Latest Archives - Built Environment Forum Scotland

30 Apr 2026

Scottish Historic Buildings Trust are seeking a Development and Engagement Officer (Director’s Office).

Scottish Historic Buildings Trust (SHBT) is a Charity and Building Preservation Trust with over 40 years’ experience saving derelict and redundant buildings throughout the whole of Scotland.

Everyone has driven or walked past a forlorn and unloved historic building at some time. You may have wondered why it isn’t being used or why no one does something with it? The answer is often complex, and the solutions equally so. It takes a special group of people to identify a way forward and restore these buildings to the benefit of the community. SHBT is a dynamic, ambitious and innovative charity that does just that.

The Development and Engagement Officer is a role which will contribute to the fundraising strategy over the next five years; working to expand a newly established donor database through varied engagement work including lectures, conferences, events and publications, as well as managing new supporters’ scheme and corporate sponsorship offer.

This role requires creativity, ambition, and initiative, helping SHBT to achieve realistic fundraising targets for both core support and across ongoing projects. This is an opportunity for someone keen to make a lasting contribution to one of Scotland’s leading heritage organisations.

Reporting to and working closely with the Director of SHBT, you will provide executive assistance through diary and inbox management to coordinate a broad network of contacts. At the heart of your work is direct engagement with potential historic building projects and key stakeholders in support of the Director.

Working closely with colleagues in Events, Projects, Communications and Marketing, you will maximise engagement with donors, private trusts and foundations, and voluntary income in support of our work as Scotland’s largest historic buildings preservation trust and our work across the country.

You will do this by:

Developing high quality relationships with all categories of donors, being part of a tailored donor acquisition, retention, development and acknowledgment programme.
Engaging through knowledge: facilitate lectures, tours, conferences, and publications (and helping to develop new fundraising ideas) with the aim to inspire new supporters and donors.
Championing SHBT’s corporate strategy and its dissemination to key stakeholders, as well as supporting SHBT’s values and vision as integral to current and future projects.
Developing fundraising initiatives with corporate partners and engaging in the acquisition of new corporate partnerships.
Supporting implementation of fundraising and public appeals for the purpose of raising unrestricted and restricted funds and engaging new supporters, including launching fundraising appeals via giving platforms such as Crowdfunder.
Building on the successes of SHBT’s existing relationships with key funders such as Historic Environment Scotland, National Lottery Heritage Fund, Architectural Heritage Fund, Edinburgh World Heritage and others, through the effective management of the current fundraising programme.
Assisting in the production of strong and compelling cases for support, fundraising information and materials for a wide range of audiences and media, supporting communications and marketing activities, working closely with the relevant colleagues across SHBT.

Key Responsibilities:

Be the main point of contact for all individual and community giving enquiries and ensure complete, accurate and timely recording of all donor communications, activity and income in the CRM platform, Beacon.
Manage online giving and donations from a range of sources.
Work with the Marketing & Communications Manager to produce strong and compelling fundraising content and materials for a wide range of media, including SHBT newsletter, project fundraising appeals, sponsorship proposals and fundraising prospectuses.
Support the Director and Project Teams in the development of fundraising strategies for each capital project (e.g., Leith Custom House and Edinburgh’s Tron Kirk). Support the recording and management of donation income for major projects, such as Leith Custom House.
In coordination with the Director, Learning Working Group, Marketing and Events teams, lead the delivery of the autumn/winter lecture series and academic outreach as a key engagement tool to garner support and contacts for SHBT.
Deliver aspects of the fundraising strategy focused on the charitable mission of the Trust, including the wider appeal to support the maintenance of, and increased public access to, an existing portfolio of historic buildings.

Other Duties

Provide executive assistance to the Director in terms of calendar and inbox management, correspondence, and facilitate attendance at events.
With the support of senior colleagues and Trustees, keep up to date with fundraising legislation, data protection, charity legislation, code of practice and all relevant guidelines affecting fundraising and communication practices.
Comply with health and safety standards, sector standards and the organisation’s insurance policy.
Develop skills and undertake responsibilities which will fulfil the purpose of the role and support the success of the organisation. Keep up to date with new initiatives and news from across the third sector.
Working with the Director and relevant local groups, provide fundraising support to consultancy projects, including submitting fundraising applications, producing fundraising materials, and contacting relevant funding prospects.
To undertake any other duties as requested by and agreed with the Director.
Give presentations and talks to community groups, funding bodies, donors and stakeholders where required.
Deliver and attend networking and fundraising events.
Provide administrative support to the Fundraising and Learning Working Groups.

This role profile is not exhaustive and is subject to review in conjunction with the post holder and according to future changes/developments in the team, strategy and service.

Education & Training

Essential:

Educated to Degree Level or equivalent experience

Desirable:

Member of Institute of Fundraising

Job Experience & Skills

Essential:

Have a clear understanding of the mechanics of successful fundraising and the donor journey with demonstrable experience in individual giving.
Proven ability in achieving income targets.
Experience developing relationships with donors and supporters and building up a network of contacts and corporate partnerships.
Experience of fundraising through social media and digital channels.
Experience of creating communications material (including e-appeals, websites, and social media communications).
Excellent IT skills.
Excellent administrative and organisational skills with ability to plan ahead and work to agreed timeframes.
Experience of report writing.

Desirable:

Experience using analytics tools and a CRM system.
Experience in the fundraising sector.
Experience of using Mailchimp or similar tools for mass communications.
Knowledge of regulatory environment for fundraising from individuals including data protection, Gift Aid and fundraising codes of practice and regulation.
Experience or willingness to learn how to submit funding applications to key funding bodies.

Personal Qualities

Essential:

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Able to work outside office hours by mutual arrangement.
Outgoing personality and ability to initiate and enjoy direct communication with donors and potential donors.
Ability to demonstrate excellent customer care attitude and behaviour, therefore committed to building good internal and external relationships, both with colleagues and supporters.
Demonstrable ability to work on own initiative and to meet objectives and tight deadlines under pressure.

View the Recruitment Brochure for this Appointment

How to Apply

To apply, please send your CV with an attached cover letter outlining why you would be a good fit for this role to recruitment@shbt.org.uk.

Salary: £30,000 per annum

Status: Full-time; 35 hours per week

Location: Riddle’s Court, Edinburgh / Leith Custom House with flexible home working and workspace across SHBT properties

Closing Date: Sunday 24 May 2026

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29 Apr 2026

Get The Latest Built Environment News, Policy Developments, Publications & Consultations

BEFS News

In the lead up to the 2026 Scottish Parliament election, all main parties have now published their manifestos. But what commitments and changes are they planning to make with regard to the existing built and historic environment? Some good news for readers that are struggling to keep up – BEFS has been tracking the policy positions that parties are setting, to support advocacy around our 2026 BEFS Manifesto for the Built Environment. In a new blog, Derek Rankine, BEFS Head of Policy and Strategy, presents a summary of the key party commitments relating to culture and heritage; net zero and the climate emergency; repair, maintenance and retrofit; training and skills; and planning and place-making. You’ll also find handy links to party manifestos. Read the full article on BEFS Website.

Earlier this month BEFS team took the Conservation Officers Group (COG) – a forum for those working in Scottish local government with a remit for heritage and conservation – on tour! The group visited Perth and learned about Perth & Kinross Council’s approach to heritage conservation, the work of Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust, and the redevelopment of Perth Town Hall to house Perth Museum and local archaeological case studies. You can find out more about COG and BEFS role in supporting local authority planning teams through knowledge sharing and good practice here. Our thanks to everyone that came along and contributed to the visit!

BEFS is delighted to welcome The Heritage Alliance as our newest Member! Bringing together over 200 independent organisations, The Heritage Alliance is England’s largest coalition of heritage interests, working to champion the needs, aspirations, and achievements of their members and the wider heritage sector, south of the border. We look forward to working with The Heritage Alliance to amplify our shared advocacy efforts, ensuring that the unique challenges and opportunities of the historic environment are recognised by both the Scottish and UK Governments. Want to know more about how to become a BEFS Member? Visit our website or get in touch!

Parliamentary Questions & Answers

Please see our Link to Parliamentary Questions and Answers for recent questions.

Consultations

Draft Infrastructure Strategy 2027-2037
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government wants Scotland’s infrastructure to be planned and delivered in a way that supports net zero and environmental sustainability, inclusive economic growth and resilient and sustainable places. The ambition is to create a system that makes best use of existing assets, embraces innovation, and ensures investment decisions deliver long-term public value. However, delivering infrastructure is not without challenges. To meet these challenges, the strategy focuses on three key enablers that can help turn strategic ambition into practical outcomes, ensuring investment choices deliver long-term public value: Public Assets, Place-Making and Private Investment. The consultation paper contains full background information for respondents.
Closes 5 May 2026

Scottish Law Commission’s Report on Section 53 of the Title Conditions (Scotland) Act 2003
Scottish Government
The Title Conditions (Scotland) Act 2003 provides detailed rules for the creation and content of real burdens on and after 28 November 2004. A real burden is an obligation on the owner of an area of land, either to do something in relation to that area of land, such as an obligation to erect a house, or an obligation not to do something such as an obligation not to use a house for business purposes. This consultation seeks general views on the Scottish Law Commission (SLC) report on section 53 of the Title Conditions (Scotland) Act 2003. The consultation paper contains full background information.
Closes 15 May 2026

Heat networks – installation and maintenance licence
Scottish Government
This consultation is seeking views on proposals for an installation and maintenance licence for heat networks. It proposes an opt-in installation and maintenance license under the Buildings (Heating and Energy Performance) and Heat Networks (Scotland) Bills, replacing the mandatory licensing regime in the Heat Networks (Scotland) Act 2021. Licences would grant rights and powers similar to other utilities (gas, electricity) such as carrying out road works, surveys and compulsory purchase of land. The proposals aim to improve the pace and scale of heat networks installation and maintenance to contribute to net zero targets and decarbonising heat in homes and buildings by 2045.
Closes 5 June 2026

News Releases

Key insights from studying Scotland’s standing stones (HES 12/03/2026)

Work In A Castle (Historic Houses April 2026)

Edinburgh College becomes first college in Scotland to fully decarbonise one of its campuses (Edinburgh College 01/04/2026)

EU long-term budget 2028–2034: Developments for culture (NEMO 14/04/2026)

Prehistoric Village Discovered in Glasgow by Community Volunteers and Schoolchildren (Heritage Network 14/04/2026)

Designating former Lads’ Institute, Ratcliffe Terrace, Edinburgh (HES 16/04/2026)

European Commission and Europa Nostra announce the winners of Europe’s top heritage awards 2026 (Europa Nostra 21/04/2026)

Revitalisation of Dunfermline’s Heritage to Support Growing Visitor Economy (AHF 22/04/2026)

Griff Rhys Jones launches the Victorian Society’s Top Ten Endangered Buildings list 2026 (The Victorian Society 22/04/2026)

Obituary: Oliver Barratt MBE (1941–2026): A Life in Service of Edinburgh (Cockburn Association 23/04/2026)

Publications

The Reuse Dividend: unlocking economic growth from Britain’s existing buildings (Don’t Waste Buildings April 2026)

STA Holyrood Election Manifesto (Scottish Tourism Alliance April 2026)

In Good Hands: Understanding careers in the heritage sector (Historic Houses April 2026)

Scottish National Party 2026 Manifesto (SNP 16/04/2026)

Heritage Network Impact 2026: Latest report on community-led heritage regeneration (Heritage Network 16/04/2026)

The Big Think: Place Report – March (UK Heritage Pulse 16/04/2026)

Scottish Liberal Democrats 2026 Manifesto (Scottish Lib Dems 21/04/2026)

Scottish & UK: Governmental & Parliamentary Publications

MPs launch inquiry into the future of UK’s tourism industry (UK Parl 09/04/2026)

Local museums receive £4 million to improve accessibility to arts and culture (UK Gov 10/04/2026)

Buildings VAT: Treasury written question (UK Parl 13/04/2026)

Warm Homes Plan: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero written question (UK Parl 17/04/2026)

Warm Homes Plan: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero written question (UK Parl 21/04/2026)

Scotland’s Cladding Remediation Programme monthly management information: February 2026 (Scot Gov 21/04/2026)

Energy – Buildings: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero written question (UK Parl 24/04/2026)

Opinion & Comment

Finalised MEES expected to cost social housing sector £16bn (Inside Housing 02/04/2026)

Decline in build-to-rent starts in Scotland largest in UK (The Herald 15/04/2026)

Contracts on two retrofit schemes referred to Serious Fraud Office (Inside Housing 15/04/2026)

Abandoned Britain. The story of the UK in six empty buildings (The Guardian 16/04/2026)

Inside the rescue of Bernat Klein’s forgotten modernist gem (The Times 16/04/2026)

Heritage is created, not inherited – as Korean pop culture shows (The Conversation 21/04/2026)

Petition to save home of one-of-a-kind Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre (Yahoo News 21/04/2026)

Sir Mark Jones ‘preparing to step down’ as HES chair (The Herald 22/04/2026)

North east debate: where does the region fit in the 2026 Holyrood election? (Prosper 22/04/2026)

Reporting of emergency hazards rises sharply as Awaab’s Law takes effect (Inside Housing 22/04/2026)

Scottish Government supports HES chair amid resignation reports (Deadline News 23/04/2026)

Campaigners urge for planning reform after Princes Street advert row (The National 23/04/2026)

Podcast: 2026 Scotland and Wales Election Analysis Ep 12: The Scottish Manifestos (Fraser of Allender Institute 27/04/2026)

Events

For further listings, please see BEFS events calendar

SCVO – Meet the Funder with the Architectural Heritage Fund
Date & Time: Tuesday 5 May 2026; 10-11:00am
Location: Online
During this free webinar, attendees will hear directly from Andres Hitches Davies, Investment Manager and Gordon Barr, Development Manager, from the Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF), about their funding programmes and how they support community‑led organisations to explore, develop, and bring new life to historic buildings across Scotland.

People, Planet, Pint – Dear Grey Place: How to uncover the nature hiding on your doorstep
Date & Time: Tuesday 5 May 2026; 6-8pm
Location: Committee Room No.9, 18 John Street, Glasgow G1 1JQ
Join this People, Planet, Pint, Present event in Glasgow to learn more about urban biodiversity. This event is your chance to learn more about weird and wonderful topics related to sustainability, by taking big ideas and serving them up as pint-sized knowledge in the relaxed setting of a local pub. Hear from inspiring individuals and experts on topics you might never have discovered otherwise. At this session, discover exciting ways to record nature and monitor biodiversity on a local and national level, with Aimée Moretti, who works for The Conversation Volunteers and delivers citizen science engagement across Scotland.

The Architectural Heritage Fund – 50^th Anniversary Exhibition
Date & Time: Thursday 30 April – Saturday 16 May 2026
Location: The Briggait, 141 Bridgegate Street, Glasgow G1 5HZ
Celebrating the AHS 50th anniversary, this exhibition presents 50 Years of Reimagining Heritage, telling the story of the difference heritage reuse can make in people’s lives and in communities. Across the year, the exhibition will travel to each part of the UK; Cardiff from 23 June to 11 July & London from 21 October to 4 November. By showcasing these extraordinary stories, the hope is to inspire more people to get involved in saving local historic buildings to improve places, empower people, and secure a sustainable future for built heritage.

SURF – Shared Learning Workshops
Dates & Times: Thursday 7 – Thursday 28 May 2026; 10am-2pm
Location: Various; see individual events below
A series of SURF Award Shared Learning Workshops will take place in May. At these events attendees will have the opportunity to learn from SURF Award winners and highly commended projects, before opening to a wider policy discussion with national partners. The 4 workshops are:

Removing barriers to employability (7 May, Edinburgh)
Housing led regeneration initiatives (14 May, Edinburgh)
Place-based regeneration approaches (21 May, Govan)
Taking a creative approach to regeneration (28 May, Glasgow)

SPAB – Scotland Social: Meet the Scholars
Date & Time: Friday 8 May 2026; 7pm
Location: Bennet’s Bar, 8 Leven Street, Edinburgh EH3 9LG
Meet the current cohort of SPAB Scholars and have a relaxed catch up with members, volunteers and friends. Space has been reserved in the historic Bennet’s Bar on Leven Street and the SPAB Scholars hope to see you there!

IHBC Scotland Branch – Exploring Historic Lime Finishes
Date & Time: Friday 15 May 2026
Location: Stirling City Centre
Join the IHBC to explore historic lime finishes evident around Stirling City Centre. The walking tour will look at evidence surviving for historic finishes such as harling and different pointing types to better understand how buildings were finished historically and how this can inform their future conservation. The tour will be led by expert Dr Tim Meek, former lime practitioner and co-author of HES Technical Papers 31 and 33. Check IHBC Scotland LinkedIn for future booking announcements

Archaeology Scotland – 2026 Summer School
Date & Time: Tuesday 19 – Friday 22 May 2026
Location: Corran Esplanade, Oban, Argyll, PA34 5PZ
The 2026 Summer School will explore the archaeology of Lorn’s glens and coast. The event, open to members and non-members, features guided tours of Neolithic to Reformation sites.

Archaeological Research in Progress Conference 2026
Date & Time: Saturday 23 May 2026
Location: Robert Burns Centre, Mill Road, Dumfries DG2 7BE (and online)
The event is being organised by Archaeology Scotland in partnership with the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland and Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Archaeology Service. It aims to cover archaeological research in progress from around Scotland covering all periods. Tickets and a full programme coming soon.

SCVO – Creating community: village halls and community spaces conference
Date & Time: Wednesday 27 May 2026; 10am-4:30pm
Location: The Pyramid at Anderston, 759 Argyle Street, Glasgow G3 8DS
Village halls are often the heart of a community; places for people to gather, learn, access services and have fun. This one-day conference will allow people running village and community halls across Scotland to do the same – to connect, share ideas, and inspire each other. At this conference, you’ll get to: connect with fellow hall workers and volunteers; share stories, tips, and experiences; and discuss difficulties you’ve faced or are facing, whilst inspiring others with creative solutions to common village hall issues.

European Cultural Heritage Summit 2026
Date & Time: Wednesday 27 to Saturday 30 May 2026
Location: Nicosia, Cyprus
The European Cultural Heritage Summit 2026 will be held from 27 to 30 May in Nicosia, Cyprus, under the patronage of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The Summit is organised by Europa Nostra and the Hub in Nicosia with the support of the European Union, the Deputy Ministry of Culture of Cyprus, The A.G. Leventis Foundation and the Municipality of Nicosia. The Nicosia Summit will highlight the key role of cultural heritage for building much-needed bridges and synergies between Europe and the Middle East and the wider area of the Mediterranean.

Under One Roof – Introduction to Tenement Maintenance
Date & Time: Tuesday 2 June 2026; 12-1pm
Location: Online, via Microsoft Teams
Together with conservation experts at Mill Architects and Edinburgh World Heritage, Under One Roof will explore the importance of maintaining tenement buildings and the unique repair issues historic tenements can face, and share our knowledge of how to work with neighbours to organise and pay for repairs in the shared, or ‘common,’ areas of your building. Edinburgh World Heritage will also explain how they can support tenement property owners during the repairs process with funding guidance and opportunities.

Chartered Institute for Archaeologists – Strategic Leadership Summit
Date & Time: Wednesday 3 June 2026; 9am–5pm
Location: The Kings Centre, Osney Mead, Oxford OX2 0ES
CIfA will hold its first Strategic Leadership Summit with the aim of bringing together leaders from across the profession to discuss some of the biggest issues facing archaeology today. The summit’s theme will be Strategic Approaches to Archaeology, and contributors will reflect on the UK’s major strategic vehicles for advancing the archaeological profession’s practices and delivering benefit. The ticket price includes lunch and free access to the post event recordings.

Under One Roof – Managing common repairs webinar with East Lothian Council
Date & Time: Tuesday 9 June 2026; 12-1pm
Location: Online, via Microsoft Teams
Do you own a flat in East Lothian? Join this free lunchtime webinar! Learn about the proper procedure for managing common repairs in tenement building, with discussions about how to understand your titles and responsibilities, and how to work with your neighbours to organise and pay for repairs together. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session, where you can ask an expert speaker about your own repair issues.

Heritage Network – North UK Mills June Meeting
Date & Time: Thursday 11 June 2026; 10-11:30am
Location: Online
The North UK Mills Group aims to connect and support people and organisations who preserve historic mills, millwrighting skills and milling culture for future generations. Join online for this talk by Graham Brooks, Chair of Warwick Bridge Community Benefit Society in Carlisle, as he asks, ‘Can a watermill be operated profitably?’ Graham will outline the history of Warwick Bridge, including its renovation in 2019 and the setting up of the Community Benefit Society, before diving into the challenges it has faced over the last 6 years and plans for moving forward in 2026 and beyond.

Under One Roof – Damp and mould in tenement flats webinar with East Lothian Council
Date & Time: Thursday 18 June 2026; 12-1pm
Location: Online, via Microsoft Teams
Awaab’s Law is coming to Scotland, changing the way that social and private landlords deal with damp and mould in their flats. If you are a landlord in East Lothian, find out how you can tackle the problem of damp and mould at this free lunchtime webinar. Learn about updates to legislation, and expert information on how to deal with damp and mould in common areas of your building. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A, where you will have the chance to ask an expert about your own damp and mould issues.

IHBC – Annual School 2026 Newcastle I Adaptive Reuse
Date & Time: Thursday 18 – Saturday 20 June 2026
Location: Newcastle-upon-Tyne (In Person and Online)
The IHBC Annual School in Newcastle explores the theme of Adaptive Reuse through inspiring tours, expert talks, and networking opportunities across this 3-day programme, starting on Thursday with CPD Study Tours of iconic sites including the Byker Wall and Ouseburn, followed by a Welcome Reception at the Baltic Centre. Friday’s Day School, available in-person or online features specialist speakers at the Grade II* listed Common Room, and an Exhibitor Hub. The weekend concludes with the Annual Dinner and Awards at the Royal Station Hotel, followed by study tours on the Saturday for Full School delegates.

Heritage Network – Sustainable Island Heritage
Date & Time: Friday 26 June 2026; 10am-4pm
Location: The St Magnus Centre, Kirkwall, Orkney Islands
Join the Heritage Network in Kirkwall for an inspiring gathering bringing together community groups, heritage professionals, and local changemakers from across the Orkney Islands. An ideal opportunity for networking, the day will celebrate the incredible work happening across the region —showcasing innovative heritage projects, grassroots initiatives, and collaborative efforts that are preserving, sharing and reimagining Orkney’s rich cultural story. Confirmed speakers include Heritage Network members, Boloquoy Victorian Farm & Watermill, and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, who last year announced Orkney as the second place in Scotland to benefit from its ‘Heritage Place’ investment initiative.

Under One Roof – Understanding mandatory owners’ associations webinar with East Lothian Council
Date & Time: Thursday 2 July 2026; 12-1pm
Location: Online, via Microsoft Teams
Working together with your neighbours to take care of your building can be challenging, but being part of an owners’ association can make the process much easier. At this free lunchtime webinar, learn about the benefits of joining an owners’ association, with expert advice on how to set one up in your own building, and explanation about the proposed changes to the law to introduce mandatory owners’ associations. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session, where you will have the chance to ask an expert speaker your own questions about owners’ associations.

Save the date/Early booking open now/Applications invited

Open Call: Inclusive European Heritage Residency 2026
Location & Dates: Online then Malta in September 2026
Europa Nostra, the leading European heritage civil society network, and INTO – the International National Trusts Organisation are organising the second edition of the Inclusive European Heritage Residencies from 13 to 19 September 2026, in collaboration with the National Trust for Malta. Around 10 heritage professionals will be selected to gather in Malta to exchange best practices, discuss key challenges, and explore strategies for building strong and resilient heritage organisations.
Deadline: Friday 15 May 2026

Doors Open Day – Applications to participate: Edinburgh and East Lothian
Date and location: Saturday 26 & Sunday 27 September 2026; Edinburgh & East Lothian
Applications are invited to take part in Doors Open Day 20256. There are three criteria which need to be met for a venue to take part: The venue should be open on the regions designated weekend; the event must be free; and the event should include something different from your usual offering – common examples include a tour, talk, exhibition, workshop, or a simple colouring activity. You can use the annual theme to design your event/activity – this year’s theme is Heritage at Risk: Revive, Resist, Reimagine. more details can be found here (use of the theme is not a requirement).
To take part please email EdinburghDoorsOpen@cockburnassociation.org.uk.
Deadline: Sunday 21 June 2026

Doors Open Days Weekends for 2026
Dates: Saturday and Sunday from 5 – 27 September 2026
Locations: Regional variations

Heritage Network – Conference 2026
Date & Time: Sunday 27 September – Tuesday 29 September 2026
Locations: Belfast & Armagh
The conference emphasis is on the impact of community-led heritage on people and places, explored through the experience of heritage regeneration in the host towns and cities and beyond. As well as a day of compelling presentations, lively discussions and networking, Conference includes tours and visits to fascinating historic sites and ground-breaking projects.

SPAB – Practical Flour Milling
Date & Time: Tuesday 20 October 2026; 9:30am-4pm
Location: Blair Athol Water Mill, Ford Road, Blair Atholl, Pitlochry PH18 5SH
Join SPAB for practical experience of traditional flour milling in a small, friendly group environment. Blair Atholl Watermill is Scotland’s oldest working watermill. This course is supported by the North UK Mills Group. This event is perfect for mill volunteers and trainee millers. It may also be of interest to more experienced millers who wish to develop their skills.

Training

Planning Aid Scotland – Community Engagement Skills Training Inverness
Date & Time: Wednesday 10 June 2026; 10am-3:30pm
Location: Highland Rugby Club, Canal Park, Clubhouse, Inverness IV3 5SS
This is an interactive workshop on community engagement and how to use the SP=EED framework. The trainers bring extensive community engagement and facilitation expertise to help develop your skills, knowledge, and confidence as a community engagement practitioner. Learn how to undertake meaningful engagement that achieves positive outcomes for communities and projects alike. Discover useful tips and practical tools to help you lead your engagement work with confidence and ease. Engage in a range of different learning techniques to think creatively about engagement. Connect with fellow engagement practitioners, share experiences, and learn from each other in a safe, collaborative setting.

Scottish Lime Centre Trust – Introduction to Stonemasonry
Date & Time: Thursday 25 & Friday 26 June 2026; 9:30am-4:30pm
Location: Merryhill Training Centre, Charlestown, Dunfermline KY11 3DR
Taught by a time-served Stonemason, this course is suitable for all abilities and covers an introduction to tools, techniques and uses of basic stonemasonry. Learners can take away their practice stones at the end of the day. This practical course is designed for: those individuals with little or no experience in cutting and dressing natural stone; building contractor working on traditional stone buildings and structures and just want to learn the basic masonry skills for cutting and dressing sandstone; and/or a semi-skilled operative who needs to add to his skills set and be able to produce stone masonry units to plumb, level and plane with traditional tooling finishes.

Vacancies & Opportunities

Icon Scotland – Committee Roles
Remuneration: Unpaid volunteer roles (expenses will be covered to attend in person meetings or events)
Status: Approx 6 meetings per year and a couple of hours per month
Location: Remote except for a yearly meeting/away day and AGM.
The Icon Scotland Group is now recruiting new committee members for the roles of Treasurer, Vice Treasurer and Events Officer. The Icon Scotland Group is a national sub-group of The Institute of Conservation and represents professional conservators across all disciplines, as well as conservation scientists, preservation managers and other conservation professionals working in Scotland. This is an opportunity to work closely with Scottish Conservators from across the sector. The Treasurer and Vice-Treasurer will manage invoices and receipts, put together a yearly budget, and provide accounts updates during committee meetings and a yearly AGM. The Events Officers will organise 1 or 2 events a year, support the events team in the delivery of events, and provide updates on the events they organise during committee meetings. You can view the full role descriptions by clicking on this link. For enquiries and expressions of interest, please contact Hana Bristow (Secretary) at admin@iconscotland.org.
Closing Date: Sunday 3 May 2026

The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland – ReACH Research Officer
Salary: £29,200
Status: Full-time, fixed term 14 months
Location: Hybrid working – Edinburgh office two days per week (pro rata)
The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland is looking to hire a new member of staff to help deliver the Research in Action on Church Heritage (ReACH) project. Working closely with Scotland’s Churches Trust, this role will work with the Research Manager and Community Officer to collate and maintain country-wide information on both the heritage and social value of Scotland’s churches. This role will focus on the collection and organisation of existing information in the project database and conducting additional research where knowledge gaps are identified. The role will also assist with heritage and social value surveys and working with and supporting a network of key stakeholders – the Heritage Action Group.
Closing Date: Sunday 3 May 2026

Scottish Historic Buildings Trust – Head of Finance
Salary: c. £54,000, pro-rata
Status: Part-time (between 21 and 28 hours per week)
Location: Initially based within the Trust’s property at Custom House, 67 Commercial Street, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6LH. Hybrid and flexible working arrangements are available.
Scottish Historic Buildings Trust (SHBT) are seeking to appoint a Head of Finance. SHBT is a charitable Building Preservation Trust active across Scotland. The Trust is dedicated to regenerating significant historic buildings which are at risk, for the benefit of others, through conservation and sustainable re-use. This is a senior and strategically important role within SHBT and will be part of the Senior Management Team, reporting to the Director. The role carries a high level of autonomy and covers a broad remit including budgeting, forecasting, financial performance reporting and the preparation of annual charity accounts and working with the Trust’s external auditors. The Head of Finance is responsible for the day-to-day management of finances for the charity (and its subsidiary trading arm) and will ensure the efficient management of the accounting functions and delivery of all aspects of financial administration operating with high levels of personal integrity. The company secretarial responsibilities require the appointee to ensure that all statutory reporting and compliance required for the limited companies are fulfilled in a timely and efficient manner. View the Recruitment Brochure for this Appointment. How to Apply: Interested parties should submit their cover letter outlining their suitability for the job including motivation for applying and CV to sam@shbt.org.uk. Please note interviews will be in person on Wednesday 27 May 2026 at Riddle’s Court, Edinburgh. Ideal starting date for the successful candidate will be early September 2026, or earlier if possible.
Closing Date: 12am on Monday 11 May 2026

Fundraising Consultant – freelance opportunity
Thanks to funding from the Architectural Heritage Fund, Fife Historic Buildings Trust are seeking to appoint an experienced fundraiser who can work with them over time to develop an approach to generating income from a range of fundraising sources. This might be to support future projects, or to support FHBT’s work more generally. Please contact lorraine@fifehistoricbuildings.org.uk for a copy of the brief and to find out more.
Closing Date: Monday 25 May 2026

Planning Aid Scotland – Opportunities for chartered planners
Becoming chartered is a significant professional milestone, signalling competence and a commitment to public service. Planning Aid Scotland, the national charity working to widen access to planning, offers newly chartered planners a way to put these values into practice through its national planning Advice Service. Volunteers support members of the public with a wide range of planning questions, gaining direct experience that is often hard to find in day-to-day roles. The opportunity is flexible and open to all chartered planners. In return, volunteers receive professional training, access to a video archive, and ongoing support. Get in touch to find out more at volunteer@pas.org.uk.
Closing Date: Not applicable

Planning Democracy – Trustees
Planning Democracy are looking for new trustees to join their board. They are particularly interested in recruiting trustees who have skills in the following areas:

Governance
Communications (social media, online resources, website management)

However, they are also keen to hear from anyone who feels that Planning Democracy is an organisation they are interested in getting involved with. In return they are offering training opportunities, learning opportunities, experience in campaigning and advocacy, the opportunity to travel in Scotland and meet new people, as well as being part of a committed group of people. If you are interested, contact Chair, Helen Todd on info@planningdemocracy.org.uk and they can then send you an application form and/or have a chat.
Closing Date: Not specified

SHBT – St Ninian’s Manse
Location: Quayside Street, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6EJ
Size: 2,889 sq ft
Availability: March 2026
Tenure: Available as single tenancy or individual floors
With origins dating back to 1493, St Ninian’s Manse is thought to be the oldest building in Leith and is topped by Edinburgh’s sole surviving 17th century timber steeple. It formed part of the original entrance to St Ninian’s Chapel, which was mostly demolished during the 19th century when the site was converted to industrial use as a mill. From 1996 to 2002, SHBT restored both St Ninian’s Manse and the adjacent Quayside Mills, creating desirable waterfront office space whilst also preserving an important historic structure and a key part of Leith’s history. The manse now offers four floors of adaptable office space with period character, modern amenities, and five dedicated parking spaces.
Enquiries: info@shbt.org.uk

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23 Apr 2026

Scottish Historic Buildings Trust are seeking to appoint a Head of Finance.

About Scottish Historic Buildings Trust (SHBT)

SHBT is a charitable Building Preservation Trust active across Scotland. The Trust is dedicated to regenerating significant historic buildings which are at risk, for the benefit of others, through conservation and sustainable re-use.

For almost fifty years, the charity has played a unique role in preserving and promoting the nation’s architectural heritage. The charity collaborates with the third sector, local authorities, communities, and specialists to preserve and restore significant historic buildings across Scotland.

With a small expert team and no core public funding, they have restored over 30 buildings and raised more than £40 million. They have retained a portfolio of historic properties which are run commercially and for the benefit of their local communities. The team of 18 FTE has specialist skills in building preservation, fundraising, community engagement, heritage communications, grant writing, project management and property operations.

SHBT also bring expertise in event management, cultural interpretation and in developing and delivering educational programmes. SHBT undertakes largescale projects directly (e.g., Leith Custom House and Bernat Klein Studio, Scottish Borders), while also (and increasingly) providing consultancy services to other non-profit historic building owners. SHBT is based in Riddle’s Court in Edinburgh’s UNESCO World Heritage Old Town in a sixteenth-century palace which was restored in 2017.

The Role

This is a senior and strategically important role within SHBT and will be part of the Senior Management Team, reporting to the Director. The role carries a high level of autonomy and covers a broad remit including budgeting, forecasting, financial performance reporting and the preparation of annual charity accounts and working with the Trust’s external auditors.

The Head of Finance is responsible for the day-to-day management of finances for the charity (and its subsidiary trading arm) and will ensure the efficient management of the accounting functions and delivery of all aspects of financial administration operating with high levels of personal integrity. The company secretarial responsibilities require the appointee to ensure that all statutory reporting and compliance required for the limited companies are fulfilled in a timely and efficient manner.

The Head of Finance will assist the Director in the smooth and efficient operation and financial reporting of the Trust. This will include:

Preparation of monthly Management Accounts, Budgets and Cashflow and annual Charity Accounts and reporting to the Finance & Audit Committee and Management Board.

Delivery of the finance function of the Trust, ensuring financial records and reporting are accurate and complete, and produced on a timely basis.

Ensuring compliance with appropriate financial policies and procedures and ensuring there are robust controls and checks in place for the management of the financial functions of SHBT, complying with OSCR requirements for charities and Companies House as a company limited by guarantee.

Completing the on-line appointments and resignations of Directors as required.

Working with external auditors and payroll providers to ensure the timely completion of accounts and audit and payroll provision.

Developing and establishing the systems, processes and procedures required to ensure SHBT has an efficient and effective finance function and proactively provide ideas for improvement.

Manage the Bookkeeper and have overall accountability for their deliverables – including all receipt and payment related matters, processing invoices, fee claims, VAT returns, Gift Aid claims. staff expenses and grant drawdown requests.

Working with Trust staff to provide all financial information and monitor expenditure against budgets and ensure that all finance procedures are followed ensuring that training is provided where required on any finance processes

Take a lead on Project finance to include grant reporting, budget control and cash flow.

Accountability

The appointee will also take on some company secretarial work for SHBT and its subsidiary companies.

You will be directly responsible to the Director on a day-to-day basis, and accountable to the Finance & Audit Committee and Management Board (Charity Trustees). You will be responsible for the Bookkeeper and will liaise with other staff as part of the Senior Management Team setting Financial Procedures and Processes and providing financial information as well as Project Staff (on project finances and grant applications and claims), Property Staff (property financial management).

Person Specification

Education and Training

Qualified/Part-Qualified Accountant/ICAS/ICAEW/ACCA Qualified, or applicants with significant experience in a finance role or similar. Part-Qualified applicants will be supported on the completion of their professional accountancy qualification

Proven experience of working in a charity and of charitable accounting procedures and preparation of charitable accounts

Relevant CPD training and professional development in charity finance

Job Experience & Skills

Demonstrable track record of managing all aspects of finance for a charity, or equivalent organisation and proven experience of working within a finance role at a similar level.

Proven experience in developing systems, in-depth financial analysis and account production and maximising the potential of accounting and supporting systems producing Financial Reports and Papers at Board level which are clear and understandable to less experienced reviewers and non-finance professionals.

Knowledge of company secretarial responsibilities.

Experience of capital project finance.

Strong technical accountancy and financial management skills with expertise in online accounting systems (SHBT use Xero).

Knowledge and experience of tax and VAT process and procedures.

Strong Microsoft Office skills especially Excel, Outlook and Word.

An ability to manage creditor and debtor relationships in a positive and engaging manner.

Personal Qualities

A creative mind – you will often need to find new approaches to unexpected problems, which can be fun as well as stimulating.

An ability to remain calm under pressure and to work at pace against changing requirements and priorities, many of these to challenging deadlines.

Proactive self-starter with excellent time management and organisational skills.

Flexibility to work outside of usual business hours by mutual agreement (e.g., evening or weekend at community engagement event).

An interest in historic buildings and cultural heritage.

IT and practical skills beyond standard office suite.

An exceptional ability to prioritise, manage workload and work to deadlines.

Good attention to detail and the ability to produce work with a high level of accuracy and ability to spot errors.

Strong problem-solving skills as well as a can-do attitude, the ability to listen to and understand requirements as well as share ideas.

Excellent communication skills, ability to interact with people at all levels and convey technical financial information to non-specialists in a confident and courteous manner.

Comfortable managing multiple work streams simultaneously.

View the Recruitment Brochure for this Appointment

Terms and Conditions

Due to the nature of this post requiring attendance at Board and other meetings, there will be a requirement to work some evenings and weekends.

Pension Scheme: The Trust runs a qualifying Workplace Pension Scheme with Royal London with 5% company and 4% employee contributions. If you are eligible, you will be automatically enrolled into the scheme after 3 months.

Holidays: 20 days per calendar year (full-time equivalent), increasing by 1 day per year for each year of employment with the Trust, up to a maximum of 25 days, plus 9 days local/statutory holidays (FTE). The Trust usually closes for two weeks over the Christmas period and you will be expected to use some of your own holiday allowance in addition to any additional discretionary days which are offered.

Probation: There will be a probationary period of up to six months after which time the appointment will be confirmed subject to a satisfactory performance review.

How to Apply

Interested parties should submit their cover letter outlining their suitability for the job including motivation for applying and Curriculum Vitae to sam@shbt.org.uk.

Please note interviews will be in person on Wednesday 27 May 2026 at Riddle’s Court, Edinburgh.

Ideal starting date for the successful candidate will be early September 2026, or earlier if possible.

Salary: c. £54,000, pro-rata

Status: Part-time (between 21 and 28 hours per week)

Location: You will initially be based within the Trust’s property at Custom House, 67 Commercial Street, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6LH. Hybrid and flexible working arrangements are available.

Closing Date: 12am on Monday 11 May 2026

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20 Apr 2026

What built environment commitments are the main parties making in the run-up to next month’s Scottish Parliament elections?

The 2026 Scottish Parliament election is fast approaching. If elected to form the next Scottish Government, what changes are the main parties planning to make with regard to the existing built and historic environment?

To support advocacy around the 2026 BEFS Manifesto for the Built Environment, we are actively tracking the built environment policy commitments and positions that political parties are setting out in the lead up to next month’s elections.

This blog is a selection of key party commitments which relate to the five core themes of the BEFS Manifesto: culture and heritage; net zero and the climate emergency; repair, maintenance and retrofit; training and skills; and planning and place-making.

It directly quotes from party manifestos, and is far from exhaustive; readers may wish to review relevant sections of the six party manifestos for full details and additional commitments. You can also find direct links to party manifestos at the end of the blog.

BEFS Hustings and Next Steps:

Representatives of the six main parties appearing in national opinion polls, including former Scottish Ministers Paul McLennan MSP and Patrick Harvie MSP, joined the BEFS Built Environment Hustings Event on 7 April in Edinburgh (pictured). The panel’s engagement with BEFS Member questions indicated good levels of cross-party support for exploring a number of BEFS Manifesto policy recommendations.

BEFS will be working hard across the next term of Parliament to continue to advocate for the policy changes Members and stakeholders told us they would like to see. The BEFS Manifesto will inform the consultations and Committee business we engage with, as well as the relationships we will build with new and existing MSPs across parties, and the messages we will be sharing with policy-makers at every opportunity we get!

For more on BEFS policy influencing, please:

Read the 2026 BEFS Manifesto, which is available in three versions: the full document, an executive summary, and an accessible edition;
Visit the consultations page of this website for briefings and evidence submissions by BEFS;
Sign-up to the fortnightly BEFS bulletin for regular news on policy developments.

The following party manifesto extracts are ordered a-z by party name. We hope you find the summary useful – and you can contact Derek or Jonna if you would like to get involved in amplifying BEFS Manifesto recommendations to policy-makers.

BEFS Manifesto Theme 1: Culture & Heritage

Reform UK: “Scotland is blessed with a number of business sectors where we are genuinely world class owing to our geography, science and people. These 10 natural clusters of excellence comprise: Financial Services, Advanced Manufacturing, Energy, Food & Drink, Tourism & Hospitality, Creative Industries, Life Sciences, Agriculture, Fisheries and Marine. It’s time now to focus our resources in education, skills and training around these 10 clusters to get our young people and our adults tooled up for this new, modern economy.” (p15)

Scottish Conservative & Unionist Party: “We will: Support our thriving culture sector with a new Culture Act that guarantees multi-year funding for cultural bodies… Amalgamate some of Scotland’s culture quangos so that funds are directed towards the frontline rather than spent on back-office costs… Overhaul the SNP’s scandal-ridden heritage quango so that it can do the job it’s supposed to – look after our historic buildings.” (p31)

Scottish Greens: “We want to… Bring forward a Culture Bill… to rebuild our cultural sector, including provision of ongoing and long term multi-year funding… Invest in our grassroots venues and community spaces by introducing a stadium tax… Support greater community involvement in the management of Scotland’s historic and cultural sites, through the creation of community oversight boards, particularly in rural and island communities.” (p160)

Scottish Labour Party: “Scottish Labour will… Reform Creative Scotland, improving transparency and accountability… Designate a creative capital fund, to deliver financial support to upgrade and protect venues across the country.” (p54) “Scottish Labour is determined to deliver excellence for visitors, working in partnership to build a tourism strategy that …Protects Scotland’s historic assets, reforming Historic Environment Scotland so it is fit for purpose and ensuring funding is properly used to maintain Scottish sites.” (p84-85)

Scottish Liberal Democrats: “We will… Promote creative industries and culture by: Taking away the needless bureaucracy faced by those applying for funding through Creative Scotland and taking forward the recommendations of the Leitch Review… Tackling the big city bias that exists in how culture money is distributed… Maintaining free access to national museums and galleries…. Champion responsible and sustainable tourism, recognising it as a key industry and incorporate it into our industrial and skills strategies.” (p22)

Scottish National Party: “By the end of the next parliament, we will consult to develop a Culture and Arts Bill, learning lessons from other European countries with similar legislation… We will continue to deliver a long-term funding settlement for the arts of an additional £100 million annually for culture by 2028-29… In addition, we will ensure that at least a further £50 million is delivered for culture investment by the end of the next parliament… we will review the structures of Historic Environment Scotland and take any necessary steps to ensure that the recent work of the new Chair is supported.” (p44-5)

BEFS Manifesto Theme 2: Climate Emergency & Net Zero

Reform UK: “Reform will: Scrap all SNP Net Zero related targets, subsidies and quangos… Revise and simplify the planning system to fast-track permissions for hydro, micro-hydro, geothermal, open-cast coal mining, and electrical network infrastructure, especially on brownfield or industrial sites, while retaining protections for Scotland’s invaluable natural beauty, and taking into account local communities… Require every related policy decision to include an Energy Price Impact Statement so that there is transparency for the public about the effect on their energy bills.” (p13)

Scottish Conservative & Unionist Party: “We will: Redirect the SNP’s budget they spend to meet their net zero targets and put this funding towards building new houses and upgrading our infrastructure instead (p42)… Overhaul Scottish Government energy policy so that its main objective is to lower costs for households and businesses, rather than reaching arbitrary net zero targets… Abolish the SNP’s unaffordable target for reaching net zero by 2045.” (p46)

Scottish Greens: “…our top priorities [include]… Get Scotland back on track to deliver net zero by 2045, launching a coordinated climate action delivery programme to drive down emissions from transport, energy, farming and housing… Protect communities from floods, storms, heatwaves and coastal erosion by taking preventative actions now, and establish a Climate Adaptation Fund with sufficient financial resources … Drive down emissions from Scotland’s land use by introducing a well-designed Carbon Emissions Land Tax.” (p4) “…managing freshwater resources will become an increasingly important part of our adaptation to climate change.” (p143)

Scottish Labour Party: “Scottish Labour will… [promote] nature-based mitigations which restore freshwater habitats and reduce the impact of flooding… take the action needed to achieve our net zero by 2045 ambitions… We will: Create a national warm homes programme, with one-stop centres in communities to advise on new technologies, access to domestic solar, energy efficiency measures, financing, and trusted local installers to help support local jobs… Expand the use of community heat and power networks, working with local authorities, communities and local developers… Support the expansion of renewable energy generation in Scotland.” (p75/76)

Scottish Liberal Democrats: “We will… Unlock the potential of renewable power… by: Quadrupling the amount of energy generated from solar in this Parliament, unlocking investment that will roll it out across rooftops… Take the action needed now for Scotland to achieve net zero by 2045, including: Setting out a clear, detailed and stable roadmap to net zero … Expanding the market for climate-friendly products and services with steadily higher criteria in public procurement policy…. Putting tackling climate change and delivering a just transition at the heart of a new skills strategy.” (p71) “…rainproof communities and slow the flow of water… to reduce sewage and flooding.” (p77)

Scottish National Party: “Our Climate Change Plan sets out actions from now until 2040 to reduce emissions, seize the opportunities of net zero for new jobs and economic growth, improve our infrastructure and, improve our energy security. It will deliver warmer homes, cleaner air and a more resilient energy system… We will deliver on the £500 million Just Transition Fund to support workers and businesses making the change to a sustainable future… We will expand the Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) to £15 million.” (p23) “We will allocate additional investment of £15 million in flood mitigation and prevention.” (p63)

BEFS Manifesto Theme 3: Repair, Maintenance & Retrofit

Reform UK: “The SNP have saddled the private rental sector with regulation after regulation, driving down supply and driving up rents. The shortage has been stark for smaller properties essential for young people, with the proportion of 25-34 year-olds forced to live with their parents having increased by almost 40% since the SNP came to power… Reform UK will repeal the SNP’s regulations for all new tenancies, while keeping the terms of existing tenancies unchanged, making homes both plentiful and more affordable for the Scots who need them most.” (p17)

Scottish Conservative & Unionist Party: “Substantial sums of public money are currently being spent on providing loans and grants for heat pumps… We would protect funding for energy efficiency upgrades but redirect the cash spent on heat pumps and put it towards building homes and infrastructure instead. Other savings would be achieved by halting expensive green upgrades that are being planned to public buildings. At a time of stretched budgets we should not be asking the taxpayer to cough up for expensive net zero upgrades to our buildings and instead urge public sector bodies to look at cheaper alternatives so that we can invest the saved cash in infrastructure that needs fixing.” (p41)

Scottish Greens: “We want to… Bring back the Heat in Buildings (Scotland) Bill to set a clear routemap for decarbonising Scotland’s homes and buildings by 2045; to include a Clean Heat Standard and target dates for compliance… Pay for people to install heat pumps, solar panels with linked battery storage and other green heating technologies on their homes, with help available for homeowners to remove fossil fuel boilers.” (p12) “… Make it easier for people who live in tenements and other housing blocks to handle repairs, maintenance and energy efficiency improvements by reviewing tenement housing laws; making owners’ associations a legal requirement.” (p138)

Scottish Labour Party: “Scottish Labour will improve the quality of Scotland’s existing housing stock by: Improving tenement maintenance arrangements, expediting progress on reform recommendations… Speeding up cladding remediation, expediating a workable “Responsible Developers’ Scheme”, reviewing the Building Safety Levy, and setting clear targets and legal requirements for delivery of remediation… Widen eligibility for energy-efficiency support, dropping the age threshold for the Warmer Homes Scotland scheme to 70 and increasing rural grant uplifts by £500.” (p72)

Scottish Liberal Democrats: “We will… Set a timescale and milestones to remove dangerous Grenfell-style cladding from all Scottish buildings.”(p54) “Cut energy bills and emissions, and tackle fuel poverty, by: Bringing forward a Fairer Heating Bill, accelerating the rollout of smart climate-friendly heating systems, and taking a fabric first approach to retrofitting… Making it easier for people in shared buildings to agree to upgrades and improvements, adopting… proposals for every tenement to have an owners’ association, reserve fund for repairs and periodic building quality inspections… Promoting alternative financial models for retrofitting and expanding the financial products available.” (p70)

Scottish National Party: “We will invest at least £10 billion in capital spending – funding new and renewed buildings and equipment – over the next ten years.” (p17) “…We are committed to reforming the Tenement (Scotland) Act 2004 and Property Factors (Scotland) Act 2011 by the end of the next parliament, to better meet the needs of relevant owners and tenants to enable repairs, maintenance and enhancement of such properties… We have shown clear leadership in the heat in buildings sector, demonstrated not least by our grant and loan schemes. We will take forward our Heat in Building Bill to support homeowners, landlords and tenants to transition to clean heating in a fair and affordable way.” (p33)

BEFS Manifesto Theme 4: Training & Skills

Reform UK: “Reform will re-allocate funding from the bloated welfare budget to create a joined up Scottish Skills Strategy which will: Reboot the Apprenticeship Levy funding model and guarantee every penny is invested into apprenticeships linked to colleges… Establish a First Job Passport to ensure every young person moves seamlessly from school into further education or apprenticeship or vocational training or employment… Examine a new pathway for S3/S4 students into alternative, technical education based on the successful Newlands Junior College.” (p15)

Scottish Conservative & Unionist Party: “We would introduce a new Skills Bill that would establish a permanent framework for cooperation between businesses and our further and higher educational establishments, so that skills gaps can be swiftly identified by companies. Our colleges and universities can then adapt their courses to meet demand, meaning these skills gaps are quickly addressed. For colleges, this would mean providing them with extra support to deliver the courses our economy requires.” (p69)

Scottish Greens: “The Scottish Greens will deliver a Green Industrial Mission… Plan the workforce transition into Green Jobs by improving data gathering and publishing an annual Green Jobs and Skills Outlook, linking infrastructure investment to workforce planning and inclusion… Establish regional Green Skills Hubs linking colleges, employers and unions to guaranteed routes into low-carbon work… Double Just Transition funding to £1bn… Streamline Scotland’s apprenticeship system… to deliver modern and graduate apprenticeships in key sectors.” (p36-38)

Scottish Labour Party: “Scottish Labour will give colleges a clear purpose by… Reforming college funding so that it delivers stable multi-year funding which is linked to employment outcomes and apprenticeships… Creating Apprenticeship Centres of Excellence in colleges around the country, so that key industries have the pipeline of cutting-edge skills they need to grow (p41).We will… Train the construction workforce needed to build homes, prioritising construction skills in our new apprenticeships, and within new Skills Accelerators so that each region has the workers needed to deliver local housing targets.” (p68).

Scottish Liberal Democrats: “We will… Establish a new skills strategy, mapping where the gaps are and will be, and fitting training and education systems around it, so that the country secures the skills it needs… [including in] engineering and construction… Inspire people to do apprenticeships as a route to high-wage high-skill jobs by: Ensuring pupils can do structured work experience, summer placements or foundation apprenticeships… Matching apprenticeships to labour market demand and local economic priorities…” (p19/20) “…Securely funding colleges, building on the extra £70m secured by Scottish Liberal Democrats in the 2026/27 Budget.” (p42)

Scottish National Party: “We will deliver a single national skills plan for Scotland, aligned to economic need and designed to drive productivity and support the green and digital transitions… We will deliver the two reviews we have promised with the [Colleges and Universities] sector on the Shape of Future Funding Framework for universities and the College Sector of the Future Programme… We will increase the number of apprenticeships to deliver 150,000 over the Parliament… We will introduce an Apprenticeship Accelerator Grant, backed by the Apprenticeship Levy.” (p58-59)

BEFS Manifesto Theme 5: Planning & Place-making

Reform UK: “We will build on the concept of Local Place Plans to allow local people more say in the design and form of their communities, even down to street level, through a review of current planning laws. We will cease any new building regulation and stop local planners getting in the way of sensible local development. These policies will ensure that our town and city centres come alive again, buzzing with families, pensioners, workers and visitors combined.” (p17)

Scottish Conservative & Unionist Party: “We will: Establish new specialist planning hubs across the country in order to reduce waiting times for planning applications by sharing knowledge on how to deal with different projects (p28)… Scrap the SNP’s planning framework, with councils setting their own planning strategies so that they can build the homes they need.” (p42) “… Stop Scottish Government ministers from overturning planning decisions made by local people.” (p74)

Scottish Greens: “The Scottish Greens will… Strengthen compulsory purchase and compulsory sale powers so councils and communities can bring vacant and derelict land and buildings back into use… Support councils to revive town centres by repurposing empty commercial property into workspace, cultural and community uses… Require Local Place Plans to be honoured by local planning authorities… and support communities to develop plans where none exist… Introduce a community right of appeal in planning where decisions depart from agreed plans or officer recommendations.” (p118)

Scottish Labour Party: “Scottish Labour will… [support] development across the country by… Overhauling the planning system, reforming NPF4 so that decision-makers can take account of the economic potential of projects, designating housing as critical infrastructure … Speeding up planning decisions, transforming the planning hub into a national planning agency, with expertise and specialist teams that local authorities can draw on.” (p31) “… ensure local people can create good places to live by: Delivering fair funding for local services, agreeing a new funding formula for local government… Passing a Local Democracy Act.” (p52)

Scottish Liberal Democrats: “We will… [be] Developing a programme for a new generation of net zero new towns, prioritising from the outset features such as rail links, biodiversity, district heating, and the 20-minute neighbourhood… Reforming planning to make it simpler to redevelop long-term derelict buildings.” (p52) “…Modernise the planning system, making it less arduous and delivering badly-needed infrastructure and economic growth, including by investing in digital tools that help speed up decision-making.” (p56) “…Piloting and launching a major project to integrate AI into all local authority planning departments.” (p59)

Scottish National Party: “We will continue to take a strategic approach to delivering our regeneration ambitions, including revitalising town centres and encouraging town centre living, addressing the blight of vacant and derelict land.” (p38) “…We will further simplify regulation and reform the planning system, speeding up decision making, including reforming Compulsory Purchase Orders and exploring Compulsory Sales orders… We will also take steps to reverse the decline in professional planners working in public authorities.” (p40) “… we will explore: Rural planning reform, improving permitted development rights.” (p41)

Party Manifestos: Direct Links

(a-z by title)

Change With Fairness At Its Heart: Scottish Liberal Democrats Manifesto 2026

Get Scotland Working: The Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party Manifesto 2026

Let’s Demand Better: 2026 Scottish Greens Manifesto

On Scotland’s Side: SNP Manifesto 2026

Reform UK: Manifesto for Scotland 2026

Scotland Needs Change: 2026 Scottish Labour Manifesto

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17 Apr 2026

The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland is looking to hire a new member of staff to help deliver the Research in Action on Church Heritage (ReACH) project.

Working closely with Scotland’s Churches Trust, this role will work with the Research Manager and Community Officer to collate and maintain country-wide information on both the heritage and social value of Scotland’s churches. This role will focus on the collection and organisation of existing information in the project database and conducting additional research where knowledge gaps are identified. The role will also assist with heritage and social value surveys and working with and supporting a network of key stakeholders – the Heritage Action Group.

Main Responsibilities

Work closely with the ReACH team to support the Head of Research and respective Directors of Scotland’s Churches Trust and the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland in project delivery
Input data and maintain the ReACH web-hosted database to store and share information
Assist with the rapid needs assessment of the heritage assets of Scotland’s church buildings, including both desk-based and proactive survey
Assist the Research Manager in working with community groups to undertake heritage survey using Scotland’s Churches Trust Rapid Church Recording Methodology
Assist the Community Officer in working with community-representative organisations to undertake community value surveys using the University of Stirling’s Social Value Toolkit methodology
Assist in the project communications (including production of newsletters, social media and emails) and promotion of the project
Support the work of the Heritage Action Group
Assist with the organisation of a symposium, workshops, and other project events as required

Person Specification

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with an interest and experience of working in the heritage sector, particularly in Scottish archaeology. They will have demonstrable experience of archaeological research and the maintenance of high academic standards. The ideal candidate will have knowledge of developing or using research frameworks. They will be able to manage and prioritise a varied workload and be confident in working with a variety of stakeholders and community groups.

Requirements – essential

Understanding of heritage data and key Scottish heritage data sources
Experience in working with and inputting data into heritage-focussed databases
Excellent computer skills, including the use of databases and MS Office 365
Excellent organisational ability, including the ability to work on multiple priorities
Ability to travel and work flexibly, including weekend and out-of-ours work on occasion
Familiarity with website editing and content creation
Demonstrable ability to communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholder groups, both verbally and in writing
Proactive approach to problem solving
Strong team player with capacity to complete projects both collaboratively and independently
Commitment to the values and ethos of the organisation

Requirements – desirable

Familiarity with ecclesiastical heritage
Experience of working on community engagement projects
Experience of working on projects with multiple stakeholders
Excellent interpersonal and networking skills
Experience of event management

How to Apply

Please submit a CV and a covering letter outlining how your experience, skills and knowledge meet the requirements (covering letter to be no more than two sides of A4) by the closing date to the Head of Research, Dr Helen Spencer FSAScot, at helen@socantscot.org.

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in person in Edinburgh or online on 20 May 2026. Reasonable travel expenses can be claimed.

Applicants who are not shortlisted will be informed but unfortunately no detailed feedback will be possible.

The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland is dedicated to meeting the aims and commitments set out in its equality policy. This includes not discriminating under the Equality Act 2010 and building an accurate picture of the make-up of the workforce and encouraging equality and diversity. Please help us by filling in the Equalities Monitoring Form – a link will be emailed to you with receipt of your application. Filling in this form is voluntary and the results are anonymous and are not used in the recruitment process.

Salary: £29,200

Status:Full-time, fixed term 14 months

Location: Hybrid working – Edinburgh office two days per week (pro rata)

Closing date: Sunday 3 May 2026

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15 Apr 2026

Get The Latest Built Environment News, Policy Developments, Publications & Consultations

BEFS News

It has been a busy April for BEFS already!

Starting with big news, we are delighted to welcome Olivia Elinchev to BEFS Team. Olivia joins as BEFS brand-new Net Zero Lead.
Background and need: How can the historic environment sector deliver Net Zero and respond to the climate crisis?
This new role is supported by Historic Environment Scotland and has been developed as a response to the challenges and opportunities ahead; to support the existing work of the sector, building capacity whilst avoiding duplication of effort, and – crucially – driving a coordinated and holistic approach to Net Zero and the Climate Emergency. The role will lead on BEFS co-ordinated and strategic approach to delivering Net Zero, building Member and sector capacity and coordinating a robust, collaborative and data driven approach in ensuring that the historic environment is recognised as a valuable asset and key player in Scotland’s journey to Net Zero.
Olivia’s background in Environmental Geography and Sustainable Policy, and Environmental Protection and Management, alongside extensive experience of public affairs through her parliamentary work with Net Zero and Energy portfolios, will no doubt prove to be invaluable in this work.
BEFS sought Member and stakeholder views on the scope and remit of the post – and our thanks go to everyone that input and contributed along the way. To find out more, or to get in touch with Olivia, visit BEFS website.

Last week saw the sector come together in Edinburgh for BEFS pre-election hustings. The event focused on BEFS 2026 Manifesto and the policy asks therein, sharing the message loud and clear: the historic and existing built environment is a valuable asset, and can be a cross-cutting solution to some of Scotland’s biggest challenges – from the housing crisis to the Climate Emergency.
Our thanks to and to everyone that attended and submitted questions, and to the engaged and responsive panel of six political party representatives, which included former Scottish Ministers Paul McLennan MSP and Patrick Harvie MSP. Panel engagement with BEFS Member questions indicated good levels of cross-party support for exploring some of the BEFS Manifesto policy recommendations – we will continue to monitor party manifestos as they emerge. Huge thanks also to Dr Jocelyne Fleming for expertly chairing the event, and to BEFS Members RICS for hosting us at 10 Charlotte Square.
We look forward to continuing the conversation on behalf of the sector, with all parties represented!

Parliamentary Questions & Answers

Please see our Link to Parliamentary Questions and Answers for recent questions.

Consultations

CIfA Standard and guidance for the archaeological investigation and recording of standing buildings or structures
Chartered Institute for Archaeologists
CIfA’s Standards and Universal Guidance are undergoing a programme of review and update. As part of this, the current Standard and guidance for the archaeological investigation and recording of standing buildings or structures has been updated and is presented in CIfA’s new format. Please read the supporting information before completing the consultation. This review has been supported by a working group of representatives and specialists from the CIfA Buildings Group Committee, CIfA’s Professional Standards Advisory Panel and the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC). There are two consultation documents to review and 14 consultation questions to consider. You can either respond to this consultation using the online form or you can complete the same questions and submit by email.
Closes 17 April 2026

Accelerating home-building in Scotland
Scottish Government
This consultation seeks views on possible measures to accelerate the build-out of housing in Scotland, including mechanisms to stimulate the build-out of housing sites with planning permission. Options include land assembly, build-out rates, and fiscal measures. It follows the Housing Emergency Action Plan commitment to extend planning consultation to cover measures for SMEs and increase volume of delivery.
Closes 30 April 2026

Scotland’s Museums and Galleries Strategy
Museums Galleries Scotland
Having reached the midway point in Scotland’s Museums and Galleries seven year Strategy, stakeholders can help inform progress by filling out this short survey. This is an opportunity to have your say in Museums and Galleries Scotland’s future work and provide support for the sector.
No closing date specified

Consultation Responses

UK Government response to the consultation on the Implementation of the new Subscription Contracts Regime – noting that heritage body memberships offering visitor benefits in line with the organisations’ charitable purposes will be excluded from the new rules (UK Gov 02/04/2026)

Scottish Building Regulations: Fire Safety Review and Compliance
BEFS responded to selected questions of a Scottish Government 2026 call for evidence on fire safety in Scottish Building Regulations. The purpose of the consultation is to gather views on fire safety in building standards, in the context of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 Report recommendations and the proposed introduction of Compliance Plan Managers as set out in part three of the consultation paper. BEFS stated that improved clarity of language in fire safety guidance, and providing additional examples and case studies on approaches for historic buildings, could help reduce reported inconsistencies and improve the effectiveness of guidance. (BEFS 10/04/2026)

News Releases

“Heritage Matters”: Europa Nostra highlights longtime link to Scotland and looks ahead to renewed partnerships during visit to Edinburgh (Europa Nostra 18/03/2026)

Icon Launch Conservation Skills at Risk Project (ICON 20/03/2026)

“The new regulatory system must raise the standard of our built environment – and that requires a competence-led approach” (RIBA 20/03/2026)

Trio of Major Funders Back Emergency Heritage Rescue at Bannockburn House (Heritage Network 23/03/2026)

Chartered Institute of Housing Scotland reacts to latest housing statistics (CIH 31/03/2026)

Five disruptions: Can Scotland deliver real housing reform? (RSE 02/04/2026)

Scottish Labour pledge to help first-time buyers get on the housing ladder, with a package of measures to cut upfront costs, help people save for a deposit and bring empty homes back into use (Scottish Labour 04/04/2026)

Scottish Greens would end Flamingo Land exclusive development agreement (Scottish Greens 06/04/2026)

New research to reveal housing associations’ roles in improving Scotland’s economic performance (David Hume Institute 08/04/2026)

FMB Scotland calls for new Scottish Government to appoint construction minister (FMB Scotland 13/04/2026)

Heritage Network Impact 2026: Latest report on community-led heritage regeneration launched (Heritage Network 13/04/2026)

Publications

The Property Institute: Manifesto for Scotland 2026. Improving the Lives of Scotland’s Homeowners (TPI Scotland 17/02/2026)

Reform UK’s Manifesto for Scotland (Reform UK 26/03/2026)

Churches Crowdfunder Guide: guidance on running a successful crowdfunding campaign with recent case studies (Democratic Finance Scotland/Development Trusts Association Scotland April 2026)

Churches Route Map: guidance for community groups purchasing buildings owned by the Church of Scotland with advice on the steps to community ownership (Development Trusts Association Scotland April 2026)

Who should own the value of land? Housing, power and the deep politics of land value capture (CaCHE April 2026)

Scottish Conservative & Unionist Party 2026 Scottish Parliament Election Manifesto (Scottish Conservative & Unionist Party 07/04/2026)

Scotland Needs Change: 2026 Scottish Labour Manifesto (Scottish Labour Party 13/04/2026)

Heritage Network Impact Report (Heritage Network 13/04/2026)

2026 Scottish Greens Manifesto (Scottish Greens 14/04/2026)

Scottish & UK: Governmental & Parliamentary Publications

The UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy Quarterly Report – January to March 2026 (UK Gov March 2026)

The National Planning Hub – A year of delivery! (Scot Gov 16/03/2026)

Scottish Government procurement: annual report 2024 to 2025 (Scot Gov 18/03/2026)

Circular Procurement and Supply eLearning Renewed and Refreshed (Scot Gov 19/03/2026)

More Homes Scotland correspondence: FOI release (Scot Gov 01/04/2026)

Opinion & Comment

Edinburgh short term lets reach 84% refusal rate in last year (Deadline News 02/04/2026)

Scotland’s architecture under threat from adverts warn campaigners (The National 02/04/2026)

Huge Edinburgh advert allowed despite breaching planning rules (The National 08/04/2026)

New research to reveal housing associations’ roles in improving Scotland’s economic performance (SFHA 08/04/2026)

Bernat Klein Studio rescue project shortlisted for major award (The Herald 08/04/2026)

Scotland’s new towns: a crumbling legacy is a Holyrood battleground (The Times 11/04/2026)

Dreaming and Scheming in Post-War Scotland: The allure of Brutal Scotland (Bella Caledonia 13/04/2026)

Marion Forbes: Widening our construction talent pool is a business imperative (Scottish Construction Now 14/04/2026)

Events

For further listings, please see BEFS events calendar

GCHT – William James Anderson and the ‘Govan Accident’
Date & Time: Wednesday 22 April 2026; 7-8pm
Location: Online via Zoom
Glasgow City Heritage Trust is hosting Dr. Kathy Wheeler (University of Tennessee College of Architecture and Design), who will be discussing the now demolished Napier House and the tragic history of its construction. Napier House, which once occupied the corner of Govan Road and Napier Street in Glasgow, was designed by the architect William James Anderson, and during its construction in 1898 the top floor collapsed and five workmen died. The resulting inquest gave insight into the hierarchy of labour, the role of the architect, and the handling of the then relatively new concrete material.

SHBT – Nature-led Conservation: Can Heritage Survive Without Nature?
Date & Time: Wednesday 22 April 2026; 6-8pm
Location: Riddle’s Court, 322 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2PG
This session will focus on how is man-made and managed in the same way culture is understood to be. Nature has heritage all of its own – histories of farming, walking, imagining, and centuries of care. This session will consider what happens when these forms of conservation meet one another, and speculates upon what might, and could, happen. Topics will include: the many overlaps between nature conservation and conserving the historic environment, joint building and nature conservation projects, place based ecological dependencies, and dialogue with nature in the climate and biodiversity crises.

RTPI – Scottish Young Planners’ Conference 2026
Date & Time: Friday 24 April 2026; 9am-5pm
Location: Dynamic Earth, Holyrood Road, Edinburgh EH8 8AS
This year’s Scottish Young Planners’ Conference will explore planning’s critical role in tackling the climate and nature crises. The conference will feature a variety of speakers who will provide critical insights, share best practice examples, and lead practical workshop sessions to enhance delegates’ awareness, knowledge and skills on a range of topics.

Chartered Institute for Archaeologists – Annual Conference
Date & Time: Tuesday 28 & Wednesday 29 April 2026; 9:30am-5pm
Location: John McIntyre Conference Centre, The University of Edinburgh, Pollock Halls, 18 Holyrood Park Road, Edinburgh EH16 5AY
This year CIfA’s ever-popular annual conference will be hosted in Edinburgh, with post-event online recordings available if you can’t attend in-person. Featuring two full days of engaging content, the conference theme is Building Connections and incorporates keynote addresses, wide-ranging sessions, and training workshops. There will also be social events, so you can catch up with friends and network with fellow professionals in a relaxed atmosphere.

RIAS BookshopLATES – Professor Susan Roaf
Date & Time: Thursday 30 April 2026; 6:30-7:30pm
Location: RIAS Bookshop, 15 Rutland Square, Edinburgh EH1 2BE
The RIAS Bookshop and SEDA invite you to join Professor Susan Roaf for a discussion of the research behind her new book ‘Adaptive Thermal Comfort: At the Extremes’ with architect Gloria Lo.

Removing barriers to employability (7 May, Edinburgh)
Housing led regeneration initiatives (14 May, Edinburgh)
Place-based regeneration approaches (21 May, Govan)
Taking a creative approach to regeneration (28 May, Glasgow)

SAVE THE DATE/EARLY BOOKING OPEN NOW/APPLICATIONS INVITED

Open Call: FuturHist Retrofit Academy – master historic building retrofitting
Location & Dates: Online then Krakow in September 2026
Join an international cohort of experts in the FuturHist Retrofit Academy to master the energy transition of our built heritage. This two-stage programme, co-organised by the FuturHist Horizon Europe project partners offers specialised training on high-performance energy efficiency and innovative conservation-compatible solutions. The programme includes a free 6-week e-learning course (starting April 2026) and an exclusive Summer Academy in Krakow for top performers (September 2026). Gain competitive expertise and future-proof your career in the sustainable heritage sector.
Deadline: Saturday 18 April 2026

Open Call: Hub Peer-learning Visit to Rotterdam
Location & Dates: Rotterdam 17-19 June 2026
The EU-funded European Heritage Hub invites applications for its upcoming peer-learning visit in Rotterdam, The Netherlands in June 2026. This programme offers a unique opportunity to share good practices and acquire skills for addressing environmental, digital, and social challenges related to cultural heritage in local contexts. Rotterdam is the location for the “Holy Houses Festival”, celebrating the city’s religious heritages and creativity, which will be the main focus of the visit; explore what houses of worship mean — today and in the future — to their surroundings in a developing city with ever-changing needs. Read the practice’s Factsheet and for more information, please consult the full call for applications.
Deadline: Sunday 26 April 2026

Doors Open Days Weekends for 2026
Dates: Saturday and Sunday from 5 – 27 September 2026
Locations: Regional variations

Training

SLCT – C1 Making and Using Traditional Mortars
Date & Time: Monday 20 & Tuesday 21 April 2026; 9:30am-4:30pm
Location: Merryhill Training Centre, Charlestown, Dunfermline, Fife KY12 3DR
This practical workshop will provide attendees with a strong understanding of lime technology and how to approach re-pointing work in traditional buildings. The reasons for using traditional mortars on solid walls will also be explained, to allow you to better advise your clients. The course will guide participants to be able to complete repointing work to traditional buildings to a high standard. The content of this workshop provides the underpinning knowledge required for assessment and accreditation of SQA National Unit H8WT45 – Prepare and Mix Traditional Lime Mortars.
Full course description

The Engine Shed – Conserving Timberwork and Timber Windows
Date & Time: Wednesday 22 April 2026; 9:30am-4pm
Location: Hybrid – The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling, FK8 1QZ and Online
Three morning talks will examine the wealth of timberwork in Scotland’s traditional buildings, from major structural features like joists and rafters, to delicate finishing details like skirting boards, mouldings and panelling. How these features should be repaired, maintained and conserved will also be covered and there will be a discussion on ways to repair traditional simple sash and case windows. A networking lunch will provide you with the opportunity to continue discussions and explore the Engine Shed. In the afternoon, there will be guided tours of Stirling’s Church of the Holy Rude and the nearby Great Hall of Stirling Castle to inspect their remarkable timber roof structures – one being ancient and the other of recent construction. Cost: £85 for the in person full day learning experience; £30 for virtual attendance.

Icon Scotland – Glass Bonding and Filling Workshop
Date & Time: Tuesday 28 – Thursday 30 April 2026; 10am-5pm (28^th) and 9am-5pm (29^th & 30^th)
Location: The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling FK8 1QZ
This 3-day Workshop is aimed at conservators with previous knowledge but little experience of glass conservation, being objects or stained glass. The course will cover theory about glass degradation, conservation issues, conservation materials and techniques, and hands-on sessions on handling, bonding, mould making and filling flat glass and vessel glass surrogates. At the end of the workshop, participants will have a clear idea of common glass conservation issues, and options and strategies for their conservation.

Introduction to Building Conservation
Date & Time: Monday 1 – Friday 5 June 2026; 9:30am – 4pm
Location: The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling, FK8 1QZ
Five-day intensive course delivered by Historic Environment Scottish conservation professionals are exploring traditional building skills and materials used in conservation and repair projects throughout the Scottish built environment. It includes lectures, activities, and site visits to Stirling Old Town, Doune Castle, Glasgow Cathedral, and Glasgow Necropolis. Topics include approaches to conserving /repairing traditional buildings; stone, lime, slate and lead; climate change effects on heritage; and maintaining Scotland’s castles. Bursaries available for third-year students/recent graduates in building-related subjects (architecture, surveying, engineering, planning) – apply by 9am Tuesday 7 April 2026 to technicaleducation@hes.scot. Successful applicants contacted by Friday 15 May 2026. This course is suitable for graduates, heritage professionals, building practitioners, and anyone responsible for a traditional building.

Vacancies & Opportunities

The Society of Antiquaries Scotland – ReACH Research Officer
Salary: £29,200
Status: Full-time, fixed term 14 months
Location: Hybrid working – Edinburgh office two days per week (pro rata)
The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland is looking to hire a new member of staff to help deliver the Research in Action on Church Heritage (ReACH) project.
Working closely with Scotland’s Churches Trust, this role will work with the Research Manager and Community Officer to collate and maintain country-wide information on both the heritage and social value of Scotland’s churches. This role will focus on the collection and organisation of existing information in the project database and conducting additional research where knowledge gaps are identified. The role will also assist with heritage and social value surveys and working with and supporting a network of key stakeholders – the Heritage Action Group.
Closing date: Sunday 3 May 2026

Planning Democracy – Trustees
Planning Democracy are looking for new trustees to join their board. They are particularly interested in recruiting trustees who have skills in the following areas:

Governance
Communications (social media, online resources, website management)

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9 Apr 2026

The Icon Scotland Group is now recruiting new committee members for the roles of Treasurer, Vice Treasurer and Events Officer.

The Icon Scotland Group is a national sub-group of The Institute of Conservation and represents professional conservators across all disciplines, as well as conservation scientists, preservation managers and other conservation professionals working in Scotland.

This is an opportunity to work closely with Scottish Conservators from across the sector.

The Treasurer and Vice-Treasurer will manage invoices and receipts, put together a yearly budget, and provide accounts updates during committee meetings and a yearly AGM.

The Events Officers will organise 1 or 2 events a year, support the events team in the delivery of events, and provide updates on the events they organise during committee meetings.

You can view the full role descriptions by clicking on this link.

For enquiries and expressions of interest, please contact Hana Bristow (Secretary) at admin@iconscotland.org

Remuneration: Unpaid volunteer roles (expenses will be covered to attend in person meetings or events)

Status: Approx 6 meetings per year and a couple of hours per month

Location: Remote except for a yearly meeting/away day and AGM.

Closing Date: Sunday 3 May 2026

BACK

1 Apr 2026

Get The Latest Built Environment News, Policy Developments, Publications & Consultations

BEFS News

Some good news to start this week’s bulletin! Historic Environment Scotland has announced that £19.5 million in new funding will be made available to Scotland’s cities through the City Heritage Trusts (CHTs). Distributed through Scotland’s CHT – including, for the first time Dunfermline – funding will be spread across a number of Scotland’s cities, with the funding period for CHTs increased from three years to five. The CHT scheme aims to provide local trusts with means to invest in projects and work relating to their local historic environment and funding will be used for the repair and re-use of historic buildings, skills training, and outreach activity. For the full list of recipients and to find out more about the CHTs read the full statement here.

The Scottish Government has revealed that 32 projects across Scotland will benefit from the latest round of the £36 million Regeneration Capital Grant Fund. The fund aims to support initiatives and projects to drive economic growth, create jobs, and regenerate communities across Scotland – as well as bringing 21 disused or derelict sites back into use.

It has been a busy few weeks for emerging legislation – in mid-March the Building Safety Levy Bill was approved by the Scottish Parliament, and will see a tax charged on the construction of certain new residential properties from April 2028. The levy aims to raise £450 million over 15 years to help fund work to fix residential buildings with unsafe cladding. The legislation includes provisions to exempt certain types of development, including social and affordable housing and will generate funds to fix building safety issues, in line with equivalent legislation in England. Back in November, BEFS Director Hazel Johnson spoke to the Scottish Parliament’s Finance and Public Administration Committee about the draft Bill. The evidence session can be viewed on Parliament TV. BEFS also provided the Committee with a statement to complement an earlier consultation response.

At the end of March, Parliament voted to pass the Visitor Levy Amendment Bill. The amendment aims to provide more flexibility for councils electing to introduce a visitor levy, with greater choice in how they design and apply it to raise funds for local services. Public Finance Minister Ivan McKee said: “This legislation strengthens the visitor levy by giving councils the flexibility to choose the approach that best reflects their local area, empowers local decision making and ensures the benefits of tourism are shared across communities.” Read the full statement here.

There are still places available at BEFS Built Environment Hustings event, which is taking place on Tuesday 7 April, 2-4pm, in Edinburgh and online. The free event brings together representatives of the main political parties, including two former Scottish Ministers, with BEFS Members and stakeholders to explore and exchange on built environment policy priorities in the next term of Parliament. For full information and in-person booking, please click here. To register for online attendance, please click here.

And finally, a call to action as BEFS Members the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland are raising money to secure a home for their new Heritage Hub. To be located in the centre of Edinburgh and next to the National Museum of Scotland, the vision for the heritage hub is for a visible and welcoming national centre for research, learning, and engagement.

Parliamentary Questions & Answers

Please see our Link to Parliamentary Questions and Answers for recent questions regarding Listed Places of Worship Scheme, Circular Economy and Affordable Housing.

Consultations

Scottish Building Regulations: Fire Safety review and Compliance: Call for Evidence
Scottish Government
This consultation seeks to obtain the views and opinions of stakeholders on a review of building standards and guidance relating to fire safety, and including work on the compliance plan approach, to help ensure the safety of people in and around Scotland’s buildings. The consultation covers three main areas: the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 Report recommendations on fire safety, including a fundamental review of Section 2 (Fire) of the Technical Handbooks; the compliance plan manager; and the compliance plan approach. The proposed review and changes outlined in the consultation aim to improve safety for the design and construction of all domestic and non-domestic buildings making them safer for those in and around buildings, particularly relating to fire safety and in the event of an outbreak of a building fire when considering the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 Report recommendations. The consultation paper contains full background information.
Closes 10 April 2026

CIfA Standard and guidance for the archaeological investigation and recording of standing buildings or structures
Chartered Institute for Archaeologists
CIfA’s standards and universal guidance are undergoing a programme of review and update. As part of this, the current Standard and guidance for the archaeological investigation and recording of standing buildings or structures has been updated and is presented in CIfA’s new format. Please read the supporting information before completing the consultation. This review has been supported by a working group of representatives and specialists from the CIfA Buildings Group Committee, CIfA’s Professional Standards Advisory Panel and the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC). There are two consultation documents to review and 14 consultation questions to consider. You can either respond to this consultation using the online form or submit responses by email.
Closes 17 April 2026

Accelerating home-building in Scotland
Scottish Government
This consultation seeks views on possible measures to accelerate the build-out of housing in Scotland, including mechanisms to stimulate the build-out of housing sites with planning permission. Options include land assembly, build-out rates, and fiscal measures. Follows commitment in Housing Emergency Action Plan to extend planning consultation to cover measures for SMEs and increase volume of delivery.
Closes 30 April 2026

Heat networks – installation and maintenance licence
Scottish Government
Consultation seeking views on proposals for an installation and maintenance licence for heat networks. Proposes an opt-in installation and maintenance license under the Buildings (Heating and Energy Performance) and Heat Networks (Scotland) Bills replacing the mandatory licensing regime in the Heat Networks (Scotland) Act 2021. Would grant rights and powers similar to other utilities (gas, electricity) such as carrying out road works, surveys and compulsory purchase of land. Aims to improve pace and scale of heat networks installation and maintenance to contribute to net zero targets. Heat networks play a vital role in decarbonising heat in homes and buildings by 2045.
Closes 5 June 2026

Scotland’s Museums and Galleries Strategy
Museums Galleries Scotland
Having reached the midway point in Scotland’s Museums and Galleries seven year Strategy, please help inform progress by filling out this short survey. This is your opportunity to have your say in Museums Galleries Scotland future work and provide support for the sector.
No closing date specified

Consultation Responses

Scotland’s Fourth Land Use Strategy Consultation Response Analysis (Scot Gov 18/03/2026)

Heat and Energy Efficiency Technical Suitability Assessment: Consultation Analysis (Scot Gov 18/03/2026)

Scotland’s Fourth Land Use Strategy: Consultation Analysis Report (Scot Gov 18/03/2026)

Heat and Energy Efficiency Technical Suitability Assessment: Consultation Analysis (Scot Gov 18/03/2026)

Permitted development rights to support the provision of new homes: Consultation – summary of responses (Scot Gov 19/03/2026)

A Circular Economy Strategy for Scotland – Consultation Analysis Report (Scot Gov 24/03/2026)

Duty of Care: Code of Practice for Managing Controlled Waste consultation – Government Response
(Scot Gov 24/03/2026)

Draft Environment Strategy: consultation analysis (Scot Gov 24/03/2026)

News Releases

Emerging Building Craftsperson of the Year Award (SPAB 11/03/2026)

Debating a Housing Delivery Agency for Scotland (CaCHE 13/03/2026)

Support Scotland’s Oldest Heritage Charity with their £1.5 Million Race to Secure Permanent Home (SOCANT 17/03/2026)

LI and BALI launch joint manifesto ahead of Scottish Parliament Elections 2026 (Landscape Institute 19/03/2026)

More heritage funding to tackle rising cost and climate challenge (HES 23/03/2026)

Hub launches Open Call for opinion articles on culture, heritage and European values (European Heritage Hub 24/03/2026)

Apprentice encourages young people to join him in the heritage sector (HES 24/03/2026)

Greens challenge climate inaction following Scottish Government report (Scottish Green Party 24/03/2026)

Tourism Industry Welcomes Passage of Visitor Levy (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill at Stage 3 (STA 24/03/2026)

Scottish construction SMEs urged to adopt Competence Management as industry standards tighten (Construction Leadership Forum 25/03/2026)

Fire in historic buildings: reflections following the Glasgow Union Street fire (CROSS UK 25/03/2026)

Doors reopen to some of Scotland’s iconic historic sites (HES 26/03/2026)

Publications

Culture for all: a toolkit for gender equality in policymaking (UNESCO October 2025)

Buildings at Risk map tool (SAVE Britain’s Heritage March 2026)

Planning Aid Scotland’s free online training sessions on renewable energy and Local Place Plans: recordings now available to watch on YouTube for a limited time (PAS March 2026)

More Homes Scotland: Debating a New Housing Agency (CaCHE 10/03/2026)

National Planning Improvement: Improvement Action Progress Update reports (NPI 23/03/2026)

Scottish Parliament election 2026: pre-election period of sensitivity (DeHavilland 25/03/2026)

Scottish & UK: Governmental & Parliamentary Publications

Building Standards – Building Warrant Fees 2026 (Scot Gov 17/03/2026)

Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee Draft Report (Scot Parl 17/03/2026)

Scotland’s Fourth Land Use Strategy: 2026-2031 (Scot Gov 18/03/2026)

Community rights to buy review (Scot Gov 18/03/2026)

Development plan examinations: list (Scot Gov 18/03/2026)

Scottish Central Government Energy Efficiency Grant scheme: overview (Scot Gov 18/03/2026)

UK City of Culture 2029 longlist revealed (UK Gov 18/03/2026)

New plans to reshape how we protect and manage our land (UK Gov 18/03/2026)

Community empowerment: asset transfer appeals and reviews summary (Scot Gov 19/03/2026)

Battery Energy Storage Systems: planning guidance (Scot Gov 19/03/2026)

Dampness and mould in rented housing – What will ‘Awaab’s law’ in Scotland do? (SPICe 19/03/2026)

Planning – 2026 update: Ministerial and Chief Planner letter – March 2026 (Scot Gov 19/03/2026)

National Islands Plan Annual Report 2025 (Scot Gov 20/03/2026)

Additional funding for innovative housing programme (Scot Gov 20/03/2026)

New Scottish Council Tax Powers for Empty and Second Homes (SPICe 24/03/2026)

Revitalising communities (Scot Gov 24/03/2026)

Climate Change Plan published (Scot Gov 24/03/2026)

Scotland’s Climate Change Plan: 2026 – 2040 & Annexes (Scot Gov 24/03/2026)

Scotland’s Climate Change Plan – 2026-2040 – CRWIA (Scot Gov 24/03/2026)

Scotland’s Climate Change Plan – 2026-2040 – FSDA (Scot Gov 24/03/2026)

Tackling climate change at a local level (Scot Gov 24/03/2026)

The Environment Strategy for Scotland (Scot Gov 24/03/2026)

A Circular Economy Strategy for Scotland (Scot Gov 24/03/2026)

Climate Delivery Oversight Group minutes: December 2025 (Scot Gov 24/03/2026)

Scottish Government Response to the Climate Change Committee’s Scottish Progress Report 2025 (Scot Gov 24/03/2026)

Visitor Levy Amendment Bill passed (Scot Gov 24/03/2026)

Climate Engagement Fund (Scot Gov 24/03/2026)

Crofting and Scottish Land Court Bill (Scot Gov 24/03/2026)

Managing controlled waste – duty of care: code of practice (Scot Gov 24/03/2026)

Environment strategy: behaviour changes needed to achieve Scotland’s goals for biodiversity (Scot Gov 24/03/2026)

Correspondence between Gillian Martin and the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee regarding the Climate Change Plan (Scot Parl 24/03/2026)

Correspondence between Gillian Martin and the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee regarding Publication of A Circular Economy Strategy for Scotland (Scot Parl 24/03/2026)

What’s Changing in Scotland’s National Performance Framework and Why It Matters (SPICe 25/03/2026)

Delivering a model for parliamentary scrutiny of climate change: reflections on scrutiny of the draft Climate Change Plan 2026-2040 (SPICe 25/03/2026)

Draft Climate Change Plan 2026-2040: scrutiny and academic engagement (SPICe 25/03/2026)

Heat Networks Delivery Plan Review Report 2026 (Scot Gov 25/03/2026)

Land and Buildings Transaction Tax: review (Scot Gov 25/03/2026)

Short term lets – licensing scheme part 1: guidance for hosts and operators (Scot Gov 25/03/2026)

Building standards: enforcement handbook: first edition (version 1.1) (Scot Gov 25/03/2026)

Building standards: procedural handbook: third edition (version 1.9) (Scot Gov 25/03/2026)

Public appointment: Member appointed to the Board of Environmental Standards Scotland (Scot Gov 25/03/2026)

Resources and Waste Common Framework (SPICe 25/03/2026)

Cladding remediation – building warrant applications: outline approach to verification (Scot Gov 25/03/2026)

Climate Delivery Oversight Group minutes: March 2026 (Scot Gov 25/03/2026)

Local government finance circular 7/2026: non-domestic rates relief guidance (Scot Gov 25/03/2026)

Planning circular 1/2026: planning fees for applications, local reviews and appeals (Scot Gov 25/03/2026)

Resources and Waste Common Framework (Scot Parl 25/03/2026)

Approved Document B Consultation: Written Statement (UK Parl 25/03/2026)

Correspondence between Màiri McAllan and the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee regarding the Cladding Remediation Programme (Scot Parl 25/03/2026)

Correspondence between Màiri McAllan and the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee regarding the Grenfell Inquiry Report Phase Two Response (Scot Parl 25/03/2026)

Rural Affairs and Islands Committee Legacy Report (Scot Parl 25/03/2026)

Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee Legacy Report (Scot Parl 25/03/2026)

Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee Session 6 Legacy Report (Scot Parl 25/03/2026)

Annual Report of the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee (Scot Parl 25/03/2026)

Annual report of the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee (Scot Parl 25/03/2026)

Annual report of the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee (Scot Parl 25/03/2026)

Preventative Spend in Scotland (SPICe 25/03/2026)

Listed places of worship VAT reclaim scheme (UK Parl 26/03/2026)

Improving Building Safety Systems in Higher-Risk Buildings and Beyond (UK Parl 26/03/2026)

Opinion & Comment

Blog: Stone in Scotland: Past, Present and Future, A Seminar with Historic Environment Scotland (Under One Roof 10/03/2026)

Glasgow fire: Why historic places matter emotionally (The Scotsman 15/03/2026)

Stonehenge tunnel plan officially scrapped after years of protests (The Guardian 18/03/2026)

Podcast: How our landscape can shape learning, living and the design of our buildings (A&DS 23/03/2026)

Blog: Test, learn and grow: how the new Warm Homes Agency should develop area-based delivery
(NESTA 23/03/2026)

Podcast: Can buildings make us healthier? (BBC Sounds 24/03/2026)

Dr Jocelyne Fleming: Could More Homes Scotland unlock new housing delivery at pace and scale? (Scottish Housing News 24/03/2026)

Housing needs transformative change (Holyrood Magazine 25/03/2026)

Atholl Crescent campaigners criticise Edinburgh World Heritage over ‘support’ for 544-bed ‘super hostel’ (Edinburgh Evening News 27/03/2026)

Turning a city lighthouse into a beacon for the arts (Edinburgh Inquirer 28/03/2026)

Edinburgh’s Argyle House qualifies for listed status – but won’t get it (Edinburgh Evening News 30/03/2026)

Events

For further listings, please see BEFS events calendar

AHSS – Dominic Echlin & Thomas Hamilton – Extending the National Gallery of Scotland
Date & Time: Monday 13 April 2026; 6:30-7:30pm
Location: Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL and Online
Dominic Echlin, structural engineer, and Thomas Hamilton, architect, will share with us some of the challenges associated with the construction of the new Scottish Galleries at the National Gallery of Scotland at the Mound. Tickets available from Eventbrite or on the door, subject to availability: £6 / students £2

Society of Antiquaries of Scotland – PALaEoScot: New Approaches to Scotland’s Oldest Archaeology
Date & Time: Thursday 16 April 2026; 6-8pm
Location: Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL
This lecture will present the latest results of the PALaEoScot project, a research initiative from the University of Aberdeen centred on the use of archaeo-ecological approaches to explore the low visibility archaeology of Late Pleistocene Scotland and its recolonisation as glaciers retreated. The latest evidence for Scotland’s Ice Age people will be explored, along with their continental connections, the landscapes they encountered, and the fearsome beasts they shared their world with.

The Architectural Heritage Fund – 50^th Anniversary Exhibition
Date & Time: Thursday 30 April – Saturday 16 May 2026
Location: The Briggait, 141 Bridgegate Street, Glasgow G1 5HZ
Celebrating the AHF 50th anniversary, this exhibition presents 50 Years of Reimagining Heritage, telling the story of the difference heritage reuse can make in people’s lives and in communities. Across the year, the exhibition will travel to each part of the UK; Cardiff from 23 June to 11 July & London from 21 October to 4 November. By showcasing these extraordinary stories, the hope is to inspire more people to get involved in saving local historic buildings to improve places, empower people, and secure a sustainable future for built heritage.

Removing barriers to employability (7 May, Edinburgh)
Housing led regeneration initiatives (14 May, Edinburgh)
Place-based regeneration approaches (21 May, Govan)
Taking a creative approach to regeneration (28 May, Glasgow)

SAVE THE DATE/EARLY BOOKING OPEN NOW/APPLICATIONS INVITED

Open Call: FuturHist Retrofit Academy – master historic building retrofitting
Location: Online then Krakow in September 2026
Join an international cohort of experts in the FuturHist Retrofit Academy to master the energy transition of our built heritage. This two-stage programme, co-organised by the FuturHist Horizon Europe project partners offers specialised training on high-performance energy efficiency and innovative conservation-compatible solutions. The programme includes a free 6-week e-learning course (starting April 20) and an exclusive Summer Academy in Krakow for top performers (September 2026). Gain competitive expertise and future-proof your career in the sustainable heritage sector.
Deadline: Saturday 18 April 2026

Open Call: Inclusive European Heritage Residency 2026
Location: Online then Malta in September 2026
Europa Nostra, the leading European heritage civil society network, and INTO – the International National Trusts Organisation are organising the second edition of the Inclusive European Heritage Residencies from 13 to 19 September 2026, in collaboration with the National Trust for Malta. Around 10 heritage professionals will be selected to gather in Malta to exchange best practices, discuss key challenges, and explore strategies for building strong and resilient heritage organisations.
Deadline: Friday 15 May 2026

Training

SLCT – Surface Repair of Stone
Date & Time: Tuesday 14 & Wednesday 15 April 2026; 9:30am-4:30pm
Location: Merryhill Training Centre, Charlestown, Dunfermline, Fife KY12 3DR
This course will teach you how to carry out a successful surface stone repair with an understanding of the materials and when and where it may be appropriate. In many cases, simple surface repairs can be less intrusive and a suitable alternative to replacing masonry units with new stone. This course is designed to ensure successful surface repairs to flat work, angles, corners and moulded details. The decay mechanisms of stone will be discussed and consideration of the factors that should be taken into account when deciding if a surface repair is a suitable alternative to replacement with new stone. This course is aimed at those working within the construction industry who have had practical building experience and trowel skills.

Vacancies

Landscape Institute – Chair of the Board
Remuneration: Not remunerated; reasonable expenses covered.
The Landscape Institute (LI) is seeking a new Chair of the Board of Trustees, inviting applications from experienced leaders with expertise in governance, strategy and leadership of membership or charitable organisations. Over the last few years the LI has been making a step change in the way it works to ensure it is fit for purpose and relevant for the future. Following recent governance changes, the role of Chair of the Board has been separated from that of President. This means the Institute can appoint an independent Chair of the Board with the experience and expertise needed to help shape the strategic direction of the organisation. The role of President continues as the member-elected Chair of Council and Trustee, representing the voice of members on the Board. The new Chair will ensure the organisation remains focused on its charitable objectives and strategic priorities, while maintaining strong governance and effective collaboration with the Institute’s leadership and membership. Candidates must meet eligibility requirements set out by the Charity Commission. The opportunity is open to both members and non-members, enabling the Institute to attract candidates with a wide range of leadership and governance experience. LI invites applications from individuals with experience of charity governance and an understanding of membership organisations, or leadership roles within the built and natural environment sectors. For more information, see the Recruitment Pack here. Apply for the role via the appointed recruitment consultant here.
Closing Date: Monday 13 April 2026

RIAS – Bookshop & Venue Programme Manager
Salary: £16,800–£18,000 (FTE £28,000–£30,000)
Status: Part-time, 21 hours per week
Location: 15 Rutland Square, Edinburgh
The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) is seeking an organised, commercially aware Bookshop and Venue Programme Manager to support engagement with members and the wider public. This part-time role combines management of the RIAS online Bookshop with the delivery of book-related events and small-scale visual arts exhibitions. Read the full job description here. Please send your application to recruitment@rias.org.uk or by post to RIAS, 15 Rutland Square, Edinburgh, EH1 2BE
Closing date: Tuesday 14 April 2026

Historic Environment Scotland – Senior Analytics Manager
Salary: £52,150 – £59,687 pro rata, per year
Status: Fixed term, Part-time (30 hours, 0.86 FTE)
Location: Longmore House, Edinburgh with hybrid working
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is seeking candidates for a role within the Corporate Analysis and Performance team. What difference does Scotland’s heritage make to the people who live here? As Senior Analytics Manager (Socio-Demographic Analytics) you will design, develop and maintain the strategic evidence base to answer questions which inform HES plans and strategies and ensure best value. Corporate Analysis and Performance (CAP) is a small, specialist team whose purpose is to enable decision-making and delivery of HES’s long-term outcomes set out in our Corporate Plan Heritage for All. They provide high quality analytics, operational planning, corporate performance management and risk management, promoting best value and continuous improvement. Reporting to the Head of CAP and collaborating with the Economic Adviser and senior cultural, environmental, policy and commercial analysts/teams internally and externally, you will address strategic questions related to the contribution of the historic environment to Scotland’s national priorities, future direction of the sector and HES. This involves building trusted relationships, designing and developing the socio-demographic evidence base, managing projects and processes and contributing thematic evidence to individual business cases to inform Executive Leadership Team decisions. For further information, detailed job description and to apply, please visit the website.
Closing date: 12pm on Wednesday 15 April 2026

Architecture & Design Scotland – Board Members
Remuneration: A daily rate of £196.16 per day, providing a yearly remuneration of £4,708; plus reasonable expenses.
Status: Approx 2 days a month (24 days per year). This appointment will be for up to 4 years in the first instance.
Location: Edinburgh
Do you want to shape the strategic direction of Architecture and Design Scotland (A&DS) as it begins a new chapter of transformation and increased impact? A&DS was established as a public body in 2005 and is a national champion for good design of the built environment, helping to shape the places and buildings that influence our lives. Following a recent government review, A&DS is entering an exciting new chapter. Alongside its continuing actions to champion good design, A&DS will play a new role to support and develop Scotland’s architecture and design workforce, growing the collective capacity and harnessing the value of design. Scottish Ministers now seek to appoint up to three Board Members who will be key to A&DS delivering the review outcomes and the new ambitions. The role involves strategic thinking, providing vision, inspiration and constructive challenge and the ability to hold others to account. Hear directly from Mr. Angus Robertson, Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs, and Culture, about External Affairs and Culture, on these roles and their importance. You can view his message by clicking on this link. For more information or an informal discussion, please contact Jim MacDonald, CEO, A&DS, Jim.MacDonald@ads.org.uk. For more information, please see the Applicant Information Pack
Closing Date: Thursday 16 April 2026

Stirling City Heritage Trust – Trustees
Stirling City Heritage Trust is seeking new Trustees. Founded in 2004, Stirling City Heritage Trust (SCHT) is a Scottish charity and company limited by guarantee funded by Historic Environment Scotland and Stirling Council. The Trust operates the Traditional Buildings Health Check, offers grants for traditional repairs and supports local education projects which promote an understanding of Stirling’s heritage. They also offer energy efficiency advice through their Retrofit Service. The Trust are looking to recruit volunteer Trustees who have an interest in the heritage and historic built environment of the City of Stirling to enhance the Board. Trustees support the Trust staff, raising the profile of the organisation and help with strategic decision-making. To complement existing Board members, SCHT are particularly seeking individuals who have skills and experience in one or more of the following areas: Architectural history, Local cultural heritage, Retrofit, Engineering, Traditional skill(s), HR, Financial Management/accountancy and Legal. Applicants should have an interest in Stirling’s traditional architecture and recognise the importance of maintenance of traditional buildings. SCHT particularly welcome applications from people from a diverse range of backgrounds and experience, and with the ability to make an effective contribution to the organisation. They are also keen to attract young people to join. Further information and an application pack is available on the SCHT website or by contacting the Trust Manager, Vivienne Whyte on 01786 498462 or manager@scht.org.uk
Closing date: Friday 17 April 2026

Planning Democracy – Trustees
Planning Democracy are looking for new trustees to join their board. They are particularly interested in recruiting trustees who have skills in the following areas:

Governance
Communications (social media, online resources, website management)

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18 Mar 2026

Get The Latest Built Environment News, Policy Developments, Publications & Consultations

BEFS News

Plenty of coffee break reading in this week’s bulletin as we publish two brand new blogs!

Out now – the seventh in BEFS Joining the Dots Series! For this edition Katherine Pollard from the Scottish Land Commission explores how land reform connects to housing, high streets, retrofit and community empowerment. Drawing on the ScotLand Futures initiative Katherine outlines three priorities: opening new land opportunities, rebalancing power for public good, and shaping change locally. The good news? Many of the powers already exist. Read more here.

In October last year as part of BE-ST FEST, representatives from across the built environment came together to discuss how to better address the skills challenges the sector faces, by working together – a priority identified in the Skills Investment Plan for the Historic Environment (SIP). Reporting on outcomes of the Building Connections event this blog has been co-authored by the SIP delivery sub group with a remit for Architecture, Engineering, Planning and Surveying, which is made up of representatives from Built Environment Forum Scotland, the Chartered Institute of Building, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, and the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland. The discussions held were an important step, but are only the beginning of a broader collaborative effort. Over the coming months, partners across the sector will work together to publish a collective statement that unifies the sector’s commitment and asks of others. Read the article to view a draft and add your organisation to the signatories here.

The devastating fire that brought down the Category B listed building at 101-115 Union Street in Glasgow has sent shockwaves across the country, generating discourse about how we look after Scotland’s historic buildings and places beyond the usual sphere of our sector. Occurrences such as last week’s fire are a stark reminder of how easy it is to take our built heritage for granted; retention, continued use, and protection of these buildings go hand in hand with safety regulations, technical guidance, research and skills:
A Scottish Government consultation on Scottish Building Regulations: Fire Safety review and Compliance: Call for Evidence is currently live, and seeks views and opinions of stakeholders on a review of building standards and guidance relating to fire safety, including work on the compliance plan approach to the design and construction of domestic and non domestic buildings. Previously BEFS has participated in a Scottish Government consultation to advocate for appropriate actions to protect human life in the retention and protection of historic buildings that have been converted into hotels and can be read here.
For further reading, Historic Environment Scotland’s (HES) Short Guide 14: Fire Safety Management in Traditional Buildings for Dutyholders is intended to help those with responsibilities for historic buildings understand their duties in fire safety management, and to provide practical guidance for complying with the requirements of Scotland’s fire safety legislation. Their Managing Change in the Historic Environment: Fire and Historic Buildings document is part of a series of guidance sets out the principles of fire safety in historic buildings.

A new report, From Local to Global: The Power of Heritage in a Changing World, has just been published. Produced by The Heritage Alliance with the support of Europa Nostra UK and World Monuments Fund Britain, the report demonstrates how the UK’s heritage sector strengthens international relationships through shared expertise, cultural diplomacy, and global collaboration. From climate resilience and skills exchange to community cohesion, the report draws on more than 30 case studies to show what’s already been achieved and what could be possible with greater investment and support.

SAVE Britain’s Heritage has launched its 2026 call for entries to the Buildings at Risk register. The organisation is actively seeking nominations for buildings at risk throughout Scotland, recognising this as a gap in their current register coverage. While there is no strict deadline for nominations, SAVE Britain’s Heritage will conduct research over the next few months to add selected buildings to the register in June 2026. The Buildings at Risk register highlights historic buildings that are vacant and whose future is uncertain, raising awareness and providing a platform to advocate for their retention and reuse. Nominations can be made online at savebritainsheritage.org.

Congratulations go out to BEFS Members The Scottish Historic Buildings Trust and the National Trust for Scotland, who have been shortlisted for the Museums & Heritage Awards 2026, Partnership of the Year. Alongside the Bernat Klein Foundation, this recognition for the important safeguarding work being carried out, as part of the Bernat Klein Studio Coalition, is important and well deserved.

And last, but very much not least, BEFS is pleased to announce the date for a pre-election hustings. Taking place on Tuesday 7 April, 2-4pm, the event will be chaired by Jocelyne Fleming, Scottish Policy and Public Affairs Lead for the Chartered Institute of Building in Scotland. The purpose of the hustings event is to bring together BEFS Members, wider stakeholders within the built environment sector, and political party representatives to share and discuss built environment policy positions and priorities for the next term of the Scottish Parliament, in the context of a 2026 Manifesto produced by BEFS.

Representatives of six political parties with candidates standing for the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections will participate in this event, including two former Scottish Government Ministers, to respond to the BEFS Manifesto and to answer questions from BEFS Members and stakeholders around five priority themes identified in Manifesto consultations:

Culture and Heritage

Climate Emergency and Net Zero

Repair, Maintenance and Retrofit

Training and Skills

Planning and Place-making

This hustings event is kindly hosted by BEFS Member the Royal Incorporation of Chartered Surveyors.

If you work with the built environment, please do consider signing up. The event is free to attend: you can book your in-person place here, or register to join online.

Parliamentary Questions & Answers

Please see our Link to Parliamentary Questions and Answers for recent questions regarding Listed Places of Worship Scheme, Circular Economy and Affordable Housing.

Consultations

Onshore Electricity Generation: Increasing threshold for applications under The Electricity Act
Scottish Government
This consultation seeks views on increasing the 50 MW threshold which determines whether applications for onshore electricity generating stations are decided by Scottish Ministers or by the relevant planning authority.
Closes 27 March 2026

New Inventory of Living Heritage – Expression of Interest
Living Heritage in the UK
Following ratification of the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, the UK government invites communities to nominate their own cultural traditions for the inventories of living heritage in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Categories include oral expressions, performing arts, social practices, nature/land/spirituality, crafts, sport/games, and culinary practices.
Closes 27 March 2026

Fair Funding in the Voluntary Sector
Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO)
Voluntary sector bodies are invited by SCVO to complete a survey sharing their views on and experiences with the current funding landscape and its impact on the provision of organisational services and projects. The results of the survey, which takes an estimated five minutes to complete, will be anonymised. The outcomes will be used by SCVO to continue to advocate for fair funding practices, including provision of multi-year grants of three years or more with flexible core funding and inflation-based uplifts.
*NEW* Closes 31 March 2026

The Big Think: Place
UK Heritage Pulse
Sector-wide surveys organised by the UK Heritage Pulse, a research consortium convened by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic England, will explore how heritage organisations work with place and what ‘place-based heritage’ means in practice. Monthly surveys on the theme will run in January, February and March and are open to all heritage organisations.
Closes 31 March 2026

Scottish Building Regulations: Fire Safety review and Compliance: Call for Evidence
Scottish Government
This consultation seeks to obtain the views and opinions of stakeholders on a review of building standards and guidance relating to fire safety, including work on the compliance plan approach, to help ensure the safety of people in and around Scotland’s buildings. The consultation covers three main areas: the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 Report recommendations on fire safety, including a fundamental review of Section 2 (Fire) of the Technical Handbooks; the compliance plan manager; and the compliance plan approach. The proposed review and changes outlined in the consultation aim to improve safety for the design and construction of all domestic and non-domestic buildings, making them safer for those in and around buildings, particularly relating to fire safety and in the event of an outbreak of a building fire when considering the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 Report recommendations. The consultation paper contains full background information.
Closes 10 April 2026

Accelerating home-building in Scotland
Scottish Government
This consultation seeks views on possible measures to accelerate the build-out of housing in Scotland, including mechanisms to stimulate the build-out of housing sites with planning permission. Options include land assembly, build-out rates, and fiscal measures. Follows commitment in Housing Emergency Action Plan to extend planning consultation to cover measures for SMEs and increase volume of delivery.
Closes 30 April 2026

Draft Infrastructure Strategy 2027-2037
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government wants Scotland’s infrastructure to be planned and delivered in a way that supports Net Zero, environmental sustainability, inclusive economic growth, and resilient and sustainable places. The ambition is to create a system that makes best use of existing assets, embraces innovation, and ensures investment decisions deliver long-term public value.  However, delivering infrastructure is not without challenges. To meet these challenges, the strategy focuses on three key enablers that can help turn strategic ambition into practical outcomes, ensuring investment choices deliver long-term public value: public assets, place-making and private investment. The consultation paper contains full background information for respondents.
Closes 5 May 2026

Heat networks – installation and maintenance licence
Scottish Government
A consultation seeking views on proposals for an installation and maintenance licence for heat networks, which puts forward an opt-in installation and maintenance licence under the Buildings (Heating and Energy Performance) and Heat Networks (Scotland) Bills replacing the mandatory licensing regime in the Heat Networks (Scotland) Act 2021. It would grant rights and powers similar to other utilities (gas, electricity) such as carrying out road works, surveys and the compulsory purchase of land. The proposed changs aim to improve the pace and scale of heat networks’ installation and maintenance to contribute to net zero targets.
*NEW* Closes 5 June 2026

News Releases

New SPAB programme to support historic Scottish churches (SPAB 06/02/2026)

Buildings at Risk register (BaR) – Call for Entries 2026 (SAVE Britain’s Heritage 16/02/2026)

New introductory film on the National Collection of Aerial Photography (HES March 2026)

Scottish Charity Awards 2026 (SCVO March 2026)

Scotland’s Heritage Hub: A Gateway to Scotland’s Past (Society of Antiquaries of Scotland March 2026)

Near £4 million awarded to revitalise Girvan, Govan, and Tarbert (HES 09/03/2026)

Hub selects 10 new Local Good Practices across Europe from Open Call (European Heritage Hub 09/03/2026)

Society Launches Virtual Issues of 170-Year-Old Journal (Society of Antiquaries of Scotland 12/03/2026)

Why now is the moment to join the Architecture and Design Scotland Board (A&DS 13/03/2026)

European Cultural Heritage Summit 2026 programme announced (Europa Nostra 13/03/2026)

Town centre ‘heritage gems’ to be restored with £7m of lottery funds (BBC 17/02/2026)

Publications

Scottish Historic Buildings Trust Strategy 2026-29: Our Future at Fifty (SHBT January 2026)

CROSS Safety Report: Higher Risk Building residents’ concerns about safety not heard (CROSS UK 20/01/2026)

A Middle Bronze Age settlement near Mauchline, East Ayrshire (Scottish Archaeological Internet Reports February 2026)

The need to re-focus on housing conditions: Introducing the Housing Stewardship Framework (CaCHE 24/02/2026)

Planifesto Thinkpiece: Housing ambition to delivery (RTPI Scotland 02/03/2026)

Country of Origin Report 2025 (Registers of Scotland 10/03/2026)

Case study: The Work of Westhill and Elrick Community Council in Aberdeenshire (Community Councils Scotland 11/03/2026)

Scottish Parliament elections 2026: boundaries and voting system (DeHavilland 12/03/2026)

The Big Think: Place (February 2026) (UK Heritage Pulse 16/03/2026)

Scottish & UK: Governmental & Parliamentary Publications

Scottish Budget 2026-27, Spending Review and Infrastructure Delivery Pipeline: strategic integrated impact assessment (Scot Gov 19/01/2026)

Correspondence between the Public Audit Committee and the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee regarding the 2024/25 audit of Historic Environment Scotland (Scot Parl 02/03/2026)

Spring Statement delivers a Barnett bonus (SPICe 03/03/2026)

Energy Security and Net Zero: Scotland – Debate (UK Parl 04/03/2026)

Energy: Housing Net Zero (retrofit skills) written question (UK Parl 04/03/2026)

Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee Draft Report (Scot Parl 04/03/2026)

Draft Climate Change Plan Debate (Scot Parl 05/03/2026)

Crofting and Scottish Land Court Bill: Marshalled List of Amendments for Stage 3 (Scot Parl 05/03/2026)

Crofting and Scottish Land Court Bill: Groupings of Amendments for Stage 3 (Scot Parl 05/03/2026)

Local Museums Debate (UK Parl 05/03/2026)

Shelter Scotland written submission on Investigation and Commencement of Repairs (Scotland) Regulations 2026 (Awaab’s Law) (Scot Parl 06/03/2026)

Building Safety Levy (Scotland) Bill – Marshalled List of Amendments selected for Stage 3 (Scot Parl 06/03/2026)

Building Safety Levy (Scotland) Bill – Groupings of Amendments for Stage 3 (Scot Parl 06/03/2026)

Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) approved organisation status (Scot Gov 06/03/2026)

Building standards technical handbook: domestic – April 2026 (Scot Gov 09/03/2026)

Correspondence between Màiri McAllan and the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee regarding Energy Performance Certificate Reform and other Heat in Buildings workstreams (Scot Parl 09/03/2026)

Correspondence between Màiri McAllan and the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee on EPC reform and minimum energy efficiency standards in the private and social rented sectors (Scot Parl 09/03/2026)

£2.2 million boost for volunteering across Scotland (Scot Gov 10/03/2026)

Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee agenda (Scot Parl 10/03/2026)

Correspondence between Shona Robison and the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee regarding Cruise Ship Levy – consultation analysis and next steps (Scot Parl 10/03/2026)

Official Report (Draft): Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee (Scot Parl 10/03/2026)

Permitted development rights to support the provision of new homes consultation – summary of responses (Scot Gov 10/03/2026)

Glasgow Union Street Fire Topical Question Time (Scot Parl 10/03/2026)

Cultural Heritage Question Time: Historic Environment (UK Parl 10/03/2026)

Delegated powers in the Visitor Levy (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill (as amended at Stage 2) (Scot Parl 10/03/2026)

Cultural Heritage Question Time: National Patrimony (UK Parl 10/03/2026)

The Scottish Aggregates Tax (Miscellaneous Amendment) Regulations 2026 (Scot Parl 10/03/2026)

Volunteering Support Fund 2025 to 2027: projects funded (Scot Gov 10/03/2026)

Visitor Levy (Amendment) Scotland Bill – Daily List of Amendments (Scot Parl 12/03/2026)

Correspondence between Ben Macpherson and the Education, Children and Young People Committee regarding Review of Modern Apprenticeship Contribution Rates (Scot Parl 13/03/2026)

Heat network licensing: equality impact assessment (Scot Gov 13/03/2026)

Correspondence between Màiri McAllan and Committee Conveners regarding Installation and Maintenance Licence for Heat Networks Consultation (Scot Parl 13/03/2026)

Housing Investment Taskforce minutes: 12 February 2026 (Scot Gov 13/03/2026)

Planning and Architecture: Stalled Housing Sites (Scot Govt 13/03/2026)

Visitor Levy (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill: Marshalled List of Amendments for Stage 3(Scot Parl 13/03/2026)

Visitor Levy (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill: Groupings of Amendments for Stage 3(Scot Parl 13/03/2026)

Visitor Levy (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill: Revised Explanatory Notes (Scot Parl 13/03/2026)

Stalled Housing Sites – Planning and Architecture Blog (Scot Gov 13/03/2026)

Funding apprenticeships (Scot Gov 14/03/2026)

Glasgow fire support (Scot Gov 14/03/2026)

Public appointment: Members appointed to the Zero Waste Scotland Board (Scot Gov 16/03/2026)

Rental discrimination: guidance for Scotland (Scot Gov 16/03/2026)

Private Rented Sector Stakeholder Engagement Group minutes: January 2026 (Scot Gov 16/03/2026)

Blog: The National Planning Hub – A year of delivery! (Scot Gov 16/03/2026)

UK City of Culture 2029 longlist revealed (UK Gov 18/03/2026)

Motions

S6M-21018
Submitted by: Alexander Stewart, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 09/03/2026
That the Parliament welcomes the delivery of construction pathways at Stirling and Balfron high schools, which features Build Your Future events to inspire the next generation to consider a career in the sector; notes that creating a pathway into roofing with the introduction of a National 5 in Creative Industries Roof Slating has directly resulted in a young person from Stirling High School being offered an apprenticeship with local company Old Plean Roofing; understands that this was delivered in collaboration with the National Federation of Roofing Contractors, Historic Environment Scotland, Scottish Traditional Building Forum and Stirling Council; understands that the creation and continued evolution of the construction pathways will assist young people to make informed decisions about their career choices, while ensuring parity of esteem with other subject choices; congratulates the organisations, schools, staff and students for participating in the pilots; and wishes all concerned best wishes for their future careers.
Supported by: Sharon Dowey, Paul Sweeney, Tess White

Opinion & Comment

Dr Jocelyne Fleming: She built this city… or, at least, she could (Scottish Construction Now 26/02/2026)

Centre of excellence tipped to enhance traditional and heritage skills (Project Scotland 05/03/2026)

Glasgow Central station fire again shows vulnerability of city’s older buildings (The Guardian 09/03/2026)

Why do Glasgow’s historic buildings keep burning down? (The National 09/03/2026)

John Swinney signals ‘willingness’ to support council financially in dealing with the consequences of Glasgow blaze (The Holyrood Magazine 09/03/2026)

Anas Sarwar reveals plans for a pothole fund to fix 5m holes (Glasgow Times 09/03/2026)

‘Ugly, unloved and an environmental drain, but Brutalist Argyle House is worth saving’ (Edinburgh Inquirer 10/03/2026)

Calls for more historic buildings protections as ‘treasure’ lost (The Herald 10/03/2026)

Director’s Blog: Scotland Moves Beyond Growth to Create Landmark Community Wealth Building Bill (WEAll Scotland 11/03/2026)

Almost a decade after Grenfell, my flat still isn’t safe (BBC News 16/03/2026)

Society raising £1.5m to buy historic Edinburgh property (BBC News 17/03/2026)

Events

For further listings, please see BEFS events calendar

AHSS – Sarah Jane Storrie: Heritage with Purpose; Adaptive Reuse and Community-Centred Design
Date & Time: Thursday 19 March 2026; 7:30-8:30pm
Location: St Andrew’s West Church & Renfield Centre, 260 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 4JP
Note: Lecture will also be live-streamed via Zoom
Join Sarah Jane Storrie, a founding director at Studio SJM Architects, as she shares insights gained from over twenty years of experience in the adaptive reuse of historic structures. Holding RIAS Conservation Accreditation since 2013, she examines how careful conservation and repair partnered with imaginative and pragmatic adaptive reuse of heritage assets, can act as a catalyst for regeneration and benefit the wider community in terms of tangible and intangible heritage.

Under One Roof – Taking Care of Your Tenement: Drop-In Q&A Session with Glasgow City Heritage Trust
Date & Time: Thursday 19 March 2026; 5:30-7pm
Location: Kinning Park Complex, 43 Cornwall Street, Glasgow G41 1BA
Join Glasgow City Heritage Trust (GCHT) and Under One Roof for a drop-in Q&A session aimed at anyone who wants to learn more about maintaining and repairing a historic tenement. This is a chance to bring your questions and speak one-to-one with the experts. Whether you have a specific issue to discuss or just want to have a quick chat about looking after your tenement, please stop by. If you do have a specific building repair query, please bring photos so their teams can best assist you. This event is free, and questions will be answered on a first come/first serve basis.

How Dundee Changed and Developed between the 1870s and 1970s
Date & Time: Thursday 19 March 2026; 7pm
Location: 17 Roseangle, Dundee, DD1 4LP
Dr Kenneth Baxter, a historian based at  Dundee University Archive Services, will explore the changes to Dundee’s built landscape over the course of a century. Dundee has attracted an infamous reputation for demolishing many of its most prominent buildings. Baxter will explore the economic, social, and political reasons for these demolitions. Importantly, Baxter will explain how the attitude of Dundonian citizens to their built environment changed over the years, and showcase how many of these demolitions were met positively at the time. This event is free.

Tron Steeple Project Celebration
Date & Time: Friday, 20 March; 5pm
Location: Tron Theatre, 63 Trongate, Glasgow, G1 5HB
The Tron Theatre is celebrating the completion of the final stage of the Tron Steeple Project, which saw the restoration of and upgrades to Glasgow’s third-oldest building. The seventeenth-century steeple has survived two fires over the course of its history, and restoration works were instigated in 2024 with the help of Glasgow City Heritage Trust and Glasgow Institute of Architecture. This event will feature talks from Niall Murphy (Glasgow City Heritage Trust), the architect Scott Abercrombie on the history of the building, and the artist Kayleigh Sarah McGuinness who was commissioned to create a new sculpture commemorating the history of the steeple. This event is free but ticketed.

Aberdeen City Heritage Trust – Transatlantic Tradesmen: Aberdeen Granite Workers in North America
Date & Time: Tuesday 24 March 2026; 7-8pm
Location: Online
Part of the Aberdeen Heritage Lectures 2026 collection, Prof. Marjory Harper, University of Aberdeen discusses Transatlantic Tradesmen: Aberdeen Granite Workers in North America. Marjory Harper is Professor of History at the University of Aberdeen, and Visiting Professor at the Centre for History, University of the Highlands and Islands. She has devised and directed an award-winning online Master’s Programme in Scottish Heritage. Her research focuses on British (particularly Scottish) emigration since 1800. Two of her monographs have won international prizes, and she has published around 100 articles and book chapters. Aberdeen City Heritage Trust recognises the support of Historic Environment Scotland and Aberdeen City Council.

Heritage Network – North UK Mills Group – Tour of Preston Mill 
Date: Tuesday 24 March 2026; 10:30am-12:30pm
Location: Preston Mill, East Linton, EH40 3DS
Join the North UK Mills Group at Preston Mill to see this watermill grind grain for the first time in nearly 40 years. There has been a mill on site since the 16th century and the current structure dates to the 18th century. Fraser MacDonald of the National Trust for Scotland will explain the labour, skill, and technical work necessary to bring the millstones back to life.

Heritage Network – Heritage Works – Arts, Culture and Placemaking in a Historic City
Date & Time: Tuesday 24 March 2026; 9:30am-4:30pm
Location: The Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Terrace, Edinburgh EH1
Against Edinburgh’s backdrop of medieval closes, Georgian crescents, and world-renowned arts and culture festivals and programming, the event shines a spotlight on the opportunities and challenges of cultivating thriving public realms rooted in heritage. Bringing together local authorities, heritage bodies, cultural practitioners, arts professionals, and community stakeholders, this symposium delves into the unique potential of historic cities; places where centuries of architectural legacy meet contemporary creative ambition.

FuturHist & INTBAU – From Heritage to Energy Transition. How Active Systems Can Support Heritage Buildings
Date & Time: Tuesday 24 March 2026; 10-11:30am
Location: Online via Zoom
This webinar will discuss active solutions with experts Federico Trentin (Eurac Research) and Marianna Muchorowska (Innsbruck University). They will highlight the key learnings from the deliverable “Conservation compatible solutions for HVAC and RES integration in Historic Buildings“.
Register here.

SHSMG – Is There Hope for Social Media in the Heritage Sector? | Final SHSMG Event
Date & Time: Wednesday 25 March 2026; 3-4pm
Location: Online via Zoom
After running for ten years, the Scottish Heritage Social Media Group is coming to an end, but not before leaving on a positive note with a group of speakers who will explain why they’re optimistic about the future of social media in the heritage sector. There will be speakers from the National Library of Scotland, the National Trust for Scotland and National Museums Scotland.

RIAS BookshopLATES – Glasgow from Above
Date & Time: Thursday 2 April 2026; 6:30-7:30pm
Location: RIAS Bookshop, 15 Rutland Square, Edinburgh EH1 2BE
Come along to the RIAS Bookshop to explore the architectural and industrial heritage of 21st-century Glasgow. Architect Rosalie Menon discusses her recent book, ‘Glasgow from Above’, with Chris Stewart PPRIAS.

BEFS Pre-Election Hustings 2026
Date & Time: Tuesday 7 April 2026; 2-4pm
Location: Royal Incorporation of Chartered Surveyors, Scotland (hybrid event – in-person and online options available)
BEFS pre-election hustings bringing together BEFS Members, built environment stakeholders, and political party representatives to discuss built environment policy positions and priorities for the next Scottish Parliament term, in the context of the 2026 BEFS Manifesto. Representatives from six political parties with candidates standing for the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections will participate, including two former Scottish Government Ministers, responding to the BEFS Manifesto and answering questions around five priority themes: Culture and Heritage; Climate Emergency and Net Zero; Repair, Maintenance and Retrofit; Training and Skills; Planning and Place-making. Chaired by Jocelyne Fleming, Scottish Policy and Public Affairs Lead for the Chartered Institute of Building in Scotland. Kindly hosted by BEFS Member the Royal Incorporation of Chartered Surveyors. Free to attend. Book in-person place here or register to join online.

AHSS – Dominic Echlin & Thomas Hamilton – Extending the National Gallery of Scotland
Date & Time: Monday 13 April 2026; 6:30-7:30pm
Location: Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL (wheelchair accessible)
Note: Lecture will also be streamed online via Zoom
Dominic Echlin, structural engineer, and Thomas Hamilton, architect, will share with us some of the challenges associated with the construction of the new Scottish Galleries at the National Gallery of Scotland at the Mound. Tickets available from Eventbrite or on the door, subject to availability: £6 / students £2

Society of Antiquaries of Scotland – PALaEoScot: New Approaches to Scotland’s Oldest Archaeology
Date & Time: Thursday 16 April 2026; 6-8pm
Location: Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL
This lecture will present the latest results of the PALaEoScot project, a research initiative from the University of Aberdeen centred on the use of archaeo-ecological approaches to explore the low visibility archaeology of Late Pleistocene Scotland and its recolonisation as glaciers retreated. The latest evidence for Scotland’s Ice Age people will be explored, along with their continental connections, the landscapes they encountered, and the fearsome beasts they shared their world with.

RTPI – Scottish Young Planners’ Conference 2026
Date & Time: Friday 24 April 2026
Location: Dynamic Earth, Holyrood Road, Edinburgh EH8 8AS
This year’s Scottish Young Planners’ Conference will explore planning’s critical role in tackling the climate and nature crises. The conference will feature a variety of speakers who will provide critical insights, share best practice examples, and lead practical workshop sessions to enhance delegates’ awareness, knowledge and skills on a range of topics.

AHF 50^th Anniversary Exhibition
Date & Time: 30 April – 16 May in Glasgow, 23 June – 11 July in Cardiff, 21 October – 4 November in London; Times TBC
Location: Glasgow, Cardiff, London
To celebrate our 50th anniversary, we have put together an exhibition, 50 Years of Reimagining Heritage, which tells the story of the difference heritage reuse can make in people’s lives and in communities. Across the year, our exhibition will travel to each part of the UK, with openings in Belfast, Glasgow, Cardiff and London. We hope by showcasing these extraordinary stories to inspire more people to get involved in saving local historic buildings to improve places, empower people, and secure a sustainable future for built heritage.

SURF – Shared Learning Workshops
Dates & Times: Thursday 7 – Thursday 28 May 2026; 10am-2pm
Location: Various; see individual events below
A series of SURF Award Shared Learning Workshops will take place in May. At these events attendees will have the opportunity to learn from SURF Award winners and highly commended projects, before opening to a wider policy discussion with national partners. The 4 workshops are:

Removing barriers to employability (7 May, Edinburgh)

Housing led regeneration initiatives (14 May, Edinburgh)

Place-based regeneration approaches (21 May, Govan)

Taking a creative approach to regeneration (28 May, Glasgow)

SAVE THE DATE/EARLY BOOKING OPEN NOW/APPLICATIONS INVITED

Open Call: FuturHist Retrofit Academy – master historic building retrofitting
Location: Online then Krakow
Join an international cohort of experts in the FuturHist Retrofit Academy to master the energy transition of our built heritage. This two-stage programme, co-organised by the FuturHist Horizon Europe project partners offers specialised training on high-performance energy efficiency and innovative conservation-compatible solutions. The programme includes a free 6-week e-learning course (starting April 20) and an exclusive Summer Academy in Krakow for top performers (September 2026). Gain competitive expertise and future-proof your career in the sustainable heritage sector.
Deadline: Saturday 18 April 2026

Archaeology Scotland – 2026 Summer School 
Date & Time: Tuesday 19 – Friday 22 May 2026
Location: Corran Esplanade, Oban, Argyll, PA34 5PZ
The 2026 Summer School will explore the archaeology of Lorn’s glens and coast. The event, open to members and non-members, features guided tours of Neolithic to Reformation sites.

Heritage Network Conference 2026
Date & Time: Sunday 27 September – Tuesday 29 September
Location: Belfast & Armagh
The conference emphasis is on the impact of community-led heritage on people and places, explored through the experience of heritage regeneration in our host towns and cities and beyond. As well as a day of compelling presentations, lively discussions and networking, Conference includes tours and visits to fascinating historic sites and ground-breaking projects.

Training

Planning Aid Scotland – Community Engagement Skills Training Edinburgh
Date & Time: Wednesday 25 March 2026; 10am-3:30pm
Location: The Crannie, 9 Cranston Street, Edinburgh EH8 8BE
This is an interactive workshop on community engagement and how to use the SP=EED framework. The trainers bring extensive community engagement and facilitation expertise to help develop your skills, knowledge, and confidence as a community engagement practitioner. Learn how to undertake meaningful engagement that achieves positive outcomes for communities and projects alike. Discover useful tips and practical tools to help you lead your engagement work with confidence and ease. Engage in a range of different learning techniques to think creatively about engagement. Connect with fellow engagement practitioners, share experiences, and learn from each other in a safe, collaborative setting.

SLCT – Repairing Traditional Masonry Structures
Date & Time: Thursday 26 March 2026; 9:30am-4:30pm
Location: Merryhill Training Centre, 2 Rocks Road, Charlestown, Fife KY11 3EN
This one day workshop covers the construction and appropriate repair of traditional masonry structures such as culverts, tunnels, light houses, viaducts, canals, harbours, retaining walls, piers and masonry arch bridges. These structures contribute so much to the richness of our built heritage and many are still in use after 200+ years. But in many cases, we are asking these structures to outperform any of the expectations that their original designers intended, which can leave us with various ‘headaches’ to deal with, without spoiling their beautiful aesthetics. There are now a wide range of lime and natural cement binders along with additives that can be used to emulate both the technical and aesthetic performance of original mortars in repair schemes from re-pointing to stitching cracks and grouting structures to secure them. Download full course description here (PDF)

The Engine Shed – Scottish Roofing: Materials and Practices
Date & Time: Tuesday 31 March 2026; 9:30am-4pm
Location: Hybrid – The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling, FK8 1QZ and Online
Natural slate, lead and iron have been used to cover (and sometimes decorate) traditional Scottish buildings for generations. These three morning talks will introduce you to the methods and materials traditionally used in Scotland for roofing, followed by a discussion on the prospects for reopening Scotland’s first working slate quarry since the 1950s. A networking lunch will provide you with the opportunity to continue discussions and explore the Engine Shed. In the afternoon, the speakers will lead a walking tour around Stirling’s Old Town to observe a wide range of roof repair and conservation issues. Cost: £85 for the in person full day learning experience; £30 for virtual attendance.

SLCT – C1 Making and Using Traditional Mortars
Date & Time: Monday 20 & Tuesday 21 April 2026; 9:30am-4:30pm
Location: Merryhill Training Centre, Charlestown, Dunfermline, Fife KY12 3DR
This practical workshop will provide attendees with a strong understanding of lime technology and how to approach re-pointing work in traditional buildings. The reasons for using traditional mortars on solid walls will also be explained, to allow you to better advise your clients. The course will guide participants to be able to complete repointing work to traditional buildings to a high standard. The content of this workshop provides the underpinning knowledge required for assessment and accreditation of SQA National Unit H8WT45 – Prepare and Mix Traditional Lime Mortars
Full course description

Introduction to Building Conservation
Date & Time: Monday 1 – Friday 5 June 2026; 9:30am – 4pm
Location: The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling, FK8 1QZ
Five-day intensive course delivered by Historic Environment Scottish conservation professionals are exploring traditional building skills and materials used in conservation and repair projects throughout the Scottish built environment. It includes lectures, activities, and site visits to Stirling Old Town, Doune Castle, Glasgow Cathedral, and Glasgow Necropolis. Topics include approaches to conserving/repairing traditional buildings; stone, lime, slate and lead; climate change effects on heritage; and maintaining Scotland’s castles. Bursaries are available for third-year students/recent graduates in building-related subjects (architecture, surveying, engineering, planning) – apply by 9am Tuesday 7 April 2026 to technicaleducation@hes.scot. Successful applicants contacted by Friday 15 May 2026. This course is suitable for graduates, heritage professionals, building practitioners, and anyone responsible for a traditional building.

Vacancies

Members – Board of Architecture and Design Scotland
Remuneration: A daily rate of £196.16 per day, providing a yearly remuneration of £4,708; plus reasonable expenses.
Status: Approx 2 days a month (24 days per year). This appointment will be for up to 4 years in the first instance.
Location: Edinburgh
Do you want to shape the strategic direction of Architecture and Design Scotland (A&DS) as it begins a new chapter of transformation and increased impact? Following a recent government review, A&DS is entering an exciting new chapter. Alongside its continuing actions to champion good design, A&DS will now play a new role to support and develop Scotland’s architecture and design workforce, growing the collective capacity and harnessing the value of design. Scottish Ministers now seek to appoint up to three Board Members who will be key to A&DS delivering the review outcomes and the new ambitions. Members will provide support to the Board Chair, help to steer the organisation’s strategic direction and ensure robust governance in times of reform and change. The role involves strategic thinking, providing vision, inspiration and constructive challenge and the ability to hold others to account. Hear directly from Mr. Angus Robertson, Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs, and Culture, about External Affairs and Culture, on these roles and their importance. You can view his short message by clicking on this link. For more information or an informal discussion, please contact Jim MacDonald, CEO, A&DS, at Jim.MacDonald@ads.org.uk. You can also find out more about A&DS on their website. An online information session will be held on Wednesday 25 March 2026; 6:30-7:30pm. Click here to sign up. Full details on how to apply, and the evidence that should be submitted at the application stage, are set out at pages 10-13 of the Applicant Information Pack 
Closing Date: Thursday 16 April 2026

Stirling City Heritage Trust – Trustees
Salary: No remuneration
Stirling City Heritage Trust is seeking new Trustees. Founded in 2004, Stirling City Heritage Trust (SCHT) is a Scottish charity and company limited by guarantee funded by Historic Environment Scotland and Stirling Council. The Trust operates the Traditional Buildings Health Check, offers grants for traditional repairs and supports local education projects which promote an understanding of Stirling’s heritage. They also offer energy efficiency advice through their Retrofit Service. The Trust are looking to recruit volunteer Trustees who have an interest in the heritage and historic built environment of the City of Stirling to enhance the Board. Trustees support the Trust staff, raising the profile of the organisation and helping with strategic decision-making. To complement existing Board members, SCHT are particularly seeking individuals who have skills and experience in one or more of the following areas: architectural history, local cultural heritage, retrofit, engineering, traditional skill(s), HR, financial management/accountancy and legal. Applicants should have an interest in Stirling’s traditional architecture and recognise the importance of the maintenance of traditional buildings. SCHT particularly welcomes applications from people from a diverse range of backgrounds and experience, and with the ability to make an effective contribution to the organisation. They are also keen to attract young people to join. Further information and an application pack are available on the SCHT website or by contacting the Trust Manager, Vivienne Whyte, on 01786 498462 or manager@scht.org.uk.
Closing date: Friday 17 April 2026

Planning Aid Scotland – Opportunities for chartered planners
Becoming chartered is a significant professional milestone, signalling competence and a commitment to public service. Planning Aid Scotland, the national charity working to widen access to planning, offers newly chartered planners a way to put these values into practice through its national planning Advice Service. Volunteers support members of the public with a wide range of planning questions, gaining direct experience that is often hard to find in day-to-day roles. The opportunity is flexible and open to all chartered planners. In return, volunteers receive professional training, access to a video archive, and ongoing support.
Get in touch to find out more at volunteer@pas.org.uk
Closing Date: Not applicable

Planning Democracy – Trustees
Planning Democracy are looking for new trustees to join their board. They are particularly interested in recruiting trustees who have skills in the following areas:

Governance

Communications (social media, online resources, website management)

However, they are also keen to hear from anyone who feels that Planning Democracy is an organisation they are interested in getting involved with. In return, they are offering training opportunities, learning opportunities, experience in campaigning and advocacy, the opportunity to travel in Scotland and meet new people, as well as being part of a committed group of people.
If you are interested, contact Chair, Helen Todd on info@planningdemocracy.org.uk and they can then send you an application form and/or have a chat.
Closing Date: Not specified

SHBT – St Ninian’s Manse
Location: Quayside Street, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6EJ
Size: 2,889 sq ft
Availability: March 2026
Tenure: Available as a single tenancy or individual floors
With origins dating back to 1493, St Ninian’s Manse is thought to be the oldest building in Leith and is topped by Edinburgh’s sole surviving 17th-century timber steeple. It formed part of the original entrance to St Ninian’s Chapel, which was mostly demolished during the 19th century when the site was converted to industrial use as a mill. From 1996 to 2002, SHBT restored both St Ninian’s Manse and the adjacent Quayside Mills, creating desirable waterfront office space whilst also preserving an important historic structure and a key part of Leith’s history. The manse now offers four floors of adaptable office space with period character, modern amenities, and five dedicated parking spaces. Brochure
Enquiries: info@shbt.org.uk

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16 Mar 2026

A blog providing an update on the Skills Investment Plan delivery, co-authored by the sub group with a remit for Architecture, Engineering, Planning and Surveying.

This blog provides an update on the Skills Investment Plan (SIP) delivery. It has been co-authored by the SIP delivery sub group with a remit for Architecture, Engineering, Planning and Surveying, which is made up of representatives from Built Environment Forum Scotland, the Chartered Institute of Building, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, and the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland.

This Is What We Heard

In October last year as part of BE-ST FEST, representatives from across the Built Environment sector came together to discuss how we could maximise opportunities and better address the challenges the sector faces by working together – a priority identified in the Skills Investment Plan for the Historic Environment.

The event, developed through a partnership between Built Environment Forum Scotland, the Chartered Institute of Building, Historic Environment Scotland, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, and the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland – with support from trade bodies and other built environment organisations – brought together guests from across the sector including trades, professional bodies, academia, charities and government, who face the same pressures but may not often share the same room, to explore where there is consensus.

One message was clear:

If we continue as we are, we will not be where we need to be. Change is essential – and everyone has a role in making it happen.

What We Heard: The Challenges Facing the Sector

Participants shared a wide range of concerns about Scotland’s built environment skills pipeline. These challenges reflect systemic issues -not isolated challenges -and affect the sector from entry‑level recruitment to long‑term workforce sustainability

Key challenges highlighted include:

A complex and fragmented skills system, with duplicated routes and unclear progression pathways.

Unstable and inconsistent funding, with essential courses such as tiling, stonemasonry and building surveying disappearing from local provision.

Limited access to quality entry‑level opportunities for those seeking to join the sector.

Procurement practices that prioritise the lowest cost over quality, undermining investment in skills and workforce development.

SMEs carrying disproportionate responsibility for training despite facing the highest financial and administrative burdens.

Cultural challenges, including outdated workplace behaviours, a lack of well‑being support, and a negative public image that puts off potential new entrants.

Retrofit a major national priority, does not fit neatly within existing trade structures, leaving a mismatch between need and training routes.

Inconsistent training provision between regions, worsened by barriers such as summer college closures or restrictions on simulated assessment.

What We Heard: Opportunities for Positive Change

Despite the challenges, the discussion highlighted a strong sense of optimism. Participants proposed practical, actionable changes that can be delivered only through collaboration across employers, training providers, trades associations, professional bodies, skills agencies and Government.

Opportunities identified included:

Reforming procurement so that quality, competence and training commitments are core requirements, not optional extras.

Modernising apprenticeships and introducing modular and stackable learning pathways, while ensuring a place for essential trade‑specific content.

Guaranteeing parity of funding across training providers, while reducing bureaucracy to help SMEs participate fully.

Treating worksites as live learning environments, supporting real‑world training across trades and professions.

Taking a holistic built environment approach, helping people develop broad understanding earlier in their careers.

Establishing a Ministerial Oversight Group on Retrofit, bringing together relevant government portfolios to drive a coordinated national approach.

Using better data—including a state‑of‑skills survey—to target investment where it is most needed.

Inspiring the next generation by bringing industry professionals into schools.

Developing joint training programmes across trades and professions.

Mapping the current system to identify and address structural blockages.

These proposals underscore a shared recognition that no single organisation can address these challenges alone — but that, collectively, the sector can unlock meaningful change.

This Is Just the Start

The discussions held were an important step, but they represent only the beginning of a broader collaborative effort. Over the coming months, partners across the sector will work together to:

Publish a collective statement that unifies the sector’s commitment and asks of others. You can view a draft and add your organisation to the signatories here.

Explore opportunities for joint training and alignment or skills development across trades and professions.

Collaborate on data and shared messaging to strengthen evidence‑based policy development.

Build more cohesive working relationships across government departments, reflecting the cross‑cutting nature of built environment challenges.

A Shared Vision for Scotland’s Future

Scotland’s future depends on a built environment workforce that is skilled, adaptable and resilient. The challenges are complex, but the commitment demonstrated across the sector shows that progress is possible – and already underway.

You can find the draft collective statement here and add your organisation to the list of signatories here. The statement will be published at the end of May.

Please contact a member of the BEFS team with any enquiries.

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This Is What We Heard

What We Heard: The Challenges Facing the Sector

What We Heard: Opportunities for Positive Change

This Is Just the Start

A Shared Vision for Scotland’s Future

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