BEFS News

In recent months we have witnessed renewed parliamentary interest in the topic of building maintenance, particularly around the challenges faced in buildings under multiple ownership. BEFS is looking to gather some specific case studies for use in advocacy on the topic. Read more about BEFS aims and how to submit your examples here.

There are a number of parliamentary receptions on the built environment in November, which offer fantastic advocacy opportunities. Join RICS for their Tenement Maintenance Parliamentary Reception on 1st November. Also keep an eye out for STBFs parliamentary reception on Scottish Traditional Building Skills on 21st November and LIS’s reception on ‘Landscape for Scotland’ on 14th November.

The Scottish Parliament’s Acting Lobbying Registrar has confirmed that the new Lobbying Register will come into force from Monday 12th March 2018. From this date forward, certain face-to-face meetings with MSPs, Scottish Government Ministers, special advisers or the Permanent Secretary will need to be registered. In addition, a four-month familiarisation period has begun, allowing test returns to be made on the new register website.

Get ahead of the game! In 2018 Scotland puts its young people (8-26 year olds) in the spotlight. The Year of Young People 2018 (YOYP) is led by the Scottish Government, in collaboration with VisitScotland, EventScotland, Young Scot, Children in Scotland, Scottish Youth Parliament, Creative Scotland and YouthLink Scotland. VisitScotland have created a handy toolkit for you to plan how you’ll take advantage and benefit from the year.

In this week’s blog, Joanna Hambly, The SCAPE Trust, tells us about Scotland’s Coastal Heritage at Risk Project and the role of volunteers in surveying Scotland’s coastal archaeological heritage.

Check out our new section of the bulletin that highlights opinion and comment pieces relating to the built and historic environment.

Consultations

Brexit and Local Government inquiry launched (BP 17/10/17)
The Communities and Local Government Committee’s Brexit and Local Government inquiry looks at which powers currently held by the EU could be transferred to town halls after the UK’s exit.

Guidance for Local Authorities when carrying out their new duties and functions under Part 9 of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015
Closes 17 Nov 2017.

Consultation Responses

Housing (Amendment) Scotland Bill – Finance & Constitution Committee’s Call for Evidence Submissions

Submissions Received by Local Government and Communities Committee on the Housing (Amendment) (Scotland) Bil

Publications

Warming Scotland up to Energy Efficiency: Putting Consumers First (Consumer Futures Unit, Citizens Advise Scotland xx/10/17)

Disrupting the Housing Market – A policy programme to save the home-owning democracy (Localis xx/10/17)

The cost of housing for low-income renters (Institute for Fiscal Studies xx/10/17) 

A short briefing on a ‘no-deal Brexit scenario’ (Institute of Economic Affairs xx/10/17)

Help to Buy (Scotland) Administrative Procedures (SG 25/10/17)
Administrative Procedures for Agents administering the Help to Buy (Scotland) Affordable New Build Scheme.

New Supply Shared Equity (NSSE) Administrative Procedures (SG 25/10/17)
The Administrative Procedures for the RSLs and LAs administering the New Supply Shared Equity (NSSE) scheme

Open Market Shared Equity (OMSE) Buyer Information Leaflet (SG 25/10/17)

The Scottish Government Model Private Residential Tenancy Agreement (SG 18/10/17)

Scottish Government News Releases

Local Housing Allowance (SG 25/10/17)
Joint call to halt ‘damaging’ rates for social rented sector. Around 12,000 young people could be facing a shortfall up to £8.6 million through UK Government plans to introduce Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates to the social rented sector.

£1.5m for Community Choices Fund (SG 24/1017)
Communities from Arbroath to Ullapool will share £1.5 million to increase the numbers of people involved in making decisions about investment in their local areas.

Bute House repairs (SG 23/10/17)
Bute House, the official residence of the First Minister of Scotland, has temporarily closed to enable unscheduled essential repair work to take place. Recent routine monitoring revealed that urgent ceiling repairs and further inspection work are required to the A listed building.

Progress at Brexit meeting (SG 16/10/17)
A set of principles to guide negotiations around any potential UK or GB wide frameworks after Brexit has been agreed. But Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland’s Place in Europe, Michael Russell made clear that the Scottish Government continues to be unable to recommend that the Scottish Parliament gives consent to the EU Withdrawal Bill unless significant changes are made.

News Releases

Landmark launch for online Scottish land information service (SHN 24/10/17)
A new resource has been launched which will allow citizens, communities, professionals and business to access comprehensive information about any piece of land or property in Scotland for the first time. Launched today by the Keeper of the Registers of Scotland, Sheenagh Adams, ScotLIS, a lynchpin of Registers of Scotland’s (RoS) digital transformation, is an easy to use, map-based, online land information service.

New LSE analysis suggests Scotland would lose billions of pounds with Brexit (Herald Scotland 24/10/17)
London School of Economics analysis has warned Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow will be among the hardest hit cities in the UK after Brexit. Scotland would suffer a “devastating” Brexit bombshell with its towns and cities losing nearly £30 billion as a result of the UK leaving the EU without a deal, analysis suggests.

Scotland’s ‘heritage angels’ crowned (HES 17/10/17)
Heritage volunteers, professionals and organisations from across the country were honoured in the capital this evening (Monday 16 October), as the winners of the Scottish Heritage Angel Awards 2017 were revealed.

Revised Westminster boundary proposals criticised (Boundary Commission for Scotland 17/10/17)
The Boundary Commission for Scotland has published the revised proposals for UK Parliament constituencies that reflect responses to a consultation on the initial proposals published in October 2016. The 2018 Review of UK Parliament Constituencies will result in the total number of seats being reduced from 650 to 600, with the number of Scottish seats decreasing by six to 53.

Labour MSP launches fire safety Bill (Herald Scotland 15/10/17)
Scottish Labour MSP David Stewart has launched a new members’ bill on fire safety in social housing following the Grenfell Tower disaster.

Parliamentary Committees engage in inter-parliamentary dialogue on Brexit at Westminster (SP 13/10/17)
Senior representatives of three Scottish Parliament Committees today participated in inter-parliamentary dialogue on Brexit related issues including the implications of the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill upon the devolution settlements in the United Kingdom.

Proof that places shape who we are – and what that means for society today (NTS xx/10/17)
Scientific research carried out by the National Trust has found that natural and historic places have a powerful effect on all of us. In the ‘Places that Make us report’ the National Trust set out to understand the depth of people’s connection with place.

FutureTown Design Competition (STP xx/10/17)
STP invites you to take part in the third annual FutureTown Design Competition to gain media profile for your town and a keynote slot to present your idea at the annual Towns Tea Party! Shortlisted entries will also be displayed in a showcase exhibition at Scotland’s Towns Conference on 21 November. The deadline for entries is 5pm on Monday 6 November.

Opinion & Comment

Cities & Towns: The 2017 General Election and the social divisions of Place (New Economics Foundation 17/10/17) 

Making Local Place Plans work (Kate Houghton, RTPI Scotland)

The planning system should be a tool to empower citizens in Scotland (Jamie Cooke, Head of RSA Scotland)

Case Study: Your Kirkwall (David McAllister, PAS)

The truth about “soft densification” (Dr Richard Dunning, Hannah Hickman and Professor John Henneberry, RTPI)

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”.

Michelle Ballantyne S5W-12180
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that the Regulation of Energy Efficiency in Private Sector Homes (REEPS) will not disproportionately disadvantage rural homeowners. (SP 24/10/17)

Michelle Ballantyne S5W-12179
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to reduce the cost of building houses in rural areas compared with urban areas. (SP 24/10/17)

Liam McArthur S5W-12065
To ask the Scottish Government what progress has been made to make buildings more energy efficient since it was announced that this would be designated as a national infrastructure priority. (SP 20/10/17)

Parliamentary Questions & Answers

Questions marked with a triangle (?) are initiated by the Government in order to facilitate the provision of information to the Parliament.

Colin Beattie S5O-01362
To ask the Scottish Government what progress it is making toward reaching its target of building 50,000 affordable homes before the end of the parliamentary session.
Taken in the Chamber on 25/10/2017

John Mason S5O-01346
To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it is giving to how tenement housing can be better maintained.
Taken in the Chamber on 25/10/2017

Question S5W-11526: Andy Wightman, Lothian, Scottish Green Party, Date Lodged: 25/09/2017
To ask the Scottish Government how much each local authority spent on rural housing projects in 2016-17, also broken down by the (a) (i) name and (ii) postcode of each project, (b) grant-receiving organisation, and (c) number of (A) units and (B) bed spaces.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (12/10/2017)

Question S5W-11851: Patrick Harvie, Glasgow, Scottish Green Party, Date Lodged: 05/10/2017
To ask the Scottish Government what the timescale is for the next revision of the National Planning Framework.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (11/10/2017)

Debate

Portfolio Question Time: Communities, Social Security and Equalities
Housing Maintenance (Tenements)

John Mason (Glasgow Shettleston) (SNP): 
To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it is giving to how tenement housing can be better maintained. (S5O-01346)

The Minister for Local Government and Housing (Kevin Stewart): 
The maintenance of the common parts of tenements is principally the responsibility of the owners and is usually governed by rules and conditions that are set out in the title deeds for the flats within a block.

The Tenements (Scotland) Act 2004 provides a structure, known as the tenement management scheme, for the maintenance and management of tenements. The Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 gave local authorities discretionary powers to require owners to carry out work on substandard houses and to provide assistance with repairs and improvements to private property. The Housing (Scotland) Act 2014 amended those powers to make them more effective and introduced new provisions to allow local authorities to pay missing shares for work that is agreed by a majority of owners in a tenement.

In the private rented sector, the new private residential tenancy, which comes into effect in December this year, will significantly improve tenant security and better enable tenants to exercise their right to report a breach of the repairing standard to the housing and property chamber of the first-tier tribunal.

Read full debate.

Motions

Motion S5M-08370: Andy Wightman, Lothian, Scottish Green Party, Date Lodged: 24/10/2017
Tackling Short-term Lets in Scotland 
That the Parliament notes what it understands as the anxiety being expressed by communities over the rapid growth in entire homes being let for short-term occupancy across urban and rural Scotland and the view that this should not be at the expense of people in housing need nor compromise the peaceful enjoyment of people’s homes; believes that this issue is long-tanding in parts of the Highlands and the south-west and that this form of letting is now increasingly displacing residential communities in Edinburgh and across Lothian; notes reports of distress being felt by residents, particularly in communal property in the centre of the capital; acknowledges the recently-launched Homes First campaign, and notes the calls for all parties to urgently bring forward planning, fiscal or regulatory measures to enable local government to provide effective controls over the change of use of residential property to short-term let property.
Current Status: Eligible for Members’ Business, Pending Cross Party Support

Motion S5M-08354: Ben Macpherson, Edinburgh Northern and Leith, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 24/10/2017
Maintenance of Tenement Communal Property 
That the Parliament recognises that a significant proportion of people in Edinburgh and across Scotland live in tenement buildings; believes that the maintenance of communal property, otherwise known as the common parts or “Scheme Property” as defined in the Tenements (Scotland) Act 2004, in tenements is essential to the upkeep of the buildings and the standard of living for owner occupiers and tenants; understands with concern that, in many cases, such Scheme Property is in a state of disrepair, degradation or deterioration; believes that current legislation is not consistently fulfilling its intention to encourage owners to establish effective arrangements for managing communal repairs and undertaking maintenance; acknowledges the various potential solutions put forward by groups and individuals in the housing sector to help address this issue, and notes the view that, for the wellbeing of owner occupiers and tenants and to sustain and enhance the country’s urban infrastructure and environments, the government should review the situation and consider any legislative changes, new initiatives, enhanced use of existing rules and/or further action by local authorities that could facilitate improved upkeep of Scheme Property.
Supported by: Stewart Stevenson, Joan McAlpine, Graham Simpson, Miles Briggs, John Mason, Graeme Dey, David Torrance, Ash Denham, Jenny Gilruth, Clare Haughey, Jeremy Balfour, Fulton MacGregor, Ivan McKee R
Current Status: Eligible for Members’ Business, Pending Cross Party Support

Events

For the latest information about BEFS Members’ events see our events calendar.

Perth: Past, Present, Future
When: Thursday 26 October 2017, 7.00pm-9.00pm.
Where: Royal George Hotel, Tay Street, Perth.
Perth: the fair city in the heart of Scotland. Once a thriving hub of enterprise large and small, has Perth now lost its way? A key event to highlight the joint 50th anniversaries of the Scottish Civic Trust and Perth Civic Trust, this seminar considers Perth’s history and heyday, its current issues and challenges, and what can be done to encourage a more positive future, with a particular emphasis on retailing in the city centre. There will be plenty of opportunities for discussion and questions.

Icon Conference: Scotland Tour of Highlights
When: 27th October, from 9.00 – 16.30
Where: Augustine United Church, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh.
Due to popular demand, Icon Scotland Group will host a one-day event returning to some of the themes and presentations given in the Scotland and Care of Collections Group sessions at last year’s Icon conference in Birmingham. The day will comprise ten presentations from across the UK on a wide range of subjects and will allow plenty of time for networking. Refreshments and lunch are
provided. Tickets: £30 – £70.

British architects, landscape designers and gardeners in Russia
When: Monday 6th November 2017 at 6.30pm.
Where: St Andrew’s & St George’s West Church, 13 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PA.
Dr Patricia Andrew is an art and garden historian with a career in galleries and museums, and has also served on the Committee of the Garden History Society in Scotland. She specialises in Scottish artists at home and abroad from the 18th Century to the present day. This is a joint lecture with Scotland’s Garden and Landscape Heritage, focusing on the legacy of British (particularly Scottish) architects, garden designers and engineers in Russia.

Designing across the generations for age-friendly places
When: 8th November 2017 from 6pm – 8pm.
Where: A&DS, Bakehouse Close, 146 Canongate, Edinburgh, EH8 8DD.
Over a three-and-a-half-year period, the Mobility, Mood and Place (MMP) research project has been bringing together early career designers and older participants to envision places, from homes to public spaces, which are inclusive, enabling and inspirational. The project’s findings have implications for the way we design for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities so that going outdoors in younger years becomes a lifelong passion for getting out and about. On Wednesday 8th November 2017, join A&DS and the MMP team for the launch of the project’s latest publication.

Community Heritage Conference 2017
When: Friday 10 November 2017 to Saturday 11 November 2017.
Where: Strathclyde University’s Technology and Innovation Centre, Glasgow.
We are delighted to announce booking for Community Heritage Conference is now open. Over two days we have more than sixty presentations, debates and workshops lined up to celebrate and explore the dizzying range of heritage projects across Scotland, with guest contributions for other parts of the UK, from across Europe, and from the USA. As always we will have dozens of displays, as well as our One Minute Mayhem – an ‘open mic’ session giving anyone the opportunity to stand up and have their say for 60 seconds.  Tickets are priced at just £30 for the two days (including lunch). Please contact Cara Jones if you would like to book space for a display or would like to take the stage for the One Minute Mayhem.

‘From Banditry to Books, from Reiving to Screeving: The Borders Enlightenment’
When: November 13 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm.
Where: National Museum Scotland Auditorium, Chambers Street, Edinburgh EH1 1J.
Lecture given by Professor Ted Cowan Hon FSA Scot, Emeritus Professor of Scottish History and Literature, University of Glasgow. This lecture seeks to explore and assess enlightenment influence upon the inhabitants of the Scottish Borders. It also asks whether it is possible that folk with surnames such as Hume and Scott, up to their necks in all kinds of violence, feuding, skullduggery and general mayhem, through to 1603 could, two or three generations later, transform or be transformed, into some of the most distinguished of recipients and exponents of enlightenment.

‘From Banditry to Books, from Reiving to Screeving: The Borders Enlightenment’
When: November 15 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm.
Where: Dumfries Museum, The Observatory, Rotchell Road, Dumfries, DG2 7SW.
Lecture given by Professor Ted Cowan Hon FSA Scot, Emeritus Professor of Scottish History and Literature, University of Glasgow. Please contact Dumfries Museum on 01387 253374 to reserve a free place at the lecture or via email (dumfries.museum@dumgal.gov.uk)

‘There goes the neighbourhood’ –Academy of Urbanism Neighbourhood Summit 
When: November 22 @ 12:00 pm – November 23 @ 5:30 pm.
Where: West Park Conference Centre, 319 Perth Road, Dundee DD2 1NN.
As part of Scotland’s Towns Week, the Academy and its partners are holding a one-and-a-half-day event focusing on changing neighbourhoods, following the success of the 2016 event Streets Beyond – Beyond Streets. Drawing from national and international examples, the aim is to explore the physical, social and economic attributes that make for successful neighbourhoods. Using lessons from successful ‘established’ neighbourhoods, we aim to identify factors that can help regenerate existing neighbourhoods and making new neighbourhoods and estates more ‘liveable’.

SCT Conference 2017: 50 Years of Conservation Areas – Booking Now Open!
When: 27 November 2017
Where: Trades Hall, Glasgow.
As part of our 50th anniversary celebrations and recognising that the Civic Amenities Act was passed in 1967, the Scottish Civic Trust’s next annual conference, in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland and The Institute of Historic Building Conservation, will tackle the theme of “Fifty years of conservation areas” – what has been learned, what has been lost, and what are the threats and opportunities in the future.

Helen Shenton to give 2017 Plenderleith Lecture
When: 30th November, from 18.15 – 19.15.
Where: National Galleries of Scotland, The Mound, Edinburgh.
Icon Scotland Group is delighted to announce that this year’s Plenderleith Lecture will be given by Helen Shenton, Librarian and College Archivist of Trinity College Dublin. The title of the 20th Annual Harold Plenderleith Memorial Lecture will be, “Conservation+, personal reflections on a journey from conservator to director”. The lecture will be followed by a drinks reception. The event will as usual be preceded by Icon Scotland Group’s AGM (to which all Group members are invited) from 17.00 -18.00. We are also pleased to announce that a CPD visit to the National Museums Conservation Collections Centre in Granton will run in the afternoon of the same day from 14.30 to 16.30, and is bookable separately through Eventbrite.

Glasgow’s Britannia Panopticon & West Boathouse
When: Saturday, 2nd December 2017, 10:30-12:30
Where: McLennan Arch, Saltmarket entrance to Glasgow Green, Glasgow G1 5JZ.
SPAB Scotland is organising a visit of the spectacular Britannia Panopticon Music Hall and the ‘cute’ West Boathouse, before heading to Glasgow’s Christmas Market. Built in 1857, the Britannia Panopticon, on Trongate, “is an exceptionally rare survival of a music hall and the earliest and sole surviving example of its type in Scotland” –possibly even the earliest in Britain– as the listing description for this heritage designated building (Category A) notes. The West Boathouse, in Glasgow Green, dates from 1905 and is now Category B listed. The boathouse is a “by far the largest” of this “rare building type in Scotland”. For both buildings, conservation works are under preparation, and we will learn more from the professionals involved about their challenges and concepts when planning the works. After the building visits, we will head to the Christmas Market to celebrate (a day early) the start of the Advent season.

Training

IHBC’s Course Connection Day 2017: Free support & networking for conservation-curious Students 
When: 23 Nov – Ask Carla ASAP!
Where: Birmingham.
The IHBC’s celebrated ‘Course Connection Day’ takes a new twist in 2017 as students on any UK specialist course can apply to join the IHBC for a free, expenses-paid introductory day of conservation and career support, with limited places allocated on application to IHBC Support Officer and lead for the Day, Carla Pianese. Contact the lead for the day, IHBC’s Support Officer Carla Pianese.

Resourcing Scotland’s Heritage – Fundraising: Make it Happen (St Andrews)
When: Thursday 2nd November, 9:15am – 4:30pm.
Where: Learning Loft, Museum of the University of St Andrews.
Cost: £25/£50 + VAT.
This one-day training event explores funding opportunities for heritage groups and organisations with a focus on private sources (charitable trusts, businesses and individuals). The event includes an overview of the fundraising process; the seven steps of fundraising, and an in-depth look at how to develop an effective case for support for your organisation or project. There will be plenty of opportunity to discuss ideas and share stories at the training.  All refreshments and lunch are provided and travel bursaries are also available.

Vacancies

Project Manager (Edinburgh World Heritage)
We are looking to appoint a Project Manager to lead and manage the conservation and adaptation of the Canongate Housing development. The main purpose of the position will be to lead and manage EWH’s programme of conservation and adaptation of the Canongate Housing development in order to deliver a collaborative and successful project.
To apply for this role, please send us your CV, together with a completed application from and covering letter in support of your application by 5PM, Friday 27th October 2017.

Engagement and Monitoring Officer (Edinburgh World Heritage)
We are looking to appoint an Engagement and Monitoring Officer to engage with the residents of the Canongate Housing development.The main purpose of the position will be to engage with the residents of the Canongate Housing development in order to deliver a collaborative and successful project.
To apply for this role, please send us your CV, together with a completed application from and covering letter in support of your application by 5PM, Friday 3rd November 2017.

London Based Team Coordinator And Administrator (AHF)
We are currently seeking to appoint a full-time Team Coordinator and Administrator to help ensure the smooth running of the organisation, to help it communicate the impact of its work and to provide support to the AHF’s Investment, Finance and Operations teams and the Chief Executive.
Closing Date: 9am on 20th November, 2017.

Information in the Bulletin is extracted from a number of websites including the Scottish Government (SG); the Scottish Parliament (SP); Architecture and Design Scotland (A+DS); Historic Environment Scotland (HES); Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH); Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO); English Heritage (EH); Design Council (DC); Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG); Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS); Department of Environment and Rural Affairs (DEFRA); National Assembly for Wales (NAW); Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS); Scottish Government Building Standards  (SGBS); Europa Nostra (EN); Historic England (HE).

If you have any questions or comments on the above, or would like to submit information to be included, please get in touch with Saskia Smellie or tel: BEFS Office on 0131 220 6241.

BEFS News

The Chief Planner has provided an update on progress with the review of the Scottish planning system. An analysis of responses to the Position Statement was also published last week. If you missed BEFS response in August, you can find it and a comment on the Position Statement on our website. Finally, to find information about where the planning review is up to and the work that has been done so far, you may wish to check out RTPI Scotland’s updated Planning Review webpage.

As readers will be aware, the SNP Conference 2017 took place this week. BEFS was pleased to see that a resolution submitted by Ben Macpherson MSP (Edinburgh North & Leith) on the important issue of Maintenance of Tenement Communal Property was passed.

BEFS newest team member, Policy and Advocacy Officer, Ailsa Macfarlane, reflects on the Scottish Government’s recent conference on housing in our blog this week.

We have once again an array of fascinating built environment events, conference, seminars and away-days taking place in October and November. For details see our events section below or BEFS calendar.

Consultations

A consultation on a draft revised code of conduct for registered property factors
Opened 6 Oct 2017 and closes on 15 Jan 2018.

Guidance for Local Authorities when carrying out their new duties and functions under Part 9 of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015
Closes 17 Nov 2017.

Consultation Responses

Planning Review: Analysis of Position Statement Responses (SG 06/10/17)

Publications

Brexit: What’s at stake for businesses (SG 11/10/17)

Scottish Land Rights and Responsibilities Statement (SG 28/09/17)

Scottish Government News Releases

New scheme to boost investment in housing (SG 12/10/17)
Rental income guarantee scheme to support build-to-rent market. Housing Minister Kevin Stewart has announced the launch of a Rental Income Guarantee Scheme (RIGS), to boost new investment in private rented housing.

Beyond City Deals (SG 05/10/17)
Next steps for city region deals outlined. The Scottish Government will support the creation of regional economic partnerships across Scotland as a vehicle to drive inclusive economic growth, Economy Secretary Keith Brown has confirmed. As outlined in the Enterprise and Skills Review, the expansion of the regional economic policy beyond city deals will pave the way for regional economic partnerships for every part of Scotland.

Scotland’s economy continues to grow (SG 04/10/17)
GDP grows by 0.1% over second quarter of 2017. Scotland’s GDP grew by 0.1% in the second quarter of 2017, increasing by a total of 0.7% since the start of the year, according to Scotland’s latest GDP statistics published today. Over the past 12 months, Scotland’s GDP increased by 0.5%, with the services industry in particular driving growth.

Making more of Scotland’s land (SG 28/09/17)
Vision for land rights and responsibilities. A ‘world first’ vision for land rights and responsibilities has been published. The Scottish Land Rights and Responsibilities Statement outlines a strong and dynamic relationship between its land and people, where rights and responsibilities are fully recognised and fulfilled.

Support for housing (SG 28/09/17)
Challenge fund announced for custom and self-built homes. Housing Minister Kevin Stewart will today announce £90,000 to support pilot projects to assist people wanting to build their own homes with a new Challenge Fund. Speaking at the closing event of the Festival of Architecture in Edinburgh on Thursday, Mr Stewart will confirm the new fund will be open for applications by the end of October.

News Releases

Is Dumfries the happiest place in Scotland? (BBC 11/10/17)
A south of Scotland town has emerged as the happiest in the country, according to a recent survey.
Dumfries was named the top spot north of the border in the annual “happy at home” index compiled by Rightmove.

Record-breaking summer for Scotland’s historic sites (HES 06/10/17)
It’s been a spectacular summer for Scotland’s historic sites as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) announced record-breaking visitor figures for the 2017 summer season today (Friday 6th October).
The period from April to September 2017 saw the historic sites in the care of HES record an impressive overall 20% increase in footfall on the same period last year, making it the busiest season on record.

Report – Alienating, insecure and unaffordable: Living in Scotland’s Private Rented Sector (CW 06/10/17)
The private rented sector continues to have an appalling record on housing security, affordability and quality, a Common Weal report analysing new data on the experience of households in Scotland has found.  Its findings are based on data in the Scottish Household Survey 2016, published by the Scottish Government at the end of September this year.

£2 billion boost for affordable housing and long term deal for social rent (DCLG & PM 04/10/17)
Government has confirmed plans for a new generation of council and housing association homes. Funding for affordable homes will be increased by a further £2 billion to more than £9 billion.

Public sector building projects must focus on quality – Holyrood Committee (SP 03/10/17)
Lessons must be learned by the entire public sector in order to make sure that new public buildings are safe. This is the conclusion of a report issued today by the Scottish Parliament’s Education and Skills Committee which looked at the safety of the school estate in Scotland.

Work begins on multimillion pound Green Infrastructure projects (SNH 03/10/17)
Close to £20 million will be spent transforming urban green spaces, says Scottish Natural Heritage. Work has begun on one of seven major urban greenspace projects that have been awarded Green Infrastructure Funds (GIF) by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH). SNH is delivering this funding on behalf of Scottish Government, using money from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Scottish Natural Heritage Announces Social Housing Research (SNH 03/10/17)
On World Habitat Day, Scottish Natural Heritage announces recently commissioned research into the opportunities for green infrastructure within housing projects Everyone in Scotland should be able to access nature on their doorstep, according to new SNH Chief Executive Francesca Osowska.

Fanfare as Paisley launches City of Culture 2021 bid (BBC 29/09/17)
Paisley’s bid to become the UK City of Culture 2021 has been sent off with a fanfare in the town.
Crowds gathered to wave flags and watch more than 150 singers perform songs with Paisley roots.

Members’ News

Aspiring for Change in Cowdenbeath (PAS 11/10/17)
PAS has embarked on a new and exciting project made possible by the Aspiring Communities Fund and the European Social Fund led by the Scottish Government. The project kicked off in September at Beath High School where we hosted a performance of ‘Plan’ for around 20 pupils.

RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence 2018 now open for entries (RTPI)
The RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence are the longest running and most high-profile awards in the industry. For 40 years they have rewarded the brightest talent in the profession; the teams, projects and individuals that transform economies, environments and their communities all over the UK and internationally.

Satirical view of the Planning Review – It’s all up Bill Plannning now! (RTPI 29/09/17)
Jim Birrell provides a lighthearted take on the planning review. It was a time of turbulence and tempest. Two men and a wise lady told us so in 60 pages of inspiration, perspiration and independence of thought. “Your system for the planning world is not broken but it badly needs fixed, repaired and you must speak with your people more and mean it”.

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”.

Graham Simpson S5W-11852
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will put measures or exemptions in place in energy efficiency legislation to ensure that (a) important heritage, (b) listed and (c) pre-1919 buildings are protected from inappropriate adaptations. (SP 06/10/17)

Graham Simpson S5W-11853
To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that lessons learned from failing energy retrofit remedies to traditional buildings are made available to homeowners and assessors. (SP 06/10/17)

Graham Simpson S5W-11854
To ask the Scottish Government how it can ensure that there will be a supply chain of professional accredited assessors for traditional buildings; how it will assess their accreditation standards, what steps it is taking to ensure that training and qualifications are developed to establish a qualified workforce to support the installation of energy efficiency measures. (SP 06/10/17)

Graham Simpson S5W-11855
To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers the Energy Performance Certificate to be appropriate for stone-built properties, and what the reasons are for its position on this matter. (SP 06/10/17)

Graham Simpson S5W-11856
To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to review the (a) Reduced Data Standard Assessment Procedure and (b) Energy Performance Certificate to incorporate Scotland-specific building performance data. (SP 06/10/17)

Rhoda Grant S5W-11860
To ask the Scottish Government what measures it will put in place to ensure that buildings are wind and watertight before it introduces measures to address energy efficiency, such as a Warm Homes Bill and the Scottish Energy Efficiency Programme. (SP 06/10/17)

Patrick Harvie S5W-11851
To ask the Scottish Government what the timescale is for the next revision of the National Planning Framework. (SP 05/10/17)

Andy Wightman S5W-11720 
To ask the Scottish Government when it plans to consult on vacant land, as announced by the First Minister on 2 March 2016. (SP 04/10/17)

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-11429: Graham Simpson, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 20/09/2017
To ask the Scottish Government what information it has regarding how many private high-rise blocks in each local authority area have combustible cladding.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (28/09/2017)

Question S5W-11426: Rhoda Grant, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 20/09/2017
To ask the Scottish Government how many community land purchases have been made in each local authority area; when each purchase took place and what the acreage was of each.
Answered by Roseanna Cunningham (28/09/2017)

Question S5W-11425: Rhoda Grant, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 20/09/2017
To ask the Scottish Government when its report into community land purchases will be published.
Answered by Roseanna Cunningham (28/09/2017)

Question S5W-11380: Dean Lockhart, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 19/09/2017
To ask the Scottish Government what resources it will contribute towards the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Deal, and when it expects the negotiations regarding the deal to conclude.
Answered by Paul Wheelhouse (29/09/2017):

Question S5W-11428: Graham Simpson, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 20/09/2017
To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) housing association, (b) local authority and (c) private sector-run (i) sheltered and (ii) very sheltered homes there are.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (02/10/2017)

Other Parliamentary Activity

The Parliament has agreed the following parliamentary recess dates in 2017:
•    7 to 22 October 2017 (inclusive)
•    23 December 2017 to 7 January 2018 (inclusive)

Events

For the latest information about BEFS Members’ events see our events calendar.

Lecture: How the Other Half Lives
When: 19th October from 7pm-9pm.
Where: GCHT, 54 Bell Street, Glasgow.
More than any other city in Scotland, Glasgow is renowned for its traditional tenements. Often considered to be class-neutral they provide accommodation ranging from the tiny, single room flat to an enormous elite apartment, helping to create integrated communities and physical homogeneity.

Community Empowerment – implications for planning and property
When: 9.30am – 4.00pm, Tuesday 24 October 2017.
Where: PAS, 125 Princes Street, Edinburgh.
This conference (run jointly by JH Planning and PAS) focuses on those aspects of current and anticipated future legislation that will have a particular impact on the built environment – and in particular on:
•    Extension of the community right to buy to urban areas
•    Asset transfer requests
•    Aligning community planning and spatial planning through a statutory link
•    Incorporation of community-led local place plans into the local development plan

Cockburn Annual Lecture – Mapping Edinburgh’s Social History
When: Thu 26 October 2017, 19:00 – 21:00.
Where: City Chambers, 253 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1YJ.
Buildings and urban design – spaces and places – inform the way we use, remember and navigate the city, and so sensitivity to memories of the urban past are central to individual identity, civic engagement and community building in the future. The presentation by Professor Richard Rodger will explore how an understanding of the ways spaces and places developed in Edinburgh is crucial to understanding the contemporary city.

Perth: Past, Present, Future
When: Thursday 26 October 2017, 7.00pm-9.00pm.
Where: Royal George Hotel, Tay Street, Perth.
Perth: the fair city in the heart of Scotland. Once a thriving hub of enterprise large and small, has Perth now lost its way? A key event to highlight the joint 50th anniversaries of the Scottish Civic Trust and Perth Civic Trust, this seminar considers Perth’s history and heyday, its current issues and challenges, and what can be done to encourage a more positive future, with a particular emphasis on retailing in the city centre. There will be plenty of opportunities for discussion and questions.

Icon Conference: Scotland Tour of Highlights
When: 27th October, from 9.00 – 16.30
Where: Augustine United Church, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh.
Due to popular demand, Icon Scotland Group will host a one-day event returning to some of the themes and presentations given in the Scotland and Care of Collections Group sessions at last year’s Icon conference in Birmingham. The day will comprise ten presentations from across the UK on a wide range of subjects and will allow plenty of time for networking. Refreshments and lunch are
provided. Tickets: £30 – £70.

The architecture of Kininmonth & Spence
When: 2nd November, 17:30 – 19:00.
Where: University of Edinburgh, Minto House, Chambers Street, Edinburgh EH1 1JZ.
The architectural historian Dr. Clive B. Fenton, of Docomomo Scotland, will talk about the 1930s design of the renowned architects William Kininmonth and Basil Spence, firstly for their own architectural firm in Edinburgh during the early 1930s and later as part of Rowand Anderson, Paul & Partners.

Celebrating 250 years of Edinburgh’s New Town
When: 13th November, from 18:30 – 20:00.
Where: St. Andrew’s & St. George’s West Church, George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PA.
Join us to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Edinburgh’s New Town with an evening of lectures and films at the wonderful Georgian church of St. Andrew’s & St. George’s West, an absolute New Town highlight. The speakers are Dr. James Simpson OBE, cofounder of the renowned architectural firm Simpson & Brown, and Ranald MacInnes, a long-term heritage specialist at Historic Scotland / Historic Environment Scotland. Details of their talks and the film screenings will be published shortly.

Edinburgh, Lothians and Borders Archaeology Conference
When: Saturday November 18, from 9:00am – 4:45pm.
Where: Queen Margaret University, Musselburgh.
This annual conference is organised by City of Edinburgh Council, East Lothian Council and Scottish Borders Council.  It provides an important opportunity to hear and discuss first-hand accounts of the archaeological fieldwork and research being undertaken in Edinburgh, East Lothian, Midlothian, and the Scottish Borders.

Scotland’s Towns Conference 2017 – Creating the Future History of Scotland’s Towns: The Key to Social, Cultural and Economic Wellbeing
When: 21st November, from 9am – 4pm.
Where: Paisley Town Hall.
This year Scotland celebrates the richness of its history and heritage, and the role of the past in shaping our present-day places, cultures and identities. This is particularly true for towns, whose heritage tells our story as a nation, from medieval burghs and seats of kings, to hubs of the industrial revolution, and ‘new town’ symbols of post-war modernity.

SCT Conference 2017: 50 Years of Conservation Areas – Booking Now Open!
When: 27 November 2017
Where: Trades Hall, Glasgow.
As part of our 50th anniversary celebrations and recognising that the Civic Amenities Act was passed in 1967, the Scottish Civic Trust’s next annual conference, in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland and The Institute of Historic Building Conservation, will tackle the theme of “Fifty years of conservation areas” – what has been learned, what has been lost, and what are the threats and opportunities in the future.

Helen Shenton to give 2017 Plenderleith Lecture
When: 30th November, from 18.15 – 19.15.
Where: National Galleries of Scotland, The Mound, Edinburgh.
Icon Scotland Group is delighted to announce that this year’s Plenderleith Lecture will be given by Helen Shenton, Librarian and College Archivist of Trinity College Dublin. The title of the 20th Annual Harold Plenderleith Memorial Lecture will be, “Conservation+, personal reflections on a journey from conservator to director”. The lecture will be followed by a drinks reception. The event will as usual be preceded by Icon Scotland Group’s AGM (to which all Group members are invited) from 17.00 -18.00. Tickets for the Plenderleith Lecture can be obtained through Eventbrite. We are also pleased to announce that a CPD visit to the National Museums Conservation Collections Centre in Granton will run in the afternoon of the same day from 14.30 to 16.30, and is bookable separately through Eventbrite.

Training the City: Built Heritage Legacy of a Railway Battle
When: Monday 4th December 2017, at 6.30pm.
Where: St Andrew’s and St George’s West Church, George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PA.
Tom Parnell is an architectural historian, and is currently a Senior Casework Officer for Historic Environment Scotland. He has a personal interest in the built heritage legacy of railway development and de-development. His talk looks at railways in Edinburgh, particularly the dash for Leith in the later 19th Century, examining what might have been, what was lost and what legacy survives today.

Training

Traditional Masonry Repair C2-Contractor Level 2
When: 24 – 26 October 2017.
Where: Merryhill Training Centre, Fife
Time: 09.30 – 16.30
This 3 day workshop builds on the knowledge and skills gained on ‘C1 Making and Using Traditional Mortars’. The workshop aims to enable you to complete seamless rebuilding and repair of traditional masonry to match original work.

Maintaining Traditional Buildings
When: 27 October 2017
Where: Charlestown Workshops, Fife
Time: 10.00 – 15.00
A must for anyone who owns or is responsible for a traditional building.
The seminar provides the perfect starting point if you are considering undertaking some simple repairs yourself or will enable you to speak your builder’s language and be confident that you are being given the correct advice.

Resourcing Scotland Heritage Training
25th October – In Focus: Full Cost Recovery (Edinburgh)
2nd November – Fundraising: Make it Happen (St Andrews)
15th November – In Focus: Storytelling using Media (Edinburgh)
22nd November – Telling it like it is: How effective copywriting can help your case for support (Glasgow)
Full details can be found on the website.

Vacancies

Curator/Senior Curator, Medieval Archaeology & History
Based at the National Museum of Scotland this permanent, full-time post will support the work of the Scottish History and Archaeology Department. Working within the Department’s Medieval Archaeology and History Section, which is concerned with the period in Scotland’s history from the Romans to the Renaissance, your duties will include responsibility for collections; acquisitions; exhibitions; research; publications; and responding to public enquiries.
Closing Date: Sunday, October 29th, 2017.

IHBC Consultant Policy Advisor
The Institute of Historic Building Conservation is commissioning consultancy services to carry out its Policy function. The work will commence immediately and the current contract will last for 12 months from the date of appointment when the IHBC the contract will be reviewed. As the IHBC’s Consultant Policy Advisor you will:
•    help to shape the IHBC’s approach to policy and advocacy activities;
•    enhance our ability to develop and respond to policy support and strengthen IHBC’s ability and capacity to influence the policies of governments, voluntary and professional bodies and non-governmental organizations throughout the UK;
•    respond to consultations and take part in policy debates;
•    build policy relationships on behalf of IHBC;
•    promote the value of conservation and of the conservation profession to policy makers.
Closing date: 17.00 on Monday 23 October.

Could you be the next SPAB Scholar or Fellow?
The search is on for our 2018 Scholars and Fellows and if you’re an architect, building surveyor or engineer interested in building conservation then think about applying for the SPAB Scholarship. SPAB are also looking for craftspeople with a passion for old buildings and conservative repair for the Fellowship programme.
Apply by submitting a completed application form by 1st December.

Information in the Bulletin is extracted from a number of websites including the Scottish Government (SG); the Scottish Parliament (SP); Architecture and Design Scotland (A+DS); Historic Environment Scotland (HES); Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH); Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO); English Heritage (EH); Design Council (DC); Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG); Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS); Department of Environment and Rural Affairs (DEFRA); National Assembly for Wales (NAW); Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS); Scottish Government Building Standards  (SGBS); Europa Nostra (EN); Historic England (HE).

If you have any questions or comments on the above, or would like to submit information to be included, please get in touch with Saskia Smellie or tel: BEFS Office on 0131 220 6241.

BEFS News

We would like to introduce you all to Ailsa Macfarlane who started with us last Tuesday as our Policy & Advocacy Officer. Ailsa joins us from Resourcing Scotland’s Heritage and you can find a bit more about her background on our website.

The Scottish Government has published the Scottish Household Survey 2016. Key findings show that the number of adults who visited historical or archaeological places increased by 6 percentage points between 2012 and 2016 (28 to 34 per cent).

The fourth round of Brexit negotiations got underway this week and senior figures within the UK and Scottish Governments met regarding the EU (Withdrawal) Bill.

Scottish Parliament’s Information Centre (SPICe) has created an information hub on the UK’s decision to leave the EU. The Finance & Constitution Committee is calling for evidence on the impact of Brexit and the closing date for responses is Friday.

SCVO has also been working hard to gather the views of Scotland’s third sector. Do you have contact with European networks and institutions? What issues do you collaborate with European organisations on? Help SCVO build a more accurate picture of the networks and projects the Scottish third sector is involved in by completing the European Connections mapping survey.

Finally, we have a large number of fantastic events coming up next month so do check them out below or in our events calendar.

Consultations

The Scottish Parliament’s Finance & Constitution Committee is calling for evidence on the impact of Brexit.
The closing date for responses is Friday 29 September 2017.

Community Empowerment and Common Good Property: Consultation on Draft Guidance
Closes 29 Sep 2017.

Updating of the School Premises (General Requirements and Standards)(Scotland) Regulations 1967
Closes 9 Oct 2017.

The Scottish Parliament’s Economy, Jobs & Fair Work Committee has issued a call for evidence on Scotland’s economic performance.
The inquiry’s focus is to understand economic trends and divergences since 2007 between Scotland, the UK and Europe. It seeks to identify economic challenges and opportunities facing Scotland during the next decade. The deadline for written submissions is 13 November 2017

Consultation Responses

The Local Government & Communities Committee has published a SPICe summary of written evidence received on its homelessness inquiry (SP 22/09/17) 

Land Rights and Responsibilities Statement Consultation Analysis (SG 14/09/17)

Publications

Scottish Household Survey Key Findings 2016 (SG 26/09/17)

Scotland’s People Annual Report: Results from the 2016 Scottish Household Survey (SG 26/07/17)

The Culture, Tourism, Europe & External Relations Committee has published its latest SPICe Brexit Update (SP 20/09/17)

The proposed amendments to the EU (Withdrawal) Bill (SG 19/09/17)

Joint letter to Prime Minister re EU (Withdrawal) Bill (SG 19/09/17)

Letter from Michael Russell to Finance and Constitution Committee (SG 19/09/17) 

Scottish Government News Releases

Building and fire safety (SG 27/09/17)
Two leading experts have been announced as the chairs of the two groups that will take forward the review of building standards. Professor John Cole will chair the review of enforcement and compliance and Dr Paul Stollard will chair the review of fire safety in building standards.

Scottish Household Survey 2016 (SG 26/09/17)
Increasing numbers of people in Scotland feel they are managing well financially and nine out of ten people rate their neighbourhood as a good place to live. These are some of the key findings from the Scottish Household Survey 2016 published today.

Devolution must be protected (SG 25/09/17)
Speaking after today’s meeting with UK First Secretary of State Damian Green on the issues surrounding the current draft of the EU Withdrawal Bill – which was also attended by Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland’s Place in Europe Michael Russell and Scottish Secretary David Mundell – Deputy First Minister John Swinney said:

Clarity on Brexit Bill vital (SG 24/09/17)
Ministers to meet UK counterparts. The UK Government must ‘urgently stop any power grab’ over policy areas exercised at EU level through the draft Withdrawal Bill, Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland’s Place in Europe, Michael Russell has warned.

Defending devolution (SG 19/09/17)
Justice, farming, fishing, environment and rail among “power grab” list. The Scottish and Welsh governments have today jointly published amendments to the European Union (Withdrawal Bill), to prevent the UK Government taking control of devolved policy areas.

Scottish Government backs Paisley 2021 bid (SG 19/09/17)
The Scottish Government has given its financial backing to Scotland’s bid if Paisley is named UK City of Culture 2021. The Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop, made the announcement while attending the first of a series of culture conversation events which took place at the University of the West of Scotland campus in the heart of Paisley.

Homelessness and rough sleeping action group (SG 19/09/17)
£50 million ‘Ending Homelessness Together’ fund. Further details of a new short term action group which will identify the actions and changes needed to end rough sleeping and transform the use of temporary accommodation in Scotland, has been announced by Housing Minister Kevin Stewart in a Ministerial statement today.

News Releases

Search for Scotland’s ‘heritage angels’ enters final stage (HES 27/09/17)
The search to find Scotland’s ‘heritage angels’ is gearing up, with the final shortlist for the Scottish Heritage Angel Awards 2017 revealed today (Wed 27 Sep).

Fine homeowners who sell draughty homes, suggests report (BBC 27/09/17)
Frontier Economics has published a new report on energy efficiency. The firm recommends fining homeowners who sell properties that do not meet energy efficiency standards. It also called for new financing schemes and stamp duty rebates for those who do choose to insulate their homes.

Five tips to help you prepare for GDPR (SCVO 26/09/17)
Never mind the countdown to Christmas, there’s only 241 days left to get ready for Data Protection D-Day! So what can you do to minimise the risks to your organisation and make sure you’re ready for GDPR? Here are five tips to start off with.

McLeish launches Scottish Alliance for People and Places (SAPP 21/09/17)
The Scottish Alliance for People and Places, chaired by former First Minister Henry McLeish, has launched its campaign. The Alliance, comprising ten organisations working across the planning and placemaking sectors, has come together to urge the Scottish Government and Scottish Parliament to deliver a more inclusive, collaborative and innovative planning system when the Planning Bill is introduced to Holyrood later this year.

Call for Applications – Howdens Scottish Empty Homes Champion of the Year Awards (Shelter)
The Howdens’ Scottish Empty Homes Champion of the Year Awards are intended to provide a method for showcasing exemplary contributions to the field of private sector empty homes work in Scotland.  The awards are open to practitioners, campaigners, community groups and elected members who raise the profile of private sector empty homes issues in Scotland. Self-nomination is encouraged! Closing date for entries is midnight on 6th October 2017.

Future sea-level rise will increase potential flood risks in Firth of Clyde area (SNH 21/09/17)
Sea levels will rise by up to 0.47m by 2080, a new report published by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has highlighted.

Heritage Boost to England’s Economy Revealed in New Report (HE 21/09/17)
A new report published today by Historic England has revealed the vital contribution of heritage to England’s economic prosperity. Heritage is an important source of employment and draws millions of visitors each year. England’s unique collection of historic buildings provides premises for businesses, homes for residents and can help reverse decline in town centres.

SCVO series of papers on topics relating to Brexit (SCVO)
SCVO has been asked by the Scottish Government, UK Government and European Commission to support Scotland’s third sector to provide its perspectives and recommendations on making the best of Brexit for Scotland’s people and communities. These are presented in a series of five discussion papers, which we hope will help the sector deliberate and review the impact of Brexit on its own future and that of the people it works with.

£22.8 million boost to give power back to communities (DCLG 20/09/17)
Communities across England are set to benefit from a package of support worth £22.8 million to help them develop plans to give them a real say in the development of their area.

Apply now for the Community Capacity and Resilience Fund! (SCVO)
Community organisations and groups which aim to help people mitigate the effects of welfare reform by providing them with the support and skills they need can now apply for the third phase of the Community Capacity and Resilience Fund (CCRF).

Members News

A collaborative approach to creating homes (A&DS 20/09/17)
Whether it’s a house or a flat, a castle or a cottage, where we call home matters. Our health and well-being, our educational attainment, and many of our life choices depend on where we live. As a result, housing is one of our biggest challenges and the overwhelming reliance on the market as the go-to provider is looking increasingly in need of a reboot. For these reasons, A&DS has made support for the delivery of more and better homes one of its top priorities.

PAS responds to Scottish Government consultation on The Socio-Economic Duty (PAS 20/09/17)
PAS responded strongly in favour of this duty, noting the origins of the British planning system in addressing health and inequality, and making decisions in the public good. In particular, PAS welcomes the application of the socio-economic duty to Local Development Plans.

ScARF Bursaries available: Association for Environmental Archaeology conference 2017 (SoAoS 20/09/17)
The ‘Association for Environmental Archaeology conference 2017’ will take place from December the 1st to December the 3rd 2017 in Edinburgh, Scotland. The Scottish Archaeological Research Framework (ScARF) is offering student bursaries to support attendance at the conference. These bursaries are designed to allow students to hear about current research in archaeology and participate in discussions within the discipline.

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”.

Andy Wightman S5W-11526
To ask the Scottish Government how much each local authority spent on rural housing projects in 2016-17, also broken down by the (a) (i) name and (ii) postcode of each project, (b) grant-receiving organisation, and (c) number of (A) units and (B) bed spaces. (SP 25/09/17)

Rhoda Grant S5W-11425
To ask the Scottish Government when its report into community land purchases will be published. (SP 21/09/17)

Rhoda Grant S5W-11426
To ask the Scottish Government how many community land purchases have been made in each local authority area; when each purchase took place and what the acreage was of each. (SP 21/09/17)

Graham Simpson S5W-11428
To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) housing association, (b) local authority and (c) private sector-run (i) sheltered and (ii) very sheltered homes there are. (SP 21/09/17)

Graham Simpson S5W-11429
To ask the Scottish Government what information it has regarding how many private high-rise blocks in each local authority area have combustible cladding. (SP 21/09/17)

Dean Lockhart S5W-11380
To ask the Scottish Government what resources it will contribute towards the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Deal, and when it expects the negotiations regarding the deal to conclude. (SP 19/09/17)

Debates

Motion S5M-07862: Fiona Hyslop, Linlithgow, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 25/09/2017
Recognise and Support Paisley’s 2021 UK City of Culture and Dundee’s 2023 European Capital of Culture Bids 
That the Parliament recognises the significant contributions that the communities of Paisley and Dundee make to Scotland’s rich tapestry of cultural life and the local, national and international boosts that Paisley’s 2021 UK City of Culture and Dundee’s 2023 European Capital of Culture bids will bring; fully supports both bids, which will promote Scotland’s cultural and creative talent and showcase its inspiring building design and places to UK and European partners; notes that the Paisley bid will deliver a spectacular year-long cultural and events programme inspired by the rich textile heritage of the city and will be inclusive, accessible and appeal to a range of local, national and international audiences; recognises that the bid is part of broader heritage and culture-led regeneration plans seeking to transform Paisley into a vibrant cultural destination, growing the cultural, creative and visitor economy, and re-positioning Paisley as a place recognised for cultural excellence; further recognises that Dundee is on a pioneering journey with culture and creativity driving the continuing regeneration of the city and its waterfront, which includes a world-class design museum in the V&A; supports Dundee’s plans to build on its UNESCO City of Design status, learning from other European cities’ approaches, and supports the valuable role that the bid will have in promoting Dundee’s rich cultural heritage and exciting future.

Debated in the Chamber on 27/09/17. Read full transcript of debate here.

Events

For the latest information about BEFS Members’ events see our events calendar.

Scottish Architectural Ironwork
When: Friday 29th September.
Where: Engine Shed, Stirling.
The day will cover early ironwork in Scotland, the Carron Iron Co, the Lion Foundry of Kirkintilloch and other important firms. The team currently restoring The Val d’Osne Ross Fountain in Edinburgh will talk about the project and their previous project of the award winning Paisley Fountain of George Smith and Co. Hear about the iron bandstand tradition and overseas influence of Scottish ironwork and ironworkers and peruse important archives and materials related to Scottish ironwork. You might also be interested in joining us for a freewalking tour of Stirling on the 28th of September or come to the Engine Shed on the 30 September to take part in our free Heavy Metal Weekend activities. Tickets for the seminar are priced at £40, to book a place, please visit our website.

Lecture: Edinburgh’s Unbuilt ‘Opera House’, 1960 – 1975 
When: Monday 2nd October. Time: 18:30.
Where: St Andrew’s and St George’s West Church, 13 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PA
Cost: £5 (£2.50 students).
This talk by Dr Alistair Fair examines the infamous proposals of 1960–1975 for a major new theatre in central Edinburgh. Popularly known as the ‘opera house’, the proposed Castle Terrace Theatre (which was never built) was a regular fixture in the local press, with frequent reports of delays, funding crises, architectural debate, and concerns about the designs themselves. This talk will ask: what went wrong?

Last BRICK Workshop in Scotland
When: 3rd October 2017, from 9:30 am – 4:15 pm.
Where: New Cumnock Town Hall.
We would like to invite you to our last BRICK workshop in Scotland. We will be coming to New Cumnock on 03 October 2017. This exciting day will focus on topics relating to governance, procurement and project management, all essential to the proper planning for reusing heritage sites. The day will also feature presentations on a range of heritage regeneration projects, all at different stages of their project journey. The workshop will include a range of presentations by national experts, including: Diane Gray, Development Manager from HLF in Scotland, Simon Green, Historic Environment Scotland, Gordon Neill, Development and Facilities Manager for Dumfries House.

Heritage and Innovation
When: 3rd October, 13:30-1800.
Where: Bowhill, Selkirk.
The Royal Society of Arts has a half day inter-disciplinary event looking at a variety of subjects with ten speakers delivering “provocations” to spark debate as Scotland moves towards the end of Scotland’s Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology.  For detailed registration/ticket price information and the list of ten diverse speakers and subjects, including two SEFARI speakers, please email SL&E member Ann Packard apmcich@btinternet.com who chairs the RSA Fellows’ (a) Borders and (b) Media, Creative Industries, Culture and Heritage Networks. She is also available via 0131 556 2052.

Riddle’s Court: A Conservation Story
When: Friday 6th October 10.00 – 16.00.
Where: Riddle’s Court, 322 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh, EH1 2PG.
Fee: £30 / £25 concession (lunch included).
Celebrating SHBT’s achievement in securing Riddle’s Court for future generations, this study day charts the conservation story of the building’s restoration. Join us as we hear from our project architect, Sarah Gear, on how she and the site team reconfigured a 16th century merchant’s house for 21st century activity using Patrick Geddes’ own example of conservative surgery as precedent. We will also be joined by Scottish Wall Painting’s lead conservator Karen Dundas, who worked on the historic painted ceilings and Nevin of Edinburgh, decorative arts restorers, will demonstrate paint graining techniques used throughout the internal decoration.

‘His little hour of royalty’: Charles Edward Stuart at the Palace of Holyroodhouse
When & where: 9th October in Edinburgh. 10th October in Aberdeen.
Lecture given by Dr Jacqueline Riding, Historian, Author and Honorary Research Fellow, Birkbeck College, University of London. In the autumn of 1745 Charles Edward Stuart established a court at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, an episode that was later described by Andrew Lang as ‘his little hour of royalty.’ Yet, at this time, no one could have predicted for certain the outcome of the prince’s campaign. This lecture will challenge Lang’s glib assessment of the Stuart court at Holyrood, re-presenting it as a crucial part of, rather than an adjunct to, Charles’ restoration attempt.

Dumfries and Galloway’s Autumn Trip
When: Wednesday 11th October. Time: 11:30.
Where: Dumfries House Gardens & Auchinleck House
Cost: entrance fee (attendees must provide their own transportation)
Over the past two years Dumfries House’s Walled Gardens have been transformed with newly restored terraces and greenhouses. There are 5 acres to explore so something for every taste. Auchinleck House has had a long and varied history. The site has been dwelt on since the 13th century but the current house was built c.1760 by the 8th Laird of Auchinleck. It later passed on to his colourful son the diarist and biographer James Boswell.

Scotland’s Churches Trust Marion Fraser Memorial Lecture
When: Thursday, 12th October from 6:30 pm for a 7:00pm start.
Where: Canongate Kirk, Royal Mile, Edinburgh.
“The Chapel Royal in Scotland” given by The Very Rev Professor Iain Torrance FRSE. The lecture will be followed by light refreshments. For further information contact info@scotlandchurchestrust.org.uk or telephone on 0131 225 8644.

Riddle’s Court and St Cecilia’s Hall: Patronage and Processionals
Courtly ritual in the reign of James VI
When: Friday 17th November 10.00 – 16.00
Where: Riddle’s Court, 322 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh, EH1 2PG.
Fee: £30 / £25 concession (lunch included)
In 1598, Riddle’s Court was the scene of a diplomatic banquet attended by James VI and Anne of Denmark. Through a lens of ritual, ceremony and patronage this study day explores the relationship music and performance would have played during this royal visit. Hear from top academics who shed light on the backdrop to such an event. Medieval Music ensemble ‘Gaita’ will give us a flavour of music performed in the late medieval era and in partnership with the historic instrument collection at St Cecilia’s Hall, Sarah Deters will guide us through the University of Edinburgh’s formidable collection of renaissance instruments housed in the fully restored eighteenth century concert venue.

Scotland’s Towns Conference 2017 – Creating the Future History of Scotland’s Towns: The Key to Social, Cultural and Economic Wellbeing
When: 21st November, from 9am – 4pm.
Where: Paisley Town Hall.
This year Scotland celebrates the richness of its history and heritage, and the role of the past in shaping our present-day places, cultures and identities. This is particularly true for towns, whose heritage tells our story as a nation, from medieval burghs and seats of kings, to hubs of the industrial revolution, and ‘new town’ symbols of post-war modernity.

Vacancies

IHBC Consultant Policy Advisor
The Institute of Historic Building Conservation is commissioning consultancy services to carry out its Policy function. The work will commence immediately and the current contract will last for 12 months from the date of appointment when the IHBC the contract will be reviewed. As the IHBC’s Consultant Policy Advisor you will:
•    help to shape the IHBC’s approach to policy and advocacy activities;
•    enhance our ability to develop and respond to policy support and strengthen IHBC’s ability and capacity to influence the policies of governments, voluntary and professional bodies and non-governmental organizations throughout the UK;
•    respond to consultations and take part in policy debates;
•    build policy relationships on behalf of IHBC;
•    promote the value of conservation and of the conservation profession to policy makers.
Closing date: 17.00 on Monday 23 October.

BEFS NEWS

The Scottish Government has now published its Programme for Scotland in 2017-18. Read BEFS Chair’s comment on the programme from a built environment perspective.

Do you seek to influence or lobby MSPs, Scottish Ministers, Scottish Special Advisers or the Permanent Secretary? If so, from the new year, you will need to register any ‘regulated lobbying’ with the Scottish Parliament’s lobbing register. The Scottish Parliament have now published their draft Parliamentary Guidance document to assist with stakeholder preparations for the implementation of the Lobbying (Scotland) Act 2016. Comments on the guidance, specifically relating to any errors or omissions, should be submitted by 28 September 2017.

As you will be aware, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) comes into force on 25 May 2018. GDPR will be the biggest change in data protection law for 20 years. This morning the Government published the new Data Protection Bill. The Bill transposes the GDPR into UK law and also fills in some of the gaps in the GDPR on exemptions etc. You may find the following resources, among others, useful when preparing for the GDPR in your organisation:
•   Information Commissioner’s Office – Overview of the GDPR
•   Information Commissioner’s Office – Preparing for the GDPR in 12 Steps
•   Act Now Training – GDPR resources
•   9 ways your business can prepare for the GDPR
•   Shepherd and Wedderburn – Countdown to GDPR

If you missed our screening of Dispossession: The Great Social Housing Swindle earlier in the year, come along to the Cameo Edinburgh screening at 8.30pm this evening. The film will be followed by a Q&A with director, Paul Sng, Sarah Boyack, Scottish Federation of Housing Associations, and Andy Wightman MSP, chaired by BEFS very own Euan Leitch.

CONSULTATIONS

Climate Change Bill
Closes 22 Sep 2017.

Fire and smoke alarms in Scottish homes: consultation
Consultation seeking views on possible changes to standards required for fire and smoke alarms in Scottish homes.
Opened 8 Sep 2017 and closes 1 Dec 2017.

Building Scotland’s Low Emission Zones
This consultation paper sets out the proposed arrangements and options to deliver a consistent approach to designing, building and managing Low Emission Zones (LEZs) in Scotland.
Opened 6 Sep 2017 and closes 28 Nov 2017.

PUBLICATIONS

Housing Statistics for Scotland 2017: Key Trends Summary (SG 12/09/17)

Making Places initiative 2017-2018: prospectus and application form (SG 11/09/17)
Prospectus and application form for the Making Places initiative – the evolution of the Charrettes fund. Applications are open until Friday 13 October 2017.

Flood Risk Management (scotland) Act 2009 Guidance on Duties of a Local Authority to: – Assess a Bodies of Water – Carry Out Clearance and Repair Works (SG 06/09/17)

A Nation With Ambition: The Government’s Programme for Scotland 2017-18 (SG 05/09/17)

Home Energy Efficiency programmes for Scotland: Summary Delivery Report 2015/16 (SG 31/09/17)

SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT NEWS RELEASES

Making Scotland the best place to invest (SG 12/09/17)
Mackay goes beyond Barclay to boost business. In a UK first, new properties will not pay Business Rates until they are occupied and their tenant will not pay for the first 12 months thereafter, Cabinet Secretary for Finance Derek Mackay has today announced.

EU Withdrawal Bill (SG 12/09/17)
The Scottish Government cannot recommend the Scottish Parliament give its consent to the EU (Withdrawal) Bill in its current form, the Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland’s Place in Europe Michael Russell has told MSPs.

More affordable housing approved (SG 12/09/17)
The number of affordable homes approved over the year to the end June 2017 has increased by 30% on the previous year, bringing the total number of approvals over the year to 10,612.

3% increase in housing supply (SG 12/09/17)
Total new housing supply in Scotland increased by 3% in 2016-17, to 18,539 new housing units, or 571 more homes than the previous year.

Designing communities (SG 09/09/17)
People to have say in the design of their area. Communities across Scotland can bid to take part in a new £325,000 scheme to regenerate their neighbourhood, Local Government Minister Kevin Stewart announced today. The Making Places Initiative will help bring communities together to agree improvements for their area based on local need and priorities.

Building and fire safety (SG 08/09/17)
The fifth meeting of a Ministerial Working Group, set up to review building and fire safety following the Grenfell Tower tragedy, has taken place today.

Flexible Workforce Development Fund (SG 07/09/17)
From today, Scotland’s employers can apply for part of a new £10 million fund to partner with colleges to deliver in-work skills training. The Flexible Workforce Development Fund (FWDF) will be available to organisations across the private, public and third sectors who are subject to the UK Government’s Apprenticeship Levy.

Culture conversations (SG 07/09/17)
People across the country are being encouraged to get involved in shaping Scotland’s new culture strategy, with three more public events to take place. Following sessions held in July in Dundee and Inverness, public events are now planned during September and October in Paisley, Dumfries and Galashiels, Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop announced today.

Brexit planning process ‘unacceptable’ (SG 06/09/17)
Minister raises concerns over lack of engagement by UK Government. The process for post-Brexit planning needs to change so that the position of the Scottish Government – particularly in areas that directly affect devolution  – is properly represented according to the Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland’s Place in Europe.

Landlord registration enforcement (SG 06/09/17)
Guidance on regulating landlords in the private rented sector has issued to all local authorities. The guidance will support local authorities to effectively regulate the landlord registration system, which requires councils to maintain a register of private landlords and ensure that only landlords it judges to be fit and proper are allowed on the register.

Programme for Government (SG 05/09/17)
Seizing the opportunities of the low carbon revolution, investing in future economic growth and improving the lives of all our young people will be central to the Scottish Government’s Programme for the coming year.

NEWS RELEASES

St Cyrus public consultation begins (SNH 14/09/17)
Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) want to hear from people with an interest in St Cyrus National Nature Reserve (NNR) to help prepare a new ten-year plan for the reserve.

Get ready for Scottish Lobbying! (SCVO 13/09/17)
A look at who’ll be affected when new Lobbying (Scotland) Act starts. In this blog, I look at exclusions (i.e. where you don’t need to register), outline some possible lobbying scenarios and highlight what’s not covered by the Act.

Data laws to be made fit for digital age (DDCMS 12/09/17)
The Government has today outlined vital protections and flexibilities for the nation’s world-leading research, financial services, journalism and legal services as part of its plans to update data protection legislation for the modern era.

Flexible Workforce Development Fund means a race for funding (SCVO 12/09/17)
One of the prominent themes of the Scottish Government’s recent decisions on employability has been the side-lining of the third sector. The Apprenticeship Levy is no different.

Making Places initiative 2017-2018 (A&DS 11/09/17)
The Scottish Government have launched the 2017 to 2018 Making Places initiative to encourage communities to positively and actively contribute to the development of their local places. Making Places represents a broadening of the Charrette Mainstreaming Programme to support communities at all stages of their thinking.

Programme for Government: A brave new world? (SCVO 07/09/17)
Do the First Minister’s announcements mark a truly radical change in approach and will actions match the warm rhetoric?

Housing system that works for everyone key to tackling housing crisis, say home builders (HFS 05/09/17)
With the First Minister renewing her mission to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping in today’s Programme for Government announcement, the country’s home building industry emphasised the fundamental importance of ensuring that Scotland has a housing system that works for everyone.

Tesco Bags of Help funds 225 projects in Scotland every 2 months. You can apply now for up to £4000 for projects that bring benefits to the community. This includes outdoor or indoor improvements, activities and equipment purchases. Get your application going – more here.

MEMBERS NEWS

World’s largest heritage photography competition and Scottish Archaeology Month (AS 11/09/17)
Wiki Loves Monuments, a photography competition to capture our heritage, launched at the beginning of September, 2017, and runs throughout the month. Archaeology Scotland is sponsoring the first place prize for the best photo from Scotland- 1 year’s membership – as part of Scottish Archaeology Month.

Paisley Traditional Building Skills event features in Parliamentary Motion (STBF 07/09/17)
The Traditional Building Skills Demonstration in Paisley on 4 & 5 September was featured in a parliamentary motion by Maurice Golden MSP who visited the event.

RTPI Scotland welcomes confirmation of Planning Bill (RTPI Scotland 06/09/17)
RTPI Scotland has welcomed the First Minister’s confirmation in her Programme for Government that the Planing Bill remains a priority.

EU Withdrawal Bill (RTPI 06/09/17)
Commons Briefing #1 from the Royal Town Planning Institute.

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-09723: Jackie Baillie, Dumbarton, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 19/06/2017
To ask the Scottish Government what guidance (a) has been and (b) will be delivered to (i) housing developers and (ii) local authorities to ensure that social housing developments announced as part of its £1.75 billion investment in affordable housing take account of the needs of ethnic minority families, including the provision of housing that is appropriate for (A) larger families and (B) families that often have to rent housing in the private sector but which are on lower incomes.
Answered by Angela Constance (06/07/2017)

MOTIONS

S5M-07613 Adam Tomkins: Housing—That the Parliament recognises that the lack of housing supply is one of the biggest challenges that Scotland faces and believes that the planning system needs urgent and radical reform; considers that a new deal on housing is required; believes that a national housing and infrastructure agency should be established and that the First Minister should appoint a cabinet secretary for housing and infrastructure; urges ministers to examine the case for a new generation of new towns and garden villages; recognises that improving existing properties and bringing empty ones back into use should form a core component of housing policy, and highlights the importance of housing for improving health and wellbeing and for meeting climate targets through energy efficiency and sustainable development. Supported by: Graham Simpson, Liam Kerr*, Annie Wells*, Tom Mason* (SP 13/09/17)

*S5M-07613.4 Pauline McNeill: Housing—As an amendment to motion S5M-07613 in the name of Adam Tomkins (Housing), leave out from first “recognises” to end and insert “believes that a safe, warm home should be available to everybody; considers that support for social housing should be a central part of housing policy and that it should be available as a choice of housing tenure; believes in the importance of community involvement in housing; recognises that affordable homes for those on low incomes can be a potential stepping stone out of poverty and that the current lack of such homes in Scotland is pushing people into poverty; believes that delays to universal credit payments are leading to increasing housing arrears and potential homelessness, while flatlining incomes are making it increasingly difficult for people to afford a home; agrees that a long-term national infrastructure project with a focus on social housing is
required to deliver the homes needed across Scotland, in particular in rural areas; recognises that this would also provide the certainty that the construction industry workforce needs; believes that a well-resourced planning system that strikes the right balance between communities and developers will be key to this, and recognises that there should be a continued focus on upgrading Scotland’s current housing stock and that, to truly tackle fuel poverty in the private rented sector, a minimum standard of Energy Performance Certificate of Band C should be introduced by 2025.” (SP 13/09/17)

*S5M-07613.3 Andy Wightman: Housing—As an amendment to motion S5M-07613 in the name of Adam Tomkins (Housing), leave out from first “recognises” to end and insert “believes that the current model of housing delivery has failed, and that a generation of young people face greater uncertainty and inequality as a result; further believes that a bold package of land reform measures is needed to provide sufficient affordable quality and warm homes, and that housing policy should aim to make housing more affordable across all tenures; supports taxing vacant and derelict land to reduce speculative land banking, rent controls that reflect the quality of the property and limit future rent rises, professionalising the private rented sector for the benefit of tenants and divesting public pension funds from fossil fuels and investing them in housing; opposes social security reform that puts people at risk of homelessness, and calls on the Scottish Government to set an interim target for all homes, where technically feasible and appropriate, to achieve an Energy Performance Certificate of Band C by 2025 to tackle fuel poverty and improve
energy efficiency.” (SP 13/09/17)

*S5M-07613.2 Angela Constance: Housing—As an amendment to motion S5M-07613 in the name of Adam Tomkins (Housing), leave out from “the lack” to end and insert “good quality, warm and affordable housing is vital to ensuring a Scotland that is fair for this and future generations; welcomes the 69,000 affordable homes delivered since 2007 and the commitment to deliver 35,000 social rented homes, as part of the Scottish Government’s wider aim to deliver 50,000 affordable homes over the current parliamentary term; acknowledges the longer-term funding of £1.75 billion made available to all councils to support them with their plans for accelerating affordable housing delivery; recognises the steps taken to safeguard social housing for the future by abolishing the right to buy; welcomes the Scottish Government’s commitment to action on planning, land and infrastructure to secure the housing developments that the country needs, including measures to strengthen community engagement; recognises that the Scottish Government’s housing infrastructure fund will help unlock key development sites; welcomes the continued commitment to delivering housing as a key way of promoting inclusive growth, and condemns the welfare changes that have been introduced by the UK Government that have led people to be insecure in their homes, including the introduction of the so-called bedroom tax, removal of financial support for housing for under 21s, and the six-week delay in receiving the first payment of universal credit, which is leading to housing arrears.”Supported by: Kevin Stewart* (SP 13/09/17)

*S5M-07613.1 Alex Cole-Hamilton: Housing—As an amendment to motion S5M-07613 in the name of Adam Tomkins (Housing), leave out from “a national housing” to “infrastructure” and insert “this should have a particular emphasis on building new homes for social rent, with increased targets to re-establish it as a valid long-term option for people; considers that, alongside an increase in housing supply, changes to social security are required to improve options and security, such as returning housing benefit to young people; recognises that the aspiration to build new properties and transform hundreds of thousands of existing properties into sustainable warm homes is dependent on the availability of skilled labour; believes that college cuts and the UK Government’s policies in relation to Brexit and immigration jeopardise the ability find this”. (SP 13/09/17)

DEBATES

Debate on motion S5M-07613, in the name of Adam Tomkins, on housing (SP 13/09/17)

A statement by Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Constitution Derek Mackay on the response to the report of the Barclay review of non-domestic rates (SP 12/09/17)

EVENTS

For the latest information about BEFS Members’ events see our events calendar.

Property Repair & Maintenance Event
When: Monday 25th September 2017 from 5.30-7.30pm.
Where: ESPC, 107 George Street, Edinburgh.
Vital information will be provided to help you:
– Find out the condition of your property
– Find out the process required to repair and maintain your property
– Learn what funding options are available to you
– Talks from professionals who can start you on the right track
– Q&A opportunity at help desks
Why not come along to this free event. If you would like to attend please BOOK YOUR PLACE rsvp to: conservation@hypostyle.co.uk OR CALL 0131 555 0688.

Arts & Business Scotland Culture & Business Fund Scotland Workshop & Reception
When: Thursday 28 September 2017 from 15:30 to 19:30.
Where: The Rockfield Centre, Stevenson Street, Oban, PA34 5NA.
A free workshop that will give arts and heritage organisations the opportunity to learn about the Culture & Business Fund Scotland. The fund provides £ for £ match funding for arts and heritage organisations who gain sponsorship from first time business sponsors or business sponsors who have not sponsored culture in the last two years. An informal drinks and canapés reception for businesses and cultural organisations. Opportunities for networking and presentations featuring case studies of successful cultural and business partnerships from across Scotland. Guidance and advice on effective and collaborative engagement.

Patrick Geddes Learning Festival
When: Thu, 28 Sep 2017, 09:30 – Fri, 29 Sep 2017, 17:00.
Where: Patrick Geddes Centre, Riddle’s Court, 322 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2PG.
Following on from the success of the 2016 PAS conference; “Outlook: Exploring Geddes in the 21st Century” and in light of growing international interest in the work of Sir Patrick Geddes, PAS will host a follow-on conference this September. PAS is excited to say that we are working in partnership with the Patrick Geddes Learning Centre for the two-day conference.

The Heritage Trust Network Conference 2017 – Inspiring Heritage for All
When: Monday, 2nd October to Wednesday, 4th October.
Where: Guildhall, Kingston upon Hull.
This year the Heritage Trust Network’s conference will take place in Hull, City of Culture.
Have a look at the full three day programme and the wealth of inspiring speakers and workshops here.

Edinburgh’s Unbuilt ‘Opera House’, 1960 – 1975
When: Monday 2nd October 2017 at 6.30pm.
Where: St Andrew’s and St George’s West Church, 13 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PA.
Dr Alistair Fair is Chancellor’s Fellow and Lecturer in Architectural History, at the University of Edinburgh. He is a specialist in post-war architecture in Britain and has recently completed a book on post-war theatre building. This talk examines the infamous proposals of 1960 – 1975 for a major new theatre in central Edinburgh that were a regular fixture in the local press. Alistair looks at what went wrong.

A lecture to celebrate 250 years of the New Town
When: 5th October, from 18:00 – 20:30.
Where: The Glasite Meeting House, 33 Barony Street, Edinburgh EH3 6NX.
This year marks the 250th anniversary of the approval of James Craig’s winning design for the Edinburgh New Town. In this lecture, Adam Wilkinson, Director of Edinburgh World Heritage, will delve into the conditions that led to the creation of the New Town, and the subsequent development of our remarkable city centre. He will also touch on the work of the last 45 years to ensure this legacy remains one of the most spectacular survivals from the Georgian and early Victorian period.

Stirling Skills Demonstration Day
When: 5th and 6th October 2017.
Where: Port Street (between the entrance to the Thistles centre and New Look), Stirling.
The Stirling Traditional Skills Demonstration is being hosted by the Stirling City Heritage Trust in partnership with the Forth Valley Traditional Building Forum. The purpose of the event is to encourage young people to think about a career in traditional building skills, as well as raising general awareness of the skills that are so important in maintaining our historic environment. Come along and try your hand at stone masonry, roof slating, joinery and painting and decorating and discover the skills that are so important to maintaining our built heritage. The event is a free drop in and we look forward to seeing many of you there!

Housekeeping Scotland Convention: A vision for homes, communities & places
When: Sat 7 October 2017, 11:00 – 17:00.
Where: Sir Charles Wilson Building, 1 University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8NN.
Houses are not just walls with price tags. Houses are homes, which are the centre of communities, and it is communities which form places. The Housekeeping Scotland Convention is the start of a long term Common Weal project aiming to build a genuinely transformative agenda for housing in Scotland that re-establishes homes as the beating heart of communities and places, not as financial assets for speculative gains.

British architects, landscape designers and gardeners in Russia
When: Monday 6th November 2017 at 6.30pm.
Where: St Andrew’s and St George’s West Church, 13 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PA.
Dr Patricia Andrew is an art and garden historian with a career in galleries and museums, and has also served on the Committee of the Garden History Society in Scotland. She specialises in Scottish artists at home and abroad from the 18th Century to the present day. This is a joint lecture with Scotland’s Garden and Landscape Heritage, focusing on the legacy of British (particularly Scottish) architects, garden designers and engineers in Russia.

VACANCIES

Publications Officer (SoAoS)
The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland is a charity (Charity No SC 010440) and independent publisher of high-quality peer reviewed books and journals covering the entirety of Scotland’s past with a particular focus on archaeology and history. The Society is seeking an enthusiastic Publications Officer to support our publishing activity. This position will offer excellent and highly varied experience in all aspects of academic publishing, including editorial, design and marketing responsibilities.
Deadline for applications: 5pm on Sunday 17 September 2017. Interviews will be held on 25 September 2017.

World Heritage Site Project Assistant (EWH)
Edinburgh World Heritage are looking to appoint a World Heritage Site Project Assistant to assist with the delivery of a series of projects focusing on the conservation and enhancement of the historic environment within the World Heritage Site, including the “Twelve Closes” project. The main purpose of the position will be to assist the World Heritage Site Project Manager with the administration, fundraising and delivery of World Heritage projects. To apply for this role, please send us your CV, together with a completed application from and covering letter in support of your application by 5PM, Wednesday 20th September 2017.

Project Architect (HES)
The post will be responsible for the co-ordination and delivery of conservation and maintenance projects within the HES Investment Plan at the Properties in the Care of Scottish Ministers. This will include development, project management and delivery of the HES investment plan projects in our conservation, visitor facing facilities, site infrastructure, M&E installations, Climate Change and carbon reduction programmes.
Closes 27 Sep 2017.

National Investment Plan Co-ordinator for Conservation (HES)
The post will be responsible for the co-ordination and delivery of conservation and maintenance projects within the HES Investment Plan at the Properties in the Care of Scottish Ministers. This will include development, project management and delivery of the HES investment plan projects in our conservation, visitor facing facilities, site infrastructure, M&E installations, Climate Change and carbon reduction programmes.
Closes 27 Sep 2017.

PhD: Wrestling With Social Value: An Examination of Methods and Approaches For Heritage Management and Conservation
The University of Stirling is offering a funded PhD Studentship in collaboration with Historic Environment Scotland (HES). The studentship provides costs of Home/EU fees and student maintenance (at AHRC rates) for 3 years of PhD study. International students are welcome to apply, but will be liable for the difference between Home and International fees. The successful candidate will be expected to commence study on 1st January 2018.
Closes: 6th October 2017

BEFS NEWS

The Scottish Government’s programme for 2016-2017 gave a commitment to developing a culture strategy for Scotland. The ball started rolling at an event in June and the Scottish Government is now collecting ideas and views for the proposed strategy. Read BEFS initial response to the discussion and the development of the strategy.

The Barclay Review on Non-Domestic Rates has two proposals with direct implications for owners of listed buildings: the existing 100% vacant listed building rate relief limited to 2 years but expanding the categories of properties that can qualify for Fresh Start relief (50%) so that all listed property can benefit. SCVO and RICS both discuss the report in more detail below.

At a time when we are witnessing the catastrophic impact of storm Harvey across the pond, Community Resilience Manager Paul Laidlaw from the Scottish Flood Forum tells us about the challenges we face in managing flood risk in Scotland, in our first blog this week.

Shaz Morton, Common Weal Skye Coordinator, and Andrew Prendergast, a rural development practitioner, describe the key aspects of community-led housing and look at two initiatives in the Highlands & Islands, in our second blog this week.

Scottish Archaeology Month is back this September, promoting hundreds of events taking place all over Scotland. There are free talks, tours, exhibitions, workshops and hands-on events to help you discover some of the amazing history, heritage and archaeology on your doorstep.

There are a range of interesting conferences, training and events coming up this autumn, so do check out the events section below.

CONSULTATIONS

The Socio Economic Duty
Closes 12 Sep 2017.

Climate Change Bill
Closes 22 Sep 2017.

A Culture Strategy for Scotland – What does culture mean to you?
SG are having conversations with individuals, artists, cultural organisations, communities and other sectors across Scotland. These conversations are helping to create a strategy that will set out future priorities for culture in Scotland.
Submit your views and ideas by 5pm on Friday 27 October 2017.

Guidance for Local Authorities when carrying out their new duties and functions under Part 9 of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 
This consultation, developed in partnership by a Tripartite Group consisting of local authorities, the Scottish Allotments & Gardens Society and Scottish Government, represents the next phase of our journey to updating the legislation on allotments.
Opened 25 Aug 2017 and closes 17 Nov 2017. 

Crofting Consultation 2017
This consultation seeks views of crofters, and those with an interest, on the pathway of any potential new legislation to reform crofting law.
Opened 28 Aug 2017 and closes 20 Nov 2017.

PUBLICATIONS

Review of the community-led regeneration approach as delivered via the People and Communities Fund (SG 30/08/17)

Government Expenditure & Revenue Scotland 2016-17 (SG 23/08/17) 

Report of the Barclay Review of Non-Domestic Rates (SG 22/08/17)

Practical Fire Safety Guidance for Existing Non-Residential Premises (SG 18/08/17)

SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT NEWS RELEASE

Park of Keir planning decision (SG 30/08/17)
Ministers to grant permission in principle. The Scottish Government intends to grant planning permission in principle for a proposed tennis and golf centre at Park of Keir in Dunblane.

Increased support for Govanhill tenants (SG 29/08/17)
Powers granted to tackle housing conditions in private sector. Additional powers have been given to Glasgow City Council to tackle problems in the private rented sector in Govanhill.

Future of Crofting 9SG 28/08/17)
A consultation on the priorities for future crofting law has been launched by Rural Affairs Secretary Fergus Ewing. The public consultation seeks opinions on the form of new legislation and priorities for legislative change to ensure crofting law is fit for the 21st century.

No EU deal is ‘unthinkable’ (SG 28/08/17)
Call for UK Government to commit to remain in Single Market.

Extra £10m for Edinburgh Festivals (SG 27/08/17)
Five-year programme to maximise cultural and economic impact. The Edinburgh Festivals will receive a £10 million boost over the next five years, the First Minister has confirmed.

Queensferry Crossing – a bridge to economic resilience (SG 27/08/17)
£245 million under budget bridge set to open. The Queensferry Crossing will welcome its first traffic on Wednesday morning (30 August), marking the culmination of a momentous journey.

Amendments to UK Brexit Bill will be proposed (SG 22/08/17)
First Ministers of Wales and Scotland agree actions to counter serious risks to devolution. First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones and First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon today agreed to work together on amendments to the UK Government’s EU Withdrawal Bill.

One stop shop for iconic bridges (SG 18/08/17)
Driver info for Queensferry Crossing available. With the countdown underway for the Queensferry Crossing opening, a new website for the Forth Bridges was launched today by the Minister for Transport Humza Yousaf.

NEWS RELEASES

Fire safety of your building: advice for tenants and residents (DCLG 30/08/17)
Advice if you have concerns about the fire safety of your building.

Charity Sector Set to Adopt Brexit Positions (SCVO 28/08/17)
With Brexit negotiations between the UK Government and Europe leaders now underway, Scotland’s charities and voluntary organisations now face the daunting task of ensuring Brexit has the least negative impact possible on Scotland’s communities.

Building Safety Programme (DCLG updated 25/08/17)
A co-ordinated national response to the fire at Grenfell Tower.

Rare Scottish seal matrix at risk of leaving the UK (DDCMS 25/08/17)
Arts Minister John Glen has placed a temporary export bar on a Scottish two-part seal matrix to provide an opportunity to keep it in the country.

Heritage Impact Statements in Wales (IHBC 25/08/17)
From 1 September 2017 a Heritage Impact Statement will be required to support any application for listed building or conservation area consent in Wales. The Heritage Impact Statement will replace the Design and Access Statement in the application process for listed building consent.

Housebuilding soars to highest levels in almost a decade (DCLG 24/08/17)
The number of new build homes that have started to be built has surged to the highest level since 2008, as shown by figures released today (24 August 2017).

UK outlines proposals for shared approach on data protection (DDCMS 24/08/17)
The Government has set out its plans for arrangements that could ensure personal data would continue to move back and forth between the UK and the EU in the future in a safe, properly regulated way.

What does the Barclay Review of Business Rates mean for charities in Scotland? (SCVO 22/08/17)
Report out today calls for changes to non-domestic rates. Earlier today, the Barclay Review of Business Rates released the report of their findings and recommendations.

Cyber Security in Charities (DDCMS 21/08/17)
The Government has carried out research with UK registered charities to explore their awareness, attitudes and experiences around cyber security.

The role of culture, sport and heritage in place shaping (DDCMS 18/08/17)
This research explores the role of culture, sport and heritage assets, and investment in driving positive economic and social outcomes at the local level.

Apply for EU Prize for Cultural Heritage / Europa Nostra Awards 2018 (EN 18/08/17)
The European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage / Europa Nostra Awards is Europe’s top honour in the heritage field. It recognises the best achievements in conservation, research, dedicated service as well as education, training and awareness-raising.

Open Call for Proposals: Scotland + Venice 2018 (A&DS 16/08/17)
Creative teams are invited to submit proposals for a project to celebrate architecture and Scotland’s Year of Young People 2018, with the potential to show the project at one of the most prestigious architecture events in the world – the Biennale Architettura, Venice in 2018. To find out more, please follow this link.

MEMBERS NEWS

Developing Trailblazer Apprenticeships (ICON 30/08/17)
Our CEO Alison Richmond wrote earlier this year of the opportunities presented by apprenticeships for the conservation sector. Since then much work has been happening in the background – read on for more on what we’ve been up to!

Open Letter to the Lord Provost (AHSS, EWHT, SCT & Cockburn Association 29/08/17)
The Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland in collaboration with the Cockburn Association, Edinburgh World Heritage Trust and the Scottish Civic Trust, have today submitted an open letter to the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, urging that the application be refused.

Countdown to Doors Open Days 2017 with 50 Favourite Scottish Doors! (SCT 29/08/17)
To celebrate the launch of Doors Open Days 2017 and its own 50th anniversary, the Scottish Civic Trust has invited writers, artists, architects, academics and members of the public to nominate theirfavourite Scottish door.

IHBC on ‘Fire’ and ‘Thatch’: New ‘Guidance Note’ out on IHBC’s ToolBox (IHBC 29/08/17)
The IHBC has launched a new Guidance Note (GN2017/5) on ‘Thatching, chimney stacks and fire’, exploring a single issue that brings together the most fundamental considerations in conservation practice: material, construction, design and risk.

Barclay Review: A welcome addition to the debate (RICS 23/08/17)
We welcome the publication of the Barclay Review of business rates as “a welcome addition to the debate” surrounding Scotland’s competitiveness in the global marketplace.

In The Footsteps of Geddes (PAS 22/08/17)
In The Footsteps of Geddes is a Heritage Lottery funded project, focused on connecting young people from backgrounds facing various challenges with their places and heritage through Geddesian visual education, using modern technology and the Place Standard tool.

OTHER PARLIAMENTARY BUSINESS

• Parliamentary recess ends on  03/09/2017 at 5pm.

EVENTS

For the latest information about BEFS Members’ events see our events calendar.

RSA Fellows’ Borders Network event: “Our Economy: What next?”
When: Wed 6 September 2017, 17:30 – 19:00.
Where: Scottish Borders Council Headquarters, Newtown St Boswells TD6 0SA.
The meeting, which will comprise a Presentation and a Q&A Session with William Dowson, Bank of England Agent for Scotland, will be held under the Chatham House Rule. The RSA thanks Scottish Borders Council for consent to use the Council Chamber for this meeting, and to publicity partners for relevant promotion assistance.

Paisley: Past, Present, Future
When: 21 September 2017, 7-9pm.
Where: Paisley Methodist Church Hall.
Paisley, Scotland’s largest town and once the flourishing centre of the weaving industry, rich in beautiful architecture and civic pride, is now a shadow of its former self. However, with recent improvements to the public realm and key buildings and a new sense of optimism around the bid to become UK City of Culture in 2021, now is a good time to look afresh at the town. Where have we come from, where are we now, and where are we going? Free.

The Scottish Planning & Environmental Law (SPEL) Conference 2017
When: Thursday 21 September.
Where: Edinburgh.
The 26th SPEL Conference ‘Anticipating and Preparing for Change’ takes place in the run up to the publication of the Planning White Paper towards the end of the year. Although the precise nature of change is not yet known, we can speculate where it may happen and what the consequences might be.  As we anticipate what a future planning system is going to look like, planning reform is not the only driver of change.  he process of Brexit will also impact on planning. A number of high profile speakers will consider how change is likely to shape their various areas of expertise and its likely impact on planning in Scotland.

European dark sky places conference
When: 20-22 September 2017.
Where: Gatehouse of Fleet, Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland.
Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere, in partnership with Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park and with the support of the International Dark Skies Association are delighted to announce the first European Dark Skies Conference. The conference takes place in one of the very best places to observe the night sky– Galloway in South West Scotland and in the heart of the UNESCO Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere, a world-class environment designation awarded to places that promote and demonstrate a balanced relationship between people and nature. #darkskies2017

Patrick Geddes Learning Festival
When: Thu, 28 Sep 2017, 09:30 – Fri, 29 Sep 2017, 17:00.
Where: Patrick Geddes Centre, Riddle’s Court, 322 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2PG.
Following on from the success of the 2016 PAS conference; “Outlook: Exploring Geddes in the 21st Century” and in light of growing international interest in the work of Sir Patrick Geddes, PAS will host a follow-on conference this September. PAS is excited to say that we are working in partnership with the Patrick Geddes Learning Centre for the two-day conference.

RTPI Scotland Annual Conference: Planners as Visionaries, Facilitators and Enablers
When: Tuesday 3 October 2017.
Where: COSLA Conference Centre, Edinburgh.
The planning system in Scotland is undergoing a significant review and a Planning Bill is scheduled to be published before the end of the year.  At the same time UN Habitat III in Quito has published the new urban agenda which outlines how planners and planning have a vital role in improving the quality of life for people by creating inclusive, successful and sustainable places. The conference will look at the key issues we face in Scotland to develop an agenda for change. It will hear about opportunities, challenges faced and the new thinking and doing required from inspirational and forward thinking people.  Conference delegates will have the opportunity to discuss these with others and help develop and agree the way forward.

Old and New Icons: The Role of Landscape Architecture
When: 12th of October from 6:00pm.
Where: CCA in Glasgow.
Landscape institute Scotland are pleased to announce the next Reflections series talk “Old and New Icons: The Role of Landscape Architecture.” A talk that explores how landscape architecture is playing a pivotal role in the revival of old icons, and the development of the new. Rolf Roscher from erz will be discussing their work for the famous post-war masterpiece, St Peter’s Seminary at Cardross. Ben Palmer from Open will present Open’s contribution to the new V&A in Dundee – the first ever dedicated design museum in Scotland.

Perth: Past, Present, Future
When: 26 October 2017, 7-9pm.
Where: Royal George Hotel, Perth
Perth: the fair city in the heart of Scotland. Once a thriving hub of enterprise large and small, has Perth now lost its way? A key event to highlight the joint 50th anniversaries of the Scottish Civic Trust and Perth Civic Trust, this seminar considers Perth’s history and heyday, its current issues and challenges, and what can be done to encourage a more positive future, with a particular emphasis on retailing in the city centre. There will be plenty of opportunities for discussion and questions. Free.

SCT CONFERENCE 2017: 50 Years of Conservation Areas
When: 27 November 2017.
As part of our 50th anniversary celebrations and recognising that the Civic Amenities Act was passed in 1967, the Scottish Civic Trust’s next annual conference, in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland and The Institute of Historic Building Conservation, will tackle the theme of “Fifty years of conservation areas” – what has been learned, what has been lost, and what are the threats and opportunities in the future. The conference will take place on Monday 27 November at the Trades Hall, Glasgow. SAVE THE DATE! Email gaby.laing@scottishcivictrust.org.uk to register your interest. Booking information will be available soon.

TRAINING

Transform your approach to community engagement – Training event 
When: 28th September.
Where: Inverness (afternoon/central location).
PAS is running a workshop next month in Inverness aimed at developing skills in community engagement and relevant for anyone who would like to become recognised as a community engagement practitioner. Previous participants have come from local authorities, planning consultancies, third sector organisations, academia and community groups, as well as the energy and communications sectors.The cost of the programme is £250 per person. We are also experienced in delivering SP=EED Verification as in-house training. Please contact david@pas.org.uk for more details.

Heritage project management- A to Z from the IHBC – An IHBC ‘Unique Learning Experience’ 
When: 18-19 October 2017.
Where: Auckland Castle and Bishop Auckland, Co. Durham.
On 18-19 October 2017, the IHBC, including the IHBC’s North Branch, is partnering with national and local interests in and around Bishop Auckland, to offer unique, first hand insights into current practice and principles in heritage project management across a £90 million suite of projects inspired by private philanthropy and faith, from inspiration and inception to development and implementation.

Information in the Bulletin is extracted from a number of websites including the Scottish Government (SG); the Scottish Parliament (SP); Architecture and Design Scotland (A+DS); Historic Environment Scotland (HES); Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH); Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO); English Heritage (EH); Design Council (DC); Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG); Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS); Department of Environment and Rural Affairs (DEFRA); National Assembly for Wales (NAW); Forestry Commission Scotland (FCS); Scottish Government Building Standards  (SGBS); Europa Nostra (EN); Historic England (HE).

If you have any questions or comments on the above, or would like to submit information to be included, please get in touch with Saskia Smellie or tel: BEFS Office on 0131 220 6241.