Consultation Responses

Collation of the results of the Aggregate minerals survey for Great Britain, 2023 (UK Gov 06/08/2025)

Proposal to designate two Historic Marine Protected Areas Consultation Report (Scot Gov 11/08/2025)

Building Safety Levy (Scotland) Bill
BEFS generally agreed that certain types of residential new construction should be subject to a levy, but that this should not apply to repair, maintenance, and retrofit as that would disincentivise works. BEFS position is also that the levy should be paid by medium and large-scale developments, rather than small scale and local schemes. Using the levy as to complement other investment streams in support of the nationwide cladding remediation programme is welcome, and BEFS would like to see more investment in data and cross-national sharing of outcomes and learning on levy development and implementation. (BEFS 15/08/2025)

Pre-Budget scrutiny 2026-27: funding for culture
BEFS responded that while there has been positive funding development for the sector, issues regarding flexibility, distribution, and communication remain. We raised that we are keen to see greater recognition of heritage within conversations around the value of culture. The sector needs reliable and consistent funding models with a wide impact net, and there are pre-existing models of leveraging further income for the sector to draw on. Critically, BEFS highlighted the key role of maintenance, reuse, and repair of the existing built environment in preventative spend as a clear and positive pathway for the culture budget, our national carbon targets, tourism, local and national economies, and the housing emergency. (BEFS 15/08/2025)

Heat and Energy Efficiency Technical Suitability Assessment (HEETSA)
A Scottish Government scoping consultation sought views on the introduction of HEETSA to support retrofit projects and investments. BEFS welcomed the potential of HEETSA, undertaken by appropriately qualified and skilled specialists, to improve building assessments prior to energy efficiency interventions. BEFS argued in favour of government regulation in a delivery model, and called for HEETSA assessors to be fully independent from those who undertake recommended works to avoid conflicts of interest and support consumer confidence. (BEFS 29/08/2025)

Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) in the Private Rented Sector
BEFS produced a statement for a Scottish Government consultation on proposals to introduce MEES regulations in the private rented sector. In the context of 44% of the 300k privately rented homes in Scotland directly affected by fuel poverty, BEFS agreed that the regulations could play a considerable role in improving the energy efficiency of currently substandard and underperforming buildings, and help make serious progress towards a just transition in climate change. (BEFS 29/08/2025)

Environmental Standards Scotland Draft Strategy 2026-2031
BEFS responded to the ESS Strategy consultation with a statement. Environmental health and regulations are linked to re-use, adaptation, and reduction of construction waste. Therefore, BEFS highlighted that while the development of a circular economy as a key priority for ESS is positive, the scope of this priority needs to encompass the existing built environment and cultural heritage. BEFS also stated that it is a negative development to see “population, human health, and cultural heritage” being removed as a key priority in this iteration. (BEFS 29/08/2025)

National Marine Plan 2: Planning Position Statement Consultation Analysis Report (Scot Gov 29/08/2025)

Opinion & Comment

The Engine Shed – Conserving Scotland’s Stained Glass
Date & Time: Tuesday 9 September 2025; 9:30am-6:30pm
Location: The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling FK8 1QZ
A day focussing on the historic use of decorative glass in Scotland’s traditional architecture, with a special focus on conservation best practice. Discover the variety of glass types, their physical characteristics and their use in Scotland’s traditional buildings. Recognise the key names in Scottish decorative glass production from the mid-19th century to present. Understand typical decay, defects and weathering issues affecting decorative glass and how best to address these issues according to current standards of good conservation practice. Learn about the materials and processes used to protect and preserve important examples of stained and decorative glass.

Heritage Network – Carbon Literacy Training
Date & Time: Tuesday 9 & 16 September 2025;10am-12:30pm
Location: Online
Carbon Literacy is a key way for organisations to gain an awareness of the causes and impacts of climate change and an understanding of carbon emissions. It provides a great foundation for individuals, teams and organisations to begin to take steps towards reducing their carbon emissions and become more environmentally sustainable. As a sector, this training will help to collectively make a difference through taking responsibility and committing to lowering emissions. The focus of Carbon Literacy is about empowering people to take action. To become certified as Carbon Literate you must pledge to undertake an individual and group action that will help you and your organisation to achieve net zero. The £15 (member) and £30 (non-member) charge for this course covers your Carbon Literacy Trust certification fee. If you have any questions, please email Samya Kelly.

The Engine Shed – Reducing Carbon Emissions in Traditional Buildings – Heat Pump Guidance
Date & Time: Tuesday 16 September 2025; 9:30am-12:30pm
Location: The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling FK8 1QZ/Online
Around 19% of buildings in Scotland are of traditional construction, understanding how buildings of this type can utilise clean heating solutions such as air source heat pumps is critical to meeting Government Targets. This event will launch new information commissioned by HES on the use of air source heat pumps in traditional buildings. Presentations will be given by the authors of this new information around installing air source heat pumps into traditional buildings alongside HES experts looking at the wider net zero context and considerations related to consents and planning. For those unable to attend in person, a virtual option using Microsoft Teams is available. The joining link will be sent the week before the event.

C&BS – Individual Giving Essentials 
Date & Time: Tuesday 16 September 2025; 9:30am-12:30pm
Location:  Online
Are you interested in developing your individual giving programme? David Nelson provides insight and advice into this increasingly invaluable income stream. This short course will explore the key role individual giving can have within your fundraising strategy and how to create a donor-centric giving programme.

SPAB – Maintaining Scottish Churches – Cromarty East
Date & Time: Tuesday 16 September 2025; 10am-3:30pm
Location: Cromarty East Church, 51 Church Street, Cromarty IV11 8XA
Are you involved in caring for and maintaining a place of worship in Scotland? Caring for a historic building can feel like a never-ending task, but thankfully there are some simple steps you can take to keep your building in good condition and reduce the likelihood of large repair projects further down the line. In this introductory one-day course, you will find out how your historic faith building works and the practical steps you can take to look after it. You’ll be able to put your new knowledge into action right away, with a practical exercise looking at the host building inside and out to identify maintenance issues and areas of vulnerability. There will also be the opportunity to discuss your building with the course tutors and others attending.

C&BS – Introduction to being a Board Member 
Date & Time: Wednesday 17 September & Wednesday 24 September 2025; 4-7pm
Location: Online
Do you have new trustees on your Board or have you taken on a trustee role yourself? If so, this is an essential course for launching or refreshing your Board career. C&BS Head of Board Development, Catriona Reynolds, takes new trustees and Board members through their paces in two information-packed, hands-on sessions.

Scottish Lime Centre Trust – Making Natural Paints, Pigments and Limewash Workshop
Date & Time: Friday 19 September 2025; 9:30am-4:30pm
Location: Charlestown Workshops, 2 Rocks Road, Charlestown, Fife KY11 3EN
In this workshop you will discover how many ancient / traditional / historical paints were made (and still are) and where to start to make your very own natural paints and mineral pigments at home. A perfect starting point to create your own simple, efficient, sustainable, plastic-free art materials and/or to beginning a journey into making your own interior paints… Or to scratch that itch and understand where these extra pigments we use in construction and conservation actually come from.

Scottish Lime Centre Trust – Introduction to Plain Lime Plastering
Date & Time: Tuesday 23 September 2025; 9:30am-4:30pm
Location: Merryhill Training Centre, Charlestown, Dunfermline KY11 3DR
This one day workshop aims to provide an introductory guide to plain lime plaster used for both lath and masonry backgrounds which abound our historic buildings for internal wall and ceiling finishes. The course is aimed at plastering, building and heritage professionals and home owners of traditional buildings, and will provide an introduction to the preparation, application and aftercare required for achieving traditional plasterwork schemes. By the end of this workshop, attendees will be able to recognise and appreciate the work required to successfully apply traditional 3 coat plain lime plastering as well as more vernacular 2 coat work.

C&BS – Introduction to Sponsorship 
Date & Time: Thursday 25 September 2025; 9:30am-12:30pm
Location: Azets Edinburgh, Quay 2, 139 Fountainbridge, Edinburgh EH3 9QG
Are you considering corporate fundraising for the first time but not sure where to start? This introductory course, led by Alice Samtoy, covers the fundamentals of sponsorship. Designed to be a first step into corporate fundraising, this live classroom course offers an overview of essential sponsorship knowledge along with practical skills to help you develop successful sponsorships.

RICS – Global Building Conservation Conference 2025
Date & Time: Thursday 25 September 2025; 7:30am-5:15pm
Location: Online
RICS are delighted to announce the return of the RICS Global Building Conservation Conference, an invaluable event for all professionals operating within the built conservation landscape. In 2025, the conference asks: How to best preserve the technical skills needed by heritage professionals. Join the conference for industry-leading insights around: Collaborating with construction; attracting the next generation; uptake for traditional materials; placemaking under pressure and the realities of long costing long-term heritage projects; and harnessing new technologies. This year, global experts bring more examples of cutting-edge practice to life, illustrating the challenges they have faced, the lessons they’ve learned and the remarkable achievements they have made in sustaining and growing their practices. Attendees will leave with enhanced knowledge of case studies, as well as best-practice examples for the cutting-edge educational and professional programmes that are ensuring the transfer of skills from one generation to another.

SPAB – Pargeting
Date & Time: Saturday 27 September 2025; 9am-4:30pm
Location: Heritage & Rural Skills Centre, Buscot and Coleshill Estate, Swindon SN6 7PT
Join SPAB for a unique opportunity to learn the endangered craft of pargeting from one of the country’s highest regarded pargeters, Bill Sargent. This workshop is brought to you in association with the National Trust. This introductory workshop is for anyone interested in learning pargeting skills for work, general interest or leisure. No prior experience is required.

Planning Aid Scotland – Community Engagement Skills Training
Date & Time: Wednesday 1 October 2025; 10am-3:30pm
Location:  Conference Room, Robertson House, 152 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 4TB
Community Engagement Skills Training from Planning Aid Scotland gives professionals the tools to plan and deliver effective and meaningful engagement in planning and placemaking. Based on the SP=EED Framework, recognised in the Scottish Government’s Planning Advice Notes as a benchmarking tool, this practical workshop builds skills, confidence, and real-world know-how. Cost: £250

SPAB – Understanding your Old Building
Dates & Times: Monday 6 October until Sunday 30 November 2025: Access to pre-recorded presentations
Saturday 15 November 2025; 12:30-2pm: Live online Q&A session with the course tutors
Location: Online
Join SPAB for an introduction to the care and maintenance of period properties, ideal for homeowners and tenants of old buildings. This modular, self-paced online course features six pre-recorded presentations and a live Q&A session. It introduces the SPAB conservation approach and offers guidance on how best to tackle common problems and maintain the character and value of your home. If you live in or look after a period property, or are a professional who needs to brief their clients on understanding their old building, this course is ideal for you. The SPAB is an IHBC-recognised CPD provider and certificates of attendance are available on request. Prices: £100 early bird rate available when you book this course by 3 September 2025. Usual course fee is £120.

 BEFS News

High-level masonry inspections, looking at the impact of climate change on historic sites set to begin at sites across Shetland (HES 02/07/2025)

SFHA calls for national accessible housing strategy as it launches ‘Homes Fit For The Future’ Policy Paper (SFHA 02/07/2025)

Museum Futures Programme: a pioneering journey towards long-term sustainability (Museums Galleries Scotland 03/07/2025)

POWF Newsletter- Community Ownership Support Services (COSS) (BEFS 03/07/2025)

RTPI Chief executive Victoria Hills to leave to take up role with CIOB later this year (RTPI 04/07/2025)

NatureScot Opinion Survey shows that Scots want to do more to help nature given the immediate threat of the climate crisis (NatureScot 04/07/2025)

7 Most Endangered Programme 2026: Call for nominations now open (Europa Nostra 15/07/2025)

Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee: Official Report and Minutes (Scot Parl 24/06/2025)

Correspondence between Jamie Hepburn and the Finance and Public Administration Committee regarding the Building Safety Levy (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 25/06/2025)

Applications of non-use values in the context of culture and heritage – executive summary (UK Gov 26/06/2025)

European Collaboration in Building Standards (Scot Gov 01/07/2025)

Equality and Human Rights Mainstreaming strategy: consultation analysis (Scot Gov 02/07/2025)

Museum Futures Programme launched (Scot Gov 02/07/2025)

Bringing more empty homes back into use (Scot Gov 03/07/2025)

Draft Environment Strategy (Scot Gov 03/07/2025)

Draft Environment Strategy: strategic environmental assessment (Scot Gov 03/07/2025)

Planning Obligations and Good Neighbour Agreements: draft guidance (Scot Gov 03/07/2025)

Housing Tender Return (HTR) and Scottish Social Housing Tender Price Index (SSHTPI) (Scot Gov 07/07/2025)

Scottish Social Housing Tender Price Index (SSHTPI) quarterly report: June 2025 (Scot Gov 07/07/2025)

Development plan examinations: list (Scot Gov 09/07/2025)

Neighbourhood Plans: Planning Decisions Debate (UK Parl 09/07/2025)

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) reform: government response (Scot Gov 11/07/2025)

Building standards – guidance changes: letter to local authority verifiers – 11 July 2025 (Scot Gov 11/07/2025)

Planning and Environmental Appeals Stakeholder Forum minutes November 2024 (Scot Gov 11/07/2025)

Building and Fire Safety Expert Working Group minutes: June 2025 (Scot Gov 14/07/2025)

Place Directors: factsheet (Scot Gov 14/07/2025)

Protecting built heritage – Oral evidence (UK Parl 15/07/2025)

  Motions

S6M-18289
Submitted by: Rona Mackay, Strathkelvin and Bearsden, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 11/07/2025
That the Parliament celebrates what it believes to be a landmark moment in Scotland’s heritage regeneration journey, with the formal transferral of a 200-year-old church in the Strathkelvin and Bearsden constituency to the local community; understands that Campsie High Kirk, at the heart of Lennoxtown, is to be transformed into a community arts hub for the benefit of local people; notes that the move is the culmination of a flagship case for the new ownerless property transfer scheme (OPTS), which was launched in 2024 by the King’s and Lord Treasurer’s Remembrancer (KLTR); believes that the church, one of Scotland’s best known kirks, was officially handed over by KLTR, John Logue, to East Dunbartonshire Provost, Gillian Renwick, at a public ceremony on 9 July 2025; praises community organisation Friends of Campsie High Kirk for its tenacity in putting forward the case to rescue the church, which had lain empty without an owner for years after a fire in 1984, which led to the community organisation acquiring the building from the KLTR for the sum of £1 in May 2025; recognises the role of the OPTS in providing opportunities for properties that have fallen to the Crown, as ownerless, to be brought back into purposeful use for the benefit of local communities, therefore empowering local people, and sends its very best wishes for the future of the former kirk to boost the Lennoxtown area, both culturally and economically.

  Opinion & Comment

Art school closes a stained glass studio which helped keep the endangered craft alive (The Herald 30/06/2025)

There is still a long way to go to make Scotland’s tourism sector sustainable (Holyrood Magazine 01/07/2025)

RIAS raise the alarm over an insidious ‘race to the bottom’ on procurement (Urban Realm 02/07/2025)

Architect reports Glasgow City Council to police over tenement collapse (Scottish Housing News 14/07/2025)

Signs of trouble ahead for Glasgow’s precious historic buildings (The Herald 14/07/2025)

  Events

  Training

SPAB – Hands-on Glazing Mortar
Date & Time: Saturday 2 August 2025; 10am-4pm
Location: Heritage & Rural Skills Centre, Buscot and Coleshill Estate, Swindon SN6 7PT
Presented by The British Society of Master Glass Painters, in partnership with The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, this unique course will focus on the performance requirements of traditional glazing mortars in historic buildings. This course is aimed primarily at practicing stained glass and leaded light craftspeople, conservators and artists. It is also open to allied buildings craftspeople or professionals with an interest in exploring the lime mortars used for the installation of leaded glazing into masonry apertures.

IHBC – Membership Accreditation Training Event
Date & Time: Tuesday 5 August 2025; 4-6pm
Location: Online via Zoom
Membership Accreditation Training Events (MATEs) advise on IHBC accreditation applications and provide free webinars for IHBC applicants.  IHBC MATE SESSIONS provide CPD-certified advice on applying for IHBC accreditation (Full & Associate).  Regular monthly sessions open to all (first 30 signed for any session).

Scottish Lime Centre Trust – Introduction to Maintaining Traditional Buildings
Date & Time: Wednesday 6 August 2025; 10am-3pm
Location: Charlestown Workshops, Fife KY11 3EN
This course provides the perfect starting point if you are considering undertaking some simple repairs yourself or will enable you to speak your builder’s language and be confident that you are being given the correct advice. The course will outline the maintenance that traditional buildings require and attendees will gain an understanding of traditional building techniques and the correct materials to use when undertaking repairs. This is also an excellent opportunity to speak to the SLCT’s expert tutors about your project; attendee’s are welcome to bring along photos and mortar samples for some specific advice.

Scottish Lime Centre Trust – Sash and Case Window Repairs
Date & Time: Tuesday 2 September 2025; 9:30am-4:30pm
Location: Merryhill Training centre, Fife KY12 3DR
Did you know that in most cases you can undertake simple repairs, retain these period features and ensure the value of your traditional building is not compromised? This practical course will prove invaluable if you have a property with Sash and Case Windows. The course will cover a short history of the development of windows before looking at the different components that make up a window and the issues to consider when approaching repairs. The course will allow attendees to identify and address various problems that commonly occur with sash windows. Topics covered will include window dismantling and reassembly, replacing ropes, weights, panes and putty. Various repair and improvement techniques will also be covered.

IHBC – Membership Accreditation Training Event
Date & Time: Tuesday 2 September 2025; 5-7pm
Location: Online via Zoom
Membership Accreditation Training Events (MATEs) advise on IHBC accreditation applications and provide free webinars for IHBC applicants.  IHBC MATE SESSIONS provide CPD-certified advice on applying for IHBC accreditation (Full & Associate).  Regular monthly sessions open to all (first 30 signed for any session).

Scottish Lime Centre Trust – Making, Using and Specifying Hot Mixed Lime Mortars
Date & Time: Friday 5 September 2025; 9:30am-4:30pm
Location: Merryhill Training centre, Fife KY12 3DR
Since the lime revival of the mid 1990s, the preparation and use of conservation mortars has been largely dominated by lime putty bound mortars or ‘cold’ mortars based on natural hydraulic limes (NHLs). Whilst all these mortar types have their place, a renewed interest in the production of what are perceived to be more authentic mortar preparations using quicklime and sand has been growing and this workshop aims to take the building professional through the process of specifying ‘hot mixed’ mortars including health and safety implications, constituents, preparation of mortars, correct mixing equipment and critically at which point these mortars should be used for particular applications . By the end of the course, attendees will be able to recognise traditionally made ‘hot mixed’ mortars in historic structures and buildings and be able to develop the skills to specify ‘hot mixed’ mortars in relation to authenticity, performance, exposure, season, substrate and nature of the masonry repairs required.

Heritage Network – Carbon Literacy Training
Date & Time: Tuesday 9 & 16 September 2025;10am-12:30pm
Location: Online
Carbon Literacy is a key way for organisations to gain an awareness of the causes and impacts of climate change and an understanding of carbon emissions. It provides a great foundation for individuals, teams and organisations to begin to take steps towards reducing their carbon emissions and become more environmentally sustainable. As a sector, this training will help to collectively make a difference through taking responsibility and committing to lowering emissions. The focus of Carbon Literacy is about empowering people to take action. To become certified as Carbon Literate you must pledge to undertake an individual and group action that will help you and your organisation to achieve net zero. The £15 (member) and £30 (non-member) charge for this course covers your Carbon Literacy Trust certification fee. If you have any questions, please email Samya Kelly.

SPAB – Pargeting
Date & Time: Saturday 27 September 2025; 9am-4:30pm
Location: Heritage & Rural Skills Centre, Buscot and Coleshill Estate, Swindon SN6 7PT
Join SPAB for a unique opportunity to learn the endangered craft of pargeting from one of the country’s highest regarded pargeters, Bill Sargent. This workshop is brought to you in association with the National Trust. This introductory workshop is for anyone interested in learning pargeting skills for work, general interest or leisure. No prior experience is required.

 BEFS News

Protecting Scotland’s Historic Places – HES Designations Strategy BEFS responded to a Historic Environment Scotland (HES) call for views on its Draft Designations Strategy, the system used to provide legal recognition and protection for more than 55,000 heritage sites across Scotland, for 2025-35. BEFS welcomed the timing of the Strategy, and its focus on improving information and recognising emerging heritage, but shared Members’ desire for a greater level of ambition and highlighted their concerns about the sector’s capacity to deliver. (BEFS 01/07/2025)

ECHOES Survey
BEFS fed into this European Collaborative Cloud for Cultural Heritage survey, which aims to better understand the priorities, challenges, and expectations of professionals, volunteers and institutions engaged in cultural heritage across Europe. The survey will inform further development of a new digital cultural heritage platform, updates on which will be shared in future bulletins. (BEFS 30/06/2025)

Building regulations – proposed review of fire safety topics: analysis of responses
(Scot Gov 30/06/2025)

Repair and Adaptation Fund Applications (Museums Galleries Scotland 30/05/2025)

Skills for Planet: Powering designers for the green transition by 2030 (Design Council 05/06/2025)

Almost £1million for community regeneration projects in Glasgow after council bids accepted (Glasgow City Council 10/06/2025)

St Paul’s to launch world class heritage craft training centre on Cathedral’s 350th anniversary (St Paul’s Cathedral 18/06/2025)

New campaign seeks to boost wellbeing through connection to heritage (HES 18/06/2025)

Nominations open for the Europa Nostra UK Committee 2025 (Europa Nostra 22/06/2025)

Funding boost for postgrad students undertaking any course (BE-ST 25/06/2025)

City of Edinburgh Council’s retrofit project: Plans submitted to transform city’s iconic Cables Wynd House and Linksview House (City of Edinburgh Council 27/06/2025)

Reuse First Policy Manifesto (Circular Communities Scotland May 2025)

Healthier Cities and Communities through Public Spaces (UN-Habitat June 2025)

Scotland’s blueprint: the art of the possible (Prosper June 2025)

Designing for inclusive and accessible learning environments (Architecture and Design Scotland June 2025)

From raised voices to voices raised: putting people at the heart of planning (Demos 17/06/2025)

The Business Case for Integrated Retrofit: How banks, insurers, and the government can support healthy, efficient, and resilient homes (Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership 18/06/2025)

EDII and Behavioural Research: Inclusive and Rigorous Science (Behavioural Research UK 18/06/2025)

Heritage Sector Resilience Plan 2025-35 (Historic Environment Forum 19/06/2025)

Progress in reducing emissions – 2025 report to Parliament (Climate Change Committee 24/06/2025)

  Motions

  Opinion & Comment

Retrofitting tenements – Under One Roof takes to the mic with The Scottish Housing News Podcast (Scottish Housing News 02/06/2025)

Place building to subsidise ‘affordable’ house building? (Build Edinburgh 07/06/2025)

We cannot protect historic buildings without protecting the skills to care for them (Building Design 16/06/2025)

Imposing planning fees on listed buildings would be a huge mistake (The Times 17/06/2025)

Calls for end to ‘boom and bust’ heritage funding (Arts Professional 19/06/2025)

Glasgow gives go-ahead for ‘tourist tax’ on visitors (BBC News 20/06/2025)

Housebuilding slows amid rising demand and financial pressures (Scottish Construction Now 24/06/2025)

Scots tourism reports record year for international visits (The Herald 24/06/2025)

Stone Stories: how Glasgow’s tenements can weather the climate crisis (River Clyde Homes 24/06/2025)

Consultation on scrapped Galloway national park cost £160,000 (BBC News 25/06/2025)

Historic England head tries to block protection for listed cinema (The Times 25/06/2025)

Data integration could be the key to joining the dots in Scotland’s complex policy landscape (BEFS 26/06/2025)

English Heritage chief steps down after a turbulent 18 months in post (The Art Newspaper 27/06/2025)

Community support service provides outstanding support to Clydebank tenants (Clydebank Housing Association 28/05/2025)

Glasgow School of Art closes last link to stained glass studio where Mackintosh studied, which helped keep the endangered craft alive (The Herald 30/06/2025)

  Events

  Training

RICS – Global Introduction to Whole Life Carbon Assessment – 3 Part Series
Date & Time: Tuesday 1, Wednesday 9 & Wednesday 16 July 2025; 2:30-4pm
Location: Online
The RICS Whole Life Carbon Assessment standard provides the industry with tools to carry out carbon assessments in line with the requirements of the standard which is heavily complex and technical. Learn about how to predict the impact of legislation across the UK and globally; consider when to start a carbon assessment and the validity of a carbon assessment; recognise how the construction stage impacts on carbon emission; and understand how to assess infrastructure end of life carbon impact. The webclass will be delivered in three parts.

Scottish Lime Centre Trust – Introduction to Maintaining Traditional Buildings
Date & Time: Wednesday 6 August 2025; 10am-3pm
Location: Charlestown Workshops, Fife KY11 3EN
This course provides the perfect starting point if you are considering undertaking some simple repairs yourself or will enable you to speak your builder’s language and be confident that you are being given the correct advice. The course will outline the maintenance that traditional buildings require and attendees will gain an understanding of traditional building techniques and the correct materials to use when undertaking repairs. This is also an excellent opportunity to speak to the SLCT’s expert tutors about your project; attendee’s are welcome to bring along photos and mortar samples for some specific advice.

Scottish Lime Centre Trust – Sash and Case Window Repairs
Date & Time: Tuesday 2 September 2025; 9:30am-4:30pm
Location: Merryhill Training centre, Fife KY12 3DR
Did you know that in most cases you can undertake simple repairs, retain these period features and ensure the value of your traditional building is not compromised? This practical course will prove invaluable if you have a property with Sash and Case Windows. The course will cover a short history of the development of windows before looking at the different components that make up a window and the issues to consider when approaching repairs. The course will allow attendees to identify and address various problems that commonly occur with sash windows. Topics covered will include window dismantling and reassembly, replacing ropes, weights, panes and putty. Various repair and improvement techniques will also be covered.

Scottish Lime Centre Trust – Making, Using and Specifying Hot Mixed Lime Mortars
Date & Time: Friday 5 September 2025; 9:30am-4:30pm
Location: Merryhill Training centre, Fife KY12 3DR
Since the lime revival of the mid 1990s, the preparation and use of conservation mortars has been largely dominated by lime putty bound mortars or ‘cold’ mortars based on natural hydraulic limes (NHLs). Whilst all these mortar types have their place, a renewed interest in the production of what are perceived to be more authentic mortar preparations using quicklime and sand has been growing and this workshop aims to take the building professional through the process of specifying ‘hot mixed’ mortars including health and safety implications, constituents, preparation of mortars, correct mixing equipment and critically at which point these mortars should be used for particular applications . By the end of the course, attendees will be able to recognise traditionally made ‘hot mixed’ mortars in historic structures and buildings and be able to develop the skills to specify ‘hot mixed’ mortars in relation to authenticity, performance, exposure, season, substrate and nature of the masonry repairs required.

Heritage Network – Carbon Literacy Training
Date & Time: Tuesday 9 & 16 September 2025;10am-12:30pm
Location: Online
Carbon Literacy is a key way for organisations to gain an awareness of the causes and impacts of climate change and an understanding of carbon emissions. It provides a great foundation for individuals, teams and organisations to begin to take steps towards reducing their carbon emissions and become more environmentally sustainable. As a sector, this training will help to collectively make a difference through taking responsibility and committing to lowering emissions. The focus of Carbon Literacy is about empowering people to take action. To become certified as Carbon Literate you must pledge to undertake an individual and group action that will help you and your organisation to achieve net zero. The £15 (member) and £30 (non-member) charge for this course covers your Carbon Literacy Trust certification fee. If you have any questions, please email Samya Kelly.

BEFS News

As we approach the closing stages of the current Parliamentary cycle in Scotland, attention is turning towards the May 2026 elections. BEFS will be producing a 2026 Manifesto to articulate BEFS Member views on what they would like the next Scottish Government to do differently concerning built environment policy. Derek Rankine, BEFS Head of Policy and Strategy, shared a six month Manifesto development plan at last week’s Historic Environment Working Group (HEWG), following which the HEWG Chair, Ian Baxter, facilitated an initial consultation discussion on priority themes. A draft note of the HEWG session is online.

  Consultations

Volunteer-involving heritage organisations survey
Historic Environment Scotland
Make Your Mark, a campaign to increase the number and diversity of heritage volunteers in Scotland, is running a survey with Volunteer Scotland and Our Past, Our Future, Scotland’s national strategy for the historic environment, to better understand volunteering in Scotland’s heritage sector. The survey is open to volunteer-involving heritage organisations and groups in Scotland and should be filled out by the person(s) who oversee the management/organisation of volunteers. Responses will inform what support is offered to volunteer-involving organisations, help advocate for needs within the sector, and help make heritage volunteering accessible, inclusive and enjoyable for everyone.
Closes 16 June 2025

Developing an Ecosystem Restoration Code for Scotland
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government is seeking views on developing an Ecosystem Restoration Code (ERC) for Scotland as a new high-integrity market mechanism to attract responsible private investment into nature restoration and biodiversity projects. This commitment, outlined in the 2024 Natural Capital Market Framework, is being delivered via a Scottish Government-NatureScot partnership project. An Engagement Paper has been published summarising the results of the Discovery Phase and setting out key issues to be explored during co-development with stakeholders. Responses to the survey will be analysed, alongside evidence from Engagement Phase events, to inform a series of recommendations for developing/writing the ERC during the later stages of this project.
Closes 29 June 2025

Skills Survey for Historic Environment Employers
Historic Environment Scotland
HES is seeking input from employers, sole traders and organisations in the heritage sector about skills needs, gaps, and training provision. The survey aims to monitor the skills health of the sector and inform planning for support programmes. This follow-up to the 2023 survey will help track trends and prioritise actions outlined in the Skills Investment Plan for the Historic Environment (SIP) published in April 2024. HES particularly wants to hear from those working in archaeology, heritage architecture, conservation, museums, traditional building skills, and related fields. Results will influence the direction of the SIP over the next four years.
Closes 30 June 2025

ECHOES Consultation
European Cloud for Heritage Open Science
The ECHOES project is building a shared digital space, the European Collaborative Cloud for Cultural Heritage (ECCCH), designed to support heritage professionals and researchers across Europe. To ensure this platform meets real-world needs, ECHOES has launched a consultation survey to better understand the priorities, challenges, and expectations of the cultural heritage community. The consultation is open to all cultural heritage stakeholders, including professionals, researchers, computer scientists/developers, umbrella organisations and institutions with a vested interest in the development and application of the Cultural Heritage Cloud.
Closes end of June 2025

Scotland’s protected historic places – consultation on a long-term strategy for heritage designation
Historic Environment Scotland
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is looking for your views on their strategy for how to identify and legally protect Scotland’s most important historic sites and places. Heritage designation is the system used to provide legal recognition and protection for historic sites across Scotland. More than 55,000 sites are currently protected in this way. The strategy sets out a long-term approach to delivering national-level heritage designations. HES is setting out their vision for designations in 2035, their mission, and priorities for the three-year period 2025-28. Download the strategy consultation paper.
Closes 1 July 2025

Clean Heat Market Mechanism: revisions ahead of Scheme Year 2 (2026/2027)
UK Government
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has launched a consultation on the heat pump credit target for Year 2 of the Clean Heat Market Mechanism. It also explores views on proposals to name the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) the sole certification scheme for the Clean Heat Market Mechanism. The consultation seeks views on setting a Year 2 heat pump target level within the proposed range of 8-10% of relevant boiler sales.
Closes 2 July 2025

Housing (Scotland) Bill
Scottish Government
This consultation seeks views on how powers within the Housing (Scotland) Bill could be used to exempt certain types of properties from rent control. It also looks into circumstances where rents could be increased above the level of the rent cap and scope for clarifying how joint tenancies in the private sector are ended. The Bill brings forward a package of reforms to help ensure people have a safe, secure and affordable place to live. It includes measures that provide a framework for a long-term system of rent control in Scotland. The consultation addresses three main areas: properties that should be exempt from rent control area restrictions; properties that should be subject to modified rent control area restrictions; and clarifying how joint tenancies in the private rented sector are ended.
Closes 18 July 2025

Draft Updated Sectoral Marine Plan for Offshore Wind Energy
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government is consulting on the draft updated Sectoral Marine Plan for Offshore Wind Energy (SMP-OWE), which provides the spatial planning framework for the ScotWind and INTOG leasing rounds. The plan sets out an integrated framework for sustainable offshore wind development in Scottish waters, informed by the latest scientific evidence. It identifies opportunities and constraints while balancing the needs of communities, nature and other sea users. The consultation includes supporting assessments covering environmental, socio-economic, habitats regulation, nature conservation, sustainability and business regulatory impact. A series of engagement events are being held across Scotland and online to gather stakeholder input on this complex landscape of choices and trade-offs.
*NEW* Closes 22 August 2025

Rural Tourism in Scotland Survey
Historic Houses Scotland and Scottish Land & Estates
Member properties of Historic Houses Scotland and Scottish Land & Estates are invited to complete this survey to provide data for a major report on rural tourism in Scotland. The survey aims to gather evidence on the impact of rural tourism businesses on Scotland’s economy and address challenges and opportunities facing the sector. The report will feed into VisitScotland and the Scottish Government’s aims for growing tourism across Scotland in a sustainable way. The survey takes approximately 20 minutes to complete.
No closing date specified

ScotLand Futures
Scottish Land Commission
ScotLand Futures is a national initiative led by the Scottish Land Commission exploring what a fully reformed approach to land in Scotland could look like and how to make it happen. The initiative aims to think big, tackle challenges, provide certainty for the future, and find practical solutions to ensure land benefits everyone. The Scottish Land Commission wants to hear from people across Scotland, whether they live in a city, town, village or rural area, about what land reform means to them and what changes they want to see.
No closing date specified

Consultation Responses

Petition to Safeguard Scottish Listed Buildings at Risk of Unnecessary Demolition
BEFS produced a submission statement for the Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee, in advance of BEFS Director Hazel Johnson’s appearance at an evidence session on 4 June concerning Petition PE2105, which calls on the calls on the Scottish Government to take specific actions to safeguard listed buildings from unnecessary demolition. (BEFS 02/06/25)

Strategic Guidance on Climate Change Duties for Public Bodies
BEFS contributed to a Scottish Government call for views on draft statutory guidance relating to Climate Change Duties for public bodies. In the response, BEFS articulated how the guidance could be strengthened with respect to multiple areas of the built environment, including doing more to progress retrofitting and circular economy aspirations, and to adapt and reuse built asset portfolios in the public sector. (BEFS 23/05/25)

Petitions

Submission from Mairi Gougeon on PE2089: Stop More National Parks in Scotland (Scot Parl 28/05/2025)

Submission from Mark Griffin MSP and Clerk’s note on PE2143: Introduce legislation to require all landlords to tackle damp and mould to specified standards (Scot Parl 04/06/2025)

Clerks note on PE2105: Safeguard Scottish Listed Buildings at risk of unnecessary demolition (Scot Parl 04/06/2025)

Clerks note on PE2095: Improve the public consultation processes for energy infrastructure projects (Scot Parl 04/06/2025)

News Releases

Launch of MGS-backed toolkit on queering historic houses (Museums Galleries Scotland 19/05/2025)

Historic England Launches Local Heritage Hub to Unlock Hidden Histories (Historic England 21/05/2025)

Mounting pressures from inflation, increasing costs and demand are exceeding the Scottish Government’s additional investment in Scotland’s councils (Audit Scotland 22/05/2025)

Scotland’s national architecture awards – eleven RIAS Awards winners revealed (RIAS 23/05/2025)

Culture Counts Appoints New Directors (Culture Counts 29/05/2025)

Publications

Market failure in heritage sector study published by Northern Ireland Department for Communities (Department for Communities 16/05/2025)

Scotland’s Carbon Budgets (Climate Change Committee 21/05/2025)

National Trust publishes research report on links between heritage and happiness (National Trust 24/05/2025)

Transforming social housing through decarbonisation: The challenges and opportunities in decarbonising at scale (CaCHE 29/05/2025)

Where does the word ‘tenement’ come from? John Gilbert’s book explores medieval origins (Whittles Publishing 29/05/2025)

Keeping history alive: Report on understanding the barriers to Gen Z engagement with heritage (Historic Houses 03/06/2025)

Scottish & UK: Governmental & Parliamentary Publications

For further listings, please see BEFS events calendar

SURF – Awards Launch Event
Date & Time: Thursday 5 June 2025; 2-2:45pm
Location: Online via zoom
Join SURF to find out more about the 2025 SURF Awards process and the 5 Award categories. Attendees will hear from former SURF Award Winners with their top tips for a successful application. If you have ever considered entering (or re-entering) the Awards or want to know more about this year’s process and what is involved, or to hear directly from projects who have gone through the process, then this event is definitely for you. Find out more about the SURF Awards here and follow this link to book.

Architecture Fringe 2025: Reciprocity – Opening Party
Date & Time: Friday 6 June 2025; 6-9pm
Location: The Briggait, 72 Clyde Street, Glasgow G1 5HZ
The Briggait plays host to the opening party for this year’s Architecture Fringe. In celebration of a jam-packed two week-long festival programme come along to an evening of exhibitions, conversation, music and performance. Glasgow-based community brass band Brass, Aye? will be bringing some singing, dancing and carnival vibes. Award-winning independent choreographer and dance-maker Janice Parker will be responding to the space through dance and resident DJ at Scandal Glasgow BELLAROSA will be on the decks with a hypnotic set weaving together beats from across the globe. The Full Festival Programme for the Architecture Fringe 2025 has been made possible through the support of Creative Scotland Multi-Year Funding, Moxon Architects, Helen Lucas Architects, and Collective Architecture.

Under One Roof – Navigating Tenement Building Repairs for Landlords, with Dundee City Council 
Date & Time: Tuesday 10 June 2025; 11am-12pm
Location: Online
Landlords in Dundee are invited to a free one-hour webinar to learn about basic tenement repair and maintenance. Topics covered include: understanding relevant legislation; the difference between individual, mutual and common repairs; and how to organise and pay for repairs with your co-owners and co-landlords.

IHBC – Annual School Shrewsbury. Heritage in Context: Value | Plan | Change
Date & Time: Thursday 12 – Saturday 14 June 2025
Location: Shrewsbury Theatre Severn, Frankwell, Shrewsbury SY3 8FT
Date & Time: Friday 13 June 2025; 9am-3:45pm
Location: Online
Join the IHBC for this year’s annual school in historic Shrewsbury, to explore the rich topic of ‘Heritage in Context’, and how context informs the way in which we understand, value, care for and change our historic environment. There will be a variety of opportunities to engage with the school, from the 3-day Full School which includes local tours and welcome reception for in person delegates, to the Friday Day School, available in person and online, and offering a fantastic programme of talks with expert speakers.

RIAS – BookshopLATES… The Expressway World
Date & Time: Wednesday 18 June 2025; 6:30-7:30pm (doors 6pm)
Location: RIAS Bookshop, 15 Rutland Square, Edinburgh EH1 2BE
Join Professor Richard J. Williams to discover the world of the urban expressway – how it came to be and what cities around the globe are doing to replace, reinvent and revitalise these monoliths of automobile-focused infrastructure.  Richard will be in conversation with his colleague Dr. Sepideh Karami from Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture.

The Cockburn Association – Campaigning For Edinburgh Book Launch
Date & Time: Thursday 19 June 2025; 7-9pm
Location: Laigh Hall, Faculty of Advocates, Parliament Square, Edinburgh EH1 1RF
Join The Cockburn Association for the launch of their new publication, Campaigning for Edinburgh. To mark the 150^th anniversary of the Association in 2025, this publication outlines the many issues and campaigns in which the Association was involved. It reflects on Henry Cockburn’s legacy, who asked in 1849, “how will Edinburgh look in 1949, or 2049?”. The evening will include talks from the authors, an exhibit from the Faculty of Advocates’ collections on Lord Henry Cockburn, and a reception.

IHBC/RTPI – Finding the Balance: Built Heritage & Landscape Conservation in Development Planning
Date & Time: Friday 20 June 2025; 10am-4:15pm
Location: Dunkeld and Birnam
The neighbouring communities of Dunkeld and Birnam in Perthshire are locations for this training day. They benefit from multiple and overlapping heritage designations. This event will review the history of planning in Dunkeld and consider the challenges and opportunities facing today’s planners in allowing development while conserving their rich built heritage. Hosted by IHBC Scotland and RTPI Scottish Young Planners Network.

Under One Roof – Navigating Tenement Building Repairs for Landlords, with East Ayrshire Council 
Date & Time: Tuesday 1 July 2025; 10-11am
Location: Online
Landlords in East Ayrshire are invited to a free one-hour webinar to learn about basic tenement repair and maintenance. Topics covered include: Understanding relevant legislation; understanding the Repairing Standard; the difference between individual, mutual and common repairs and; how to organise and pay for repairs with your co-owners and co-landlords.