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.

BEFS NEWS

Hot off the press! BEFS Joining the Dots series explores the interconnected nature of a wide range of policy agendas and how these relate to Scotland’s built environment. Making up around 40 per cent of Scotland’s housing stock, tenements are a unique feature of our urban landscape. Many however require urgent repair. For the third edition of Joining the Dots, Mike Heffron, CEO of BEFS Member Under One Roof, outlines the important role that good maintenance of Scotland’s tenements plays towards goals for Net Zero. Under One Roof works with tenement flat owners across the country, providing common repair and retrofit support. Read the article on the importance of improving tenement maintenance here.

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Please see our Link to Parliamentary Questions and Answers for recent questions regarding Apprenticeships, Affordable Homes, Flood Risk, and Wind Turbines.

CONSULTATIONS

Cost-effectiveness of Scottish Public Inquiries
Scottish Parliament
The Finance and Public Administration Committee’s consultation on the cost-effectiveness of public inquiries in Scotland aims to enhance understanding of how inquiries are established, managed, and how they deliver value for money. The inquiry will explore the purpose and framework for establishing public inquiries, assess their transparency and cost control mechanisms, and consider alternative models and examples of good practice.
Closes 9 May 2025

New Towns Inquiry
UK Parliament
The House of Lords Built Environment Committee has launched a modular inquiry into new towns and expanded settlements. Over a series of short, targeted modules, the Committee aims to discover whether new towns and expanded settlements are an effective means of delivering housing and, if so, how to ensure they are successful. They are now inviting interested individuals and organisations to submit written evidence for our first module, Practical Delivery. The Committee intends to take oral evidence between April and July 2025 and will publish its report on this module later in the year.
Closes 12 May 2025

Planning and Infrastructure Bill: call for evidence
UK Parliament
Do you have relevant expertise and experience or a special interest in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill which is currently passing through Parliament? Submit your views in writing to the House of Commons Public Bill Committee. The bill would make changes to the law around planning and infrastructure to support ambitions in the government’s Plan for Change. These ambitions include delivering 1.5 million homes and deciding 150 nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIPs) before the end of the 2024 parliament. The bill would extend to England and Wales, with some provisions for infrastructure also extending to Scotland.
Closes 22 May 2025

Climate change duties – draft statutory guidance for public bodies: consultation
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government is gathering views to help inform new Statutory Guidance for public bodies, to support them in putting the climate change duties into practice. The Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 (‘the 2009 Act’) places duties on relevant public bodies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contribute to delivery of the Scottish National Adaptation Plan, and to act in the most sustainable way. These duties are known as the climate change duties, or the public bodies climate change duties. Under the 2009 Act, Scottish Ministers are required to provide public bodies with guidance, to support them in putting their climate change duties into practice. Statutory guidance was originally published in 2011 and now requires to be updated. This consultation seeks your views on new draft Statutory Guidance which has been developed for this purpose, and which will replace the 2011 guidance. The consultation paper contains a full draft of the proposed Statutory Guidance. The questions in this consultation are intended to gather your feedback on the content of the guidance. Please read or refer to the guidance while responding.
Closes 23 May 2025

Community Wealth Building (Scotland) Bill
Scottish Parliament
The Economy and Fair Work Committee wants to hear your views on the?Community Wealth Building (Scotland) Bill as set out in its accompanying Financial Memorandum. This Bill was introduced by the Scottish Government on Wednesday 20 March 2025.  The Scottish Government says the purpose of this Bill is to ensure that CWB is implemented consistently across Scotland as an economic development tool. The Bill proposes to do three things: It would place a duty on the Scottish Ministers to publish a CWB statement which sets out the measures they will take to facilitate CWB. It would require local authorities and ‘relevant public bodies’ to publish and implement a CWB plan for their area. It would require ‘specified public bodies’ to have due regard to CWB guidance when developing their corporate plans and associated delivery strategies. The Scottish Government would like to hear views as to whether the Bill might achieve its aims, on the public bodies proposed, potential unintended consequences, and about benefits to local communities.
Closes 23 May 2025

Heritage Science Data Service: User Needs Survey
National Heritage Science Forum
The National Heritage Science Forum (NHSF) is undertaking a User Needs consultation on behalf of Heritage Science Data Service (HSDS), as part of the Research Infrastructure for Conservation and Heritage Science (RICHeS) programme. Heritage science is uniquely inter-disciplinary, covering disciplines including archaeology, conservation, materials science, art history, physics, robotics and computer science. The new HSDS provides core digital research services as part of the RICHeS programme, the UK’s Research Infrastructure for Conservation and Heritage Science. If you create or use heritage science data as an employee, volunteer or student, you are encouraged to complete this survey. Your feedback will help shape and build the HSDS. The survey should take no longer than 20 minutes to complete and you can respond as either an organisation or an individual. A PDF version of the survey questions is provided to support those collecting views from colleagues to inform an organisational response.
Closes 31 May 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.
*NEW* 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 programs. 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.
*NEW* 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. Each participation will be instrumental in shaping the future of digital cultural heritage.
Closes end of June 2025

Housing (Scotland) Bill: consultation
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, circumstances where rents could be increased above the level of the rent cap and clarify 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.
*NEW* Closes 18 July 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.

NEWS RELEASES

SFHA calls for housing to be priority ahead of Programme for Government (SFHA 30/04/2025)

SCVO response to 2025/2026 Programme for Government (SCVO 06/05/2025)

Europa Nostra wins the prestigious Empress Theophano Prize 2025 ( Europa Nostra 06/05/2025)

PUBLICATIONS

Learning Estate Investment Programme Shared Learning Event: energy reporting and monitoring (Architecture and Design Scotland 11/03/2025)

Indicators of house building, UK: permanent dwellings started and completed by country (ONS 25/04/2025)

Progress in climate change adaptation: 2025 report (Climate Change Committee 30/04/2025)

Scottish Tourism Alliance: Visitor Levy Implementation Review Paper (STA 30/04/2025)

Place skills for plan-making (Architecture and Design Scotland 2025)

Design elements for school grounds: ideas to inspire (Architecture and Design Scotland 2025)

SCOTTISH & UK: GOVERNMENTAL & PARLIAMENTARY PUBLICATIONS

Housing (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2 consideration delayed (Scot Parl 22/04/2025)

Planning and Infrastructure Bill: Programming subcommittee meeting (UK Parl 23/04/2025)

Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee: Land Value Capture evidence session (UK Parl 23/04/2025)

Housing (Scotland) Bill: Consultation paper on rent control exemptions and joint tenancies (Scot Gov 23/04/2025)

The benefits of pre-application discussions and processing agreements (Scot Gov 24/04/2025)

Scottish Government publishes Equality Outcomes update (Scot Gov 24/04/2025)

Community Rights to Buy Land guidance (Scot Gov 24/04/2025)

Building Control: The UK Government announces appointment of Independent Panel members (UK Gov 25/04/2025)

Social Justice and Social Security Committee: Housing (Scotland) Bill Stage 2 consideration (Scot Parl 25/04/2025)

Scottish Budget 2025 to 2026: Your Scotland, Your Finances – a guide (Scot Gov 25/04/2025)

Economy and Fair Work Committee: Skills Delivery – Clerk’s Note (Scot Parl 25/04/2025)

Rural Affairs and Islands Committee: Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill update (Scot Parl 25/04/2025)

Planning and Infrastructure Bill: Amendments to reduce pre-consultation period (UK Gov 25/04/2025)

Planning and Infrastructure Bill: Evidence session on infrastructure planning (UK Parl 25/04/2025)

Planning and Infrastructure Bill: Additional evidence session with planning organisations, local government and housing representatives (UK Parl 25/04/2025)

Planning: Proportionality of Assessments Short Life Working Group minutes: March 2025 (Scot Gov 25/04/2025)

Affordable Housing Supply Programme briefing (SPICe 28/04/2025)

Built Environment Committee: New Towns – Practical Delivery evidence session (UK Parl 29/04/2025)

Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee: Planning and Infrastructure Bill evidence sessions (UK Parl 29/04/2025)

Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee: Council Tax revaluation recommendations (Scot Parl 29/04/2025)

Planning permission appeals: housing development statistics (Scot Gov 29/04/2025)

Wind turbine appeal decisions: statistics (Scot Gov 29/04/2025)

Community Wealth Building (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1 timetable (Scot Parl 30/04/2025)

Planning – 2025 progress update: Ministerial and Chief Planner letter (Scot Gov 30/04/2025)

Rural Affairs and Islands Committee: Stage 1 evidence on Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 30/04/2025)

Warm Homes Plan: new heating technology options (UK Gov 30/04/2025)

Westminster Hall debate: Parthenon marbles and the British Museum Act 1963 (UK Parl 30/04/2025)

Scottish Government publishes evidence review on cruise ship levies (Scot Gov 01/05/2025)

Place Directors: factsheet (Scot Gov 02/05/2025)

Housing (Scotland) Bill: Marshalled list of amendments (Scot Parl 05/05/2025)

Community Wealth Building (Scotland) Bill: super-majority clarification (Scot Parl 06/05/2025)

Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee: Housing (Scotland) Bill Stage 2 consideration (Scot Parl 06/05/2025)

Just Transition Fund: application form and guidance (Scot Gov 06/05/2025)

OPINION & COMMENT

‘It’s very hands-on’: Commonhold flats offer alternative to leasehold system (The Guardian 23/04/2025)

New proposal could see tenants allowed to withhold rent if major repairs to the property are not carried out (The Herald 29/04/2025)

Can this built heritage war room save a crumbling Glasgow? (The Herald 01/05/2025)

‘Tenement timebomb’ warning amid fears of forced evacuations costing Glasgow £10bn (Daily Record 03/05/2025)

Galloway National Park: renewables report warns of economic impact (The Sunday Times 04/05/2025)

Programme for Government: Five things we can expect in John Swinney’s strategy (The Scotsman 04/05/2025)

Scottish housing charities urge Swinney to commit to homebuilding pledge (The Herald 06/05/2025)

MOTIONS

S6M-17216
Submitted by: Liam Kerr, North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party.
Date lodged: 24/04/2025
That the Parliament acknowledges the reported presence of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in council and former council housing in Aberdeen’s Balnagask, Dundee, Monifieth and throughout Scotland; understands that, in Torry, around 150 of these properties are privately owned; expresses concern that the buy-back offers proposed by councils may value these properties at less than they were bought for; notes reports that the Scottish Government does not believe that it has a liability to compensate or financially assist affected homeowners; regrets what it sees as the attempt by the Scottish Government to divert responsibility, by reportedly trying to pin responsibility on the UK Government for this devolved matter; further regrets reports of the reluctance of the Minister for Housing to meet the Torry RAAC campaign group and that he has not met with other campaign groups, including those in Dundee, and notes calls on MSPs to utilise all available powers to explore solutions for affected homeowners, including initiating an urgent committee inquiry.

S6M-17305
Submitted by: Alexander Stewart, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party.
Date lodged: 28/04/2025
That the Parliament welcomes Forth Valley College receiving £259,000 from the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board to attract future engineers; notes the college will purchase augmented reality welding simulators, run training courses, support outreach activities, and cover staffing costs including a project manager; acknowledges the focus on delivering STEM workshops for women to address gender imbalances in welding careers; and commends Forth Valley College and the ECITB on their innovative efforts to engage young people in engineering and construction.

EVENTS

VACANCIES

Fife Historic Buildings Trust – Administrator
Salary: £23,600 p.a. – pro rata 0.6
Status: Fixed term, part-time
Location: Kinghorn, Fife
Fife Historic Buildings Trust’s (FHBT) mission is to create viable futures for heritage buildings and their communities by inspiring and enabling visionary conservation projects across Fife.
Their work is expanding, and this is a great opportunity to bring your skills and experience to FHBT. They are looking for a friendly and organised individual to provide administrative support to staff, and assist with all aspects of administration. This post has been made possible thanks to the Architectural Heritage Fund’s Heritage Development Trust programme and National Lottery players. More info and application details can be found here.
Closing date: Tuesday 13 May 2025

Govanhill Baths – Board Members
Govanhill Baths is at a crucial stage in its journey toward reopening, and they are looking for dedicated individuals to join their Boards and help bring this vision to life.
They are seeking individuals with expertise in:
– Facilities operations
– Health and safety
– Human resources
– Fundraising and capital fundraising
– Marketing
– Building conservation
– Project management
How to Apply
Download Application Form or to find out more, come along to: The Board Recruitment Information session: Tuesday 13 May; 6-8pm at The Deep End, 21 Nithsdale Street, Glasgow G41 2PZ. If you are interested in attending this event, please email volunteer@govanhillbaths.com
Closing date: 9am on Monday 19 May 2025

Stirling City Heritage Trust – Manager
Salary: £45-50,000 depending on experience
Status: Full time. The Trust will be applying for HES funding which will extend to March 2031
Location: Cameron House, Forthside Way, Stirling FK8 1QZ
This is a great opportunity to lead one of Scotland’s key heritage organisations.
As Trust Manager you would:
– Be responsible for all the operational activities of SCHT and act as the pivotal link between SCHT staff, its Board, its funders and key external stakeholder groups.
– Provide strong, decisive, clear and consistent leadership of SCHT.
– Manage the budgets, funding reporting and staff.
– Ensure effective delivery of all SCHT projects.
This role is suitable for an individual with:
– Degree or Postgraduate qualification in Architecture, Building Conservation, Planning, Building Surveying or other relevant discipline.
– Experience of organisational leadership, staff management and leading a team.
– Technical expertise in building conservation; knowledge and practical experience of traditional building materials, techniques and projects.
– Sound financial management experience and excellent numerical skills.
– A passion for Scotland’s traditional buildings and an enthusiastic approach to feed into the development of the service.
For an informal conversation about the role, please email Lindsay Lennie.
Closing Date: 12pm on Monday 19 May 2025

Fife Historic Buildings Trust – Dunfermline City Project Officer
Salary: £32,000 p.a.
Status: Fixed term, full time
Location: Kinghorn & Dunfermline, Fife
Fife Historic Buildings Trust (FHBT) is a charitable building preservation trust, who have helped deliver over £50m in historic environment regeneration projects – supporting town centres, businesses, tourism and local communities. Their mission is to create viable futures for heritage buildings and their communities by inspiring and enabling visionary conservation projects across Fife. They are looking for an enthusiastic and organised individual with good heritage, project management and people skills to develop a pipeline of FHBT projects in Dunfermline and deliver their participation in the Architectural Heritage Fund’s Heritage Development Trust programme. This post has been made possible thanks to the Architectural Heritage Fund’s Heritage Development Trust programme and National Lottery players. More info and application details can be found here.
Closing date: Tuesday 20 May 2025

Fife Historic Buildings Trust – Finance Officer
Salary: £32,000 p.a.
Status: Permanent, full time or job share
Location: Kinghorn, Fife
Fife Historic Buildings Trust (FHBT) is a charitable building preservation trust who have helped deliver over £50m in historic environment regeneration projects – supporting town centres, businesses, tourism and local communities. Their mission is to create viable futures for heritage buildings and their communities by inspiring and enabling visionary conservation projects across Fife. They are looking for an experienced finance officer to control FHBT’s finance systems, including coordinating annual budget setting and annual accounts. More info and application details can be found here.
Closing date: Tuesday 20 May 2025

BEFS NEWS

BEFS is delighted to be one of seven projects to receive funding through Historic Environment Scotland’s (HES) Partnership Fund. The award will support BEFS in its core activity and work over the next three years, encouraging cross-sectoral and interdisciplinary collaboration to benefit the resilience of Scotland’s historic and existing built environment, and in delivering Our Past, Our Future, Scotland’s strategy for the Historic Environment. With continued HES support BEFS looks forward to working with Members, stakeholders and partners – towards a resilient and sustainable sector and sustainable places for the future!

The Partnership Fund was created in 2021 to help Scotland’s third sector promote, celebrate, and enhance the country’s rich and diverse heritage. Amongst other recipients were BEFS Members Architectural Heritage Fund, Archaeology Scotland, Scottish Civic Trust, Historic Churches Scotland and BEFS associate War Memorials Trust. Learn more here.

This month Historic Environment Scotland published their new 3 year operating plan, setting out the detail of delivering their corporate plan, Heritage For All. Key focuses include opportunities to further harness the contribution of Scotland’s historic environment and for further investment in the wider heritage sector, which generates an estimated £6bn for the Scottish economy. Read the full operating plan on Historic Environment Scotland’s website.

In planning news, the National Planning Improvement team has published a further five case studies generated through the National Planning Improvement Framework process. These studies aim to showcase good practice that others can learn from:

• Children and Young People Engagement by East Lothian Council
• Local Development Plan Early Engagement by Renfrewshire Council
• Conservation and Adaptation by City of Edinburgh Council
• Planning Application Timeline Tool by Fife Council
• Recruiting and Retaining Staff by North Lanarkshire Council

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Please see our Link to Parliamentary Questions and Answers for recent questions regarding housing, heritage, culture and museums.

CONSULTATIONS

Glasgow Visitor Levy Scheme
Glasgow City Council
The Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act 2024 gives local authorities in Scotland the power to introduce a levy that is charged on the purchase of overnight accommodation at a percentage rate. A local authority can determine a number of elements of the Visitor Levy Scheme, including percentage rate set, geographical area where it applies and local exemptions for paying the levy. After initial discussions with a number of key business sectors across Glasgow, the Council would like to gather the views and opinions of all stakeholders, residents and visitors on the proposal which has been developed. To find out more about Glasgow’s proposed Visitor Levy Scheme, please visit their website here.
*NEW* Closes 2 May 2025

Cost-effectiveness of Scottish Public Inquiries
Scottish Parliament
The Finance and Public Administration Committee has launched a consultation on the cost-effectiveness of public inquiries in Scotland, aiming to enhance understanding of how inquiries are established, managed, and how they deliver value for money. The inquiry will explore the purpose and framework for establishing public inquiries, assess their transparency and cost control mechanisms, and consider alternative models and examples of good practice.
Closes 9 May 2025

New Towns Inquiry
UK Parliament
The House of Lords Built Environment Committee has launched a modular inquiry into new towns and expanded settlements. Over a series of short, targeted modules, the Committee aims to discover whether new towns and expanded settlements are an effective means of delivering housing and, if so, how to ensure they are successful. They are now inviting interested individuals and organisations to submit written evidence for our first module, Practical Delivery. The Committee intends to take oral evidence between April and July 2025 and will publish its report on this module later in the year.
Closes 12 May 2025

Planning and Infrastructure Bill: call for evidence
UK Parliament
Do you have relevant expertise and experience or a special interest in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill which is currently passing through Parliament? If so, you can submit your views in writing to the House of Commons Public Bill Committee. The Bill would make changes to the law around planning and infrastructure to support ambitions in the government’s Plan for Change. These ambitions include delivering 1.5 million homes and deciding 150 nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIPs) before the end of the 2024 parliament. The bill would extend to England and Wales, with some provisions for infrastructure also extending to Scotland.
*NEW* Closes 22 May 2025

Climate Change Duties – Draft Statutory Guidance For Public Bodies: consultation
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government is gathering views to help inform new Statutory Guidance for public bodies, to support them in putting the climate change duties into practice. The Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 (‘the 2009 Act’) places duties on relevant public bodies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contribute to delivery of the Scottish National Adaptation Plan, and to act in the most sustainable way. These duties are known as the climate change duties, or the public bodies climate change duties. Under the 2009 Act, Scottish Ministers are required to provide public bodies with guidance, to support them in putting their climate change duties into practice. Statutory guidance was originally published in 2011 and now requires to be updated. This consultation seeks your views on new draft Statutory Guidance which has been developed for this purpose, and which will replace the 2011 guidance. The consultation paper contains a full draft of the proposed Statutory Guidance. The questions in this consultation are intended to gather your feedback on the content of the guidance. Please read or refer to the guidance while responding.
Closes 23 May 2025

Community Wealth Building (Scotland) Bill
Scottish Parliament
The Economy and Fair Work Committee wants to hear your views on the?Community Wealth Building (Scotland) Bill. This Bill was introduced by the Scottish Government on Wednesday 20 March 2025. The Scottish Government says the purpose of this Bill is to ensure that CWB is implemented consistently across Scotland as an economic development tool. The Bill proposes to do three things: It would place a duty on the Scottish Ministers to publish a CWB statement which sets out the measures they will take to facilitate CWB. It would require local authorities and ‘relevant public bodies’ to publish and implement a CWB plan for their area. It would require ‘specified public bodies’ to have due regard to CWB guidance when developing their corporate plans and associated delivery strategies. The Scottish Government would like to hear views as to whether the Bill might achieve its aims, on the public bodies proposed, potential unintended consequences, and about benefits to local communities.
Closes 23 May 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. Each participation will be instrumental in shaping the future of digital cultural heritage.
*NEW* Closes end of June 2025

CONSULTATION RESPONSES

Community Benefits from Net Zero Energy Developments
In participating in a Scottish Government consultation on the provision of community benefit schemes from onshore and offshore renewables, BEFS drew attention to the rich potential of utilising more resources from a massive and growing industry towards the protection and enhancement of the built and historic environment. BEFS argued that existing Good Practice Principles could be extended to a wider range of renewable technologies, and said regional approaches could be adopted to enable more places to benefit from access to funding. (BEFS 11/04/25)

PETITIONS

The No Galloway National Park Campaign has submitted a response to PE2089: Stop More National Parks in Scotland (Scot Parl 12/03/2025)

The Law Society of Scotland has submitted a response to PE2006: Review and simplify the legislation in relation to dismissal of property factors (Scot Parl 08/04/2025)

NEWS RELEASES

The Quality Scheme for Scottish Attractions, Activities, and Experiences (ASVA 27/03/2025)

New book explores the history of Art Deco design in Scotland (HES 10/04/2025)

Nominations open for 2025 RIAS Elections (RIAS 10/04/2025)

£3.9 million to third-sector organisations (HES 11/04/2025)

John Swinney to launch Programme for Government early (Holyrood 14/04/2025)

AHF Scotland grant programmes have re-opened with additional funding of from HES’s Partnership Fund (AHF 14/04/2025)

PUBLICATIONS

The Risk List 2025: highlighting outstanding 20th and 21st century buildings across the country that are at risk from demolition, dereliction or neglect (C20 09/04/2025)

Circularity: a material development in economic innovation (Zero Waste Scotland and EDAS 10/04/2025)

The UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard Pilot (Net Zero Carbon Buildings 11/04/2025)

Living with Rain – Planning for Everyday Life in Glasgow (RTPI and University of Glasgow 07/04/2025)

SCOTTISH & UK: GOVERNMENTAL & PARLIAMENTARY PUBLICATIONS

Net zero and the UK’s historic building stock (UK Parl 12/02/2025)

Vacant shops to be filled as high streets revitalised (UK Gov 06/03/2025)

Correspondence between Edward Mountain and the Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy concerning the Climate Change Plan (Scot Parl 04/04/2025)

UK Shared Prosperity Fund: grant determinations 2025 to 2026 (UK Gov 08/04/2025)

European structural funding in Scotland-—what’s the latest? (SPICe 08/04/2025)

Single Building Assessment programme: spending information (Scot Gov 09/04/2025)

Place Directors: factsheet (Scot Gov 10/04/2025)

Scottish Housing Market Review: Q1 2025 (Scot Gov 11/04/2025)

Architecture: Professions (UK Gov 11/04/2025)

Communities to nominate UK traditions for new inventory (UK Gov 12/04/2025)

Delivering 1.5m new homes and investing in public infrastructure – Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee publishes written evidence for land value capture inquiry (UK Parl 14/04/2025)

Climate change and the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee – Arts and Culture (SPICe 14/04/2025)

Wind turbine appeal decisions: statistics (Scot Gov 15/04/2025)

The Housing (Scotland) Bill – daily list of amendments (Scot Parl 15/04/2025)

Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records (UK Gov 19/04/2025)

Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee 11th meeting  – Building safety and maintenance, Cladding remediation programme, Housing inquiry, National Planning Framework 4 annual review – clerk’s note (Scot Parl 22/04/2025)

OPINION & COMMENT

Arts funding: Why now is the time for philanthropy (Arts Professional 11/03/2025)

How £1 billion of National Lottery cash has enriched Scotland’s heritage (The Scotsman 08/04/2025)

Planning system over-stretched and under-resourced, says Labour (STV News 09/04/2025)

Revised clean heating plan still ‘undeliverable’, warns plumbing federation (Daily Record 09/04/2025)

Families ‘spending less’ during arts and heritage visits (Arts Professional 09/04/2025)

Swinney to announce government policy plans early (The BBC 14/04/2025)

Swinney: Recession ‘risk’ for Scotland over Trump tariffs (The Herald 14/04/2025)

Threats to nature in Labour’s planning bill (The Guardian 15/04/2025)

Tax breaks, mergers and overseas opportunities: New thinking on arts funding (Arts Professional 15/04/2025)

Ditch ‘dishonest’ just transition and back nuclear energy, Findlay tells Swinney (The Scotsman 17/04/2025)

MOTIONS

S6M-17201
Submitted by: Annie Wells, Glasgow, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party.
Date lodged: 16/04/2025
That the Parliament congratulates all those involved in the successful £1.5 million refurbishment of the Eglinton Street and Salkeld Street rail bridges in Glasgow, led by Network Rail; acknowledges the extensive work undertaken, including the removal and replacement of deteriorating rivets, essential steelwork repairs, and ballast retention measures, which has transformed these 140-year-old structures from deteriorating to dependable; recognises what it sees as the vital importance of preserving historic infrastructure for its heritage value, environmental benefits and cost-effectiveness compared with new construction; believes that the refurbishment, carried out by Network Rail in partnership with principal contractor Story, has significantly enhanced the appearance of these key rail links, while extending their lifespan by at least 20 years, thereby contributing to the reliability of the West Coast Main Line and other major routes in and out of Glasgow, and understands that this project forms an important part of a broader £2 billion bridge modernisation programme designed to improve the resilience, performance and safety of Scotland’s railway network for many years to come.

EVENTS

SPAB – Maintaining Scottish Churches – Pettinain (Lanark)
Date & Time: Monday 28 April 2025; 10am-4pm
Location: Pettinain Village Hall, Village Square, Lanark ML11 8SS
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. This free introductory one-day course will explore 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. Armed with a new understanding of how traditional buildings were constructed, how they work, and how they decay, you’ll leave with the skills and confidence you need to spot and tackle common problems that put your old building at risk.

HES/Engine Shed – Researching Scotland’s Buildings
Date & Time: Thursday 8 May 2025; 9:30am-4pm
Location: The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling FK8 1QZ
A key need when approaching a repair or conservation project is to understand the cultural significance of the building or site. To be able to do this you must be aware of its history and historical associations. The first talks will introduce you to methods for dating and understanding the development of Scotland’s traditional architecture. The morning will conclude with a talk on the ways Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is revolutionising architectural research in Scotland. A networking lunch will provide the opportunity to continue discussions and explore the Engine Shed. You will then be invited to view a display of rare archive material including cast iron foundry catalogues, builders’ treatises, construction textbooks, architectural guides and other unusual items from the HES Archive, the Engine Shed library and the speakers’ personal collections.

Archaeology Scotland – 2025 Summer School
Dates & Times: Tuesday 20-Friday 23 May 2025
Location: Easter Ross & the Black Isle (based in Strathpeffer)
This year’s Archaeology Scotland Summer School will be based in the Ben Wyvis Hotel in Strathpeffer from where members and friends will explore the archaeology of the Black Isle and the glens of Easter Ross. The aim of the first day will be to look at sites and places that reveal what was happening in the Black Isle from about AD 900 to AD 1300. The second day goes back in time first to the advanced architecture of the Neolithic peoples and then forwards into the Iron Age, with hints of what is to come. See here for booking info and more information.

HES/Engine Shed – Documenting Scotland’s Historic Environment
Date & Time: Thursday 22 May 2025; 9:30am-4pm
Location: The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling FK8 1QZ
The recording of buildings is an essential component of heritage management. The primary purpose of this is to establish an accurate record, typically in 3D, of a building as the starting point for key decisions around repair and maintenance. The morning talks will introduce a range of 3D recording techniques, including survey methods and the latest innovations in digital documentation such as laser scanning and photogrammetry. They will also explore the benefits of different techniques and the types of outputs these forms of 3D data capture produce, which can be used for conservation and maintenance projects. A networking lunch will provide the opportunity to continue discussions and explore the Engine Shed. You will then be invited to a hands-on demonstration of photogrammetry techniques for recording buildings. This will take place either inside or outside the Engine Shed, depending on weather.

SPAB – Maintaining Scottish Churches
Dates & Times: Wednesday 28 May 2025; 9:30am-3:45pm
Location: Lochgilphead Parish Church , Oban Road , PA31 8NE Lochgilphead
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, find out how historic faith building works and the practical steps you can take to look after it.

HES/Engine Shed – Level 3 Qualification in Energy Efficiency Measures in Older and Traditional Buildings
Dates & Times:  Wednesday 28 / Thursday 29 May; Wednesday 10 / Thursday 11 September
Location: The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling FK8 1QZ
This 2-day course is accredited by the National Open College Network (NOCN) and delivered by experts leading the way in energy efficiency for traditional and older buildings. The programme includes three modules: recognise the age, nature, and characteristics of older and traditional buildings; evaluate the appropriate options for introducing energy efficiency measures to older and traditional buildings; make recommendations and give advice on introducing energy efficiency measures to older and traditional buildings. The cost is £495 for the two days.

HES/Engine Shed – Introduction to Building Conservation Week
Dates and Times:  Monday 2-Friday 6 June 2025
Location: The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling FK8 1QZ
This 5-day intensive course will be delivered by Historic Environment Scotland conservation professionals at the Engine Shed in Stirling. Through a series of lectures, activities and site visits, this series of informative and enjoyable days will explore the traditional building skills and materials used in conservation and repair projects throughout the Scottish built environment.
The cost is £495 for the full week or £110 per day.

VACANCIES

Edinburgh World Heritage – Director
Salary: £60,000
Status: Full time, permanent. Flexible, hybrid working with a minimum of 2 days per week in the office
Location: Edinburgh
Edinburgh World Heritage are seeking an inspiring and strategic leader to serve as Director. This is a unique opportunity to lead a globally respected organisation dedicated to preserving and enhancing the city’s World Heritage Site while promoting its positive role in a dynamic, living city. Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the Director will be responsible for providing visionary leadership, fostering a collaborative and inclusive organisational culture, ensuring financial sustainability, effective governance and the successful delivery of strategic objectives. They will serve as the primary spokesperson for the World Heritage Site, building strong relationships with key stakeholders. The successful candidate will bring experience in the culture or heritage sectors, strong communication and interpersonal skills, financial and fundraising knowledge, and a passion for Edinburgh’s historic environment. This role presents a chance to make a lasting impact on one of the world’s most celebrated World Heritage Sites.
If you would like to apply to this role, please submit:
– A CV outlining your employment history, academic and professional qualifications
– A cover letter explaining why you are interested in the role and how you meet the requirements of the job description and person specification (no more than two A4 pages)
Applications to be sent by email to comms@ewht.org.uk with the subject line “Director Recruitment 2025”
Closing date: 12pm on Monday 28 April 2025

Stirling City Heritage Trust – Traditional Buildings Inspector/Trainee Inspector
Salary: £28-30,000 for Traditional Buildings Inspector or £26-28,000 for Trainee Inspector (salary and appointment level depending on experience)
Status: Full time
Location: Cameron House, Forthside Way, Stirling FK8 1QZ
The Traditional Buildings Health Check is a proactive building maintenance service operated by Stirling City Heritage Trust (SCHT), providing advice and inspection services to traditional property owners in Stirling.  SCHT are looking to recruit, depending on experience, either a Trainee Inspector or someone with more experience for the TBHC Inspector role. Both are early career roles and will provide extensive support and training. It would suit a person with either a degree in a property related course such as surveying or architecture, or a trades/craftsperson.
As Traditional Buildings Inspector/ Trainee Inspector you would:
– Carry out detailed fabric inspections on traditional buildings in Stirling.
– Use Small Unmanned Aircraft (drone) to aid inspections (training provided if needed)
– Identify, assess and prioritise building defects and repair requirements and present findings in a detailed report.
– Communicate defects and recommendations identified in the report in an online or in person follow up meeting, answering member questions and explaining next steps.
This role is suitable for an individual with:
– Qualification to degree level in a related subject such as surveying, architecture or heritage related; or
– Craft/construction experience of working on typical traditional Scottish buildings with minimum SVQ level 3 qualification (or equivalent) in roofing, stonemasonry or similar traditional building skill; and
– Excellent communication and ICT skills and a flexible approach to the role.
– The ability to self-manage a busy workload and strong organisational skills.
– A passion for Scotland’s traditional buildings and an enthusiastic approach to feed into the development of the service.
If you would like an informal chat about the job, please email Lindsay Lennie to arrange a mutually convenient time.
Closing Date: 12pm on Friday 2 May 2025

Fife Historic Buildings Trust – Administrator
Salary: £23,600 p.a. – pro rata 0.6
Status: Fixed term, part-time
Location: Kinghorn, Fife
Fife Historic Buildings Trust’s (FHBT) mission is to create viable futures for heritage buildings and their communities by inspiring and enabling visionary conservation projects across Fife. Their work is expanding, and this is a great opportunity to bring your skills and experience to FHBT. They are looking for a friendly and organised individual to provide administrative support to staff, and assist with all aspects of administration. This post has been made possible thanks to the Architectural Heritage Fund’s Heritage Development Trust programme and National Lottery players. More info and application details can be found here.
Closing date: Tuesday 13 May 2025

Stirling City Heritage Trust – Manager
Salary: £45-50,000 depending on experience
Status: Full time. The Trust will be applying for HES funding which will extend to March 2031
Location: Cameron House, Forthside Way, Stirling FK8 1QZ
This is a great opportunity to lead one of Scotland’s key heritage organisations. This post is being advertised as the current Trust Manager is retiring in late summer/early autumn 2025. It is anticipated that there will be some overlap to enable the new manager to have a handover period to support the transition into the role. The possible start date for the successful applicant is flexible but likely to be August or September 2025.
As Trust Manager you would:
– Be responsible for all the operational activities of SCHT and act as the pivotal link between SCHT staff, its Board, its funders and key external stakeholder groups.
– Provide strong, decisive, clear and consistent leadership of SCHT.
– Manage the budgets, funding reporting and staff.
– Ensure effective delivery of all SCHT projects.
This role is suitable for an individual with:
– Degree or Postgraduate qualification in Architecture, Building – Conservation, Planning, Building Surveying or other relevant discipline.
– Experience of organisational leadership, staff management and leading a team.
– Technical expertise in building conservation; knowledge and practical experience of traditional building materials, techniques and projects.
– Sound financial management experience and excellent numerical skills.
– A passion for Scotland’s traditional buildings and an enthusiastic approach to feed into the development of the service.
If you would like an informal chat about the job, please email Lindsay Lennie to arrange a mutually convenient time.
Closing Date: 12pm on Monday 19 May 2025

Fife Historic Buildings Trust – Dunfermline City Project Officer
Salary: £32,000 p.a.
Status: Fixed term, full time
Location: Kinghorn & Dunfermline, Fife
Fife Historic Buildings Trust (FHBT) is a charitable building preservation trust, who have helped deliver over £50m in historic environment regeneration projects – supporting town centres, businesses, tourism and local communities. Their mission is to create viable futures for heritage buildings and their communities by inspiring and enabling visionary conservation projects across Fife. They are looking for an enthusiastic and organised individual with good heritage, project management and people skills to develop a pipeline of FHBT projects in Dunfermline and deliver their participation in the Architectural Heritage Fund’s Heritage Development Trust programme. This post has been made possible thanks to the Architectural Heritage Fund’s Heritage Development Trust programme and National Lottery players. More info and application details can be found here.
Closing date: Tuesday 20 May 2025

Fife Historic Buildings Trust – Finance Officer
Salary: £32,000 p.a.
Status: Permanent, full time or job share
Location: Kinghorn, Fife
Fife Historic Buildings Trust (FHBT) is a charitable building preservation trust who have helped deliver over £50m in historic environment regeneration projects – supporting town centres, businesses, tourism and local communities. Their mission is to create viable futures for heritage buildings and their communities by inspiring and enabling visionary conservation projects across Fife. They are looking for an experienced finance officer to control FHBT’s finance systems, including coordinating annual budget setting and annual accounts. More info and application details can be found here.
Closing date: Tuesday 20 May 2025

BEFS NEWS

We start this edition of BEFS Bulletin noting with sadness the passing of Christina McKelvie MSP on the 25^th of March. In 2023 during Ms McKelvie’s time as Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development she presented Our Past, Our Future, the strategy for Scotland’s historic environment, and championed the role of the historic environment in creating resilient, inclusive and sustainable spaces. BEFS extends thoughts and condolences to Ms McKelvie’s friends, family and colleagues during this time.

In the second of our Joining the Dots series, Jocelyne Fleming (CIOB) responds with a galvanising exploration of the need for holistic policymaking to successfully address Scotland’s housing crisis, deliver net zero, and achieve a Just Transition. The blog examines the importance of neighbourhood-scale retrofit delivery, the role of long-term workforce planning, and the necessity of cross-portfolio policymaking.

A new bursary to support the future planning pipeline in Scotland has opened. £5000 bursaries are available to 30 students through the Future Planners Bursary. The bursary aims to attract diverse talent from a variety of planning-related disciplines and underrepresented backgrounds and increase the number of future planners in Scotland.

A major funding announcement for traditional skills in Scotland! The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded £3.7 million to establish a new Centre of Excellence for Canals & Traditional Skills at Lock 16 in Falkirk. Delivered in partnership between Scottish Canals and Historic Environment Scotland, the project will support heritage skills training, apprenticeships, and sector resilience through a national hub combining accredited programmes, community outreach, and sector-wide collaboration. Learn more here.

More on skills – last week, BEFS Director and Head of Policy & Strategy visited BEFS Members The Ridge Foundations in Dunbar, where they met with Managing Director Katie Wood to hear about the organisation’s multi-faceted work, including employability support, heritage construction, and plans for a traditional skills training centre.

It has been a busy few weeks for BEFS team! In March BEFS Communications Lead Malini Chakrabarty attended the Scottish Heritage Social Media Group event, sharing practical insights on using social media for advocacy across heritage and the other policy areas. The session offered strategies for creating effective content in an evolving digital landscape, highlighting the importance of understanding audiences, and connecting policy to real-world impact. Read the full blog post here.

Last week Sarah Boyack MSP introduced the Wellbeing and Sustainable Development (Scotland) Bill. The Member’s Bill sets out the need for public bodies to promote wellbeing and sustainable development in their work, as well as presenting definitions of “sustainable development” and “wellbeing” for this purpose. The establishment of a Future Generations Commissioner is designed to promote wellbeing and sustainable development in decision making by all public bodies, including guidance to help public bodies understand what the bill means for them.

The Scottish Parliament has launched its first Areas of Research Interest (ARI) programme, supported by the Economic and Social Research Council. The programme aims to strengthen links between policymakers and researchers on climate-related topics. Themes such as reducing emissions through avoiding, reducing and/or reusing materials, and opportunities for interventions in other sector areas to support circular economy goals alongside emissions reductions, present interesting possibilities for cross portfolio goals.

The 18^th of April is World Heritage Day – and a moment to reflect on the value of Scotland’s six UNESCO World Heritage Sites; from Neolithic Orkney, the industrial heritage of New Lanark, to the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh. These internationally recognised places of cultural and natural significance connect local communities to global stories of innovation, identity, and resilience. With World Creativity and Innovation Day on the 21^st of this month also approaching, BEFS celebrates the vital role of heritage-led creativity — from community engagement to traditional and new conservation techniques — in sustaining our historic environment for future generations.

And finally, BEFS Member Edinburgh World Heritage are seeking an inspiring and strategic leader to serve as Director. This is a unique opportunity to lead an organisation dedicated to preserving and enhancing the city’s World Heritage Site, while promoting its positive role in a dynamic, living city.

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Please see our Link to Parliamentary Questions and Answers for recent questions regarding Green Jobs, Traditionally Built Homes, Renewable Energy, and Apprenticeships.

CONSULTATIONS

Community Benefits from Net Zero Energy Developments
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government is consulting on community benefits schemes operated by renewable energy developers. The outcomes will inform a set of good practice principles for both onshore and offshore renewables (a 2015 iteration covered offshore wind only), and seek to improve consistency of approaches, and enhanced contributions to the just transition to net zero policy agenda.
Closes 11 April 2025

Cost-effectiveness of Scottish Public Inquiries
Scottish Parliament
The Finance and Public Administration Committee has launched a consultation on the cost-effectiveness of public inquiries in Scotland, aiming to enhance understanding of how inquiries are established, managed, and how they deliver value for money. The inquiry will explore the purpose and framework for establishing public inquiries, assess their transparency and cost control mechanisms, and consider alternative models and examples of good practice.
*NEW* Closes 9 May 2025

New Towns Inquiry
UK Parliament
The House of Lords Built Environment Committee has today launched a modular inquiry into new towns and expanded settlements. Over a series of short, targeted modules, the Committee aims to discover whether new towns and expanded settlements are an effective means of delivering housing and, if so, how to ensure they are successful. They are now inviting interested individuals and organisations to submit written evidence for our first module, Practical Delivery. The Committee intends to take oral evidence between April and July 2025 and will publish its report on this module later in the year.
*NEW* Closes 12 May 2025

Climate change duties – draft statutory guidance for public bodies: consultation
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government is gathering views to help inform new Statutory Guidance for public bodies, to support them in putting the climate change duties into practice. The Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 (‘the 2009 Act’) places duties on relevant public bodies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contribute to delivery of the Scottish National Adaptation Plan, and to act in the most sustainable way. These duties are known as the climate change duties, or the public bodies climate change duties. Under the 2009 Act, Scottish Ministers are required to provide public bodies with guidance, to support them in putting their climate change duties into practice. Statutory guidance was originally published in 2011 and now requires to be updated. This consultation seeks your views on new draft Statutory Guidance which has been developed for this purpose, and which will replace the 2011 guidance. The consultation paper contains a full draft of the proposed Statutory Guidance. The questions in this consultation are intended to gather your feedback on the content of the guidance. Please read or refer to the guidance while responding.
Closes 23 May 2025

Community Wealth Building (Scotland) Bill
Scottish Parliament
The Economy and Fair Work Committee wants to hear your views on the Community Wealth Building (Scotland) Bill. This Bill was introduced by the Scottish Government on Wednesday 20 March 2025. The Scottish Government says the purpose of this Bill is to ensure that CWB is implemented consistently across Scotland as an economic development tool. The Bill proposes to do three things: It would place a duty on the Scottish Ministers to publish a CWB statement which sets out the measures they will take to facilitate CWB. It would require local authorities and ‘relevant public bodies’ to publish and implement a CWB plan for their area. It would require ‘specified public bodies’ to have due regard to CWB guidance when developing their corporate plans and associated delivery strategies. The Scottish Government would like to hear views as to whether the Bill might achieve its aims, on the public bodies proposed, potential unintended consequences, and about benefits to local communities.
*NEW* Closes 23 May 2025

Building Standards Certification Customer Survey
Scottish Government
2025 marks 20 years of certification in Scotland. As part of the Futures Board Programme Building Standards Division are carrying out a survey of customers using certification to understand how the system is working. They are also looking for suggestions on how the system can be improved to help support a strengthened building standards system.

CONSULTATION RESPONSES

Industrial Transition for Scotland
In a submission for the UK Parliament’s Scottish Affairs Committee inquiry, BEFS argued that there is great potential for adaptation and reuse within Scotland’s rich industrial heritage. BEFS also highlighted the need to better align a new industrial transition to net zero goals, to invest in data and skills, and to work more effectively with local communities on place-based approaches. (BEFS 27/03/25)

Energy Performance Certificate Register Fees
This technical Scottish Government consultation invited views on proposed lodgement fees and amended penalty charges in the new regulatory system for Energy Performance Certificates. BEFS supported the introduction of audit, inspection and review processes to examine the impact of any changes and drew attention to BEFS Member concerns about any financial measures that could potentially disincentivise appropriate climate adaptations. (BEFS 28/03/25)

NEWS RELEASES

Doors reopening to Scotland’s Historic sites (HES 26/03/2025)

SCVO responds to UK Government Spring Statement 2025 (SCVO 26/03/2025)

Bursary opens to support the future planning pipeline in Scotland (RTPI 31/03/2025)

Ewan Fraser appointed Deputy Chair of the Scottish Housing Regulator (Scottish Housing Regulator 01/04/2025)

Funding for traditional skills in Scotland surpasses £1 billion milestone with National Lottery Heritage Fund investment (HES 03/04/2025)

Historic Environment Scotland, Historic England and Cadw publish new retrofit training handbook (HES 08/04/2025)

PUBLICATIONS

Proposal for A Scottish Community Wealth Fund (DTAS, CES, Community Land Scotland February 2025)

Factoring in Tenement Retrofit: A Toolkit (UoS and Under one Roof 03/03/2025)

Financing and funding the decarbonisation of Scotland’s social housing – summary report (Scottish Futures Trust 11/03/2025)

Circular Communities Scotland Strategy 2025-2028 (Circular Communities Scotland 17/03/2025)

The Improvement Service has launched a dashboard visualising 650,000 planning applications across Scotland since 2009 (Improvement Service 24/03/2025)

RSL empty homes data published by local authority area (Scottish Housing Regulator 01/04/2025)

How to optimise heat pump deployment and installation in Scotland: local authority perspectives (UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence 02/04/2025)

UK domestic tourism spending dropped by £3bn between 2022 and 2024 (New Economics Foundation 03/04/2025)

Halifax reports a 0.5% fall in average house prices in March, with the UK average now £296,699 and annual growth steady at 2.8% (Halifax 05/04/2025)

SCOTTISH & UK: GOVERNMENTAL & PARLIAMENTARY PUBLICATIONS

VAT and Churches (UK Parl 11/03/2025)

National Planning Skills Commitment Plan (Scot Gov 17/03/2025)

Community Wealth Building (Scotland) Bill (Scot Gov 20/03/2025)

Acting Minister for Climate Action provides update on Heat in Buildings Bill progress (Scot Parl 25/03/2025)

Cladding remediation: plan of action (Scot Gov 25/03/2025)

Community Wealth Building – Committee Planning Update (Scot Parl 25/03/2025)

Fund for unsafe cladding assessments launched (Scot Gov 25/03/2025)

Land Reform: Scottish Government responds to committee report and provides further information (Scot Parl 25/03/2025)

Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee – Official Report (Scot Parl 25/03/2025)

Scottish Government publishes response to Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 (Scot Gov 25/03/2025)

Energy Security and Net Zero Committee examines workforce planning for clean energy transition (UK Parl 26/03/2025)

Land Reform (Scotland) Bill passes Stage 1 vote (Scot Parl 26/03/2025)

OBR: planning reforms to deliver highest housebuilding levels in 40 years (HM Treasury 26/03/2025)

Circular Economy – Environment Secretary Sets Out UK Vision (UK Gov 27/03/2025)

Climate Change Act – Section 72: fifteenth annual report (Scot Gov 27/03/2025)

Climate Change Plan – Scottish Fiscal Commission Letter to Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee (Scot Parl 27/03/2025)

Energy Standards Review – February 2025 Minutes from the Passivhaus Equivalent Working Group (Scot Gov 27/03/2025)

Scottish Parliament launches Areas of Research Interest pilot (SPICe 27/03/2025)

Social Housing Net Zero Heat Fund guidance updated with new application round (Scot Gov 31/03/2025)

Building Standards Procedural Handbook – Third Edition Version 1.8 Published (Scot Gov 01/04/2025)

Planning Permission Appeals – Housing Development Statistics Updated (Scot Gov 01/04/2025)

Scottish Land Commission publishes its Programme of Work for April 2025 to September 2026 (Scot Parl 01/04/2025)

Ministerial responsibility for fire functions to move from the Home Office to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (UK Gov 01/04/2025)

Cultural Heritage: Skilled Workers (UK Parl 02/04/2025)

Spring Statement 2025 (Impact on Scotland) (Scot Parl 02/04/2025)

Decarbonising homes and buildings (Scot Gov 03/04/2025)

Green Heat Finance Taskforce publishes second report on clean heat financing (Scot Gov 03/04/2025)

Heat in Buildings Bill Debate (Scot Parl 03/04/2025)

Championing proportionality of planning assessments (Scot Gov 03/04/2025)

Revised Heat in Buildings Bill to set 2045 decarbonisation target without mandating system replacement (Scot Parl 03/04/2025)

Climate Change: Annual Report finds planning and heat policies now exceed aims of section 3F of the 2009 Act (Scot Parl 04/04/2025)

Angela Leitch appointed chair of the Independent Review of Creative Scotland (Scot Gov 04/04/2025)

Updated list confirms 356 approved housing projects across rural and island communities  (Scot Gov 04/04/2025)

Scottish Government lodges Housing Bill amendments proposing rent caps of up to 6% in designated control areas (Scot Gov 07/04/2025)

Scottish Government publishes factsheet outlining how businesses can support a fairer, greener, and more resilient Wellbeing Economy (Scot Gov 08/04/2025)

Shona Robison has been asked to contact four councils about in-house teams for RAAC and damp remediation (Scot Parl 08/04/2025)

The UK and Welsh governments have launched a joint consultation to reform environmental permitting regulations as part of the Plan for Change (UK Gov 08/04/2025)

Wind Turbine Appeal Outcomes – Latest Weekly Update (Scot Gov 08/04/2025)

OPINION & COMMENT

New report highlights affordability challenge of retrofitting homes in Scotland (Project Scotland 04/03/2025)

Historic windows offer glimpse into the future (Project Scotland 12/03/2025)

Sustainabuild sets the ‘Greenprint’ for Scotland’s future built environment workforce with new impact report (Sustainabuild 19/03/2025)

How will Trump’s policies impact funding for UK arts? (Arts Professional 24/03/2025)

Planning system must be supported to improve consistency during housing emergency (Homes for Scotland 26/03/2025)

UK Government unlikely to meet housing target (BBC 27/03/2025)

Strategic funding partnerships can help the arts address systemic challenges (Arts Professional 31/03/2025)

Survey: Public sceptical of political plans to cut energy bills (The Scotsman 31/03/2025)

‘RAAC in our roof has robbed us of our retirement’ (BBC 01/04/2025)

City of Culture runners-up report lasting cultural benefits from the bidding process (Arts Professional 02/04/2025)

SFHA warns of a £10bn funding gap for housing associations working to meet net zero targets for social housing. (Daily Record 02/04/2025)

Neglected historic buildings in English town centres to benefit from £4.85m Heritage Revival Fund (Arts Professional 03/04/2025)

Charles Rennie Mackintosh church pews sawn up and sold for £40 (Sunday Times 05/04/2025)

Patrick Harvie to step down as Scottish Greens co-leader, ahead of the party’s summer leadership elections (BBC 05/04/2025)

MOTIONS

S6M-16929
Submitted by: Shona Robison, Dundee City East, Scottish National Party.
Date lodged: 27/03/2025
That the Finance and Public Administration Committee recommends that the Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (Group Relief and Sub-sale Development Relief Modifications) (Scotland) Order 2025 [draft] be approved.

S6M-17049
Submitted by: Gordon MacDonald, Edinburgh Pentlands, Scottish National Party.
Date lodged: 02/04/2025
That the Parliament recognises reports of the continued skills gap in the construction sector, including in the Edinburgh Pentlands constituency; notes recent statistics from the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) indicating positive shifts in perceptions of the sector across the country and, it understands, that almost three quarters (74%) of young people aged between 16 and 24 in Scotland hold a positive view of construction careers and more than a third (36%) would consider working in the construction sector; further notes the belief that more must be done to increase awareness of careers in the sector to ensure that the construction industry has a steady supply of labour with the necessary skills, and welcomes industry-led initiatives that seek to increase engagement between young people and Scotland’s construction sector such as the CIOB’s Student Challenge and the Scottish Traditional Building Forum’s skills demonstration programmes.
Current status: Pending Cross-party Support for Members’ Business.

EVENTS

SPAB – An Introduction to Plain Lime Plastering
Dates and Times: Friday 25 – Saturday 26 April 2025; 9:30am-5:30pm
Location: Heritage & Rural Skills Centre, Buscot and Coleshill Estate, Swindon SN6 7PT
Join SPAB for a hands-on introduction to lime plastering – perfect for homeowners and DIYers, building custodians and specifiers. The course venue is the custom-designed plastering studio at the National Trust’s Heritage and Rural Skills Centre, where you’ll have your very own plastering bay to practice throughout the course. Tutors Sean Wheatley and Michal Wolf are Master Plasterers with decades of experience working with lime. They will be joined by Marianne Suhr, a chartered building surveyor and co-author of the SPAB’s Old House Handbook, with assistance from the Durrant & Daughter team. If you live in or care for an old house, you’ll come away with the practical skills you need to confidently tackle lime plaster repairs in your own home.

SPAB – Maintaining Scottish Churches – Pettinain (Lanark)
Date & Time: Monday 28 April 2025; 10am-4pm
Location: Pettinain Village Hall, Village Square, Lanark ML11 8SS
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. This free introductory one-day course will explore 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. Armed with a new understanding of how traditional buildings were constructed, how they work, and how they decay, you’ll leave with the skills and confidence you need to spot and tackle common problems that put your old building at risk.

HES/Engine Shed – Researching Scotland’s Buildings
Date & Time: Thursday 8 May 2025; 9:30am-4pm
Location: The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling FK8 1QZ
A key need when approaching a repair or conservation project is to understand the cultural significance of the building or site. To be able to do this you must be aware of its history and historical associations. The first talks will introduce you to methods for dating and understanding the development of Scotland’s traditional architecture. The morning will conclude with a talk on the ways Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is revolutionising architectural research in Scotland. A networking lunch will provide the opportunity to continue discussions and explore the Engine Shed. You will then be invited to view a display of rare archive material including cast iron foundry catalogues, builders’ treatises, construction textbooks, architectural guides and other unusual items from the HES Archive, the Engine Shed library and the speakers’ personal collections.

Archaeology Scotland – 2025 Summer School
Dates & Times: Tuesday 20-Friday 23 May 2025
Location: Easter Ross & the Black Isle (based in Strathpeffer)
This year’s Archaeology Scotland Summer School will be based in the Ben Wyvis Hotel in Strathpeffer from where members and friends will explore the archaeology of the Black Isle and the glens of Easter Ross. The aim of the first day will be to look at sites and places that reveal what was happening in the Black Isle from about AD 900 to AD 1300. The second day goes back in time first to the advanced architecture of the Neolithic peoples and then forwards into the Iron Age, with hints of what is to come. See here for booking info and more information.

HES/Engine Shed – Level 3 Qualification in Energy Efficiency Measures in Older and Traditional Buildings
Dates & Times:  Wednesday 28 / Thursday 29 May; Wednesday 10 / Thursday 11 September
Location: The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling FK8 1QZ
This 2-day course is accredited by the National Open College Network (NOCN) and delivered by experts leading the way in energy efficiency for traditional and older buildings. The programme includes three modules: recognise the age, nature, and characteristics of older and traditional buildings; evaluate the appropriate options for introducing energy efficiency measures to older and traditional buildings; make recommendations and give advice on introducing energy efficiency measures to older and traditional buildings. The cost of this is £495 for the two days.

VACANCIES

Heritage Network – Business Development Manager
Salary: £35,000 p.a.
Status: Full-time (37.5 hours per week)
Location: Working from home or from an agreed shared workspace anywhere in the UK
Heritage Network is seeking a Business Development Manager.
This is an important role within Essential Networks, a major development and resilience project for Heritage Network, their members and UK heritage. The Network’s trustees and staff have agreed an ambitious business plan which builds on its existing strengths. The Business Development Manager will develop the Network’s earned income to a level where it is making a substantial net contribution. For further information/applications please see the recruitment pack.
Closing date: 12pm on Monday 31 March 2025

Calanais Visitor Centre – General Manager
Salary: £45,000 – £55,000 p.a.
Status: Full time
Location: Calanais Visitor Centre, Calanais, Isle of Lewis HS2 9DY
Calanais Visitor Centre is seeking a General Manager. The Calanais Visitor Centre is committed to preserving, researching, and sharing the rich archaeological heritage of the Calanais Standing Stones. The centre is undergoing an ambitious £10.1 million redevelopment and will reopen in early 2026 as a world-class, 5-star visitor attraction and a thriving community hub. Their vision is to create an outstanding visitor experience while maintaining a deep connection between the site, the community, and the wider world. This is a unique and exciting opportunity for a forward-thinking General Manager to lead the Centre into this new era. The successful candidate will oversee daily operations, develop and enhance visitor experiences, and drive the Centre’s strategic vision, ensuring its success as a premier destination and vital community asset. This role requires a dynamic and passionate leader with the skills, experience, and vision to support the local tourism industry, inspire a high-performing team, and ensure that the Calanais Visitor Centre is a place of excellence, connection, and discovery. They are proud to be an equal opportunities employer that celebrates diversity, operates within a culture of respect, and creates a welcoming environment for all employees. More information and applications.
Closing date: 20 April 2025

Calanais Visitor Centre – Heritage Manager
Salary: £40,000 – £45,000 p.a.
Status: Full time
Location: Calanais Visitor Centre, Calanais, Isle of Lewis HS2 9DY
Calanais Visitor Centre is seeking a Heritage Manager. The Calanais Visitor Centre is committed to preserving, researching, and sharing the rich archaeological heritage of the Calanais Standing Stones. The centre is undergoing an ambitious £10.1 million redevelopment and will reopen in early 2026 as a world-class, 5-star visitor attraction and a thriving community hub. Their vision is to create an outstanding visitor experience while maintaining a deep connection between the site, the community, and the wider world. As they embark on a transformative redevelopment, they are looking for a forward-thinking Heritage Manager to join them in shaping the future of this remarkable site. This is a unique opportunity to be part of a pivotal moment in the story of the Stones, to lead and deliver transformational heritage and engagement programmes that will leave a lasting impact on both the site and the community. They are proud to be an equal opportunities employer that celebrates diversity, operates within a culture of respect, and creates a welcoming environment for all employees. More information and applications.
Closing date: 13 April 2025

Calanais Visitor Centre – Digital Engagement Officer
Salary: £25,000 – £35,000 p.a.
Status: Full time
Location: Calanais Visitor Centre, Calanais, Isle of Lewis HS2 9DY
Calanais Visitor Centre is seeking a Digital Engagement Officer. The Calanais Visitor Centre is committed to preserving, researching, and sharing the rich archaeological heritage of the Calanais Standing Stones. The centre is undergoing an ambitious £10.1 million redevelopment and will reopen in early 2026 as a world-class, 5-star visitor attraction and a thriving community hub. Their vision is to create an outstanding visitor experience while maintaining a deep connection between the site, the community, and the wider world. As they embark on a transformative redevelopment, they are looking for an inspiring Digital Engagement Officer to join them in shaping the future of this remarkable site. They are proud to be an equal opportunities employer that celebrates diversity, operates within a culture of respect, and creates a welcoming environment for all employees. More information and applications.
 Closing date: 13 April 2025

Glasgow City Heritage Trust – Built Heritage Officer
Salary: £33,000 – £34,000
Status: Full-time, permanent
Location: GCHT offices, 54 Bell Street, Glasgow G1 1LQ / Hybrid
Glasgow City Heritage Trust (GCHT) gives out almost £1 million in funding each year to help people in Glasgow protect, repair, and promote the city’s historic buildings and places, and tell the city’s story. Their work helps create successful neighbourhoods and vibrant high streets, which are vital for sustainable and thriving communities. An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Built Heritage Officer to join their team. This role is central to the delivery of the Trust’s Historic Built Environment Grant Programme, supporting best practice in traditional building repair and conservation. The role combines training and education for those responsible for maintaining Glasgow’s historic buildings with the assessment and management of grant-funded building repair projects. The successful candidate will work closely with the Grants Manager to provide technical advice and support, monitor grant-funded repair projects, and deliver training and outreach activities. As part of their career development, the Trust will support the successful candidate with training towards securing Conservation Accreditation. The successful candidate will embody GCHT’s core values: passionate, collaborative, innovative, and forward-looking. For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Niall Murphy, Director, at niall@glasgowheritage.org.uk. GCHT welcomes applications from all sections of the community and is an equal opportunities employer. Please download the Built Heritage Officer Job Description and Application Form. Completed application forms should be returned by email to info@glasgowheritage.org.uk
Closing date: 12pm on Monday 14 April 2025