Check out the built environment related events taking place at the Edinburgh International Book Festival in August.
Sat 12 Aug 4:30pm – 5:30pm
When a major city undergoes regeneration, there are always some cons among the obvious pros. In Disappearing Glasgow, artist and photographer Chris Leslie and Professor of Architecture Johnny Rodger present a joint project exploring how Glasgow’s communities were affected by a post-war modernist experiment which destroyed slums in favour of vast tower block estates. The pair discuss why this high-rise revolution was doomed to failure.
Sun 13 Aug 11:00am – 12:00pm
When Voltaire said, ‘We look to Scotland for all our ideas of civilisation’ he was mainly thinking of Edinburgh. It may no longer be the intellectual hub of the western world, but as Sheila Szatkowski shows in Enlightenment Edinburgh, a guide to the 18th century city, it is still recognisably the same place it was in David Hume’s day.
Sun 13 Aug 12:30pm – 1:30pm
An hour of pure Edinburgh indulgence in the form of a personal journey exploring the city. For A Sketchbook of Edinburgh, Iain Fraser and Anne Fraser Sim, owners of the Elephant House café, have commissioned 150 works from four local artists to illustrate their favourite journeys through the city, and they provide an accompanying cultural, historical and architectural commentary.
Sun 13 Aug 7:15pm – 8:15pm
In St Peter’s, Cardross, architectural historian Diane M Watters and Angus Farquhar, Creative Director of the Glasgow-based arts organisation NVA, tell the fascinating story of the short-lived (1966-79) Catholic seminary that has been called both the best and the worst Scottish building of the 20th century. Derelict for years, it will soon be brought into renewed use as a cultural space. Chaired by Susan Mansfield.
Mon 14 Aug 1:30pm – 2:30pm
Our Writing the City events continue with a fascinating conversation between novelist, commentator and psychogeographer Will Self and Richard Sennett, Professor of Sociology at the London School of Economics. Taking inspiration from Italo Calvino’s Invisible Cities, Self and Sennett explore how the writer inhabits a city and how their creativity shapes the buildings around them. Presented in partnership with Theatrum Mundi.
Mon 14 Aug 3:45pm – 4:45pm
Though written in 1933, the Charter of Athens still defines how and why cities are built. The Quito Papers is an ambitious global project, led by Richard Sennett and Saskia Sassen, which is rethinking the vision of how towns and cities are built in the 21st century. Having been to Beijing, London, New York, and Cumbernauld on our ReimagiNation tour, they present their vision to Edinburgh.
Mon 14 Aug 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Scottish theatre maker Ishbel McFarlane’s Plan is an interactive performance involving a game in which you and your fellow ‘jurors’ build your own imaginary New Town. A show about utopias and refugees, Plan offers a thought-provoking spin on how countries are reshaped following conflict, and has formed a central part of the Book Festival’s ReimagiNation tour of Scotland’s New Towns.
Sun 20 Aug 12:30pm – 1:30pm
EDINBURGH’S STORY, SET IN STONE
Alan McKirdy takes the long view in Edinburgh: Landscapes in Stone, going back 350 million years to when its future site was under a very active volcano. John Peacock, by contrast, begins The Story of Edinburgh a mere 10,000 years ago, with the arrival of the first Mesolithic explorers, ending with the battles between conservationists and planners in the present.
Sun 20 Aug 6:45pm – 7:45pm
BUILDINGS THAT SHAPED SCOTLAND
How best to tell the story of Scotland’s history? A good way would be to do what Historic Environment Scotland have done – assemble a bunch of fine authors to write about the 25 buildings that have shaped this country, starting 5,000 years ago at the Knap of Howar on Papa Westray. Join James Crawford, Alexander McCall Smith, Alistair Moffat and James Robertson for a scintillating hour. Chaired by Ruth Wishart.
Mon 21 Aug 3:45pm – 4:45pm
PROS AND CONS OF A CONCRETE WORLD
Depending on your view, our modern cities are either a triumph of design or the result of architectural tyranny. Critic Tom Dyckhoff examines the radical facelifts our urban spaces have been given over the last half century and concludes that certain experiments backfired. Novelist and architecture writer Christopher Beanland explores the brutalist strand of buildings, and wonders why concrete is so controversial. Chaired by Claire Armitstead.
Wed 23 Aug 4:30pm – 5:30pm
70 YEARS OF SCOTLAND’S NEW TOWNS
Seventy years ago the New Towns Act was established, aiming to build new urban spaces with emerging industry, sanitary housing and plenty of green space. Cumbernauld is one such New Town, and for this event author and STV’s People’s Historian Daniel Gray, who played a key role in our ReimagiNation: Cumbernauld Festival in May, talks to some of the original residents about their experiences of living in this ‘utopia’.
Thu 24 Aug 7:30pm – 9:00pm
HOW CAN SCOTLAND BE A BEACON OF CIVIL SOCIETY?
The 18th century philosopher Voltaire is often quoted as saying ‘we look to Scotland for all our ideas of civilisation’. By that, he meant ‘rules of taste in all the arts, from epic poetry to gardening.’ Does Scotland retain that reputation today? How can its citizens live up to the high standards of their Enlightenment forebears? Join three speakers with different perspectives: celebrated folk singer Karine Polwart; Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament, Thomas McEachan; and technology entrepreneur Chris van der Kuyl, whose Dundee-based company led the development of Minecraft.
Sat 26 Aug 12:30pm – 1:30pm
BUILDING THE BRITISH LANDSCAPE
Cartographer, explorer and co-presenter of BBC’s Coast, Nicholas Crane has turned his hand to painting a true picture of how the British landscape came about – from the evolution of modern cities and countrysides beginning 12,000 years ago with melting glaciers and Mesolithic adventurers, to our contemporary dramas of climate change and global economics. Today Crane asks, what comes next?
Mon 28 Aug 3:45pm – 4:45pm
Green Belts serve many purposes but it’s unlikely that many of us could point to exactly where they lie. Bookseller and publisher, John Grindrod, has a personal connection to the issues revolving around these mystery zones. He delves into the creation and development of the Green Belt, uncovering a fascinating and sometimes bamboozling history.
Mon 28 Aug 7:30pm – 9:00pm
HOW CAN WE MAKE GATHERING PLACES FIT FOR THE 21ST CENTURY?
In ancient Greece, an agora was a place for public assembly; the centre for political life and for spiritual and artistic activity. Today, in a digital era when equality and freedom of speech remain fragile, how much do we need public gathering places like the agora? Join the debate with our panel including NVA’s Angus Farquhar, who is creating the New Agora as a key programme at St Peter’s Seminary in Cardross.
BACKGet The Latest Historic Environment Events, Jobs, News And Publications In BEFS Bulletin.
BEFS NEWS
A new report, commissioned by Historic Environment Scotland, identifies projects about or connected to heritage in Scotland that have received funding from the EU from 2007-16. The report estimates at least £36.8 million has been awarded to over 280 historic environment projects during 2007-2016. Read a summary of the findings and the full report here. A similar report has been produced for Historic England.
NHS Health Scotland and partners have published a short film about the Place Standard and an evaluation of how it is being implemented across Scotland. Find out more here.
The Council for British Archaeology (CBA) and the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) have issued a joint statement to the new Government outlining a vision for an integrated approach to managing our cultural and natural landscapes.
Nominations have now opened for the third Scottish Heritage Angels Awards in a bid to find those groups and individuals who have played a special part in caring for, recording and celebrating Scotland’s historic environment. The 2017 SURF Awards are also now open for applications from regeneration projects of all sizes.
In our blog this week, Elaine MacGillivray, Project Archivist at the University of Edinburgh, tells us about a two-year project that aims to preserve, conserve, catalogue and virtually reunite two collections of papers of Sir Patrick Geddes.
Finally, don’t miss the Falkirk Traditional Building Skills Demonstration on 22nd – 23rd June. The event will feature demonstrations of traditional building skills with school children, and their teachers, and traditional building experts providing advice on how to repair and maintain traditionally built homes.
CONSULTATIONS
Guidance on Engaging Communities in Decisions Relating to Land
Closes 16 Jun 2017.
Consultation on funding of The Scottish Energy Performance Certificate Register.
Closes 19 Jun 2017.
Energy efficiency and condition standards in private rented housing: A Scotland’s Energy Efficiency Programme Consultation
Closes 30 Jun 2017.
PUBLICATIONS
SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT NEWS RELEASES
Household numbers continue to rise (SG 14/06/17)
The number of households in Scotland has continued to increase to 2.45 million in 2016, according to figures published today by National Records of Scotland (NRS) in ‘Estimates of Households and Dwellings in Scotland, 2016’. Households are single people or groups of people living together.
Climate change ambitions (SG 13/06/17)
Scotland’s status as an international climate change leader will be reinforced through new proposals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 90% by 2050, Climate Change Secretary Roseanna Cunningham has said.
£1.75 billion boost for investment in affordable housing (SG 13/06/17)
Major long-term commitment to grow number of homes. More than £1.75 billion is being allocated to councils in a major Scottish Government commitment to stimulate investment in affordable housing. It comes as figures published today show the highest levels of activity in the affordable house-building sector in Scotland since the early 1980s.
29% increase in affordable housing approvals (SG 13/06/17)
There were 10,276 approvals for affordable housing over the year ending March 2017, an increase of 29%, or 2,331 homes, on the previous year. Scotland’s Chief Statistician today released the latest Quarterly Housing Statistics for Scotland, which presents the latest quarterly information on new build housing, affordable housing supply and local authority right to buy sales.
Historic Islands Bill introduced (SG 12/06/17)
Supporting, strengthening and protecting island communities. An historic bill has been introduced to Parliament to meet the unique needs of Scotland’s islands now and in the future. The Islands (Scotland) Bill published today (12 June) will help create the right environment for sustainable growth and empowered communities.
Increase in modern apprenticeships (SG 06/06/17)
On track for 30,000 by 2020 target. The number of Modern Apprenticeship starts increased to 26,262 and exceeded the 2016/17 annual target, new statistics have confirmed.
NEW RELEASES
2017 SURF Awards are now open for applications (SURF 13/06/17)
The SURF Awards offer an opportunity for regeneration projects of all sizes to demonstrate value to funders and partners, support team-building and develop a national profile. SURF Award winners also receive additional showcase opportunities through SURF activities throughout the following year. SURF’s annual awards process is delivered in partnership with the Scottish Government. It is open to all community regeneration projects in Scotland that are currently in place or that have been completed within two years of the closing date.
More provisions of the Historic Environment Act in force from 31 May 2017 (WG 01/06/17)
While some provisions of the Historic Environment (Wales) Act 2016 have been in force since May 2016, preparations were needed before others could be brought into effect. Two consultations informed that work, which included the formulation of a suite of supporting secondary legislation to take effect on 31 May 2017.
Brand New Building Conservation Diploma (HES 01/06/17)
Historic Environment Scotland’s conservation hub, the Engine Shed, launches Advanced Diploma Course in Technical Building Conservation – the first of its kind.
MEMBERS’ NEWS
Wemyss Caves 4D (SCAPE 14/06/17)
The SCAPE Trust and Save the Wemyss Ancient Caves Society have just launched an exciting new multi-media website about the Wemyss Caves in Fife. Explore the Pictish carvings, archaeology, wider history and local stories about the caves and coastline in 3D interactive spaces, through video and RTI. An online catalogue brings together much of the documentation and history of the caves in one place for the first time. The website is great example of how to integrate 3D survey data with other digital media to tell the multiple stories of the Wemyss Caves. The project was funded and supported by Fife Council, Historic Environment Scotland and the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Place matters in tackling poverty (RTPI 13/06/17)
Naomi Eisenstadt, Independent Advisor to the Scottish Government on Poverty and Inequality, has reiterated the important role planning and planners have in tackling poverty. Speaking at the 14th Sir Patrick Geddes Commemorative Lecture organised by RTPI Scotland, Naomi explained why the quality of neighbourhoods is vital to reducing poverty, and why local authorities must be strengthened to deliver them alongside more traditional policies such as boosting employment.
Entries now open for Scottish Heritage Angel Awards 2017 (SCT 12/06/17)
Nominations have opened for the third Scottish Heritage Angels Awards in a bid to find those groups and individuals – or ‘Angels’ – who have played a special part in caring for, recording and celebrating the nation’s historic environment. Launched in 2014 and funded by the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation (ALWF), and run by the Scottish Civic Trust in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland, Archaeology Scotland and the Scottish Government, the scheme seeks to celebrate both groups and individuals who have gone above and beyond in their efforts to promote, protect and, in many cases, rescue Scotland’s heritage. Nominations will close on Friday 11th August.
CIfA and CBA release joint general election statement (CIfA 09/06/17)
The Council for British Archaeology (CBA) and the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) have outlined to the new Government a vision for the promotion of an integrated approach to managing our cultural and natural landscapes, upholding the principles of sustainable development in the planning system, and ensuring that our archaeology and wider environment will be better protected after Brexit than they are now, and that they can thrive for the benefit of us all.
Scotland’s most beautiful high street (STP 28/06/17)
Scotland’s Towns Partnership and Keep Scotland Beautiful have come together to launch the first ever Scotland’s Most Beautiful High Street competition. Our high streets and town centres are the beating hearts of communities and local economies. Now, together with the Sunday Herald, we want to celebrate the contribution of our High Streets and recognise the efforts made to make these spaces clean, attractive, accessible, vibrant and inclusive for all to enjoy.
PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Question S5W-09395: Oliver Mundell, Dumfriesshire, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 23/05/2017
To ask the Scottish Government what recent steps it has taken to increase the number of affordable homes for (a) rent and (b) purchase in rural communities.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (31/05/2017)
Question S5W-09397: Graham Simpson, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 23/05/2017
To ask the Scottish Government how many homes meet the Living Home Standard.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (01/06/2017)
Question S5O-01058: Ruth Maguire, Cunninghame South, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 24/05/2017
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the role of community right to buy schemes in towns and cities.
Answered by Roseanna Cunningham (31/05/2017)
Question S5W-09463: Alex Rowley, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 25/05/2017
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the findings of the report that it commissioned from yellow book ltd, Barriers to community engagement in planning: a research study.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (06/06/2017)
OTHER PARLIAMENTARY ACTIVITY
The Parliament has agreed the following parliamentary recess dates:
• 1 July to 3 September 2017 (inclusive)
• 7 to 22 October 2017 (inclusive)
EVENTS
For the latest information about BEFS Members’ events see our events calendar.
Friends of Glasgow West Talks Programme
When: June 2017.
Where: Hillhead Library, 348 Byres Road (free). All talks are fully illustrated. Talks begin at 6.30pm and last 75 minutes. Arrive early to be sure of a seat! Talks organised by Ann Laird, and supported by Glasgow Life. Contact Ann Laird for full details of upcoming talks.
Tour of Pitfour Estate and Modern Dairy
When: Saturday 17th June from 13:30 – 16:00.
Where: Pitfour Estate, Mintlaw.
Tour of some remains and restorations at the once-magnificent Pitfour Estate, Mintlaw, by kind permission of Mr and Mrs Alan Watson and family. This will be followed by a visit to a nearby award-winning modern dairy at Middleton of Rora by kind permission of Mr and Mrs Bruce Mackie. Bruce and Jane Mackie won one of two ‘Distinction Awards’ in the ‘As Built’ category for Sustainable Innovative Development at the Aberdeenshire Design Awards 2016. The new dairy at Middleton of Rora was designed by Douglas Shand of Shand Building Design and the Dutch vet Nico Vreeburg of Vetvice, a cow welfare consultancy famous for their ‘Cowsignals’ methodology.
Dean Valley Regeneration Plan Walk
When: Tuesday 18th July from 18:00 – 20:00.
Where: Water of Leith.
Andrew Kerr will lead us on a walk along the Water of Leith from Stockbridge to look at the designed landscape of the Dean Valley in the context of the proposed Dean Valley Regeneration Project.
Falkirk Traditional Building Skills Demonstration
When: 22nd and 23rd June, from 9.30am to 3.30pm.
Where: the grounds of Trinity Church, Falkirk town centre.
Forth Valley Traditional Building Forum is hosting an event to raise awareness of the traditional building skills and materials involved in maintaining the historic buildings in Falkirk town centre and across Scotland. The free event will see secondary school pupils from across the district able to gain hands on experience of these traditional trades and perhaps identify potential tradespeople of the next generation. Advisers will be on hand to explain the opportunities that are available and how to access apprenticeships locally in these trades which are vitally important in maintaining our historic environment. Visitors will be able to meet the professionals and enjoy demonstrations in stonemasonry, joinery, slate roofing & painting and decorating. There will also be free advice from the experts on how using traditional methods and materials could enhance your own property.
IHBC Annual School: Transport Infrastructure – the backbone of civilisation
When: Thursday 22nd – Saturday 24th June 2017. Day School – Friday 23rd June 2017.
Where: Manchester.
The 2017 IHBC Annual School examines the rich legacy of transport infrastructure, exploring both its continuing role as a future driver of change and economic growth as well as its impact upon historic places. The Annual School includes three exciting days of lectures, networking and practical learning to share skills, knowledge and understanding; tours exploring all facets of historic and new infrastructure and its impact on the historic environment around Manchester and the North; NETWORKING EVENTS; EVENING RECEPTION & IHBC ANNUAL DINNER with opportunities to pause, take stock and stimulate debate in fascinating venues.
Society of Antiquaries of Scotland Summer Excursion 2017
When: July 1 @ 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
Where: Low Parks Museum and Hamilton Mausoleum, South Lanarkshire.
Join us on a visit to these Grade A listed buildings the first dating back to 1696 built as Portland, the private residence of David Crawford, lawyer and secretary to the 3rd Duke and Duchess of Hamilton. Later, in 1784, purchased by the 8th Duke of Hamilton and made into a coaching inn housing famous travellers, such as Dr Johnson and James Boswell, and Dorothy and William Wordsworth. The second building is the Palace Riding School, built by Alexander, 10th Duke of Hamilton, in 1837 which was also equipped with a gymnasium and regulation boxing ring. In 1983, the building was acquired by the Regimental Trustees of the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) as a regimental museum.
TRAINING
Resourcing Scotland’s Heritage is delivering a series of training courses and events across Scotland.
Our training is best suited to registered charities and constituted community groups. Take a walk through our simple question and answer page to determine which course is right for you. We have two main training courses and a series of ‘In Focus’ events. If you are interested in any particular event or fundraising topic, please do get in touch – we may be able to bring an event to your area info@scotheritage.org.
Traditional Building Skills Training
Scottish Lime Centre Trust offer a wide range of vocational and professional courses combining theory and practical working sessions designed to ensure that there are courses to suit everyone.
VACANCIES
Volunteer Manager (PAS)
PAS are seeking a Volunteers & Interns Manager to succeed the current manager who is leaving after 11 years in post. The successful candidate will be required to recruit, retain, manage and support PAS’s 420 volunteers, all of whom are built environment professionals, and also manage the PAS Intern programme. An understanding of social media is essential. PAS volunteers assist with delivering an advice service, awareness raising, training and education programmes. With a new Planning Bill in the offing, this is an exciting time for PAS. Deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday 16 June.
The Development Trusts Association Scotland is currently looking to fill the following 2 posts:
• Development Officer
This post is based in Edinburgh, and involves providing advice and support to DTAS members in the southern half of Scotland
• COSS Adviser – Fixed Term Post (to end April 18)
This post is based in Glasgow, and involves providing advice and support to both community organisations and public bodies with the aim of achieving the sustainable transfer of assets into community ownership.The closing date for applications is 9am on Monday 26th June 2017.
Project Officer Temp (Maybole Regeneration)
The Maybole Regeneration (MR) Project is a partnership initiative led jointly by Maybole Community Council and South Ayrshire Council. The role of Project Officer is vital to the success of MR. The post holder will engage with partner organisations, the communities of North Carrick, external Consultants and other stakeholders to take forward key work streams within the overall project plan. The key deliverable will be the submission of a 2nd Stage application to HLF’s Townscape Heritage Scheme during the first quarter of 2018. Closing date for applications is Sunday 25 June 2017.
Activity Officer – Maybole Regeneration
The Maybole Regeneration (MR) Project is a partnership initiative led jointly by Maybole Community Council and South Ayrshire Council. MR is a Townscape Heritage and Conservation Area Regeneration project. It aims to create an attractive, safe and sustainable town centre. MR will provide resources for conservation / restoration work to a range of significant buildings in Maybole, and a programme of activities to encourage engagement with the heritage of the town. An Activity Officer is required to support the Partners as they develop a 2nd Stage bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund and other funding bodies. Closing date for applications is Sunday 25 June 2017.
Elaine MacGillivray, Project Archivist at the University of Edinburgh, tells us about a two-year project which aims to preserve, conserve and catalogue papers of Sir Patrick Geddes.
Sir Patrick Geddes (1854-1932) was a pioneer of the environmental movement and one of the greatest social thinkers of his time. His fascination with the organisation of human societies and their spatial manifestation in the city and country led him to develop a highly individualistic theory of societies and cities. Geddes was a strong advocate of town planning and is perhaps most famous for introducing the concept of “region” to planning and architecture.
In October 2016, the Centre for Research Collections at the University of Edinburgh and the Archives and Special Collections at the University of Strathclyde commenced their collaborative, Wellcome Trust Research Resources-funded, project ‘Evergreen: Patrick Geddes and the Environment in Equilibrium’. This is a two-year project which aims to preserve, conserve, catalogue and virtually reunite two collections of papers of Sir Patrick Geddes held in both institutions.
The project seeks to create a complete catalogue of the collections, enhancing the existing, inadequate catalogues; create an online scalable resource virtually reuniting the collections; undertake a robust preservation and conservation programme, repacking all collections in archival packaging with all significantly damaged items conserved to ensure the long-term preservation of both collections; digitise a small selection of items and make the collections ‘digitisation-ready’; and develop a virtual community and active network of researchers with an interest in Geddes and to engage researchers with the collections.
The collections, which are actually two parts of an original whole, separated by historical accident, are of international significance. Combined, the collections contain over 4000 plans, over 1400 photographic items and in the region of 175000 other items, comprised of papers, notebooks, and correspondence, amongst much more. The collections content ranges from his Cities and Town Planning Exhibitions; The Survey of Edinburgh; his work in India and Israel; his summer schools to his fascinating correspondence with countless networks of contemporaries. The prolific mass and polymathic nature of the collections reflect Geddes’s energy, ideas, relationships and working, and vividly document the development of all Geddes’s theories.
“A preliminary Enquiry, A City Survey, is essential to adequate Town Extension Planning, and still more to City Improvement and Development upon any considerable scale.” (Patrick Geddes, ‘Cities in Evolution’, 1949).
(University of Edinburgh Centre for Research Collections. Coll-1167 – A1.13 – The Valley Section and its social types: in their native habitat and in their parallel urban manifestations).
Project progress to date has seen the retro-conversion of over 750 legacy printed catalogue descriptions to electronic format. An extensive stock-take of the Edinburgh University collections has now been completed with material having now been identified, accounted for and catalogue numbers applied and locations information recorded accordingly. Over 11,000 catalogue descriptions have now been assessed and a programme of re-cataloguing commenced. This work will facilitate enormous steps forward in improving access to the collections and subsequently, the sharing and investigation of Geddes’s ideas.
The next stage in the project will be for the University of Edinburgh’s Library Digital Development team to generate some possible options for the online resource technical infrastructure. The peculiar systems, the legacy cataloguing styles and their inconsistencies, and by their very polymathic and disparate nature – the collections themselves – will present some interesting cataloguing challenges to overcome. We will require professional and innovative solutions, and perhaps even a Geddesian approach: ‘Vivendo Discimus – By Living we Learn: By Creating We Think’.
The project archivist has been engaging with over 30 key stakeholders and later in the project there will be a number of exciting opportunities for individuals/ groups to engage in more depth with the project and the collections. Previous newsletters can be found on our project blog (soon to be updated), and you can also follow us on Twitter @GeddesEvergreen. If you would like to receive our quarterly newsletter please contact the project archivist, Elaine MacGillivray – elaine.macgillivray@ed.ac.uk.
BACKThis report identifies projects about or connected to heritage in Scotland that have received funding from the European Union (EU).
A research report has just been published which shows that over 280 projects received a minimum of £36.8m in EU funding in the period from 2007-2016. These figures are likely to be an under-estimate due to the methodology used. Researchers Euclid are confident that the projects are relevant to the broad definition of heritage used.
This report has been produced in tandem with similar reports for Creative Scotland and Museums and Galleries Scotland. Taking into account that some projects appear in two or more reports as they cover a range of cultural areas, the total level of funding for the culture and heritage sector from EU sources is estimated to be over £59m covering around 650 projects funded since 2007.
By way of comparison, Euclid reported earlier this year that in England and Wales, heritage focused or related projects received a minimum of £450m in EU funding in the period from 2007-2016.
The breakdown in EU funding of Scotland’s heritage projects –
£27m from the European Structural & Investment Funds:
- £23.85m from the ERDF (European Regional Development Fund), and activity
- £350,000 from the ESF (European Social Fund)
- £2.78m from the EAFRD (European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, including LEADER) for rural based projects
£9.8m (using the exchange rate at 1 January 2014 of €0.8298/£1) from Interreg and the trans-national funds (including programmes: Horizon 2020, Interreg, Erasmus+)
Most of the relevant data has been gathered via online databases and for some more extensive databases, the initial filtering was through keyword searches. For these, a number of key words used which were agreed with the commissioning body. For HES, the agreed keywords were: ancient, archaeology/ical, battlefield, castle, conserve/ation, heritage, history/ical, monument, museum, palace, tourism/t. The researcher acknowledges that it is possible that a small number of projects may have been missed as a result of using these particular key words.
BACKGet The Latest Historic Environment Events, Jobs, News And Publications In BEFS Bulletin.
BEFS NEWS
BEFS welcomes new research on financing local infrastructure using land value capture and the potential levels of investment for the Edinburgh City region. Read the press release and full report here.
The author of the report, Thomas Aubrey, Director of the Centre for Progressive Capitalism, reflects on who should benefit from rising land value in our blog this week.
Ahead of the general election, RICS has carried out analysis of Scottish party manifestos from a built environment perspective, which can be found in the news section below and on their website. For insight on UK party manifestos check out the analysis by Heritage Alliance here.
CONSULTATIONS
Guidance on Engaging Communities in Decisions Relating to Land
Consultation closes on 16 June 2017.
CONSULTATIONS RESPONSES
Consultation on the Relaxation of Planning Controls for Digital communications Infrastructure – Analysis of Responses (25/05/17)
An analysis of the responses to the 2016 Scottish Government public consultation on ‘The Relaxation of Planning Controls for Digital Infrastructure’ (e.g. phone masts, street cabinets and antennas)
PUBLICATIONS
Climate Ready Scotland: Scottish Climate Change Adaptation Programme. Third annual progress report 2017 (SG 30/05/17)
Barriers to community engagement in planning: research study (SG 22/05/17)
This independent research identifies the barriers to communities engaging in the planning system. Produced by Yellow Book Ltd, it was commissioned to inform the review of the planning system.
SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT PRESS RELEASES
Discretionary Housing Payments (SG 30/05/17)
Over the past year almost 113,000 awards have been made under the Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) scheme, with a total value of £51.9 million.
Surge in overseas visitors (18/05/17)
Statistics published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) today highlight an additional 155,000 overseas visits were made to Scotland last year compared with 2015, strongly supported by a rise in the number of tourists from North America.
NEWS RELEASES
Fuelling uncertainty with a dateless commitment to referendum: SNP Manifesto (RICS 30/05/17)
The Scottish National Party (SNP) has published a manifesto that focuses on Brexit and the party’s track record, with their pledges resoundingly placing people over land and property.
Stretching the concept of buildings (RICS 30/05/17)
“The way we interact with the built environment is changing”, claimed Phillip Ross, CEO UnGroup. With new technologies and innovations set to have huge ramifications on both the way we live and work in the future, it has never been more important for built environment professionals to stand up and take notice in order to ensure that UK real estate remains relevant and fit for purpose in this time of unprecedented change.
2020 European Green Capital & 2019 European Green Leaf Awards – Open (STP 29/05/17)
The Green City – Does your city have what it takes to be the next European Green Capital or European Green Leaf winner? For the first time, in order to celebrate the 10th year of the European Green Capital competition, the Commission will award €350,000 to the winning city of the 2020 European Green Capital title and €75,000 to the winner of the European Green Leaf 2019 title.
Scottish Green Party manifesto: small in size; big on tax (RICS 29/05/17)
The Scottish Green Party (SGP) has published a concise 15-page manifesto outlining key UK priorities with a focus on the greening of national policy, an alternate UK tax framework, and housing. Fielding just three candidates in Scotland, the SGP has concentrated its campaign target areas, and the same strategy appears to have been applied to their manifesto pledges.
Scottish Traditional Building Skills Demonstration (STBF 25/05/17)
The Scottish Traditional Building Forum organised a hugely successful traditional building skills demonstration in St Andrews Square Gardens, Edinburgh on 22 & 23 May 2017. The event featured local apprentices demonstration traditional building skills including stonemasonry, slate roofing, joinery and painting and decorating.
Rights and protections must remain following Brexit (SCVO 24/05/17)
Jackie Brock, Chief Executive of Children in Scotland, reflects on Brexit. On the radio last week a group of ‘Remainers’ were asked if they would vote in the General Election for parties promising a second EU referendum. Most said “no” – their line being: the vote has been decided, we need to proceed and exit.
IHBC welcomes ’Heritage Works’ 2017, a toolkit of best practice in heritage regeneration launched (IHBC 24/05/17)
The third edition of ’Heritage Works’ has been launched by Deloitte for the British Property Federation (BPF), Historic England and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
Welcome pledges, but more detail needed: Scottish Labour manifesto (RICS 23/05/17)
Scottish Labour has launched an election manifesto which emphasises unity, and opposition to a second referendum on Scottish independence and a “hard Brexit”.
Sunday Herald Scotland’s Towns Series: New Towns Published (STP 23/05/17)
STP and the Sunday Herald have partnered up to raise the profile of Scotland’s towns through a series of pullouts in the Sunday Herald paper. The latest edition of the Scotland’s Towns series, which focuses on how Scotland’s New Towns are recreating their image, is now available.
Helping all housing: Scottish Conservatives manifesto (RICS 19/05/17)
The Scottish Conservatives have published a manifesto which places a heavy emphasis on housing, promising to build 100,000 over the next five years, and provides a plethora of pledges to help reach this ambitious target.
Edinburgh to be part of major EU-funded historic cities project (EWHT 19/05/17)
Edinburgh World Heritage announced today that it had secured significant European Regional Development funding for a major international project to investigate how Europe’s historic cities, many of them World Heritage Sites, can achieve a sustainable future.
Seeding Success: how communities transform town centres (A&DS 05/17)
From a story telling project to a plan for a community centre, communities across Scotland have been rolling up their sleeves, getting together to tackle empty and neglected parts of their town centres and breathe new life into them. Delegates at a one-day event in Paisley on 10 May 2017 heard how 50 projects across the country have used vacant and derelict spaces to bring life back into town centres, under the Stalled Spaces Scotland programme.
MEMBER’S NEWS
AHF Supports Major Investment At Knockando Woolmill (AHF 30/05/17)
Knockando Woolmill in rural Moray, Europe’s oldest district woolmill, is set to increase its productivity, competitiveness and turnover, creating a new post and retaining existing staff. The company has secured up to £100,000 in grant from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and, through the generous support and funding of Historic Environment Scotland, a loan facility of up to £250,000 from the Architectural Heritage Fund.
PAS takes part in TEDx event at Queen Margaret University (PAS 26/05/17)
PAS Chief Executive Petra Biberbach was invited to speak at this year’s TEDx QMU event a few weeks ago. The theme was ‘Our Transgenerational World’. Petra spoke about ‘Bridging the Gaps’ between our different generations, placemaking from an intergenerational perspective – and why all ages must be more involved in shaping their communities.
Facelifts, tobacco, and BAR… 50 years of the Scottish Civic Trust 9SCT 16/05/17)
Please excuse the somewhat click-bait title, but my goodness what a fascinating and influential past the Scottish Civic Trust enjoys! I have put together a timeline of the Trust’s history of the last fifty years. This is by no means a comprehensive list; rather it comprises of some landmark moments which I hope will spark the interest of both those who have known of us for half a century, and those who have only just learned our name.
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”.
S5W-09463 Alex Rowley: To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the findings of the report that it commissioned from yellow book ltd, Barriers to community engagement in planning: a research study. (SP 30/05/17)
S5O-01058 Ruth Maguire: To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the role of community right to buy schemes in towns and cities. (SP25/05/17)
S5W-09395 Oliver Mundell: To ask the Scottish Government what recent steps it has taken to increase the number of affordable homes for (a) rent and (b) purchase in rural communities (SP 24/05/17)
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-09184: Graham Simpson, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 09/05/2017
To ask the Scottish Government what information it has regarding how many tenement buildings have been demolished as a result of falling into disrepair in each year since 2007.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (18/05/2017)
Question S5W-09183: Graham Simpson, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 09/05/2017
To ask the Scottish Government what steps it takes to help maintain tenement buildings.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (16/05/2017)
Question S5W-09176: Edward Mountain, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 09/05/2017
To ask the Scottish Government what aspects of the management of the Crown Estate will be devolved to local authorities.
Answered by Roseanna Cunningham (23/05/2017)
Question S5W-09171: Edward Mountain, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 09/05/2017
To ask the Scottish Government what the cost is of the transfer of the powers over the management of the Crown Estate; how these costs will be met, and what additional costs the Crown Estate has to meet.
Answered by Roseanna Cunningham (23/05/2017)
OTHER PARLIAMENTARY ACTIVITY
The Parliament has agreed the following parliamentary recess dates:
• 1 July to 3 September 2017 (inclusive)
• 7 to 22 October 2017 (inclusive)
EVENTS
For the latest information about BEFS Members’ events see our events calendar.
City Vision Workshop With Peter Head Lecture
When: Wednesday, 31 May 2017 from 17:00 to 20:30.
Where: Project Room 1.06, University of Edinburgh, 50 George Square EH8 9JY.
In the third of a series of new lectures and workshops the EAA welcomes Peter Head, an engineer who is a recognized global leader in the implementation of resilient and sustainable city development. The aim of Peter’s lecture and workshop is to bring forward and consolidate the developing visions for Edinburgh in 2050 and to map out a practical implementation process, including how financing and decision making could move forward through a collaborative process.
Following Peter’s session there will be contributions from local professionals, consultants and groups, leading on to a workshop which will look at the visioning for Edinburgh, and how we can collectively contribute and support change to make a better future.
Sir Patrick Geddes Commemorative Lecture 2017 – Poverty, Places and Equality: A role for place based approaches?
When: Wednesday, 07 June 2017 at 5:45PM – 8:15PM.
Where: The Lighthouse, Mitchell Lane, Glasgow G1 3NU.
Naomi Eisenstadt – Independent Advisor to the Scottish Government on Poverty and Inequality. After a long career in the NGO sector, in 1999 Naomi became the first Director of the Sure Start Unit. The Unit was responsible for delivering the government’s commitment to free nursery education places for all 3-4 year olds, the national childcare strategy, and reducing the gap in outcomes between children living in disadvantaged areas and the wider child population. Naomi spent 3 years as the Director of the Social Exclusion Task Force working across government to identify and promote policies to address the needs of traditionally excluded groups. Since retiring from the Civil Service, Naomi has chaired the Camden Equalities Commission, the Milton Keynes Child Poverty Commission, published a book and several articles relevant to child development and child poverty.
Medieval painted wooden vaults in Norwegian parish churches
When & Where:
- 12 June from 6-7pm at Auditorium National Museum Scotland, Edinburgh
- June 13 from 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm at Regent Building Lecture Theatre, Regent Walk, Aberdeen.
- June 14 from 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm at Overblikk restaurant, Orkney College, East Road, Kirkwall.
Professor Margrethe Stang, of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, will present the Lindsay Fischer lecture in Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Kirkwall, entitled “Medieval painted wooden vaults in Norwegian parish churches”. Professor Stang is a medievalist and iconographer specializing in panel painting in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. Her doctoral dissertation from 2009 discusses 31 surviving painted altar frontals (panel paintings) made in Norway c. 1250-1350, with emphasis on the iconography of the panels in relationship of the context for which they were made (mainly rural parish churches). The question of patronage features prominently in the discussion, a much neglected topic in previous scholarship on this material. Other research interests include the iconography of St Olav, medieval Scandinavian wall- and ceiling painting, the use of art in religious practice – liturgical and non-liturgical.
Summer Excursion 2017
When: July 1 @ 9:30 am – 5:30 pm.
Where: Low Parks Museum and Hamilton Mausoleum, South Lanarkshire.
Cost: £40 – £45.
Join us on a visit to these Grade A listed buildings the first dating back to 1696 built as Portland, the private residence of David Crawford, lawyer and secretary to the 3rd Duke and Duchess of Hamilton. Later, in 1784, purchased by the 8th Duke of Hamilton and made into a coaching inn housing famous travellers, such as Dr Johnson and James Boswell, and Dorothy and William Wordsworth. The second building is the Palace Riding School, built by Alexander, 10th Duke of Hamilton, in 1837 which was also equipped with a gymnasium and regulation boxing ring. In 1983, the building was acquired by the Regimental Trustees of the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) as a regimental museum. Tickets include return coach transport, the tours, morning refreshments and lunch. Book via the website or email your details to: info@socantscot.org or phone 0131 247 4133.
TRAINING
Resourcing Scotland’s Heritage is delivering a series of training courses and events across Scotland.
Our training is best suited to registered charities and constituted community groups. Take a walk through our simple question and answer page to determine which course is right for you. We have two main training courses and a series of ‘In Focus’ events. If you are interested in any particular event or fundraising topic, please do get in touch – we may be able to bring an event to your area info@scotheritage.org.
Traditional Building Skills Training
Scottish Lime Centre Trust offer a wide range of vocational and professional courses combining theory and practical working sessions designed to ensure that there are courses to suit everyone.
VACANCIES
Design Officer (A&DS)
We are looking for an enthusiastic design professional to help us provide advice and promote the benefits of good design in the built environment. The post offers the opportunity to develop your career and gain experience working across a broad range of topics. If successful you will be developing and supporting projects and promoting the benefits of a well-designed built environment.
Closing date is noon, Wednesday 7 June 2017
In light of a new report on land value in the Edinburgh City region, Thomas Aubrey, Director of the Centre for Progressive Capitalism, says politicians must decide whether the few or the whole of society should benefit from rising land values.
Edinburgh’s North Bridge finally opened in 1772 after a challenging construction process. Its completion enabled the fields to the north to be developed into what became the new town. 18th century Edinburgh, just as it is today, was bursting at the seams, and required new infrastructure to open up available land for housing.
But there is one major difference between the way in which the new town was developed compared to how we do things today, and that it is who benefits from the uplift in land values. Prior to the construction of the north bridge, there was little demand for housing on the fields north of the city due to the lack of connectivity to the jobs in the old town. In today’s money, the value of this land would have been worth around £18,000 per hectare. But as soon as infrastructure is put in, the demand for housing in a connected area will rocket, sending residential land prices soaring to as high as £4 million per hectare.
In the 18th century, landowners generally benefitted from the productive work of others through their monopoly of land ownership. This greatly frustrated Adam Smith, who in the Wealth of Nations complained that landowners were a major barrier to capital accumulation and wealth creation. Indeed, the issue of free riding was so pervasive that King James VII of Scotland, when he was the resident royal commissioner of Holyrood a hundred years earlier, awarded the city a grant. The grant stated that when Edinburgh should have occasion to enlarge the city by including the building of bridges, the proprietors of lands benefitting from the enlargement are obliged to part with the land on reasonable terms.
In essence, instead of having to buy the land at £4 million a hectare to build houses, they were able to acquire it at levels much closer to £18,000 per hectare. This issue lies at the core of the housing crisis across the country today. Britain needs to invest in infrastructure to open up new areas of land for housing to increase supply. This investment generally needs to be financed by government, but it is expensive. In most other European and Asian countries, the uplift in land values is captured by the local municipality to finance the infrastructure. But things are different in England and Scotland where it is the landowner who benefits instead.
But we as a society must ask ourselves whether it is right to continue to reward landowners for doing nothing, while foregoing the precious funds the country needs to finance infrastructure to enable families to live somewhere called home? Research by the Centre for Progressive Capitalism shows that over the next 20 years a handful of landowners and investors will make more than £8.5bn in windfall profits just by owning land in the Edinburgh City Region. These massive windfall profits of course have a downside. Shelter estimates in Scotland alone there are over 10,000 households in temporary accommodation including over 5000 children. Furthermore, homeless applications are over 34,000.
But the housing crisis is increasingly impacting households with good jobs too. It would take a household earning £36,000 nine years saving 10% of their net income for a 20% deposit on an average one-bedroom flat in Edinburgh.
Both Scotland and England are currently going through policy consultations in an attempt to try and resolve this issue. The English housing white paper referenced that it is looking at land value capture as a way to finance infrastructure to open up new areas of land for housing. The Scottish government is also focused on how infrastructure might be financed to open up land for housing.
But neither administration has yet demonstrated it is willing to tackle the underlying issue which is that the Land Compensation Acts (1961 in England and 1963 in Scotland) require landowners to be compensated for land as though it had planning permission. This impacts the land market and ensures that landowners pocket most of the increase. However, both Acts can easily be amended so that no account of any prospective planning permission in land designated by a city region for infrastructure including housing is taken into account.
One of the last politicians to attempt to change this was Winston Churchill, who following Adam Smith, argued that it was unjust for landowners to pocket what was essentially unearned income. Both the Westminster and Holyrood Parliaments need to debate this issue and come to a conclusion whether it is right that landowners should continue to pocket such large sums of money for doing nothing. Our failure to learn from Adam Smith and Winston Churchill will only mean that the housing crisis will get worse.
Read the full report ‘Financing local infrastructure using land value capture – Potential levels of investment for the Edinburgh City Region‘.
BACKBEFS welcomes new research on financing local infrastructure using land value capture and the potential levels of investment for the Edinburgh City region.
This report prepared by the Centre for Progressive Capitalism for BEFS, following an event looking at cracking the housing nut in Scotland earlier this year, estimates the returns from land value capture for the Edinburgh City Region over a 20-year period. It is especially timely given the Scottish Governments consultation on the future of the Scottish planning system and the challenge of housing across the country today.
The research states that the Scottish Government is right to argue in its planning consultation that actively enabling infrastructure has a critical role to play in supporting housing delivery. However, it suggests that there is a risk that the current proposals of utilising an infrastructure levy ignore both its failure in England and best practice across Europe and Asia in financing infrastructure.
The report suggests that if the Scottish Government is to be successful in actively enabling infrastructure it must start learning from European and Asian countries and implement a land value capture system instead. This would require the Scottish Parliament to amend the Land Compensation Act (Scotland) 1963, permitting public authorities to capture the uplift in land values to finance the infrastructure.
Analysis by the Centre for Progressive Capitalism suggests this would unlock around £8.6bn of additional funds for the Edinburgh City Region alone to finance infrastructure over the next 20 years. Furthermore, these additional funds would have no negative impact on the public finances.
This issue lies at the core of the housing challenge. Scotland needs to invest in infrastructure to open up new areas of land for housing to increase supply. This investment generally needs to be financed by government, but it is expensive. In most other European and Asian countries, the uplift in land values is captured by the local municipality to finance the infrastructure. But things are different in England and Scotland where it is the landowner who benefits instead.
“This begs the question of whether it is right to continue to reward landowners for doing nothing, while foregoing the precious funds the country needs to finance infrastructure to enable families to live somewhere called home”, said Thomas Aubrey, Director of the Centre for Progressive Capitalism.
“These figures can support city region infrastructure planning and provide indicative estimates of the scale of infrastructure that could be financed from land value capture”, said BEFS Director, Euan Leitch.
Based on the findings of the report, Built Environment Forum Scotland and the Centre for Progressive Capitalism recommend the Scottish Government re-examine their proposals for funding infrastructure as part of the review of the Scottish planning system.
BACKGet The Latest Historic Environment Events, Jobs, News And Publications In BEFS Bulletin.
BEFS NEWS
A number of heritage and built environment organisations are publishing manifestos ahead of the General Election in June. Here are a few that you may find of interest:
• RICS: Priorities for the Built Environment
• RTPI: Manifesto for the 2017 General Election
• Cultural Learning Alliance: Manifesto for Arts and Cultural Learning
• The Heritage Alliance: Heritage Manifesto 2017
• Town & Country Planning Association: Building the future – the TCPA’s manifesto for the 2017 general election
An update on the planning review has been published by the Chief Planner, which provides information on current work streams being taken forward by the Planning and Architecture Division.
Scottish Traditional Building Forum is hosting a Traditional Building Skills Demonstration in St. Andrew’s Square, Edinburgh, on 22nd- 23rd May 2017. The event will feature demonstrations by local apprentices of their traditional building skills with school children, and their teachers, and traditional building experts providing advice on how to repair and maintain traditionally built homes.
In our blog this week, Eila Macqueen, Director of Archaeology Scotland, reflects on the recent parliamentary debate on outdoor learning (see section on debates for link to transcript and Parliament TV video) and Archaeology Scotland’s experience of offering place-based learning.
CONSULTATIONS
Consultation on funding of The Scottish Energy Performance Certificate Register
The purpose of this consultation is to update stakeholders on the current status of the Scottish Energy Performance Certificate Register (SEPCR), to advise on pending action to amend the statutory fees payable on lodgement of energy performance data and to seek views on the manner in which the register is funded.
Opened 8 May 2017 and closes 19 Jun 2017.
Consultation on a Scottish Energy Strategy: The future of energy in Scotland
Consultation closes 30 May 2017.
Consultation on Scotland’s Energy Efficiency Programme
Consultation closes 30 May 2017.
Draft Management Plan for the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site (2017-2022)
Consultation closes on 5 June 2017.
Guidance on Engaging Communities in Decisions Relating to Land
Consultation closes 16 Jun 2017.
CONSULTATIONS RESPONSES
Consultation on the future of the Scottish Planning System
View submitted responses where consent has been given to publish the response.
PUBLICATIONS
Planning Circular 1 2017: Environmental Impact Assessment regulations 2017 (SG 16/05/17)
Guidance on The Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2017
Forestry and Land Management (Scotland) Bill – Equality Impact Assessment – Results (SG 11/05/17)
Results of the Scottish Government’s Equality Impact Assessment of the Forestry and Land Management(Scotland) Bill
Architecture and Design Scotland – Corporate Strategy 2017 – 2020
SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT NEWS RELEASES
New chair for SNH (SG 11/05/17)
Environment Secretary confirms appointment. Dr Mike Cantlay has been appointed as the chair of the board of Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) by Cabinet Secretary for the Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Roseanna Cunningham.
Modernising forestry (SG 11/05/17)
Forestry and Land Management Bill introduced to parliament. The Scottish Parliament will consider forestry legislation for the first time in its history after the introduction of a Forestry and Land Management (Scotland) Bill.
Scotland’s first urban right to buy (SG 09/05/17)
Consent granted for Portobello church purchase. A community group in Edinburgh is set to become the first organisation in an urban area to benefit from community right to buy powers.
NEWS RELEASES
Cutting-edge technology takes medieval Rosslyn Chapel around the world (HES 16/05/17)
A new mobile app, launched today at the Rosslyn Chapel, will let members of the public see the Chapel’s renowned stonework wherever they are in the world.
Plácido Domingo and EU Commissioner Navracsics announce Grand Prix winners of the European Heritage Awards 2017 in Turku (EN 15/05/17)
The winners of the 2017 EU Prize for Cultural Heritage / Europa Nostra Awards, Europe’s top honour in the field, were celebrated this evening during a high-profile event at St. Michael’s Church in Turku, Finland. Maestro Plácido Domingo, President of Europa Nostra, and Tibor Navracsics, European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, co-hosted the European Heritage Awards Ceremony.
Protect your charity against cyber-attacks (SCVO 14/05/17)
You could not fail to miss the coverage of the worldwide ransomware attack over the weekend which particularly affected the NHS. The scale of the attack, and its impact on public services, is unprecedented. However, similar attacks happen on a daily basis and third sector organisations must protect themselves from risks of operating in the digital world.
Adapting to Climate Change in Rural Scotland – Leaning from the US (RTPI Scotland 12/05/17)
Graham Marchbank follows up on his blog from March with more details on climate conversations as a tool for building resilience to the effects of climate change in rural Scotland.
Statistical News Release: The Proportion of Scotland’s Protected Sites in Favourable Condition 2017 (SNH 12/05/17)
Scottish Natural Heritage has today released the latest figures tracking the proportion of Scottish protected natural features in favourable or recovering status.
IHBC’s 2017 School bursaries still available (IHBC 12/05/17)
Some bursaries are still available for the IHBC’s 2017 School in Manchester on ‘Transport Infrastructure’, on 22-24 June, so if you need help, apply now!
Global Challenges in Cultural Heritage Conference –Proposals for Panels & Papers (Stirling University 12/05/17)
As part of the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology, Global Challenges in Cultural Heritage celebrates the newly formed partnership between the University of Stirling, The Palace Museum in Beijing and Historic Environment Scotland. The conference seeks to explore approaches to specific challenges in relation to a range of shared issues including Significance, Value and Meaning in Cultural Heritage, Technology and Innovation in Heritage and Conservation Challenges and Opportunities. Proposals for panels and individual papers addressing cultural heritage themes to be submitted by 22 May 2017.
Brexit and the Third Sector – will we have a place in Europe? (SCVO 10/05/17)
As the unedifying spectacle that is UK general election continues to depress us with its stage managed press conferences and lack of genuine debate, you have to question the state of our democracy.
Scottish Confucius Institute for Business & Communication at Heriot-Watt University joins the Heritage Alliance (THA 10/05/17)
The Heritage Alliance would like to welcome the newest member, the Scottish Confucius Institute for Business & Communication at Heriot-Watt University. The SCIBC is part of a global family of Confucius Institutes. It is developing a significant stream of activities related to the heritage and tourism sectors, based on promoting understanding, professional development, research and dialogue on areas mutual interest between the UK and China.
Edinburgh’s 101 Objects (EWHT 05/05/17)
Discover the rich history of Edinburgh through 101 of its most treasured objects. To celebrate the year of History, Heritage and Archaeology, this unique visitor experience will bring Edinburgh’s vibrant past to life.
MEMBERS NEWS
Scottish Civic Trust Celebrates 50 Years (SCT 12/05/17)
The Scottish Civic Trust, the national body for the civic movement in Scotland, celebrates its 50th birthday today, 12 May 2017. Exactly 50 years ago, the trust held its inaugural meeting at the University of Glasgow. Since then it has been at the heart of protecting, celebrating and recording Scotland’s architecture and places, old and new.
IHBC on CPD: ‘Talk to people’ and use the tools (IHBC 10/05/17)
IHBC Director Seán O’Reilly has written an opinion piece for the new RICS Building Conservation Journal on Continuing Professional Development (CPD), in which he observes that some of the best CPD comes from talking to people who have contrasting views on conservation, while other IHBC members such as Henry Russell and John Edwards offer invaluable practice updates and insights on useful tools such as BS 7913.
Corporate Sponsorship opportunities for the Guidelines for Impact Assessment for Cultural Heritage (CiFA 08/05/17)
The project to develop new Guidelines for Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment was launched at the CIfA Annual Conference on 26 April. The Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA), the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC) and Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) have signed an agreement to author these new guidelines.
PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION
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”.
S5O-00980 Alison Harris: To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to review the guidance on what constitutes a dangerous building. (SP 11/05/17)
S5W-09171 Edward Mountain: To ask the Scottish Government what the cost is of the transfer of the powers over the management of the Crown Estate; how these costs will be met, and what additional costs the Crown Estate has to meet. (SP 10/05/17)
S5W-09176 Edward Mountain: To ask the Scottish Government what aspects of the management of the Crown Estate will be devolved to local authorities. (SP 10/05/17)
S5W-09183 Graham Simpson: To ask the Scottish Government what steps it takes to help maintain tenement buildings. (SP 10/05/17)
S5W-09184 Graham Simpson: To ask the Scottish Government what information it has regarding how many tenement buildings have been demolished as a result of falling into disrepair in each year since 2007. (SP 10/05/17)
PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Questions marked with a triangle (?) are initiated by the Government in order to facilitate the provision of information to the Parliament.
Pauline McNeill (Glasgow) (Lab):
To ask the First Minister what the Scottish Government is doing to better resource planning authorities, in light of an increase in planning fees for major applications from 1 June 2017. (S5F-01264)
The First Minister (Nicola Sturgeon):
We need a planning system that supports both businesses and communities to deliver high-quality development on the ground. There has been a general understanding that fee levels are too low and that, in many instances, they are not in proportion to the work that is involved in processing planning applications. We have always been clear that fees and performance go hand in hand. Therefore, we are increasing the maximum fee for major planning applications to provide further resources to councils to improve performance. The Government will continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure that planning services deliver for Scotland’s communities.
Read the full response.
Question S5W-08764: Maurice Golden, West Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 11/04/2017
To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to (a) review and (b) regulate speculative land purchasing practices to obtain planning permission on greenbelt and agricultural land.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (28/04/2017)
Question S5W-08883: Pauline McNeill, Glasgow, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 20/04/2017
To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish the findings of its research into barriers to engagement and the role of community councils in planning.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (02/05/2017)
DEBATES
Members’ business debate on motion S5M-05008, in the name of Brian Whittle, on heritage and environmental conservation charities’ support for outdoor learning.
Motion debated:
That the Parliament acknowledges the work of various national conservation charities, including RSPB Scotland and the National Trust for Scotland, in the provision and promotion of outdoor education; believes that outdoor education should be seen as an important component of the curriculum, with meaningful benefits to both pupils’ learning and their health; considers that sites such as Culzean Castle in South Ayrshire, which is run by the National Trust for Scotland, the RSPB’s Mersehead Reserve in Dumfries and Galloway, and the Dumfries House Estate in East Ayrshire endeavour to work with local schools to arrange visits to their sites, along with various educational activities; understands that many organisations have seen a marked decline in the number of pupils participating in recent years; believes that, while visits are often provided at little or no direct cost to schools, the cost of transport has become prohibitive as school budgets have been squeezed; notes the calls on schools across Scotland to consider making use of schools attainment funding to support greater use of outdoor education, and thanks RSPB Scotland, the National Trust for Scotland and other similar organisations for their commitment to supporting outdoor learning.
Read the full transcript of the debate.
You can also watch the debate on Parliament TV.
EVENTS
For the latest information about BEFS Members’ events see our events calendar.
Sacred Heritage: Archaeology, Identity and Medieval Beliefs – Rhind Lectures
When: May 19 @ 6:00 pm – May 21 @ 5:00 pm.
Where: Auditorium National Museum Scotland, Edinburgh.
Medieval churches and monasteries are key features of the British landscape, contributing to local identities and sense of place. Yet the relationship between heritage and medieval religion has received relatively little critical reflection. These lectures will place research on medieval beliefs within a wider framework of sacred heritage, reflecting on issues of value, authenticity and interpretation. The lectures develop chronologically from the 12th century to the use of archaeology today, with case studies focusing on Scottish monasticism and Glastonbury Abbey.
Archaeological Research in Progress 2017
When: 27 May 2017.
Where: National Museums Scotland Auditorium, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF.
The Society is hosting the 2017 ARP conference, the national conference examining recent and ongoing archaeological projects across Scotland. Please book online or phone 0131 247 4133. Tickets £35 for Fellows, Archaeology Scotland members and students. £40 full price.
AHSS Strathclyde Group – Briglands House & St. Andrews Guided Walk
When: Saturday 27th May 2017, from 9:00 – 15:00.
Where: Briglands House & St Andrews.
Cost: £30.00 per person, to include coach travel, all entries, morning coffee and lunch.
Meet at the bus stance on North Hanover Street across the road from the side entrance to Queen Street Station. The coach tour from Glasgow will include Briglands House, Rufflets Hotel for lunch and St Andrews. There will be a two hour walk round St. Andrews. We hope to end the walk in an 18th century house with a lovely restful garden owned by one of our members.
Arts & Business Scotland Development Forum (Edinburgh)
When: Thursday, 1 June 2017 from 15:00 to 18:00.
Where: Hawthornden Lecture Theatre, National Galleries of Scotland, The Mound, Edinburgh.
Development Forums provide an opportunity for participants from the cultural, public and private sector to engage and share best practice. The next Arts & Business Scotland Development Forum is designed to promote and support the Resourcing Scotland’s Heritage programme. This event is open to both members and non-members of Arts & Business Scotland. The Topic in Focus is Capital Fundraising, which will provide a unique opportunity to hear from two speakers with considerable experience in this area: Alan Horn, Director of Development, The Glasgow School of Art, and Gill Poulter, Heritage Director, Dundee Heritage Trust. They will share their insight into and knowledge of the capital projects they have been instrumental in delivering.
Lessons from Planning Complaints to the Ombudsman in Scotland
When: Tuesday 6 June, 6 – 8pm.
Where: Edinburgh.
Cost: Free for PAS volunteers, £5 for non-volunteers
Planning is one of the public services which continues to attract a high number of complaints to the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO). Graham U’ren has provided independent professional advice to the Ombudsman on such complaints for 10 years. In this session, he will outline the statutory framework within which the SPSO operates with particular relevance to planning and related services. He will then highlight some common areas of complaint and the way in which the planning system has responded. The aim is to assist PAS volunteers to advise clients on situations which may potentially involve formal complaint procedures and how to manage expectations in doing so. Book your place at events@pas.org.uk.
Sir Patrick Geddes Commemorative Lecture 2017 – Poverty, Places and Equality: A role for place based approaches?
When: Wednesday, 07 June 2017 at 5:45PM – 8:15PM.
Where: The Lighthouse, Mitchell Lane, Glasgow G1 3NU.
Naomi Eisenstadt – Independent Advisor to the Scottish Government on Poverty and Inequality.
AHSS Forth & Borders Group – Save the Royal High School Fundraising Concert and Reception
When: Thursday 8th June 2017, from 18:30 – 21:30
Where: Stockbridge Parish Church, 7B Saxe Coburg Street, Edinburgh EH3 5BN
Tickets: £45 including post-concert reception.
Two world-class pianists: Malcolm Martineau and Steven Osborne, with eminent
soprano Lorna Anderson, will perform works by Beethoven and Schubert. Proceeds will go towards funding the campaign to save the Royal High School from a hotel scheme that The Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland believes will irretrievably damage one of the most important Greek Revival buildings in the UK and the world and, by extension, the set piece of Calton Hill, which lies at the core of Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site.
SAH Glasgow Seminar “Making and Re-Making Glasgow: Heritage and Sustainability”
When: Saturday, June 10, 2017 from 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM.
Where: Mackintosh Queen’s Cross, 870 Garscube Rd, Glasgow.
Cost: Tickets £20.
Join speakers from University of Glasgow, Glasgow Museums, Historic Environment Scotland, Glasgow Building Preservation Trust, and The National Trust for Scotland for a discussion of heritage and sustainability in Glasgow on June 10.
AHSS Dumfries & Galloway Group – Newark Castle Trip
When: Wednesday 14th June 2017 from 14:00.
Cost: £20 (members to provide own transport)
Meet at Newark Castle, near Maybole, Ayrshire. Afterwards there will be tea at Glenapp Castle, near Ballantrae. Newark Castle was a tower house which has been extended considerably since it was built in the 15th/16th centuries. The most recent additions by David Cousins c.1850 and James Miller 1907-08 transformed it into the popular Baronial style. Glenapp Castle is another Baronial Castle designed by David Bryce in 1870 for its owner James Hunter. It is now open to the public as a luxury hotel and restaurant.
TRAINING
Resourcing Scotland’s Heritage is delivering a series of training courses and events across Scotland. Our training is best suited to registered charities and constituted community groups. Here are the upcoming dates:
• Crowdfunding, Wed. 24th May, Glasgow – Betty’s Room
• In Focus: Membership & Friends + Sustainability, Wed. 31st May, Aberdeen – Aberdeen Science Centre
• Planning to Progress, Tuesday, 6th June, Edinburgh – Arts & Business Scotland
• In Focus: Storytelling, Tuesday 13th June, Dundee – Discovery Centre
VACANCIES
Two vacancies at the National Trust for Scotland
Building Surveyor – Ayrshire & Arran
Building Surveyor – Glasgow & West
The Surveyor is part of the Buildings Conservation & Services team, and reports to the Lead Surveyor (who in turn reports to the Head of Consultancy Services). The Lead Surveyor (in conjunction with the Head of Consultancy) decides the most effective way of servicing client group needs (driven by their plans) through the team of Surveyors. Whilst each Surveyor (and indeed the Lead Surveyor) is assigned to a client group of properties, s/he is required to be flexible as far as practicable to help even out any workload fluctuations that may occur across all the groups. It is also expected that team members with a specialist interest or technical expertise in any particular area be prepared to share this expertise across the team if this enables the most effective way of delivering response to client group needs.
Closing date for both vacancies: Monday 22 May 2017
IPO – Intern Project Officer (RTPI)
RTPI Scotland is recruiting an Intern Project Officer for a fixed term 6 month period. The successful applicant will be based in our small and friendly team in Edinburgh, and in an exciting time for planning will support our work to influence the ongoing review of the planning system. More information, including how to apply, here.
Deadline: 22/05/2017 09:30.
The AHF Needs A New Chief Executive – Could It Be You? (AHF)
We are now able to advertise details of our Chief Executive role, which will shortly be becoming vacant. The AHF believes that better places can be built through community enterprise. Historic buildings and places play an essential role in daily life, cultural identity and the economy. The historic environment can inspire creativity and enterprise, bring communities together, and make people happier about where they live. The Chief Executive will have overall responsibility for the operational management of the AHF and, with the Board, devise and implement the organisation’s strategy. The ideal candidate will bring a broad range of experience of working with a board, leading and managing a team and managing a large budget.
Deadline for applications 5th June.
Maryhill Burgh Halls Trust Seeks New Board Members
Maryhill Burgh Halls Trust is at an exciting stage of its development as we respond to societal and funding challenges. Our Board of Trustees guides our future and we are looking to make new appointments that will strengthen and complement the skills and experience of our Trustee Board and help us deliver our strategic plan. Trustees should be passionate about saving and enlivening historic buildings in the spirit of heritage preservation and community empowerment.
Full details here.
We’re hiring – Design Officer (B1) (A&DS)
We are looking for an enthusiastic design professional to help us provide advice and promote the benefits of good design in the built environment. The post offers the opportunity to develop your career and gain experience working across a broad range of topics. If successful, you will be developing and supporting projects and promoting the benefits of a well-designed built environment.
The deadline for receipt of your application is noon Wednesday 7 June 2017.
BACK
Eila Macqueen, Director of Archaeology Scotland, reflects on the recent parliamentary debate and Archaeology Scotland’s experience of offering outdoor and place-based learning.
At a recent members’ business debate in the Scottish Parliament, the topic of heritage and environmental conservation charities’ support for outdoor learning was raised and discussed with a particular emphasis on the natural environment, but of course we all know that the natural environment has been shaped by people both past and present. Archaeology Scotland has over twenty years’ experience offering archaeology and place-based learning and our Heritage Hero project (which ran from 2012 to 2015 with funding from Heritage Lottery Fund, Paul Hamlyn Foundation and the LEADER programme) established a successful framework for delivering outdoor archaeological learning. With over 900 pupils from South Lanarkshire and Scottish Borders participating in the project, it aimed to support the transition process from Primary 7 to Secondary 1 and instil an interest in using archaeological approaches to exploring and recording local sites including historic graveyards and a former WWI Prisoner of War Camp.
Richard Lochhead MSP said during the Parliamentary debate that “Outdoor education is the future of education in Scotland. We have to give it a central role in increasing attainment and promoting health and wellbeing—mental and physical—as other members have said” and he cited recent research by Dr Beth Christie from the Outdoor & Environmental Education Section of Moray House School of Education about the “need to develop an empathy and ethic of care towards the environment”[1].
Scotland’s rich cultural heritage offers boundless opportunities for outdoor learning. Providing young people with opportunities to engage directly our historic environment helps with the development of critical thinking skills through exploring evidence of past cultures and making links to how we live today. These place-based learning experiences allow learners to look at familiar spaces and places in new ways, encouraging young minds to explore landscapes and empathise with people in the past. Archaeology has the additional benefit of promoting cross-curricular learning – the mix of skills required in the investigation of archaeological remains helps make links between different subject areas (social sciences, literacy, sciences, mathematics, technologies and expressive arts). This is in addition to the health and wellbeing aspects of working outdoors. It also encourages a sense of stewardship, helping safeguard Scotland’s heritage for future generations and hopefully doing something positive towards developing empathy and ethic of care.
We have created the Heritage Hero Awards which are available to young people throughout Scotland at no cost to them. All young people achieving a Heritage Hero Award have to actively engage with heritage and most groups choose to look at historic sites and buildings in their locality. This has ranged from exploring a local high street to investigating a nearby hillfort. Young people have been involved in activities including excavating their local graveyard in Dunfermline; mapping the industrial heritage of their local canals in Inverness, Falkirk, Edinburgh and Glasgow; researching the changing functions of buildings in their local area through photography in Inverclyde; and planning and delivering activities at a castle carnival in Ardrossan. The Awards have been used by heritage organisations, primary and secondary schools, community groups and youth groups. Some groups are now using the Awards alongside other important outdoor learning focused awards, including the John Muir Awards and Duke of Edinburgh Awards. Projects have been completed in 12 of Scotland’s local authorities with 965 people currently recipients of a Heritage Hero Award and applications continuing to come in from across the country.
As part of Scotland’s Archaeology Strategy, we are planning on working with the Outdoor Woodland Learning network to encourage greater use of archaeology and heritage by educators and developing programmes of work to support young people learning through visiting sites in the care of NTS, HES and others such as the Historic Houses Association. We have also been talking to Learning Away about their “Brilliant Residentials” campaign and would support a call for schools to allocate pupil equity funds to residential experiences and visits to historical sites and building in Scotland. This attainment funding is allocated to head teachers and they can decide how to spend it.
As Beth Christie’s research says, “ultimately behaviour change stems from a connection to a place; in other words young people will make the effort to love and care for something that they are positively connected to.”
Eila Macqueen, Director of Archaeology Scotland
May 2017
[1] Christie, B. (2012). The impact of outdoor learning experiences on attitudes to sustainability: a brief review of literature. Field Studies Council/University of Edinburgh. Field Studies Council Report 06/2012.
BACK
Get The Latest Historic Environment Events, Jobs, News And Publications In BEFS Bulletin.
BEFS NEWS
The Scottish local elections are taking place today and following BEFS support of hustings in Glasgow and Edinburgh it is evident that advocacy for the built environment will be needed. Hopefully the Advocacy Toolkit will prove a valuable resource and we will endeavour to share details of the key councillors in the coming weeks.
The Edinburgh International Book Festival is holding ReimagiNation in Cumbernauld from 19-21 May, a festival weekend bringing stories out of the shadows of the New Town’s infamous architecture. It looks like an interesting programme and will be visiting East Kilbride and Irvine later this year, and Glenrothes and Livingstone in 2018.
Historic Environment Scotland and Archaeology Scotland have announced the call for papers, speakers, displays and contributions to Scotland’s Community Heritage Conference 2017. Now in its sixth year, the Conference offers the opportunity for heritage volunteers and professionals to network, share experiences and create future working partnerships.
There are a number of interesting events and CPD opportunities coming up, which are featured in our events and training sections. There are also some great job opportunities, from Policy Officer at NTS to Traditional Skills Officer at Glasgow City Heritage Trust and Director at the Cockburn Association. Check out the vacancies section for information on how to apply.
In our first blog, BEFS newest Associate Member introduces himself and his company.
War Memorials Trust share with us their work and the recognition recently received for grant giving activities, in our second blog this week.
CONSULTATIONS
Call for Evidence on Homelessness (SP 03/05/17)
The Scottish Parliament’s Local Government and Communities Committee has today, Wednesday 3 May 2017, launched a call for written evidence on homelessness.
Reviewing the Edinburgh Design Guidance – your views (Edinburgh Planning 11/04/17)
The Edinburgh Design Guidance is being reviewed and we’d like your comments on the proposed changes. We are also holding two consultation workshops on the Design Guidance on Monday 15 May, in the City Chambers. If you would like to attend, please email us the following details to spatial.policy@edinburgh.gov.uk.
Consultation on the guidance will close on 2 June 2017.
CONSULTATION RESPONSES
Consultation on Raising Planning Fees. Analysis of consultation responses (SG 25/04/17)
An independent analysis of the consultation on raising planning fees prepared by Chris Thornton, Associate Director, Craigforth.
PUBLICATIONS
Infrastructure Investment Plan 2015 – Progress Report for 2016 (SG 26/04/17)
This annual report outlines key achievements over the course of 2016 and looks forward to developments in 2017 and beyond.
Scottish Vacant and Derelict Land Survey 2016 (SG 25/04/17)
The Scottish Vacant and Derelict Land Survey is a data collection undertaken to establish the extent and state of vacant and derelict land in Scotland.
SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT NEWS RELEASES
£8.35 million to support urban regeneration in the heart of Glasgow (SG 03/05/17)
New high quality office space and hundreds of jobs for the city centre. Housing Minister Kevin Stewart today announced investment of £8.35 million from its SPRUCE fund to support the refurbishment of vacant office space in central Glasgow.
Green home loans (SG 02/05/17)
Updated scheme cuts red tape for home-owners. Home-owners can now apply for an interest free loan of up to £32,500 to improve the energy efficiency and use of renewable technologies in their properties.
Personal Achievement in Planning (SG 04/17)
The Scottish Government is continuing the Personal Achievement in Planning Award this year. This Award is to recognise an individual planner, team, local authorities, consultants, community groups, developers, public agencies or voluntary organisation that have made an outstanding contribution to planning. All entries must be nominated by sending a completed Personal Achievement Nomination Form to saqp@gov.scot by the closing date, 19 May 2017.
Building for the future (SG 26/04/17)
£6.4 billion of infrastructure projects underway. Infrastructure projects worth almost £6.4 billion will be under construction throughout Scotland in 2017. Projects such as the Forth Valley College Falkirk Campus, NHS Orkney’s New Hospital and Healthcare Facilities and the A737 Dalry Bypass will all commence construction this year.
Decrease in derelict and urban vacant land 9SG 25/04/17)
A National Statistics Publication for Scotland. The total amount of derelict and urban vacant land in Scotland decreased by 253 hectares (two per cent) from the previous year, to 12,435 hectares in 2016.
NEWS RELEASES
2017 EU Prize for Cultural Heritage: Special Mentions (EN 01/05/17)
The Special Mentions of the European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage / Europa Nostra Awards 2017 were made public today by Europa Nostra and the European Commission. This year, the Awards’ Jury granted Special Mentions to 13 heritage achievements from 11 European countries taking part in the Creative Europe programme of the European Union.
Glasgow Traditional Building Skills Demonstration (STBF 28/04/17)
The Glasgow Traditional Building Forum organised a hugely successful traditional building skills demonstration on Buchanan Street, Glasgow on 24 & 25 April 2017.
Working update on diversity in Historic Environment Sector: HEF & Heritage 2020 (IHBC 26/04/17)
Members of England’s lead link heritage grouping, the Historic Environment Forum (HEF) and the working groups of the linked initiative Heritage 2020 recently came together to discuss diversity in the historic environment sector.
MyParkScotland History, Heritage & Archaeology crowdfund campaign (MPS 26/04/17)
2017 is the year of heritage, history and archaeology. To celebrate this, we have launched our Heritage and History campaign to promote the diversity of Scotland’s parks and greenspaces highlighting projects that are working to develop park and greenspace heritage.
Community ownership and local councils (SCVO 24/04/17)
In the final of our pre-local election blogs, Linsay Chalmers talks us through community land. 540,000 acres of land are now in community ownership in Scotland and 2017 could be the busiest ever year for community buyouts, with 187 applications currently in the pipeline for the Scottish Land Fund.
The local authority dilemma: engage in local climate action now, or wait? (RTPI 19/04/17)
Local climate action is not just about ‘climate change’ – it is about planning for the future of our places and communities. It is being ready for how the environment will change and engaging with this in a way that builds the liveable and healthy places that we want to live in, now and into the future. So why isn’t local climate action common place?
Tracking Scotland’s changing landscape (SNH 12/04/17)
A new way of tracking and reporting on Scotland’s ever-changing landscapes has been launched today (Wednesday) by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH). Scotland’s Landscape Monitoring Programme (LMP) is accessible on SNH’s website allowing anyone to follow how our dynamic landscapes change over the years.
Designing mental health into cities: the next frontier for urban design (DC 12/04/17)
If city-makers are to address mental health through urban design, where should they start? Layla McCay, the Director of Centre for Urban Design and Mental health, explains the reasons that city-dwellers are at greater risk of mental health problems and shows how urban design can support better mental health.
Heritage Lottery Fund statement – funding for places of worship (HLF 04/17)
The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) is changing the way it funds places of worship. Time and resource-stretched congregations have been telling us that they want to access our funding more easily, so we are bringing in a more flexible and lighter-touch way of distributing much-needed funding support from the National Lottery.
MEMBERS NEWS
RTPI Scotland thinkpieces – Proposals for change (RTPI 02/05/17)
The Scottish Government consultation paper Places, People and Planning contains many ideas for making the planning system more influential and effective. Working groups of RTPI Scotland committee members have now come together to prepare a series of thinkpieces that advance some of these ideas into implementable changes that could make a major impact on how our planning system works.
Project of the Year: RICS Awards, Scotland (RICS 27/04/17)
We’re delighted to announce our Project of the Year, the £35 million refurbishment of Glasgow’s Kelvin Hall, and the other eight category winners for the RICS Awards, Scotland. Over 35 of Scotland’s most impressive and community beneficial property schemes battled it out for top honours at the prestigious 2017 RICS Awards, Scotland. BBC news reader Catriona Shearer hosted the sell-out ceremony, held at Edinburgh’s luxurious Sheraton Hotel, which attracted more than 200 local property professionals.
Should we have a statutory chief planning officer in local authorities? (RTPI 26/04/17)
We need to make sure that strategic decisions taken by local authorities and Community Planning Partnerships are not taken in isolation. The implications of new investment and new development need to be assessed and planned for. Given this, in a thinkpiece published today by RTPI Scotland proposes that the forthcoming Planning Bill establishes a statutory Chief Planning Officer (CPO) in each local authority.
IHBC welcomes BEFS’ success in new NPF heritage measures: Critical disrepair in pre-1919 dwellings (IHBC 22/04/17)
The IHBC has welcomed the announcement by Built Environment Forum Scotland (BEFS) that, following active engagement with the Scottish Government and across is members, a new National Performance Framework (NPF) measure for the historic environment has been adopted, the percentage of pre-1919 dwellings classified as having disrepair to critical elements.
Guidelines for Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment (IHBC 19/04/17)
The IHBC is teaming up with the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) and the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) to produce a guidance document for cultural heritage impact assessment (GCHIA), and develop guidance as authoritative as the Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (GLVIA) has been in its sphere.
Heritage Hustings (EWH 19/04/17)
Against the historic backdrop of St. Stephen’s Stockbridge, one of the largest audiences yet seen for a local government hustings in the city debated a range of issues yesterday evening with representatives of all five parties. Subjects raised included the impact of ‘brash’ new development, the consequences of unregulated Airbnb holiday lets, the proposed ‘tourist tax’ and the growth of student accommodation in the city centre.
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”.
S5W-08883 Pauline McNeill: To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish the findings of its research into barriers to engagement and the role of community councils in planning. (SP 21/04/17)
S5O-00900 John Finnie: To ask the Scottish Government what value it places on locations in Scotland
holding UNESCO World Heritage Site status. (SP 20/04/17)
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-08477: Christine Grahame, Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 29/03/2017
To ask the Scottish Government what measures are in place to require an assessment of services, such as schools, public transport and medical facilities, to take place as a condition of planning consents for housing developments.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (19/04/2017)
Question S5W-08476: Christine Grahame, Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 29/03/2017
To ask the Scottish Government what measures are in place to permit the compulsory purchase of vacant commercial premises in town centres for the purpose of redeveloping them for social housing.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (18/04/2017)
Question S5W-08573: Anas Sarwar, Glasgow, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 03/04/2017
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to tackle the issue of damp homes in the (a) private and (b) owner-occupied sector.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (18/04/2017)
Question S5W-08676: Maurice Golden, West Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 05/04/2017
To ask the Scottish Government what modelling it has undertaken of maximising solar energy capture in new housing developments to assess the potential (a) financial benefits to homeowners and (b) wider economic and societal benefits.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (18/04/2017)
Question S5W-08675: Maurice Golden, West Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 05/04/2017
To ask the Scottish Government what research it has carried out on the long-term value of resource efficient building in the housing sector.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (24/04/2017)
Question S5W-08674: Maurice Golden, West Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 05/04/2017
To ask the Scottish Government how many electric vehicle charging points have been included in new housing developments since its Scottish Planning Policy was published in 2014.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (18/04/2017)
DEBATES
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
John Finnie (Highlands and Islands) (Green):
To ask the Scottish Government what value it places on locations in Scotland holding UNESCO world heritage site status. (S5O-00900)
The Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs (Fiona Hyslop):
The Scottish Government attaches great value to UNESCO world heritage site status. We are in the year of history, heritage and archaeology. On world heritage day, I took part in an event that celebrated the importance of one of our six world heritage sites—the Antonine wall, at which Picts and Romans were in evidence. There was even a great Roman bake-off. Using innovative and creative ways not just to preserve and conserve our heritage sites but to make them inviting places for people to visit is very important. Read the full transcript
MOTIONS
S5M-05185 Keith Brown: Defence Basing Reforms and the Impact on Scotland—That the Parliament expresses concern about the impact on Scotland of the military base closures announced by the Ministry of Defence as part of its Estate Optimisation Strategy; supports local community opposition to closures, and calls on the UK Government to engage fully with the Scottish Government, local authorities and local communities as a matter of urgency.
Supported by: Jamie Hepburn, Paul Wheelhouse (SP 20/04/17)
*S5M-05259 Gail Ross: RIAS Awards 2017—That the Parliament congratulates all the nominees for the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) Awards 2017, which comprise of buildings and projects throughout the length and breadth of the country; notes in particular the inclusion of Fernaig Cottage in Wester Ross, which saw the restoration and adaptation of a former shepherd’s longhouse, the newly-completed Noss Primary School in Wick and the conversion of the disused Corrie Church on the shores of Loch Torridon; wishes all on the shortlist the best of luck in the finals, and recognises what it believes is the incredible innovation and design in current Scottish architecture.
Supported by: Jenny Gilruth*, Emma Harper*, Ross Thomson*, Tavish Scott*, Gillian Martin*, Ben Macpherson*, Sandra White*, Alexander Burnett*, Graeme Dey*, Bill Kidd*, Stuart McMillan*, Richard Lyle* (SP 21/04/17)
EVENTS
For the latest information about BEFS Members’ events see our events calendar.
Afternoon lecture by Margaret Stewart: Landscaping the Nation, Lord Mar’s Designs c1700-1730 to follow Scotland’s Garden & Landscape Heritage AGM
When: Saturday, 6 May: AGM 12pm; Lunch 1pm – 1.45pm; Lecture 2pm; Walk 3.30pm.
Where: Alloa Tower, Alloa Park, Alloa FK10 1PP.
Dr Margaret Stewart’s talk offers a unique opportunity to hear the story behind this visionary design from the leading authority on the subject. The lecture will be followed by a guided walk to discover what still remains of the eighteenth-century landscape. The number of places at the lecture is restricted, so you are advised to book online in advance.
STP Place Branding & Communications Workshop
When: May 16, 2017 at 1:30pm – 4pm.
Where: Architecture & Design Scotland, Edinburgh.
Hear from media experts and local case studies that will leave you feeling equipped and inspired to find your town’s USP, grab the headlines, or make a cutting-edge film. Get top tips from Morrison Media Strategies, Newsquest Media Group, Enterprise Screen, Explore Largs BID, and Scotland’s Towns Partnership. Network over refreshments with town stakeholders from diverse sectors, and discuss strategies for your town. Don’t miss out – book today!
Sacred Heritage: Archaeology, Identity and Medieval Beliefs – Rhind Lectures
When: May 19 @ 6:00 pm – May 21 @ 5:00 pm.
Where: Auditorium National Museum Scotland, Edinburgh.
Medieval churches and monasteries are key features of the British landscape, contributing to local identities and sense of place. Yet the relationship between heritage and medieval religion has received relatively little critical reflection. These lectures will place research on medieval beliefs within a wider framework of sacred heritage, reflecting on issues of value, authenticity and interpretation. The lectures develop chronologically from the 12th century to the use of archaeology today, with case studies focusing on Scottish monasticism and Glastonbury Abbey.
Sustainable Futures for Traditional Buildings
When: Thursday 25th May 2017 from 9.30am.
Where: The Haining, Selkirk.
In recent years a number of ‘at risk’ buildings have become the subject of high profile ‘Heritage Rescue’ operations resulting in their successful adaptation to a range of alternative uses. For each of these ‘Success Stories’ there are many other buildings which at present face an uncertain future. The Scottish Traditional Skills Training Centre in association with Selkirk Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) has brought together 4 leading experts to look at the basic principles and critical factors which must be addressed when identifying potential sustainable futures for a range of traditional buildings. The cost of the event is £35 (Heavily subsidised by Selkirk CARS) and includes buffet lunch and tea/coffee.
Archaeological Research in Progress 2017
When: 27 May 2017.
Where: National Museums Scotland Auditorium, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF.
The Society is hosting the 2017 ARP conference, the national conference examining recent and ongoing archaeological projects across Scotland. Please book online or phone 0131 247 4133. Tickets £35 for Fellows, Archaeology Scotland members and students. £40 full price.
RIAS Spring Seminar – More Conservation Challenges
When: 31 May 2017 from 1pm – 5pm.
Where: The Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh.
The RIAS conservation spring seminar is now open for bookings. Chaired by RIAS Secretary, Neil Baxter, topics will include conservation work at the Capitol, Washington DC, and the Scottish architectural legacy in India. The technical components will include climate change adaptation for traditional buildings, interpreting thermal imaging and advice on working with lime for pointing and harling, including specification advice and guidance on the causes of failure, 3D laser scanning technique as used in the restoration of Glasgow School of Art.
Gordon Barr and Gary Painter: Glasgow’s Cinema Experiment
When: 7 June 2017, 7-9pm
Where: GCHT, 54 Bell Street, Glasgow
Scotland has some of the most architecturally diverse cinema buildings of anywhere in the world. This double-act led talk will cover the full range of Glasgow’s cinema history, from converted roller-skating rinks, via the earliest purpose built halls, the peculiarly Scottish ‘back-court’ theatres, to the finest thirties art deco super-cinemas, stopping off to highlight some of the most interesting depictions of Glasgow on screen, both as itself and pretending to be other cities along the way.
Sir Patrick Geddes Commemorative Lecture 2017 – Poverty, Places and Equality: A role for place based approaches?
When: Wednesday, 07 June 2017 at 5:45PM – 8:15PM.
Where: The Lighthouse, Mitchell Lane, Glasgow G1 3NU.
Naomi Eisenstadt – Independent Advisor to the Scottish Government on Poverty and Inequalit.y
After a long career in the NGO sector, in 1999 Naomi became the first Director of the Sure Start Unit. The Unit was responsible for delivering the government’s commitment to free nursery education places for all 3-4 year olds, the national childcare strategy, and reducing the gap in outcomes between children living in disadvantaged areas and the wider child population. Naomi spent 3 years as the Director of the Social Exclusion Task Force working across government to identify and promote policies to address the needs of traditionally excluded groups. Since retiring from the Civil Service, Naomi has chaired the Camden Equalities Commission, the Milton Keynes Child Poverty Commission, published a book and several articles relevant to child development and child poverty.
The City Talks: Conservation v Evolution? Do conservation areas hold back or encourage positive development?
When: 14 June 2017, 7-9pm
Where: GCHT, 54 Bell Street, Glasgow
We all agree that the protection and enhancement of Scotland’s conservation areas are important although some of us may be concerned that this statutory requirement of local authorities is not being met in many cases. However, as pressure increases to build in urban areas, might there by a case for a loosening of some of the restrictions that planning law places on new developments in and around conservation areas? Is heritage management compatible with innovative and bold modern architecture? Are we stifling creativity and radical design by holding onto long-cherished heritage principles? These are just some of the issues our panel of experts will be discussing.
IHBC Annual School: Transport Infrastructure – the backbone of civilisation
When: Thursday 22nd – Saturday 24th June 2017. Day School – Friday 23rd June 2017.
Where: Manchester.
The 2017 IHBC Annual School examines the rich legacy of transport infrastructure, exploring both its continuing role as a future driver of change and economic growth as well as its impact upon historic places. The Annual School includes three exciting days of lectures, networking and practical learning to share skills, knowledge and understanding; tours exploring all facets of historic and new infrastructure and its impact on the historic environment around Manchester and the North; NETWORKING EVENTS; EVENING RECEPTION & IHBC ANNUAL DINNER with opportunities to pause, take stock and stimulate debate in fascinating venues.
TRAINING
Resourcing Scotland’s Heritage is delivering a series of training courses and events across Scotland. Our training is best suited to registered charities and constituted community groups. Here are the upcoming dates:
• Make It Happen, Wed. 10th May, Edinburgh – Arts & Business Scotland
• In Focus: Trusts & Foundations, Wed. 17th May, Galashiels – Old Gala
• Crowdfunding, Wed. 24th May, Glasgow – Betty’s Room
• In Focus: Membership & Friends + Sustainability, Wed. 31st May, Aberdeen – Aberdeen Science Centre
The Damp in Buildings Masterclass
When: 19 May 2017, 09.30 – 16.30.
Where: Charlestown Workshops, Fife
Cost: £190 + vat. If you are a BLF, IHBC, RIBA or RIAS member you are eligible for 20% discount on this seminar. Please just give us a call with your member number. We are pleased to welcome back Mike Parrett, one of the world’s leading building pathologists and co-author of the RICS’ bestselling book ‘Diagnosing Damp’, recognised as the primary reference work on dampness in buildings.
CPD: Traditional Shopfronts
When: Tuesday 30th May 2017 | 12-1pm.
Where: Glasgow City Heritage Trust, 54 Bell Street, Glasgow.
Shopfronts have a huge impact on the quality of our civic spaces and are a key component of a vibrant town centre. Dr Lindsay Lennie, historic shopfront expert, will be looking at the key elements forming a traditional shopfront, the materials and construction techniques as they relate to different periods in retail architecture. Lindsay is a chartered surveyor with a diploma in building conservation and a PhD in historic shopfronts.
VACANCIES
Policy Officer – Permanent / part-time (NTS)
This job exists to develop and communicate Trust policy in order to guide conservation and visitor management practice. In addition, the post-holder will contribute to the Trusts role as an advocate for the conservation of Scotlands heritage, and for access, learning and enjoyment of that heritage.
Closing date: Friday 12 May 2017.
Traditional Skills Officer (GCHT)
An exciting opportunity has become available to support the implementation of the Trust’s traditional skills and materials programme for the benefit of all people living in, working in and visiting Glasgow. Through events, training sessions, public engagement activities and partnerships you will deliver a programme of traditional skills training and educational activities targeting contractors, craftspeople, professionals, communities and homeowners to train and educate those responsible for the upkeep of Glasgow’s built heritage, encourage best practice, and showcase career opportunities in the heritage and construction sectors.
Deadline for applications: Friday 12th May 2017.
CARS Project Officer
Dunoon Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) is a £1.8M heritage-led partnership project between Argyll and Bute Council, Historic Environment Scotland and LEADER. The postholder is required to project manage and fully deliver Dunoon CARS, and to do this over a 5-year period whilst ensuring that the project is delivered on time and within budget. The project focusses on Dunoon’s principal shopping street, Argyll Street and includes funding towards shopfront repairs as well as the comprehensive restoration of 4 tenements. It is anticipated that the postholder will be experienced with working on historic environment projects.
Closes: Friday, 12th May 2017.
Fundraising Vacancy – Part time (Archaeology Scotland)
We are looking for someone to help with both Trusts Fundraising and Events Co-ordination. This is part-time post (15 hours), fixed term until June 2019. If you have the relevant experience and bags of enthusiasm please apply with a covering letter and CV to e.macqueen@archaeologyscotland.org.uk.
Closing date 12 May 2017.
Director Post (Cockburn Association)
The Cockburn Association is now looking for a Director who has the leadership skills and capability to monitor and implement its strategy. The ideal candidate will be highly motivated and enthusiastic about the Cockburn Association activities and campaigns. He/She will have the capacity to lead and deliver the key activities of the Association, working with allies, strengthening the membership base, and broadening the constituency of ‘those who love Edinburgh’ through awareness and education. In doing so he/she will take account of the advice in the 2015 Strategy that the Association should focus on doing less in more depth, concentrate on activities which have the potential to make a difference and ensure that the scope of our work is realistic in terms of our time and financial resources. For more information on the role, please contact Joe Taylor on 0131 557 8686 (email admin@cockburnassociation.org.uk) or for a confidential discussion please contact the Vice-Chair of the Association, Andrew MacLeod at 0131 667 5663.
Closing date: 26th May 2017.
Director of Development and Partnership (HES)
This is a new senior post, reporting directly to the Chief Executive, with responsibility for driving forward a range of strategic developments vital to the future work of HES and the wider sector. Please note that this post will also attract a £1,500 on call allowance and 5% Directors allowance. You will identify and explore the big issues and questions for Scotland’s historic environment, both now and in the future. You will lead HES engagement with partners and stakeholders, take forward new areas of work and coordinate work strands across the organisation. You will provide leadership and foresight both for HES and the historic environment sector including, as lead Director responsible for the delivery of Our Place in Time, the historic environment strategy for Scotland. You will bring knowledge of the sector, strong policy and partnership skills, fresh thinking and a strong customer focus to HES.
Closing Date: 26 May 2017 at midday.
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