BEFS News

BEFS conference, Financing the Historic Environment, organised in collaboration with Heritage Lottery Fund Scotland and the BRICK programme run by The Prince’s Regeneration Trust, will take place on 29th and 30th March at the Grand Central Hotel, Glasgow. Check out the programme and booking your ticket here.

In the run up to the local government elections in May, HES has created a tool to search for designated assets by constituency and council ward. This interactive searchable map will prove a useful advocacy tool for you and/or your organisation when discussing the impact of the historic environment with your local politicians.

In addition to BEFS conference, there are a great number of events coming up this month organised by BEFS members and associates. Check out the ‘events’ section for full details.

Consultations

Consultation on HES Managing Change in the Historic Environment: Windows 
Consultation on one in a series of guidance notes offering best practice advice on specific topics relating to the historic environment.  They provide guidance on making changes to the historic environment in line with Scottish Planning Policy and Historic Environment Scotland Policy Statement. HES is particularly keen to hear from those who have experience in applying for permission to replace windows (whether as an applicant or agent) in listed buildings or within conservation areas and those in local authorities involved in determining applications.
This consultation will close at 6pm on Friday 28 April 2017.

Land Rights and Responsibilities Statement: A Consultation
A consultation on the Land Rights and Responsibilities Statement, which is a set of principles with an overarching vision that will guide the development of public policy on the nature and character of land rights and responsibilities in Scotland.
Closes 10 Mar 2017.

Consultation Responses

Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 – Participation Requests – Consultation on Draft Regulations – Analysis of Consultation (SG 23/02/17)
This report provides an analysis of responses to the Scottish Government consultation on draft regulations and guidance associated with participation requests under the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015. The consultation took place between 21 March 2016 and 22 June 2016.

Historic Environment Protection Reform Group
Summer Consultation 2016 responses: Heritage Protection Reform Proposals

Publications
Scottish Local Government Finance Statistics 2015-16 (SG 28/02/17)
Scottish Local Government Financial Statistics is an annual publication that provides a comprehensive overview of Scottish Local Authority financial activity. The publication covers Local Authority income, revenue and capital expenditure, outstanding debt, local taxation and Local Authority pensions.

Scottish Government News Releases

82 new affordable homes for Govan (SG 01/03/17)
£6.8m investment in charitable bonds. South Glasgow is set to benefit from 82 new affordable homes for social rent, helped by £5 million support from an innovative Scottish Government scheme.

Supporting urban regeneration (SG 28/02/17)
The Scottish Government’s SPRUCE (Scottish Partnership for Regeneration in Urban Centres) fund has been so successful that more money is now available. The fund initially invested £50 million, in loan form, in regeneration and energy efficiency schemes across Scotland. As those loans are starting to be repaid and some ahead of time, the investment can be recycled and used to deliver further regeneration projects.

Brexit meeting update (23/02/17)
“Urgent answers needed” on powers, farming, fisheries and environment. Guarantees over future powers and the protection of European funding and market access are needed urgently, Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said.

Third sector vital to EU stability (23/02/17)
Uncertainty for sector in light of Brexit. Withdrawal from the EU would pose a threat to Scotland’s strong and dynamic third sector, which plays a crucial role in the drive for social justice and inclusive economic growth.

Commitment to regeneration (SG 21/02/17)
Clyde Gateway to benefit from £6.5 million of Scottish Government funding. Scotland’s largest regeneration project, Clyde Gateway has been awarded a £1 million loan from the Scottish Government’s SPRUCE (Scottish Partnership for Regeneration in Urban Centres) fund.

Tackling Climate Change (SG 20/02/17)
£10 million Climate Challenge Fund awarded. More than one hundred organisations across Scotland are to benefit from almost £10 million of funding to support local action to tackle climate change.

Scottish Land Fund awards (SG 16/02/17)
11 community groups share £2.1 million to develop community spaces. Communities the length and breadth of Scotland have been given the green light to realise their ambitions to take ownership of and redevelop local land.

Improving Scotland’s Energy Efficiency (SG 15/02/17)
£11m funding pot opens for new projects. A further £11 million of funding has been made available for councils across Scotland to make homes, public buildings and businesses more energy efficient.

News Releases

£6.2 million funding boost for Scotland’s historic towns and cities (HES 28/02/17)
Alex Paterson, Chief Executive of HES, announces funding to preserve the built heritage of Scotland’s town centres. Seven communities across Scotland will benefit from the latest round of Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) funding announced today.

Review of the National Heritage Memorial Fund and Heritage Lottery Fund launched (DCMS & HLF 23/02/17)
The Government has today launched a call for evidence on the roles and responsibilities of the National Heritage Memorial Fund (NHMF) and Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

Housing starts hit 9-year high (DCLG 23/02/17)
The number of new build homes that have started to be built continued to rise last year to the highest level since 2007, figures released today (23 February 2017) show.

Rural land prices predicted to fall during Brexit negotiations (RICS 23/02/17)
Demand for farmland in Great Britain has further decreased, having now been declining for the last 18 months, according to the latest RICS/RAU Rural Land Market Survey.

Celebrate Scotland’s history in 2017 (HES 22/02/17)
People across Scotland are being encouraged to get up close and personal with their history this year as we unveil our programme of events for 2017 as part of Scotland’s Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology.

Historic sites break tourism record with four million visitors (HES 15/02/17)
Footfall at Scotland’s heritage attractions up 13% year-on-year. Historic Environment Scotland’s staffed heritage attractions have drawn in more visitors than ever before. Over the last 11 months – from April 2016 to present – a record breaking 4,000,000 people have flocked to historic sites across the length and breadth of the country.

Members’ News

Director’s Notes – February 2017 (EWHT 28/02/17)
Adam Wilkinson’s reflects on a busy start to the year at Edinburgh World Heritage.

SP=EED Verification in Fife (PAS 27/02/17)
Bill Lindsay – Service Manager (Development Plan) – Fife Council – blogs about commissioning PAS to deliver SP=EED Verification to a range of Fife Council staff.

Places, People and Planning – Development Planning (RTPI 24/02/17)
RTPI Scotland will working closely with our members over the coming months to prepare our response to the Scottish Government consultation paper Places, People and Planning.  We have already published a paper setting out some key game changers Repositioning Planning.  Alongside our Chapters we are running a series of member workshops across Scotland, each one tasked with exploring one of the review’s key themes.

Channel 4, Chocolate Media and RICS join forces to showcase the very best restoration projects (RICS 23/02/17)
Channel 4 has today announced the commission of an exciting new series, ‘Restoration of the Year’, from Chocolate Media. The series features projects entered into the RICS Awards and the series will be made in collaboration with RICS, who will judge the projects.

Delivery vs Engagement – A way through the tension? (RTPI 21/02/17)
Nick Wright gives his take on how to reconcile two potentially conflicting aims of the Planning Review: Better community engagement, and more efficient delivery.

Parliamentary Questions

Questions marked with a triangle (?) are initiated by the Scottish Government in order to facilitate the provision of information to the Parliament.Questions in which a member has indicated a declarable interest are marked with an “R”.

S5W-07480 Monica Lennon: To ask the Scottish Government what financial and practical support it makes available to communities and individuals to participate in the statutory planning process. R (SP 24/02/17)

S5W-07597 Mike Rumbles: To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether the initial projected cost of the Forth Replacement Crossing project was an overestimate. (SP 01/03/17)

S5W-07598 Mike Rumbles: To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the date the Forth Replacement Crossing will be (a) completed and (b) open to the public, and how this compares with the initial projected date. (SP 01/03/17)

Parliamentary Questions & Answers

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

Question S5W-06974: Pauline McNeill, Glasgow, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 08/02/2017
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5W-06198 by Kevin Stewart on 30 January 2017, whether it will provide further details of the “novel proposals” that it is assessing in relation to the building of new mid-market rent homes, and at what stage these assessments are.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (24/02/2017)

Events

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

Painting the City, 250 Years of the New Town
When: Monday 6th March, 6.30pm.
Where: St Andrew’s and St George’s West Church, Edinburgh.
Tickets on the Door, £5
Ahead of his exhibition at the Scottish Gallery in July 2017 the distinguished watercolourist Hugh Buchanan talks about the influence of Edinburgh’s architecture on his work and how it inspired him as a student at Edinburgh College of Art.

Post War Architecture
When: Tuesday 7th March, 6pm.
Where: LT2, Dalhousie Building, Old Hawkhill, University of Dundee, DD1 4EN.
Free. Scotland’s theatres 1951-95 and St Peter’s, Cardross,
Alistair Fair and Diane Watters discuss twentieth century Scottish architecture.

‘A Monumental Essay’: a talk by Alastair Penman.
When: Saturday 11th March, 2pm
Where: Gordon Memorial Hall, St. Ninian’s Episcopal Church, Whitepark Road, Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbrightshire, DG7 1EX
Tickets on the door, £5 including refreshments. Alistair Penman is the director of the Stewartry Archaeological Trust and author of ‘Old Castle Douglas’, ‘Old Kirkcudbright’ and ‘Some Customs, Folklore, and Superstitions of Galloway’.

White, Black and Grey: Recent Discoveries at Aberdeen’s Medieval Friaries
When: 13 Mar 2017 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm.
Where: National Museum Scotland Auditorium (use Main entrance), Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF.
Ms Alison Cameron from Cameron Archaeology Ltd will present a lecture entitled “White, Black and Grey: recent discoveries at Aberdeen’s medieval friaries”.

Save the Royal High School Public Meeting
When: Tuesday 14th March, 6.30pm.
Where: Central Hall, Tollcross, Edinburgh.
Everyone welcome, come along to find out about the new hotel application and what you can do. #SaveRHS

Property Maintenance Event – Caring for our Common Heritage
When: Wednesday 15 March 2017. Registration from 7.00pm Start 7.30pm.
Where: Carmelite Hotel, Stirling Street, Aberdeen, AB11 6JU.
Ensure you and your neighbours protect your biggest asset. With predicted increases of extreme weather events, it has never been more important to work collaboratively with neighbours to ensure that common repairs and maintenance of your traditional tenement or flat are carried out regularly and after damage occurs.

Property Maintenance Event – Remedying Traditional Building Deterioration
When: Thursday 16 March 2017. Registration from 7.00pm Start 7.30pm.
Where: Carmelite Hotel, Stirling Street, Aberdeen, AB11 6JU.
Identifying the causes and remedying the deterioration of traditional buildings can be one of the most challenging aspects of professional practice. This event will consider approaches to better understanding, identifiying and remedying deterioration and will provide the latest thinking on the use of traditional lime mortars.

The restoration of Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s Glasgow School of Art
When: March 21 @ 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm.
Where: Regent Building Lecture Theatre, Regent Walk, Aberdeen, AB24 3FX.
Liz Davidson OBE, Hon FRIAS, IHBC, Senior project Manager, Mackintosh Project, Glasgow School of Art, will present a lecture entitled “Restoring the Mackintosh Building following the 2014 fire”, exploring this iconic structure, the influence of Mackintosh and the Four and its restoration.

Patrick Geddes: A Botanist by Design? 
When: Weds March 22nd – 13.00-16.30.
Where: Royal Botanic Garden, 20A Inverleith Row, EH3 5LR.
A Riddle’s Court event in advance of the Patrick Geddes Centre for Learning opening Sept 2017. From his rural Perthshire upbringing via his Professorship at University College, Dundee, botany played a central role in Patrick Geddes’ life and work. This Riddle’s Court event in partnership with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE), will include a tour of the herbarium building and, uniquely, will reveal some of Geddes’ own botanical collections. Tickets available on Eventbrite or via SHBT.

Scottish Young Planners’ Conference 2017 – Skills that Young Planners Need to Succeed
When: 22 March 2017.
Where: The Golden Lion Hotel in Stirling.
The Scottish Young Planners’ Conference 2017’s packed programme focuses on developing essential skills. Sessions on leadership from Nicola Barclay, Chief Executive of Homes for Scotland, and innovative working from Irene Beautyman of the Improvement Service will equip delegates to be influential and effective in a reformed planning system. Hands on workshops on development economics, networking and mediation will promote active debate and participation. International contributions will place our responsibilities as planners in the global context of the New Urban Agenda. Registration is available now.

2017 Church Buildings Renewal Trust Conference in Inverness
When: 31 March 2017.
Where: Old High Church in Inverness.
The next conference of the CBRT will be held in the Old High Church in Inverness on 31st March 2017 under the title ‘Open All Hours: Churches for all the Community?’ To book please follow the link.

Training
Resourcing Scotland’s Heritage is delivering a series of training courses and events across Scotland.
Our training is best suited to registered charities and constituted community groups. Take a walk through our simple question and answer page to determine which course is right for you. We have two main training courses and a series of ‘In Focus’ events. If you are interested in any particular event or fundraising topic, please do get in touch – we may be able to bring an event to your area info@scotheritage.org.

Traditional Building Skills Training
Scottish Lime Centre Trust offer a wide range of vocational and professional courses combining theory and practical working sessions designed to ensure that there are courses to suit everyone.

Vacancies
Support Officers at Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF)
We are recruiting freelance part-time contractors in North East England and Northern Ireland and also an employed full-time post in Wales, all to start in April 2017.
Home-based, our Support Officers assist local communities who are seeking to rescue and re-utilise a historic building which they value. The AHF places particular emphasis on targeting help towards supporting community enterprises that wish to set up and/or grow their businesses in historic buildings, particularly those that are at risk and/or transferred from public ownership. Working as part of the Operations Team, each Support Officer will take a proactive approach to tackling heritage at risk by actively seeking out new projects and new types of beneficiaries of AHF support, in collaboration with the Heritage Lottery Fund and other partners.
For each role, experience of working in the heritage sector is not essential, although enthusiasm for the benefits of re-using historic buildings would be an advantage.
For the North East England role we are seeking a Support Officer with additional specialist skills in Communications, Public Relations & Marketing.
Full details including closing dates here.

Learning Officer 
War Memorials Trust works to protect and conserve all war memorials within the UK.
The charity seeks a Learning Officer with initiative, enthusiasm and experience to deliver our Learning Programme. The Programme educates young people about the history and importance of war memorials and their preservation. As a conservation charity which gives repair and conservation grants the Trust’s Learning Programme is the means of engaging tomorrow’s custodians – ensuring the work we do today is continued in the years ahead. The Learning Officer delivers the Programme by producing materials and resources, shared on www.learnaboutwarmemorials.org, and undertaking visits to schools and youth groups to promote the importance of our shared war memorial heritage.
Closing date 6th March 2017 10am.

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

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

BEFS News

We are delighted to introduce BEFS advocacy toolkit on BEFS new website. It is designed to provide the information you need to confidently speak up for your organisation and the built environment with politicians and councillors. It is aimed at organisations working in the built environment in Scotland, but may also be of use to individuals. The toolkit is a responsive document, which we are updating regularly with new content. So, if there is something you would like to see, do get in touch.

Ahead of the local government elections, BEFS also organised a workshop on advocacy. We invited former Labour MP for Edinburgh North & Leith and former Councillor, Mark Lazarowicz, and Museums and Galleries Scotland’s, Devon McHugh, to share their perspectives and experience. Read about it in our blog Advocacy does and don’ts.

Save the date! In partnership with the Heritage Lottery Fund Scotland and the Princes Regeneration Trust, BEFS is holding a conference on Financing the Historic Environment on 29-30 March 2017 in the Grand Central Hotel, Glasgow. Programme and booking details to follow shortly.

BEFS Annual Lecture this year returned to the topic of how Scotland addresses its housing needs. We invited Thomas Aubrey, Director of the Centre for Progressive Capitalism, and Alastair Parvin, co-founder of WikiHouse Foundation, to give their perspectives. If you missed it, you can now watch it here.

Last but not least, Kilmacolm Civic Trust share why their work concerns more than the built environment, in our second blog this week.

Consultations

Fixing our broken housing market: consultation (DCLG 07/02/17)
As part of the housing white paper, we are also consulting on changes to planning policy and legislation in relation to planning for housing, sustainable development and the environment.

Development Plan Consultations
Consultation on Outer Hebrides Local Development Plan: Proposed Plan and Associated Documents

Consultation on Raising Planning Fees
Closes 27 Feb 2017.

Land Rights and Responsibilities Statement: A Consultation
Closes 10 Mar 2017.

Consultation Responses

Property Condition and Energy Efficiency (STBF 08/02/17)
Scottish Traditional Building Forum’s submission of evidence to the Local Government and Communities Committee in response to the committee’s call for evidence on the Draft Climate Change Plan.

Publications

Social Tenants in Scotland, 2015 (SG 14/02/17)
Scotland’s Chief Statistician today released Social Tenants in Scotland 2015, a new Official Statistics publication that presents an overview of social tenants and social rented housing in Scotland for the year 2015 covering topic areas such as stock, household characteristics, housing flows, and rents and income levels.

Housing white paper (DCLG 07/02/17)
Housing white paper and supporting documents setting out the government’s plans to reform the housing market and boost the supply of new homes in England.

Architecture & Design Scotland – Annual Review 2016 (02/02/17)
We have recently published our Annual Review of 2016 – an exciting year which featured the Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design and the Festival of Architecture.

Introduction of an infrastructure charging mechanism: research report (SG 01/17)
This independent research report identifies and assesses the options for the introduction of an infrastructure charging mechanism in Scotland – Stages 1 and 2. Produced by Peter Brett Associates, it was commissioned to inform the review of the planning system.

Planning permission in principle: research report (SG 01/17)
This independent report examines the potential of granting planning permission for sites which are allocated in the development plan. Produced by Ryden LLP, it was commissioned to inform the review of the planning system.

Strategic Environmental Assessment Environmental Report on the Draft Climate Change Plan and Draft Scottish Energy Strategy (SG 27/01/17)
A joint Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of the Draft Climate Change Plan: The Draft Third Report on Policies and Proposals 2017-2032 and Draft Scottish Energy Strategy: The Future of Energy in Scotland. The Environmental Report sets out the findings of this assessment.

Scottish Government News Releases

Strengthening support for creative sector (SG 03/02/17)
Creative Industry Advisory Group members and first meeting announced. Experts from across Scotland’s creative industries will meet for the first time next week to discuss how to make the sector stronger and enhance support, Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said today.

History sparks tourism rise (SG 31/01/17)
International visitors drawn by Scottish heritage. Scotland is capitalising on the booming demand from international tourists who wish to explore the country’s history and heritage, Tourism Secretary Fiona Hyslop revealed today. Edinburgh-based Mercat Tours reported record turnover and footfall in 2016 with a 35% increase in history walking tours of the capital in December, compared to the previous year.

News Releases

Historic sites break tourism record with four million visitors (HES 15/02/17)
Footfall at Scotland’s heritage attractions up 13% year-on-year. Scotland’s staffed heritage attractions have drawn in more visitors than ever before. Over the last 11 months – from April 2016 to present – a record breaking 4,000,000 people have flocked to historic sites across the length and breadth of the country.

Professor Leigh Sparks: So you think you know Scottish Towns? (STP 15/02/17)
Deputy Principal of the University of Stirling, and Chair of Scotland’s Towns Partnership, Professor Leigh Sparks introduces the launch of the Understanding Scottish Places 2 data tool.

Place Standard nominated for prestigious planning industry award (A&DS 13/02/17)
The Place Standard is a finalist in the category for Planning for Wellbeing at the Royal Town Planning Institute’s (RTPI) Awards for Planning Excellence 2017. The RTPI Awards are the most established and respected awards in the UK planning industry.

£20m to build homes fit for the future (WG 09/02/17)
Communities and Children Secretary Carl Sargeant today announced a new programme to deliver innovative models of housing to help increase the number of homes built in Wales.

SPAB asks: ‘What’s your favourite old building?’ (IHBC 08/02/17)
The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) publishes a ‘National Treasure’ feature in its quarterly SPAB Magazine – what building would you like featured?

Orkney’s Skara Brae shortlisted as UK’s best heritage site (Scotsman 08/02/17)
The 5,000-year-old settlement is the only Scottish visitor attraction on the shortlist drawn up by travel writer Bill Bryson for the BBC Countryfile Magazine Awards.

Government announces ambitious plan to build the homes Britain needs (DCLG 07/02/17)
The government has introduced bold new plans to fix the broken housing market and build more homes across England.

Baroness Andrews leading debate on Built Environment Report in House of Lords (IHBC 03/02/17)
Following on from the publication last year of the report of the Select Committee on National Policy for the Built Environment, it was debated in the House of Lords on Tuesday 24 January, with Baroness Andrews leading discussions.

£10 million for regeneration of town centres (WG 03/02/17)
A £10 million fund to help bring empty, underused sites and premises in town centres back into use has been announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children Carl Sargeant.

Civil society calls on EU leaders to recognise fundamental role of cultural heritage for the future of Europe (EN 02/02/17)
Ahead of the informal summit of European leaders on the future of the EU in Valletta on 3 February 2017, 40 European heritage networks that form the European Heritage Alliance 3.3 are urging EU leaders to recognise the fundamental role of Europe’s shared cultural heritage for bringing people in Europe together.

Iconic Leith flats recognised at highest listing category (HES 01/02/17)
Historic Environment Scotland have decided to recognise Leith’s iconic Cables Wynd House (aka the ‘Banana Flats’) and neighbouring Linksview House at Category A. 1960s Brutalist buildings represent integral step in Scotland’s social housing evolution.

Parliamentary Questions

Questions marked with a triangle (?) are initiated by the Scottish Government in order to facilitate the provision of information to the Parliament.Questions in which a member has indicated a declarable interest are marked with an “R”.

S5W-06974 Pauline McNeill: To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5W-06198 by Kevin Stewart on 30 January 2017, whether it will provide further details of the “novel proposals” that it is assessing in relation to the building of new mid-market rent homes, and at what stage these assessments are.(SP 09/02/17)

Parliamentary Questions & Answers

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

Question S5W-06198: Pauline McNeill, Glasgow, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 16/01/2017
To  ask the Scottish Government whether it has any new models planned for building new homes and, if so, what they are.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (30/01/2017)

Question S5W-05981: Andy Wightman, Lothian, Scottish Green Party, Date Lodged: 09/01/2017
To ask the Scottish Government what criteria it uses to determine whether housing can be regarded as “affordable”.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (18/01/2017)

Question S5W-06315: Gordon Lindhurst, Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 18/01/2017
To ask the Scottish Government how it can work with Edinburgh City Council to bring the reported 5,000 empty homes in the city back into use in order to tackle housing shortages.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (31/01/2017)

Other Parliamentary Activity

The transcript of the Scottish Government Debate on Improving Scotland’s Planning: Improving Scotland’s Places that took place on Thursday, 26th January 2017 can be read in full here.

Motions

Motion S5M-03748: Fiona Hyslop, Linlithgow, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 30/01/2017
Celebrating Our Past: Scotland’s Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology
That the Parliament recognises the contribution that Scotland’s Themed Years play in celebrating and promoting some of its greatest assets; welcomes the 2017 Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology and the opportunities that it provides to celebrate Scotland’s rich and vibrant history and heritage with the people of Scotland and visitors alike, and acknowledges the social, cultural and economic benefits that can be realised by harnessing the opportunities offered by the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology to raise the profile of Scotland, both nationally and internationally, as a world-class tourism destination.
Supported by: Alasdair Allan
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 31/01/2017

Motion S5M-03748.1: Lewis Macdonald, North East Scotland, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 30/01/2017
Celebrating Our Past: Scotland’s Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology
As an amendment to motion S5M-03748 in the name of Fiona Hyslop (Celebrating Our Past: Scotland’s Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology), insert at end “, and considers that adequate funding of local authorities, Historic Environment Scotland and other relevant agencies will be essential to maintain the quality and accessibility of museums, galleries and heritage sites in 2017 and beyond.”
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 31/01/2017

Events

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

#HHA2017 ScotlandHour 
When: Wednesday 22 February, 21:00 – 22:00
Where: Twitter
ScotlandHour is delighted to announce that Dig It! 2017 is the Takeover Host for the #ScotlandHour February 2017 chat celebrating the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology. Visit the website to find out how to get involved, read the questions ahead of time or learn more about the host and co-hosts.

Period Colour Today: Key Considerations for Architects & Interior Designers
When: 23rd February 2017 from 9am – 1pm.
Where: Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1SR.
Please join us at the first in a series of RIAS approved Edinburgh World Heritage CPD seminars, designed specifically for a professional architecture and interior design audience. At this informative half-day session you will hear about the importance of colour in conserving the values of Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site; learn about the importance of scientific paint analysis with case studies; understand the benefits of using natural paint products; gain a historical perspective based on the interior design of Scottish country houses.

Archaeology Scotland Caves and Castles Time Tour
When: Saturday 25th March 2017.
Where: across central and east Fife.
We will be touring historic and archaeological sites across central and east Fife in the comfort of a luxury bus and travelling back at least 4,000 years on this all-day excursion. Our on-board guide, Peter Yeoman, will be describing the sites and giving insight into the lives of our ancestors as we visit different sites including the Balfarg Henge, Balbirnie Stone Circle, East Lomond Hillfort, Lochore Castle, the intriguing Wemyss Caves and others sites along the way. Places are limited so call 0300 012 9878 to book your seat or email development@archaeologyscotland.org.uk you can also book online.

CIfA2017 Archaeology: a global profession 
When: Wednesday 19 to Friday 21 April 2017
Where: Newcastle University.
Our annual conference and training event is bursting with exciting sessions, CPD workshops and networking opportunities. You can see what is on the programme on our website http://www.archaeologists.net/conference/2017
Don’t forget to book your place via Eventbrite.

The Dundee Conservation Lecture series programme is now out and can be viewed here. The programme is now in its 24th year and is a joint initiative between the University of Dundee, The Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland and Dundee Historic Environment Trust.

Training

Asbestos awareness training course 
When: Wednesday 29 March between 12pm and 4pm.
Where: The College of Animal Welfare (CAW) in Edinburgh.
RSK Environment Ltd. will deliver the training. The aim of the course is to provide awareness and develop knowledge of the hazards and risks posed by asbestos containing materials (ACMs), in order that employees can conduct work safely. This course is suitable for archaeologists of all levels of experience and responsibility. Places are free for CIfA members! For more details and to book please go to our Eventbrite page.

Vacancies

Trusts & Events Fundraiser Part-Time
Great opportunity for someone with Trust fundraising experience who also likes to get out meeting people at events. Are you good with social media? If you can write a good case for support and are a great organiser then Archaeology Scotland want to hear from you. Grants fundraising is an important part of our funding strategy but equally important is raising awareness of our work through our events. If you think you have the right combination of skills then send us a letter of application and your CV to e.macqueen@archaeologyscotland.org.uk
Closing Date for Applications: 23rd February 2017.
Interviews will be held on the 27th February 2017 at our office in Musselburgh.

Scottish Civic Trust Project Officer – Doors Open Days & My Place Photography Competition
3 days per week, 9-5
Salary: £25-26K PA (pro rata) depending on experience.
This is a fixed-term contract, which will run to 31 March 2018.  The role may be extended beyond this period depending on 3rd-party funding.
This is a unique opportunity to help deliver two of Scotland’s most exciting architecture and heritage projects.
Closing date for applications: Friday 17 February 2017.

National Project Manager- Scottish Empty Homes Partnership-Edinburgh
Maternity cover until January 2018 – Edinburgh
Shelter Scotland is looking for an influential individual with strong project management and project development experience to join us as National Project Manager and bring strategic direction and day-to-day management to the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership (SEHP).
Closing date: Tuesday 28th February 2017 at 11.30pm.

Themed Years Marketing and Communications Executive
The post of the Themed Years Marketing & Communications Executive will operate as part of the wider EventScotland/VisitScotland Communication Teams and as such will be an important conduit for information and coordination. The post holder will be responsible for day to day duties of Scotland’s Themed Years Marketing and Communications activity.
Job Closing Date : 01/03/2017.

Recruiting a part time Assistant Director
The Cockburn Association has established an Urban Design Group, the Assistant Directors manage the activities of this Group. The Assistant Directors bring together expert contributions from different professional backgrounds as a basis for the Cockburn Association’s submissions on significant planning proposals and on draft strategic plans affecting the city and its environs. We are looking for an individual committed to place-making – influencing how areas within Edinburgh can be made as attractive, sustainable, and functional as possible, so as to enrich the lives and experience of all those who live and work in, and those who visit, the city.
Deadline for applications: Friday, 3 March 2017.

Members’ News

Would you like to be recognised for your skills in community engagement? (PAS 14/02/17)
We hear a lot about the importance of community engagement in the planning system and more widely in community planning and placemaking generally – but do we really know what effective public involvement looks, or even feels, like?

We’ve launched a brand new online shop (GCHT 08/02/17)
By buying from Glasgow City Heritage Trust’s online shop you are supporting our charitable work promoting the understanding, appreciation and conservation of Glasgow’s historic buildings for the benefit of the city’s communities and its visitors, now and in the future

BEFS News

BEFS Chair, Graeme Purves, reflects on the challenges and opportunities for the built environment sector in 2017 in his new year message.

Less than a week until our event ‘Cracking the Housing Nut’, with Thomas Aubrey and Alastair Parvin. Do not miss this timely discussion on addressing the housing challenge, at the National Galleries Scotland. Book your ticket here.

BEFS is holding a workshop (Thursday 9th February 10-1pm) on the Scottish Government’s consultation on the future of the planning system – Places, People and Planning. Join us to hear directly from Chief Planner John McNairney and discuss key themes within the consultation document. Book your place here.

Follow the Scottish Parliament debate on Improving Scotland’s Planning: Improving Scotland’s Places live this afternoon from 2.30pm on Parliament TV. We are also anticipating a Scottish Parliament debate on Celebrating Our Past: Scotland’s Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology on Tuesday, 31st January 2017.

BEFS Heritage Data Seminar on the 2016 Heritage Index, Understanding Scottish Places, Town Centre Review and the SHEA 2016 results, is also just around the corner. The event is free but do book a place.

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has recently published an interim policy on how it will facilitate Asset Transfer under The Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 and would like to hear your views. Read more about it in BEFS news.

The national heritage agencies – HES, Historic England and Cadw in Wales – have commissioned Landward Research to undertake a new survey of specialists in the study of the historic environment. The project aims to find out more about the distribution of specialists. If you are an archaeological, buildings history or garden history specialist or scientist, complete the questionnaire.

Check out the training offered by Resourcing Scotland’s Heritage for upcoming courses on effective copyrighting (31st January), fundraising strategies (8th February) and full cost recovery (22nd February) – all tailored to the heritage sector.

Visit Scotland have now created social media and web banners to promote your activities as part of #HHA2017. They are available to download from the #HHA2017 Business Toolkit at visitscotland.org.

Consultations

Draft Climate Change Plan RPP3 – ECCLR Call for Evidence (SP 01/17)
The Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee has agreed to review the Scottish Government’s draft Climate Change Plan (third Report on Proposals and Policies – RPP3) as part of a collaborative scrutiny approach with the: Economy, Jobs and Fair Work Committee, Local Government and Communities Committee and Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee.
The deadline for responses is 10 February 2017.

Consultation on a Scottish Energy Strategy: The future of energy in Scotland (SG 24/01/17)
A consultation on a draft Scottish Energy Strategy, which sets out the Scottish Government’s vision for the future energy system in Scotland, to 2050.
Consultation closes on 30 May 2017.

Consultation on Scotland’s Energy Efficiency Programme (SG 24/01/17)
The Scottish Government has designated energy efficiency as a National Infrastructure Priority, the cornerstone of which will be Scotland’s Energy Efficiency Programme (SEEP) – a 15 to 20 year programme.
Consultation closes on 30 May 2017.

Consultation on Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategies, and Regulation of District Heating (SG 24/01/17)
The Scottish Government designated energy efficiency as a national infrastructure priority in June 2015, covering energy efficiency and heat decarbonisation of both domestic and non-domestic buildings.
Consultation closes on 18 Apr 2017.

Publications

National Infrastructure Priority for Energy Efficiency – Scotland’s Energy Efficiency Programme (SG 24/01/17)
Scotland’s Energy Efficiency Programme will operate over 15 – 20 years and make our homes, shops, offices, schools and hospitals warmer and easier to heat. By reducing energy demand it will help to tackle fuel poverty, help businesses improve their energy productivity and competitiveness and release savings in the public sector for front line services. We are now formally consulting and seeking your views on these different options for programme and policy design.

Asset Transfer under the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015: Guidance for Community Transfer Bodies (SG 23/01/17)
A step-by-step guide for community bodies setting out who can make an asset transfer request; how to get information about suitable properties; how to make a request and how the relevant authority will deal with it. It also covers review and appeal procedures.

Asset Transfer under the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015: Guidance for Relevant Authorities (SG 23/01/17)
A step-by-step guide for relevant authorities on the requirements for dealing with asset transfer requests, including who can make a request; registers of land and provision of information; procedures for processing requests and matters to be considered in making a decision. It also covers review and appeal procedures.

Brexit: What Scotland Thinks – major study published by Holyrood’s European Committee (SP 20/01/17)
A major parliamentary report detailing the views and concerns around Brexit of more than 150 Scottish organisations and individuals is published today.

Draft Climate Change Plan – the draft Third Report on Policies and Proposals 2017-2032 (SG 19/01/17)
This document is a draft of the Climate Change Plan, the third report on proposals and policies (RPP3) for meeting Scotland’s annual greenhouse gas emissions targets that the Scottish Ministers must lay before the Scottish Parliament in accordance with the requirements in section 35 of the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009.

Evidence Review of the Potential Wider Impacts of Climate Change Mitigation Options: Built Environment Sector (SG 19/01/17)
This review summarises the evidence of potential wider impacts arising from Climate Change mitigation measures in the Built Environment sector.

Scottish Government News Releases

European links under threat (SG 25/01/17)
Brexit impedes cultural and tourism opportunities. Membership of the EU Single Market and free movement of people is critical to the health of Scotland’s culture, tourism and creative sectors.

Greater power for Scotland’s communities (SG 23/01/17)
Community Empowerment Act. A new law will make it easier for communities in Scotland to take over land or buildings that are currently in public ownership. The asset transfer section of the Community Empowerment Act (Scotland) 2015 has come into force today.

Tacking Climate Change (SG 19/01/17)
Draft plan represents ‘a new level of ambition.’ Detailed proposals to achieve a 66% reduction in Scotland’s greenhouse gas emissions have been published by Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Roseanna Cunningham.

Homelessness and Housing Options Statistics Published (SG 17/01/17)
Scottish Local Authorities received around 17,100 applications for homelessness assistance during April to September 2016, 3% lower than in the same period in 2015. However, the number of children in temporary accommodation increased by 826 children (+17%), comparing figures at 30 September 2016 with the same date one year ago.

£29 million to build fairer Scotland (SG 16/01/17)
First Minister opens new funding for communities and third sector. Community and third sector projects that try new ways to tackle poverty and improve people’s lives can now apply for a share of £29 million funding, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced.

News Releases

What’s Your Heritage? Campaign seeks local groups to help change future policy (HES 25/01/17)
Historic Environment Scotland (HES), the heritage body in charge of listing buildings in Scotland, has today unveiled a toolkit to help local groups across the country answer the question ‘What’s Your Heritage?’

Archaeological Research in Progress 2017 – Call for Papers (SoAoS 25/01/17)
Scotland’s national annual Archaeological Research in Progress (ARP) conference will take place on Saturday 27 May 2017 at the National Museums Scotland, Edinburgh. The Society and Archaeology Scotland hosted event aims to cover archaeological research in progress from around Scotland covering all periods. For 2017 Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology we will also invite colleagues from beyond Scotland to share their exciting research too.

The role of HES under the Community Empowerment Act (2015) – Asset Transfer Request comes into force (HES 24/01/17)
As of Monday 23 January, Part 5 of The Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 – relating to Asset Transfer Requests (ATRs) – comes into force.

LAUDF: Delivering Place Quality in Housing (A&DS 20/01/17)
The latest meeting of the Local Authority Urban Design Forum (LAUDF), was held at the Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Innovation on 8th Dec 2016. The Forum focussed on the topic of Delivering Place Quality in Housing.

An exciting new network has been launched – Urbanistas (PAS 20/01/17)
Urbanistas is a network of local chapters for women working in the built environment and has just started up in Edinburgh. Interested in finding out more? Please follow on twitter @UrbanistasED or go to the website.

Partnership primed to capitalise on Scotland’s expertise (HES 19/01/17)
Scotland’s £2.4billion heritage sector is set to benefit from an ambitious new educational partnership which will promote and develop expertise in managing Scotland’s heritage assets, as well as providing new training opportunities from apprenticeships to post graduate level qualifications.

£10 million contributed to local economies during England’s 2016 Heritage Open Days festival (IHBC 18/01/17)
The Heritage Open Days (HODs) 2016 Impact Report shows the huge numbers of people that explored England’s heritage for free in September 2016 – with an estimated 3 million visitors attending 5293 events.

Parliamentary review into local government archaeology services evidence published (CiFA 18/01/17)
The evidence which supported a parliamentary review into the Future of Local Government Archaeology Services has been published online (link is external).

International: First round of Cultural Protection Fund projects announced (British Council 18/01/17)
The British Council has announced the initial projects to be supported by the Cultural Protection Fund, which will protect heritage overseas.

Parliamentary Questions

Questions marked with a triangle (?) are initiated by the Scottish Government in order to facilitate the provision of information to the Parliament.Questions in which a member has indicated a declarable interest are marked with an “R”.

S5W-06315 Gordon Lindhurst: To ask the Scottish Government how it can work with Edinburgh City Council to bring the reported 5,000 empty homes in the city back into use in order to tackle housing shortages. (SP 19/01/17)

Parliamentary Questions & Answers

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

Question S5W-05981: Andy Wightman, Lothian, Scottish Green Party, Date Lodged: 09/01/2017
To ask the Scottish Government what criteria it uses to determine whether housing can be regarded as “affordable”.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (18/01/2017)

Other Parliamentary Activity

Scottish Government Debate on Improving Scotland’s Planning: Improving Scotland’s Places
Thursday, 26th January 2017

Kevin Stewart: S5M-03612
Improving Scotland’s Planning: Improving Scotland’s Places
That the Parliament recognises that improving Scotland’s planning process will require making the planning system more plan-led and accessible, increasing the influence of local people on decisions about the future of their communities and ensuring the delivery of the high quality homes and infrastructure that Scotland needs; agrees that, together with developing skills, smarter resourcing and digital transformation of the planning service, as well as removing any unnecessary procedures and practices that do not add value, planners can focus on delivering great places for people to live and work, and notes the publication of Places, people and planning: A consultation on the future of the Scottish planning system, which includes steps being taken to ensure that the planning system plays a proactive and positive role in attracting investment and creating great places in Scotland.

Graham Simpson S5M-03612.1
Improving Scotland’s Planning: Improving Scotland’s Places
As an amendment to motion S5M-03612 in the name of Kevin Stewart (Improving Scotland’s Planning: Improving Scotland’s Places), leave out from “which includes” to end and insert “and urges the Scottish Government to put greater emphasis on protecting green spaces in its final proposals, noting their importance to the environment, quality of life, health and wellbeing.”

Alex Rowley S5M-03612.4
Improving Scotland’s Planning: Improving Scotland’s Places
As an amendment to motion S5M-03612 in the name of Kevin Stewart (Improving Scotland’s Planning: Improving Scotland’s Places), leave out from “recognises” to end and insert “believes that the central purpose of the planning system is to regulate the use of land in the public interest; values transparency, efficiency and openness in all aspects of the system and welcomes steps to improve the experience of all interested parties, including applicants, developers and communities; notes the publication of Places, people and planning – a consultation on the future of the Scottish planning system, which includes steps being taken to ensure that the planning system plays a proactive and positive role in attracting investment and creating great places and homes in which to live in Scotland; believes that the operation of the statutory planning system has been undermined by cuts to local government; recognises concerns about the barriers facing individuals and communities to fully engage in the planning process, despite a shift towards frontloading, and notes their limited rights to challenge decisions, and believes that reforming the system is an opportunity to put communities and people at the heart of decision-making and that the proposed planning bill presents an opportunity to help tackle inequality and improve public health.”

Events

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

Painting the past: using geological techniques to identify artists’ pigments in Roman archaeology – Edinburgh
When: February 13 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Where: Auditorium National Museum Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
Dr Ruth Siddall, University College London, will present a lecture entitled “Painting the past: using geological techniques to identify artists’ pigments in Roman archaeology”.

‘A more collaborative planning system – what can a mediation approach offer?’
When: Tue 21 February 2017 from 09:45 – 16:00.
Where: PAS, 3rd Floor, 125 Princes Street, Edinburgh EH2 4AD.
PAS and Scottish Mediation would like to invite you to their first joint conference. With the recent Independent Planning Review having referenced mediation in three of its recommendations, PAS and Scottish Mediation are looking to explore how this can be facilitated to improve engagement within planning. The conference will include a number of plenaries, collaborative exercises and case studies which will give participants the opportunity to consider the wider use of collaborative approaches in the planning system and to hear from professional planners and mediators.

CIfA2017 Archaeology: a global profession
When: Wednesday 19 to Friday 21 April 2017
Where: Newcastle University
A full timetable is now available on our website. Book here.

Training

Resourcing Scotland’s Heritage is delivering a series of training courses and events across Scotland.
Our training is best suited to registered charities and constituted community groups. Take a walk through our simple question and answer page to determine which course is right for you. We have two main training courses and a series of ‘In Focus’ events. If you are interested in any particular event or fundraising topic, please do get in touch – we may be able to bring an event to your area info@scotheritage.org.

Traditional Building Skills Training
Scottish Lime Centre Trust offer a wide range of vocational and professional courses combining theory and practical working sessions designed to ensure that there are courses to suit everyone.

Vacancies

Scottish Civic Trust Project Officer – Doors Open Days & My Place Photography Competition
3 days per week, 9-5
Salary: £25-26K PA (pro rata) depending on experience.
This is a fixed-term contract, which will run to 31 March 2018.  The role may be extended beyond this period depending on 3rd-party funding.
This is a unique opportunity to help deliver two of Scotland’s most exciting architecture and heritage projects.
Closing date for applications: Friday 17 February 2017.

Communications Officer
Edinburgh World Heritage is looking to appoint an ambitious and creative Communications professional to this important role within our team. Specifically, the role will build awareness of Edinburgh World Heritage among designated target audiences in Edinburgh and beyond, deliver leadership levels of positive news coverage which accurately capture our vision, mission and strategic key messages, extend the reach and impact of our Social Media and digital channels, improve effectiveness and efficiency of our website as well as drive overall traffic and repeat usage, and provide support for advocacy activities with a range of key stakeholders. Deadline: 5PM, Friday 27th January 2017.

Community Engagement Officer
An exciting opportunity has become available for an entry-level professional to support the implementation of Glasgow City Heritage Trust’s educational heritage grants programmes. Using social media, publicity, outreach and learning, events, seminars, conferences, print, website development, interpretation, promotional activities, exhibitions and partnerships you will be expected to promote the understanding and appreciation of Glasgow’s historic environment and the work of Glasgow City Heritage Trust. You will be reporting directly to the Heritage Outreach Officer. Closing date Tuesday, 31 January 2017 at 12:00 noon.

Vacancies at NTS
There are a number of vacancies on the NTS site just now. A few may be of particular interest to members with a gardens and landscape remit.

Members’ News

Conservation Areas 50th anniversary Parliamentary Debate (IHBC 25/01/17)
The IHBC has warmly welcomed the Parliamentary Debate on the 50th anniversary of Conservation Areas, supported by Robert Jenrick MP, scheduled for 26 January and inspired by Civic Voice’s ‘Big Conservation Conversation’, with the IHBC submitting data on the decade-long, 35%+ decline in England’s conservation services as well as its own ‘5-point plan’ for their survival.

Stunning Artwork Launches Scottish Archaeology Celebrations (SoAoS 19/01/17)
A Glasgow-based artist has brought new life to six stories from the Mesolithic to Victorian era as part of Dig It! 2017. Dig It! 2017, the year-long celebration of Scottish archaeology, commissioned the artwork as the centrepiece for their event programme. The printed teaser programme features 49 events and is available across Scotland, while the online listings feature over 80 events – with hundreds more to be added throughout the year.

RIAS Awards 2017 Launched (RIAS 17/01/17)
Submission to the RIAS Awards entitles entrants to be considered for the following awards:
•    RIAS Awards (including RIAS/ Forestry Commission Scotland/Wood for Good Timber Award, RIAS/Historic Environment Scotland Conservation and Climate Change Award, the RIAS/Saint-Gobain Emerging Architect Award, RIAS/Scottish Government Scotland’s Client of the Year Award) and RIAS/Zero Waste Scotland Resource Efficiency Award,
•    RIAS Andrew Doolan Award
•    RIBA Awards (including National Award, Client of the Year Award, RIBA House of the Year, Stephen Lawrence Prize)
•    RIBA Stirling Prize

RICS Awards 2017 – deadline extension (RICS 01/17)
The RICS Awards showcase the most inspirational regional initiatives and development in land, property, construction and the environment. This is the prime opportunity for surveyors, property developers, engineers, planners and architects, to showcase their talent.
Entry deadline extension: 27 January 2017.

Scottish Civic Trust My Place Awards 2017: final call for nominations (SCT 19/01/17)
Call for nominations deadline: 31 January  2017.
Don’t forget to make your nomination for the Scottish Civic Trust My Place Awards, and to encourage schools to enter the My Place Photography Competition.

Scottish Civic Trust to launch Civic Day in Scotland (SCT 19/01/17)
Civic Day is an initiative first implemented by Civic Voice in England in 2011. It’s a day for local groups to engage with their members and the wider public to explore and celebrate the places they live. This year, we will be teaming up with Civic Voice to bring Civic Day to Scotland. It’s very easy to get involved.
•    Save the date – Saturday 17 June 2017
•    Brainstorm activities you could organise on this day
•    Join in the conversation #CivicDay
For more information or to discuss ideas, contact Gaby Laing at Scottish Civic Trust – 0141 221 1466 or email gaby.laing@scottishcivictrust.org.uk

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

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

BEFS News

BEFS wishes you a great start to 2017 in this our first bulletin of the year and we have some exciting dates for your diary, which are coming up soon.

The Scottish Government’s consultation paper on reform of the planning systemwas released this week. We will be working with BEFS Planning Reform Taskforce to produce a briefing paper and plan to hold a workshop on the topic in February.

BEFS is bringing Thomas Aubrey and Alastair Parvin to Edinburgh for our event ‘Cracking the Housing Nut’ on 31st January 2017. The consultation paper on the Scottish planning system provides an excellent context for an evening that looks at alternative ways to deliver more homes in Scotland. Register for free now!

Following the publication of the SHEA 2016, it is timely to look at a number of sources of historic environment data. BEFS Heritage Data Seminar in February will feature: Jonathan Schifferes, Royal Society of Arts, on the 2016 Heritage Index results; Phil Prentice, Scotland’s Towns Partnership, on the project Understanding Scottish Places, which came out of the Town Centre Review; Karen Robertson, HES, on the SHEA 2016 results. The event is free but do book a place.

BEFS Chair, Graeme Purves, reviews Lou Rosenburg’s Scotland’s Homes Fit for Heroes: Garden City Influences on the Development of Scottish Working Class Housing 1900 to 1939, in the first of our blogs this week.

Hew Edgar, Policy Manager for RICS Scotland, discusses a Tenement Health Check policy proposal published by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors in Scotland, in our second blog.

In tandem with this, BEFS and the Scottish Traditional Building Forum met with the Minister for Local Government and Housing, Kevin Stewart MSP, this week. The meeting covered a number of suggestions relating to improving building maintenance from regular building surveys, to enhanced Home Reports and sinking funds for communal properties. The discussion was candid and the Scottish Government’s pilot equity scheme as part of the Home Energy Efficiency Programme is seen as one initiative to improve building condition in conjunction with projects such as Under one Roof. The time would not appear to be right for introducing stronger requirements on homeowners to invest in the regular maintenance of their properties but future climate-change targets may open the opportunity for the Government to address this.

Consultations

Places, People and Planning: A consultation on the future of the Scottish Planning System (SG 10/01/17)
The consultation paper “places, people & planning” sets out twenty proposals for change which aim to strengthen the planning system and support sustainable economic growth across the country. The proposals build on the recommendations of the independent review of the planning system.
Consultation closes 4 Apr 2017.

A Consultation on Procedure of the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland Housing and Property Chamber (SG 06/01/17)
The Housing and Property Chamber aims to deliver benefits of specialism, consistency and improved access to justice for both tenants and landlords in private rented housing.
Consultation closes 31 Mar 2017.

Crown Estate: A Consultation on the Long Term Management of the Crown Estate in Scotland (SG 04/01/17)
This consultation focuses on the future purpose of the Crown Estate in Scotland and what changes are needed to the existing legislation to deliver that purpose.
Consultation closes 29 Mar 2017.

Benefits of drones to the UK economy (Department for Transport 21/12/16)
Seeks views on proposals to harness the positive benefits of drones for public and commercial services and the benefits to the UK economy.
Consultation closes on 15 March 2017.

Land Rights and Responsibilities Statement: A Consultation (SG 16/12/16)
A consultation on the Land Rights and Responsibilities Statement, which is a set of principles with an overarching vision that will guide the development of public policy on the nature and character of land rights and responsibilities in Scotland.
Consultation closes on 10 Mar 2017.

Local Landscape Areas (SNG & HES 12/2016)
Scottish Natural Heritage and Historic Environment Scotland are currently consulting on revised guidance on Local Landscape Areas (LLAs)
Consultation closes on 3 March 2017.

Consultation Responses

Scottish Government Response to the UK Government Apprenticeship Levy (SG 05/01/17)
This report sets out the Scottish Government response to the UK Government Apprenticeship Levy and sets out how Scottish Government plan to develop a distinctly Scottish approach to apprenticeships and wider skills development to drive closer engagement with industry supporting Scottish Government’s efforts to enhance productivity and economic growth in 2017-18 and beyond.

Publications

A progress report on the conservation and management of properties in care of Scottish Ministers (HES 09/01/17)
The purpose of this report is to provide an update on progress one year on, in relation to the properties in care, with a particular focus on conservation.

Scotland’s Place in Europe (SG 20/12/16)
Scotland’s Place in Europe presents the Scottish Government’s proposals for mitigating the impact on Scotland of the UK’s exit from the EU. The paper sets out the importance of continued European Single Market membership for Scotland, and demonstrates that this is also the best outcome for the UK as a whole.

Historic Environment Scotland Annual Report 2015-16 (HES 9/12/16)
The first Historic Environment Scotland (HES) Annual Report and Financial Statements 2015/16 have been laid before Parliament.

Scottish Government News Releases

Forth Road Bridge closure highlights danger of ignoring weather warnings (SG 11/01/17)
Severe weather warnings remain in place for next three days. Motorists are being warned to expect further delays this evening following the closure of the Forth Road Bridge.

Transforming the planning system (SG 10/01/17)
Views sought for planning modernisation. Plans for major changes to the Scottish planning system have been published today. The Scottish Government has set out 20 proposals for revamping the system, which will support economic growth, delivery of houses and increase community involvement in planning decisions. They form a consultation which will pave the way for a planning bill to be brought forward this year.

£6.6 million for conservation of historic sites (SG 09/01/17)
Report sets out work required to restore and protect iconic buildings and monuments. Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop today confirmed a £6.6 million capital boost to support investment in conservation work, repairs and visitor facilities at several of Scotland’s iconic heritage sites and monuments. The announcement follows the publication today of the most comprehensive conservation assessment ever undertaken on the properties in care of Scottish Ministers.

Brexit threatens creative industries (SG 09/01/17)
Preserving benefits of Single Market vital. Protecting membership of the Single Market is vital to Scotland’s culture and creative industries, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs Fiona Hyslop will highlight tonight.

Funding for housing projects (SG 06/01/17)
Grants of £1.65m to help homeless and vulnerable people. Organisations that work with homeless people and give housing support to vulnerable will benefit from £1.65 million of Scottish Government grant funding.

Support for cities (SG 05/01/17)
City Region Deals boosting jobs and local economies. The Scottish Government will increase support for cities in 2017, by progressing City Region Deals to boost jobs, infrastructure and the economy in Edinburgh, Dundee, Perth and Stirling, Economy Secretary Keith Brown has confirmed.

Future of the Crown Estate (SG 04/01/17)
Consultation for shaping the Crown Estate in Scotland. A 12 week consultation on the long term framework for the devolved management of the Crown Estate in Scotland was announced today during a visit to Rhu Marina, Helensburgh.

Forth dimension (SG 03/01/17)
3D scans of Forth Bridges to power educational games and learning. Incredibly detailed 3D scans of the Forth Bridge will form the basis for interactive games promoting engineering skills for school children, it has been revealed.

Budget for land reform increased (SG 29/12/17)
Increased funding to shape future land reform measures and provide greater transparency. Overall funding for land reform will be increased by £3.4 million in 2017, with the existing Scottish Land Fund budget maintained at £10 million.

News Releases

Cabinet Secretary announces £7.8 million to prevent homelessness (WG 11/01/17)
The Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children Carl Sargeant has announced £7.8 million for the Homelessness Prevention Programme for 2017/18.

Report on the CIfA Brexit survey (CIfA 10/01/17)
Following the result of the Referendum on the UK’s membership of the EU in June, CIfA launched a survey of its members which ran through August and September and aimed to collect responses to help guide CIfA advocacy and collect the individual responses and experiences of professionals in the sector. MCIfA Kevin Wooldridge has produced a report and summary of the survey

Survey of Historic Environment Specialists: We need your help (CifA 09/01/17)
The national heritage agencies have commissioned Landward Research to undertake a new survey of historic environment specialists, building on the work that was undertaken in 2010. We aim to find out more about the distribution of specialists, their working environments, their training needs and opportunities, and their thoughts on the future.

Best Use of Timber Awards Exhibition 2016 (A&DS 09/01/17)
The Best Use of Timber Awards 2016 exhibition showcases the winner and shortlisted entries to the annual RIAS Awards scheme, which combined with Forestry Commission Scotland and Wood for Good to sponsor this award. The Award is aimed at encouraging innovative and creative use of timber in new buildings in Scotland. Also featured are the winning entries from the 2015 RIAS Chapter Awards.

New money for affordable homes released (DCLG 05/01/17)
Communities Secretary Sajid Javid has today (5 January 2017) unlocked £7 billion in a dramatic expansion of the government’s affordable housing programme to meet the diverse housing needs of the country.

Door opens on 2017 at Burns Cottage (NTS 01/01/17)
Burns Cottage welcomed its first first-footers through its front door in over 100 years as 2017 arrived. The National Trust for Scotland, the charity that promotes and conserves Scotland’s heritage, has just re-opened the door as it prepares for its annual programme of events to celebrated Robert Burns’ birthday.

Parliamentary Questions

Questions marked with a triangle (?) are initiated by the Scottish Government in order to facilitate the provision of information to the Parliament.Questions in which a member has indicated a declarable interest are marked with an “R”.

S5W-05981 Andy Wightman: To ask the Scottish Government what criteria it uses to determine whether housing can be regarded as “affordable”. (SP 10/01/17)

Parliamentary Questions & Answers

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

Question S5W-05277: Graham Simpson, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 01/12/2016
To ask the Scottish Government what its assessment is of the move toward e-building standards by local authorities and how this has impacted the delivery of building standards warrants.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (13/12/2016)

Question S5W-05283: Graham Simpson, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 01/12/2016
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the uptake by local authorities of e-building standards.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (13/12/2016)

Question S5W-05282: Graham Simpson, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 01/12/2016
To ask the Scottish Government how much local authorities have invested in technology specifically in advance of the e-building standards portal roll out.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (13/12/2016)

Question S5W-05289: Mark Ruskell, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Green Party, Date Lodged: 01/12/2016
To ask the Scottish Government how the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 supports participatory planning for coastal communities in relation to the development of fish farms, and what impact the proposals in the Islands Bill would have.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (13/12/2016)

Question S5W-05288: Mark Ruskell, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Green Party, Date Lodged: 01/12/2016
To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to ensure that new fish farms do not undermine the conservation objectives of the marine protected area network.
Answered by Roseanna Cunningham (13/12/2016)

Question S5W-05424: Graham Simpson, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 07/12/2016
To ask the Scottish Government (a) how many and (b) where vacant and derelict town centre buildings have been brought back into use as affordable housing through the Town Centre Housing Fund.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (13/12/2016)

Events

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

The restoration of Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s Glasgow School of Art
When: 16 Jan 2017 at 6:00 pm.
Where: Auditorium National Museum Scotland (use Lothian Street doors), Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF.
Liz Davidson OBE, Hon FRIAS, IHBC, Senior project Manager, Mackintosh Project, Glasgow School of Art, will present a lecture entitled “Restoring the Mackintosh Building following the 2014 fire”, exploring this iconic structure, the influence of Mackintosh and the Four and its restoration.

Safeguarding Scotland’s Thatched Buildings
When: Wednesday 18 January 2017 at 7.00 for 7.15 p.m.
Where: Old Town Hall, Falkland.
This Falkland Society lecture will be given by Jessica Hunnisett-Snow, Senior Technical Officer in the Technical Research Unit of Historic Environment Scotland, and Zoe Herbert, architecture student, and former Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) Scotland Officer, who was employed by the SPAB to make a complete survey of thatched buildings in Scotland. The survey was grant funded by Historic Environment Scotland. Falkland has a single thatched building, immediately opposite Falkland Palace; Auchtermuchty has a single thatched cottage; Collessie has several. Yet old photographs show that well into the 20th century thatch was a common roofing material in Fife villages and towns.

Property Repair and Maintenance Evening Event
When: Monday, 6 February 2017 from 5.30pm – 7.30pm.
Where: ESPC Showroom, 107 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 3ES.
Vital information will be provided to help you: find out the condition of your property; find out the process required to repair and maintain your property; learn what funding option are available; advise on getting your neighbours together to carry out work; talk from professional who can start you on the right track.
If you would like to attend this free event please rsvp to conservation@hypostyle.co.uk.

‘A more collaborative planning system – what can a mediation approach offer?’
When: Tue 21 February 2017 from 09:45 – 16:00.
Where: PAS, 3rd Floor, 125 Princes Street, Edinburgh EH2 4AD.
PAS and Scottish Mediation would like to invite you to their first joint conference. With the recent Independent Planning Review having referenced mediation in three of its recommendations, PAS and Scottish Mediation are looking to explore how this can be facilitated to improve engagement within planning. The conference will include a number of plenaries, collaborative exercises and case studies which will give participants the opportunity to consider the wider use of collaborative approaches in the planning system and to hear from professional planners and mediators.

The international conference exploring Heritage, Mental Health & Wellbeing
When: 22- 24 March 2017.
Where: Quay Place, IP4 1BZ, Ipswich, UK.
The Health and Heritage international conference will take place at Quay Place – an innovative new wellbeing centre in a church building on the historic Ipswich docklands – in March 2017.  Organised in partnership with Suffolk Mind and Future for Religious Heritage, the conference will bring together leading professionals in the mental health, heritage and museum sectors.

Training

Would you like to be recognised for your skills in community engagement? 
SP=EED® (Successful Planning = Effective Engagement and Delivery) is PAS’s practical guide to effective engagement in planning. SP=EED Verification is a two-part programme offered by PAS which:

• allows individuals to develop a greater understanding of SP=EED and its practical application
• provides a greater understanding of the range of skills required for effective engagement
• encourages the use of a range of creative and effective engagement tools
• offers individuals the opportunity to have their engagement methods verified by independent planning and engagement professionals

Upcoming dates for training:
Fife – 2 February (time tbc)
Glasgow – 7 March (5.30-9.00 pm)
Aberdeen – 23 March (5.30-9.00pm)
Any enquires please contact David Wood on sp=eed@pas.org.uk.

Resourcing Scotland’s Heritage courses coming up in Spring 2017:
Make it Happen
When: Wednesday 18th January.
Where: Glasgow.

Telling it like it is: How effective copywriting can help your case for support
When: Tuesday 31st January.
Where: Edinburgh.

Planning to Progress
When: Wednesday 8th February.
Where: Glasgow.

In Focus – DTAS Event on Legacies
When: Wednesday 15th February.
Where: Nairn.

In Focus: Full Cost Recovery
When: Wednesday 22nd February *NEW COURSE*.
Where: Edinburgh.

In Focus: Introduction to Sponsorship
When: Thursday 16th March
Where: Edinburgh

Vacancies

Community Engagement Officer
An exciting opportunity has become available for an entry-level professional to support the implementation of Glasgow City Heritage Trust’s educational heritage grants programmes. Using social media, publicity, outreach and learning, events, seminars, conferences, print, website development, interpretation, promotional activities, exhibitions and partnerships you will be expected to promote the understanding and appreciation of Glasgow’s historic environment and the work of Glasgow City Heritage Trust. You will be reporting directly to the Heritage Outreach Officer.
Closing date Tuesday, 31 January 2017 at 12:00 noon.

Project Manager
SHBT is seeking an experienced Project Manager to take responsibility for initiating and executing high quality conservation and restoration projects on behalf of the Trust, demonstrating best practice in adaptive re-use of old buildings. This post is full-time. A Job Description is available by emailing recruitment@shbt.org.uk or visiting www.shbt.org.uk.
Closing Date 20th January 2017.

Building/Events Managers
SHBT is seeking two experienced Building/Events Manager to take on the overall management of two of its Edinburgh properties – Custom House in Leith and Riddle’s Court in the Lawnmarket. The Manager will be responsible for the day to day running of each property including management of all tenants as well as development and management of all events held within the public spaces. A proven track record of running a mixed use venue is essential. Evening and weekend working is an essential requirement of this job. A Job Description is available by emailing recruitment@shbt.org.uk or visiting www.shbt.org.uk.
Closing Date 27th January 2017.

Audience Development Officer – Patrick Geddes Centre
SHBT is undertaking a major capital project to restore Riddle’s Court and give it new life as the Patrick Geddes Centre for Learning. The construction phase is nearing completion and the Trust is seeking an experienced Audience Development Officer to develop new audiences in line with the Audience Development Plan to support the range of activities which will be delivered in the Centre when it opens in autumn 2017. This post is part-time (currently 21 hours per week) and is part funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. Evening and weekend working is an essential requirement of this job. A Job Description is available by emailing recruitment@shbt.org.uk or visiting www.shbt.org.uk.
Closing Date 3rd February 2017.

Director – Patrick Geddes Centre
SHBT is undertaking a major capital project to restore Riddle’s Court and give it new life as the Patrick Geddes Centre for Learning. The Trust is seeking to appoint a Centre Director who will be responsible for the strategic vision and direction of the Centre for Learning, overseeing the development and delivery of Learning Activities, delivering an interdisciplinary learning community and building an international reputation for the Patrick Geddes Centre in line with Patrick Geddes’ holistic approach to learning. High level knowledge and understanding of the work of Patrick Geddes including a proven track record in delivering a range of learning activities and community programmes direct experience of managing Advisory Groups, teams of staff and volunteers and management of an educational or multi-purpose venue. This post is full-time and is part funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. A Job Description is available by emailing recruitment@shbt.org.uk or visiting www.shbt.org.uk.
Closing Date 3rd February 2017.

Call for new SRCT Board Members
Last change to apply to become a Trustee at the Scottish Redundant Churches Trust. Deadline is 31st January 2017. If you would like to know more please contact the Director, Victoria Collison-Owen on victoria@srct.org.uk or 0131 563 5135. Scottish Redundant Churches Trust, 15 North Bank Street, Edinburgh, EH1 2LP.

Members’ News

Getting more people involved in planning: PAS supports the aims of Scottish Government consultation launched today (PAS 10/01/17)
PAS welcomes the announcement of a public consultation on the planning system, launched this morning by Kevin Stewart MSP, Minister for Local Government and Housing.

Scottish Civic Trust My Place Awards 2017 & Photography Competition (SCT 04/01/17)
We have been receiving nominations for the Scottish Civic Trust My Place Awards 2017 but there is still time for you to nominate a project or person. The deadline is 31st January and full details can be found at www.myplaceawards.org.uk. We are also looking for primary and secondary schools to enter our annual My Place Photography Competition. The deadline for this scheme is also 31st January so please encourage your local schools to participate. Full details can be found here.

GCHT Events Programme – Survey 2017 (GCHT 04/01/17)
We are working hard to develop our programme of events and outreach activities for the new year and we are keen to look at ways we can improve it to provide an even better experience for you, our loyal subscribers, and ensure we’re doing the best job we can be. If you have a spare 5 minutes and wouldn’t mind filling in this short survey to tell us what we’re doing right and where we could improve or change things, we would be very grateful.

Edinburgh Architectural Association Annual Awards 2017 – Calls For Entry (RIAS 12/16)
The awards showcase and celebrate the very best architecture in the Chapter area and beyond, that enhance the built environment and people’s lives, regardless of size, form or budget.
This year the format of the awards has been changed to enable all entries built within the Chapter area, small or large, to become eligible for the highest accolade of ‘Building Of The Year’.

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

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