburgh EH1 1LZ
“How can the ‘Smart City’ be imagined as a place for people, where technology is servant, not master? How is the ‘Smart City’ understood by different cities internationally? How are wellbeing and human flourishing, climate change, inclusive growth, and other pressing agendas addressed through this concept? If not ‘smart’ then what would a city be?” These are the questions being addressed at the RSA Edinburgh Area Network re-launch in February.
Culture & Business Fund Scotland – Perth Roadshow
Date: Wednesday 6 February; 13.00-16.00; Evening Reception: 17.00-19.30
Venue: Workshop-Perth Museum and Art Gallery, 78 George Street, Perth, PH1 5LB. Reception-Perth Theatre, 185 High Street, Perth PH1 5UW
The event will offer tips on developing creative partnerships with businesses, a detailed session on the application criteria and a Q&A to answer queries about the fund. This afternoon workshop will be followed by an evening reception for businesses taking place at 5pm in Perth Theatre. The event will offer businesses information about CBFS and how partnerships with cultural organisations can bring significant social and economic impact for all involved.
To book your place at one or both of these events, contact: Events or call: 0131 556 3353.
The State Funeral and Heraldry of Mary Queen of Scots
Date & time: Monday 11 February (18.00-19.00) in Edinburgh, Tuesday 12 February (19.30-20.30) in Aberdeen
Venue: Monday in the National Museum Scotland auditorium, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF (use Lothian Street entrance); Tuesday in the Regent Building Lecture Theatre, Regent Walk, Aberdeen, AB24 3FX
Lecture by John Malden FSA Scot, President Heraldry Society of Scotland Royal Heraldry.
Preserving and Interpreting the Berlin Wall in a World of New Walls
Date & time: Wednesday 13th February; 18.00 (£6 – booking via website)
Venue: The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling, FK8 1QZ
The Berlin Wall was the Icon of the Cold War, symbolising a divided world until its political fall in November 1989. Today, not much is left of the world famous155km structure. Thanks to efforts initiated in December 1989, seven sections of the Wall and other border installations were listed and officially designated Historic Monuments by 1992. Today, the Berlin Wall Foundation is responsible for four prominent sites with a total of approximately 4 Million visitors a year. How are these precious physical remains being treated? What stories are being told, and what does the Berlin Wall stand for today?
Archaeological Science: looking to the future
Date & time: Monday 11 March (18.00-19.00) in Edinburgh, Tuesday 12 March (19.00-20.00) in Lerwick
Venue: Monday in the National Museum Scotland auditorium, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF (use Lothian Street entrance); Tuesday in the Shetland Museum and Archives, Hay’s Dock, Lerwick, ZE1 0WP
Lecture given by Dr Lisa Brown FSA Scot MCIfA, Archaeological Science Manager at Historic Environment Scotland.
Training
Business Briefing: Preparing Your Business for Audit (Edinburgh)
Date: Tuesday, 22 January 2019, Registration: 08.45 | Event 09.00-11.00
Venue: RSM, First Floor, Quay 2, 139 Fountainbridge, Edinburgh, EH3 9QG
Cost: Free for Arts & Business Scotland members, £25 + VAT for non-members.
Audit is more than a grudge purchase! How to prepare for and get the most from your audit. All charities with over £500k of income require an external audit and RSM, as one of the leading UK charity auditors, are committed to helping the Charities sector to ensure it gets real value from external audit to help management and Trustees to fulfil their governance responsibilities. If you are a finance manager/ director or Trustee of a charity which requires an audit this session is for you.
A Guide to Tax for Arts & Heritage Organisations (Edinburgh)
Date: Wednesday, 23 January 2019, Registration: 12.30 | Event 13.00 – 16.30
Venue: Arts & Business Scotland, Rosebery House, 9 Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh, EH12 5EZ
Cost: Members. £55 + VAT for Arts & Business Scotland members (Arts & Heritage). £85 + VAT for Arts & Business Scotland members (Corporate). Non-Members: £85 + VAT for non-members (Arts & Heritage). £105 + VAT for non-members (Corporate)
This half-day seminar is a must for all financial or budget holding staff and anyone who wants to know how tax affects (and can benefit) arts and heritage organisations with charitable status in Scotland. The accompanying general tax guide provides a practical summary of the training and guidance on how tax affects the arts and heritage organisations. The event and guide are also a great refresher and reference for those who need reminding of basic principles and want to know how different taxes interact with each other.
Legacies: How to Develop a Campaign and Secure Long-Term Financial Security
Date: Tuesday, 5 February 2019 Registration: 10.15 | Event 10.30 – 16.30
Venue: Arts & Business Scotland, Rosebery House, 9 Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh, EH12 5EZ
Cost: Members. £145 + VAT for Arts & Business Scotland members (Arts & Heritage); £195 + VAT for Arts & Business Scotland members (Corporate). Non-Members. £195 + VAT for non-members (Arts & Heritage); £245 + VAT for non-members (Corporate)
Legacies are the fastest growing source of income in the voluntary sector – up over 50% in the last ten years. Not just for big named charities, the fastest growing sector in this area of fundraising is the cultural sector, embracing both arts and heritage organisations. This course, specifically for the cultural sector in Scotland, has been created in partnership with and will be delivered by Richard Radcliffe who has over 30 years’ experience in helping non-profits grow legacy income.
Beyond The GDPR – How to Market and Fundraise Lawfully (Edinburgh)
Date: Thursday, 7 February 2019 Registration: 12.30 | Event 13.00 – 16.30
Venue: Arts & Business Scotland, Rosebery House, 9 Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh, EH12 5EZ
Cost: Members. £55 + VAT for Arts & Business Scotland members (Arts & Heritage); £85 + VAT for Arts & Business Scotland members (Corporate). Non-Members. £85 + VAT for non-members (Arts & Heritage); £105 + VAT for non-members (Corporate)
Laura Irvine, partner at Davidson Chalmers LLP, will provide an update on marketing, fundraising and data protection law. The activity around the GDPR and getting ready for implementation proved a significant challenge for cultural organisations and sometimes the approach taken was based on incorrect advice or pressure as some organisations dealt with databases issues. As the dust settles and as a new law, the ePrivacy Regulation is pending, this training day will be an opportunity to reflect on marketing and fundraising activities in a post-GDPR world. With ample opportunities to discuss the approach your organisation took and is now taking and to find out what the legal position is and is likely to be going forward. Book now for this new post- GDPR training event.
Sponsorship: Developing Creative Partnerships (Edinburgh)
Date: Tuesday, 26 February 2019. Registration: 10.15 | Event 10.30 – 16.30
Venue: Arts & Business Scotland, Rosebery House, 9 Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh EH12 5EZ
Cost: Members. £95 + VAT for Arts & Business Scotland members (Arts & Heritage); £145 + VAT for Arts & Business Scotland members (Corporate). Non-Members. £145 + VAT for non-members (Arts & Heritage); £195 + VAT for non-members (Corporate)
This ‘how-to’ guide to sponsorship will take you through the key steps to sponsorship from attracting a business to nurturing and developing long lasting cultural and business partnerships. If you have little experience or just want a refresher on this area of fundraising, then this seminar is aimed to help you on your journey to sponsorship success. Peppered with sponsorship stories gathered from Arts & Business Scotland match funding programmes.
Telling It Like It Is – Effective Copywriting (Edinburgh)
Date: Wednesday, 27 February 2019 Registration: 10.15 | Event 10.30 – 16.30
Venue: Arts & Business Scotland, Rosebery House, 9 Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh EH12 5EZ
Cost: Members. £95 + VAT for Arts & Business Scotland members (Arts & Heritage); £145 + VAT for Arts & Business Scotland members (Corporate). Non-Members. £145 + VAT for non-members (Arts & Heritage). £195 + VAT for non-members (Corporate)
This one-day training session is aimed at anyone looking to improve their copywriting skills to support their fund-raising activities. Offering a combination of project-based, hands-on writing exercises with tips, techniques and critical theory, the session explores the five stages of the copywriting process. While the training provides a specific focus on writing a case for support, the resulting learning can be applied to all kinds of fundraising communications.
Vacancies
Project Intern Officer – RTPI Scotland
A fantastic opportunity to work at RTPI Scotland in a crucial year for the Scottish planning system. An ideal role for any budding policy or planning professionals.
Application Deadline: Monday 28 January 2019
Building Repair (Grants) Manager – Glasgow City Heritage Trust
An exciting opportunity has become available for a professional to support the implementation of the Trust’s building repair grants programme for the benefit of all people living and working in and visiting Glasgow.
Please don’t hesitate to contact the Director Torsten Haak on: 0141 552 1331 for an informal discussion.
Application Deadline: Thursday 31 January 2019
Next Step Initiative is offering The Ethnic Minority Career Museum, & Built Environment Heritage Traineeships (With Bursary).
Applications are open for 7 full time 12-month accredited work-based placements in heritage management starting March 2018.
Training Bursary grant of £13,500 gross per annum.
Available Positions:
Conservation & Culture Traineeship x 1 (Edinburgh)
Museums & Galleries Traineeship x 2 (Edinburgh)
Technical Conservation Skills Traineeship x 2 (Stirling)
Museum and Heritage Traineeship x 2 (Glasgow)
Please see the following link for more information: Traineeships
If you have problems downloading the Application Pack, please email: Recruitment
Extended application deadline: Monday 4 February 2019 at 5pm
Ian Baxter, Board Member of BEFS asks, is behaviour change the next strategic challenge for the heritage sector?
The Built Environment Forum Scotland (BEFS) recently ran a workshop to explore aspects of prioritisation within the heritage sector. This was related to a Historic Environment Scotland work stream arising from a commitment within the last SNP Manifesto to explore funding priorities for public monies within the historic built environment, in order to ensure the dwindling pot of available public monies go to where they are most needed / effective. The workshop also allied to a decade-old collaborative thought experiment which I have been undertaking in a slightly ad hoc way with Dr Simon Gilmour, Director of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. This has, over an extended period, sought to investigate scenario planning approaches and long-term horizon scanning (sometimes called futurology) for the sector. The use and applicability of such futures-oriented approaches are intimately linked through policy direction and strategic organisational intentions to funding streams and decision-making mechanisms. They also try to understand how and why organisations behave in the way they do, responding to external drivers affecting their operational and policy environments. This in turn affects the way they interact with each other; and collectively across organisations, the way the sector as whole focuses its attention on specific issues at certain points in time.
Details of the recent workshop and the resultant discussion are reported elsewhere via the usual BEFS communication channels, but in reflecting on the day, and via wider discussion within the workshop co-ordinating team, it is worth trying to step back and consider macro-challenges which will influence the prioritisation debate as it moves forward. Bringing together the sector to try and create a matrix of funding priorities sounds entirely reasonable as an effective tactical response within a wider strategic movement to prioritise what we do with an asset base which we cannot realistically look after in its entirety. Sector wide applicability of a single tool, or even agreement of a single approach to using a flexible toolkit in organisations with different aims and priorities, divergent stakeholder views, and widely varied interests in sub-sets of the heritage asset base may be too big a challenge to contemplate in practice though. But, if theoretically it is a good idea, what really stops us from doing it?
The reasons we can’t are complex and relate to organisational and stakeholder autonomy, and a set of behaviours, both individual and organisational, which can hardwire nervousness of the unacceptability of monolithic behaviour; instil worry about a democratic deficit in decision-making; exacerbate tensions to do with perceptions of exclusivity and inclusivity; and worry about the prospect of change with foreseen or unforeseen consequences that we don’t like the sound of, even before we know what it might be.
Individually and collectively within the sector we already recognise a wide set of macro level issues both as consideration or sometimes as threat: these include issues like climate change, stakeholder inclusion and emergent ideas like intergenerational equity. We are already thinking and discussing the ways in which they may affect the historic environment generally and how we can incorporate them or mitigate against them, and thus protect assets we want to save and/or pass to the next generation. We also already conceptualise and manage the micro issues, on a daily basis within our personal and organisational forms – as professionals and agents / having agency within a specific sector forming part of a bigger ecosystem of planning and managing the environment around us. The mid-range, however, that gap between the big concepts and the micro objects/actions – the realm of behavioural systems – is one that we still struggle with, and I would argue that in order to move things forward collectively both better understanding of behaviours, and subtle behaviour change is perhaps the next strategic challenge to engage with.
What do I mean by ‘behaviour change’ as a strategic approach? Well, listening to the various stakeholders expressing their views in the prioritisation discussion, I was struck by the thoughtful and deeply analytical ways in which all of the individuals present engaged with the process of sifting ideas on the heritage asset base and its need, and by consequence where/how we might prioritise that need. Alternative views on issues were chewed over; viewpoints were balanced; and ultimately, consensus was reached collectively within the room, perhaps surprisingly, with many items flagged for higher or lower prioritisation. What we didn’t do however was fully articulate why we individually, organisationally, and ultimately collectively, took particular stances, and how those stances might have changed or might change in any period of time. We didn’t put ourselves in others’ shoes (professionally), as we perhaps assumed we understood the stance of an architect versus a planner, or an archaeologist versus an advocator implicitly. I would argue that assumed implicit understanding or tacit knowledge holds us back, as our professional and organisational identities still mask and influence what we say or are prepared to say to foreground motivations for our behaviour in the present. For example, why as an academic in the workshop did I de-prioritise the funding for academic study in the matrix? Why did nobody challenge me on this? What was I thinking? Was I betraying my own profession, or was I making a stance as part of a projected persona, trying to be some kind of enfant terrible of the afternoon, disrespecting something I should be defending to the hilt?
I am not saying we need to laboriously psychoanalyse the way we talk about and respond in our professional consideration of heritage in workshop situations, but I do think that we might explore our behaviour in order to better recognise and articulate our individual and corporate behaviours. In essence we need to be much clearer about the ‘mid range’ linkage between individual stakeholders and the big issues. We need to be much more open about the tacit knowledge we use, that which isn’t codified. We need to re-identify and flag the drivers which influence us individually and corporately, and how these have changed and will change again. Organisational and professional expectations (whether it is related to professional standards or institutional mission) affect subtly the way in which individuals collectively discuss, disagree and arrive at consensus. These influences change over time, and what was foremost in our individual or organisational mindsets at the time of writing Our Place in Time (for example), may not be the most pressing issues to address now. I don’t think we would have had a workshop outcome of consensus in the same way a couple of years ago, or longer – so what has caused us to behave in this way right now?
Discussion abounded in the room about what we did care about and what is of less interest. I think we need to be bolder and braver about admitting what and why things do and don’t concern us any more, and how the concerns change subtly but relatively quickly from one year to the next. A broader consideration of the way in which we frame our responses to consultations, and foregrounding the current drivers which affect the way in which we engage with heritage issues would, I think, help to bridge the micro and the macro – to build and articulate better the ‘mid range’ thinking which links the consideration of the day to day operational challenges against the grand challenges which the wider world faces, and where we try to deploy effective management of the historic environment in order to add value to the world we live in, and explain fully the decisions we make now for those that come after.
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Bill Pagan, Board member of BEFS, and founding Board member of Cupar Development Trust, updates us on progress in Cupar.
In the past three years, Cupar Development Trust (CDT) has achieved funding for the town from Scottish Government, Fife Council, Big Lottery, Heritage Lottery Fund, Fife LEADER and others, totalling nearly £150,000. Following the CharrettePlus, led by PAS in 2016, an Interpretive Plan was published in 2017. At the end of 2018, the first two staff members joined CDT’s team.
During 2018, three new initiatives took place, independently of the CDT. First, the University of St Andrews received funding to catalogue the archive of the Royal Burgh of Cupar from 1364 to 1975. The archive has been held by the University for some time, and has been available to researchers, but this project, due to be completed by the end of this year, will provide a catalogue available to search on line. This will make an exciting addition to Cupar’s Interpretive Plan (IP).
Second, Fife Council instructed an archaeological dig on the town’s Moot Hill. This area, the site of Cupar’s early Courts from 12th – 16th centuries, had never been explored before. In fact, few in the town knew it was the site of the Courts/Moots, since the street signs refer to “Moat Hill”. At first, the dig produced only some relatively routine medieval and later artefacts. Then, on the last day, lower levels produced cremated human bones, which are now back from carbon dating:
ARCHAS Archaeology reported: “We were able to extract a small sample of the cremated bone which has been Radiocarbon dated to approximately 1750 BC, roughly the transition from the Early to the Middle Bronze Age nearly 4000 years ago. Although only a small part of this large feature was investigated it is very likely that what was revealed is a Bronze Age Cremation pit in the centre of Cupar. It is also highly probable that there will be other similar features located close to the pit already identified as these features are often found in small clusters.”
This exciting result provides evidence of Cupar being an ancient settlement, whereas previously historians had started the Fife story with assumptions about the Celts being defeated by the Romans. Funding is now being sought for a further dig in 2019.
Third, Cupar was chosen by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP) for the Scottish Government’s Digital Towns Pilot – the first in the country. The town centre is now being established as a “Digital Improvement District” (DID). At the end of the experimental period, ABCD, Cupar’s Businesses Association, hopes that the pilot will have persuaded a majority of businesses in the town centre to support it into the future, and contribute to it, as is the established formula for BIDs.
So what was CDT doing in 2018? Much effort went into raising funding, and what a process this is – especially when done by volunteers! But when successful, morale lifts instantly and the positive publicity raises awareness in the town. I am delighted to report that the Board of CDT managed to secure some important funding in 2018.
With encouragement and support from Fife Council, CDT successfully secured a Fife LEADER grant to cover the costs for two staff members from November 2018 to December 2019. Fife Council then topped up the grant, and the two staff are now funded until the end of March 2020. We now enjoy the benefit of a Community Projects Co-ordinator, and an Administration & Finance Officer.
They will make very important contributions to the delivery of the Interpretive Plan (IP). The Working Group for the delivery of the IP includes representatives of the Community Council, Cupar Heritage, Cupar Businesses’ Association, local Tourist interests, and CDT.
The first projects of the plan are generically entitled “Classic Cupar”. Where they involve research and interpretation, the results will be uploaded to a digital archive for Cupar, using “CMCFlow”, the digital asset management system developed and maintained by CMC Associates.
- “Classic Cupar 1”, grant funded by HLF, will provide a digital archive of local heritage collections. It will be delivered by a partnership among CDT, Cupar Heritage, and CMC Associates.
- “Classic Cupar 2”, a discrete part of ‘Digital Cupar’, will build a calendar of past, current and future events in the town. This will contribute both to the town’s history and to the co-ordination of events organised by Cupar’s many thriving organisations.
- “Classic Cupar 3”, funded by National Lottery Awards for All, reflects the determination that the delivery of Cupar’s Interpretive Plan will be inclusive – important in a town whose population includes the elderly and the less able. It will deliver a new community event – a festival for children with special needs and their carers. The project will be delivered by a partnership between Kilmaron Special School and CDT.
Other events, not formally part of Classic Cupar, support the IP’s objectives. For example, a cheerful tea party for some of Cupar’s longest-established residents, designed to gather information on the history of Cupar’s shops, produced so much detail, boosted by memorable anecdotes, that putting even a summary of it into a form suitable for CMCFlow is proving a mammoth task! The history of Cupar’s shops, and these anecdotes, complement an independent research project by Cupar Heritage, who have commissioned Lindsay Lennie, an authority on historic shopfronts in Scotland, to carry out an architectural survey of some 25 shopfronts in the town.
It is clear that 2018 was a busy year for those planning for events and activity in Cupar. The aim for 2019 is to start actual delivery – and to plan ahead for major events in 2022. More on that later!
You can follow progress via www.cuparcould.com, Twitter , Instagram and Facebook.
A website for Classic Cupar is coming soon!
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