Jess is an experienced heritage professional specialising in conservation-led regeneration projects.

After completing her first degree in History, Jess spent eight years working in third-sector communications and policy. Following her longstanding passion for the historic built environment, she then gained an MSc in Architectural Conservation at the University of Edinburgh and was awarded the IHBC-Marsh Award for her research into heritage-led area based regeneration.

As Project Manager at Scottish Historic Buildings Trust, Jess leads major projects to bring significant historic buildings at risk back into sustainable use, as well as supporting local authorities and community groups to deliver their own place-based regeneration initiatives and building projects. Her current projects include the Bernat Klein Studio and the development of a traditional skills training programme based in Eyemouth.

She also serves as a member of Heritage Network’s Scotland Committee.

With qualifications in architecture, architectural conservation and urban regeneration, Douglas has worked for a conservation architect, provided specialist conservation advice to local planning authorities including a National Park and, since the establishment of Aberdeen City Heritage Trust in 2004, has initiated, managed and delivered its activities.

Douglas is the Secretary of the Scotland Branch of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC), has assessed IHBC membership applications and chaired the local IHBC Committee for Aberdeen’s Annual School in 2022.

Robert has responsibility for RICS’ public affairs remit across the built environment, including residential, commercial and land & rural. He also has a UK-wide public affairs remit for sustainability.

Before joining RICS in January 2023, he was public affairs manager at Four Communications, specialising in devising advocacy campaigns for charities and providing market access for global pharmaceutical companies.

He holds an MSc in Global Environment, Politics and Society from the University Edinburgh and a BA (Hons) in Politics and Philosophy from the University of Liverpool.

Her career has been dedicated to the conservation, repair and adaptive reuse of historic buildings, from A-listed townhouses and landmark churches to community heritage projects and traditional tenements.

Jo has led more than 95 church fabric repair projects, alongside major conservation work on nationally significant sites including the Kirk of St Nicholas in Aberdeen, The Queen’s Hall in Edinburgh and John Knox House. Her expertise also extends to the climate-focused retrofit of traditional and listed buildings, underpinned by specialist training in energy efficiency and retrofit.

Alongside her practice work, Jo plays an active role in shaping the conservation sector. She is Chair of the Tenement Action Group, sits on the RIAS Conservation Committee, and serves on the National Churches Trust Steering Group. She has convened the Edinburgh Traditional Building Forum and continues to champion collaboration across the conservation sector through events, seminars and public engagement.

Jo is recognised for her ability to combine deep technical knowledge with strong leadership and advocacy. A passionate supporter of Scotland’s built environment, she brings to BEFS extensive hands-on conservation experience and a clear commitment to sustainability, collaboration and ensuring heritage remains central to the future of Scotland’s places

She was a practising solicitor for over 20 years specialising in both residential and commercial property, including 12 years as Assistant Scottish Solicitor for Nationwide Building Society.

A career change to the civil service provided opportunities for her to use her legal background to drive improvements in government delivery services. Initially based at Registers of Scotland as a Legal Director and part of the Senior Management team, she developed a further specialism in the field of information law and built extensive external connections including acting as General Secretary of the European Land Registry Association.

At the Scottish Government she set up the support services as part of the project creating Revenue Scotland and thereafter was part of the Senior Leadership Team as Head of Commercial Services and Finance for the first two years of its operation.  Her final position was as Head of Legal at Crown Estate Scotland, where she initiated the development of a new inhouse legal service.

Outside paid employment she has served as a Community Councillor for over 8 years and is a supporter of the Cockburn Association.  She also volunteers with the National Trust for Scotland and the Water of Leith Conservation Trust.

Her current work involves supporting community groups to plan and deliver community-led housing projects, including the retrofit of vacant or historic buildings and the construction of new affordable homes.

Her path into this work reflects a blend of academic study and practical experience. Méabh holds a degree in Social Anthropology (University of Edinburgh) and an MSc in Transnational Crime, Justice and Security (University of Glasgow), through which she developed a strong understanding of how culture, identity, and place shape people’s lives. After her studies, she upskilled in Woodworking and went on to teach craft and practical skills to people with additional support needs, addictions, and involvement in the criminal justice system.

She has further strengthened her experience with certifications in Site Safety Management and Retrofit Coordination, complementing her community-outreach work with technical and legislative knowledge of construction and retrofit. This has equipped Méabh with a diverse skill set spanning group facilitation, stakeholder engagement, construction and design, business planning, funding and community consultation.

Méabh’s desire to serve on the BEFS Board is rooted in her passion for responsible land and building stewardship across Scotland. A community advocate at heart, she champions local leadership and genuine community collaboration. She recognises the importance of preserving buildings and spaces that hold stories, traditions, and cultural significance, and is committed to maintaining and developing the built environment in line with local needs and aspirations.

From 2008 to 2015, Peter was national chairman of the Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland (AHSS). He worked with other senior office bearers on key areas including compliance with OSCR procedures, development of a new business plan, and preparation of policy responses to government, and drafting guidelines for casework panels. Since 2019, he has been Chair of the RIAS Practice Committee. This has involved preparation of evidence to both the Scottish and Westminster parliaments, participation in Scottish Government working groups, and extensive stakeholder liaison.

As an AHSS council member, Peter is familiar with and supports the excellent work which BEFS does in representing the interests of the wider built heritage sector to Government and other Stakeholders. He has first-hand experience of operating a charitable body, the statutory requirements of trustees/directors, business planning issues, and staff management. In terms of the work undertaken by BEFS, Peter is particularly interested in working on policy development, discussions with government, and cross-sector approaches.

Niall has nearly 20 years experience as an architect and is heavily involved in heritage, conservation and community issues in Glasgow being current Chair of Govanhill Baths Building Preservation Trust – the largest meanwhile use in Scotland – and Vice Chair for the Pollokshields Trust – a community anchor organisation set up following the ‘Make Your Mark’ East Pollokshields and Port Eglinton Charrette in 2016 which Niall helped secure funding for. Previously, Niall has been chair of Pollokshields Heritage, Planning Convener for Pollokshields Community Council and a member of the Glasgow Urban Design Panel. Between 2016 – 2018 he was invited by the Minister for Local Government and Housing to be a member of the Development Management Working Group for the Scottish Government’s Planning Review.

Niall is passionate about urban health and wellbeing and the role of planning, urbanism, architecture and placemaking in helping deliver positive outcomes for people who live in Scotland’s towns and cities. This explains his interest in Scotland’s built heritage which he sees as an integral part of this broader framework connecting to both the human need for memory, being able to locate oneself in space and time and in how places evolved and were traditionally crafted and made to reflect human scale and needs over multiple generations.  This is why he is particularly interested in how BEFS advocate for Tenements.

Tyler has extensive experience working in international markets and serving on and leading executive boards. Her experience in contemporary and historic built environments includes hands-on conservation and management of listed and unlisted structures as well as large-scale contemporary construction. Her areas of expertise include conservation of listed and non-listed buildings, outreach and education, business strategy, contract negotiation and management, equality, diversity and inclusion, and policy guidance in both the private and public sector. 

Tyler’s desire to serve on BEFS board is rooted in her passion to protect the built environment. She consults extensively in matters pertaining to heritage policy, traditional skills, sustainability, inclusivity, and at-risk regeneration. She also has a passion for reaching new audiences and serves as a mentor for women, young people, and underrepresented community members looking at the possibility of careers in construction and conservation. Tyler’s professional mission is to bring traditional building skills into the future, concentrating on the progression of safe, ethical, and environmental practices.

As well as being a BEFS board member and Interim Chair, she also serves as Trustee for The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, Chair of SPAB Scotland, and Convenor of the Edinburgh Traditional Building Forum where she leads on a number of initiatives including the Edinburgh Traditional Building Festival and multiple traditional skills demonstrations across Scotland.

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