News Releases

Residents across Edinburgh to choose how to spend Visitor Levy funds in their neighbourhoods (City of Edinburgh Council 15/05/2026)

Historic England reveals 20 historic sites with the potential to become new homes (Historic England 19/05/2026)

Scottish Futures Trust: Scotland’s construction pipeline tool continues to increase coverage and transparency (SFT 20/05/2026)

Homebuilding & Renovating: Supporting people with in-person planning advice (Planning Aid Scotland 21/05/2026)

Call for Nominations: proposals invited to join Cultivating Resilience a programme strengthening the ability of historic gardens and designed landscapes to adapt to the impacts of climate change (World Monuments Fund 25/05/2026)

A proactive approach to bringing ownerless land back into use in Scotland (Scottish Land Commission 26/05/2026)

Scottish & UK: Governmental & Parliamentary Publications

Blog: Dismantling gendered cities, one city at a time. This is how we started (Placemaking Europe 01/05/2026)

Why can’t we have both? (Urban Realm 11/05/2026)

Why do we keep building on land at risk of flooding? (The Guardian 14/05/2026)

Calls for ‘quality leadership’ for HES after Robertson exit (The Herald 14/05/2026)

Anna Ritchie obituary: archaeologist who led Orkney rescue work (The Times 19/05/2026)

What Glasgow’s Chinatown could look like after £160m redevelopment plan (Glasgow Live 19/05/2026)

Five-Year Partnership Reimagines the Future of Scotland’s Heritage at Caerlaverock Castle (Dumfries & Galloway What’s Going On 19/05/2026)

New training programme aims to extend use of timber across construction sector (Project Scotland 19/05/2026)

Built environment bodies to screen ‘People’s Emergency Briefing’ in Glasgow (Scottish Construction Now 20/05/2026)

Report shows urgent climate adaptation spells opportunity for construction (Construction Management 20/05/2026)

Architecture body elects Libby Heathcote as next president (Scottish Housing News 21/05/2026)

A hut or not a hut? Council seeks independent cabin size check (BBC News 21/05/2026)

Positive results belie struggling construction sector (Premier Construction News 21/05/2026)

Presiding Officer says ‘status quo not an option’ amid parliamentary shake-up (Holyrood 21/05/2026)

The first international football stadium in the world is in Glasgow – and it was just given “protected” status (Secret Glasgow 22/05/2026)

‘Nationally significant’ regeneration planned for Stranraer (BBC News 22/05/2026)

BE-ST Fest 2026 to hit the road with four regional events (Scottish Housing News 22/05/2026)

Revealed: Union Street vape shop not inspected for health and safety before fire (The Herald 24/05/2026)

Scottish Government will ‘undoubtedly’ need to make cuts – deputy first minister (STV 24/05/2026)

Green jobs contributing £10.2bn to Scotland’s economy, says CBI (BBC News 26/05/2026)

Events

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

BE-ST Fest – 2026
For the past five years, industry leaders, policymakers, innovators and built environment professionals have travelled to Glasgow for BE-ST Fest. In 2026, the festival is coming to you. BE-ST is on the road, coming to communities across Scotland to focus on the real barriers and challenges you face.
BE-ST Fest East – International Retrofit Conference
Date: Wednesday 2 September 2026
Location: Royal College of Physicians, 11 Queen Street, Edinburgh EH2 1JQ
BE-ST Fest South
Date: Wednesday 23 September 2026
Location: The Crichton Trust, Grierson House, Bankend Rd, Dumfries DG1 4ZE
BE-ST Fest North
Date: Tuesday 6 October 2026
Location: Eden Court, Bishops Road, Inverness IV3 5SA
BE-ST Fest West
Date: Wednesday 4 November 2026
Location: Sir Jim McDonald Technology & Innovation Centre (TIC), 99 George Sreet, Glasgow G1 1RD

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, the conference includes tours and visits to fascinating historic sites and ground-breaking projects.

SPAB – Repair of Old Buildings Course Autumn 2026
Date & Time: Monday 28 September – Friday 2 October 2026; 09:30am-5pm
Location: Museum of the Home, Kingsland Road, London E2 8EA
Presented by leading building conservation professionals, the course explores British and international approaches to the conservation of old buildings. The programme is underpinned by the SPAB philosophy of repair and maintenance, as set out in the SPAB Approach. Through a series of lectures and site visits, you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of the repair, maintenance and conservation of old buildings.

SPAB – Practical Flour Milling
Date & Time: Tuesday 20 October 2026; 9:30am-4pm
Location: Blair Atholl 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.

SPAB – Understanding Your Old Building
Date: Saturday 14 November 2026; 12:30-2pm
Location: Online
Join SPAB for an introduction to the care and maintenance of period properties, ideal for homeowners and tenants of old buildings. This modular, self-paced online course features six pre-recorded presentations and a live Q&A session. It introduces the SPAB conservation approach and offers guidance on how best to tackle common problems and maintain the character and value of your home. If you live in or look after a period property, or are a professional who needs to brief their clients on understanding their old building, this course is ideal for you. The SPAB is an IHBC-recognised CPD provider and certificates of attendance are available on request. £115 ‘Early Bird’ rate until 10 August, then £135.

Training

Culture & Business Scotland – An Introduction to Being a Board Member
Date & Time: Wednesday 10 June 2026; 9:30am-1:30pm
Location: Online
This essential course will give new trustees and Board members a comprehensive introduction to their roles and responsibilities or provide a governance skills refresher. Led by Catriona Reynolds, Head of Board Development at Culture & Business Scotland, this information-packed online session equips new trustees and Board members with the practical tools they need to succeed from day one.

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.

SLCT – Working with Lime in Adverse Weather
Date & Time: Wednesday 10 June 2026; 9:30am-12:30pm
Location: Charlestown Workshops, 2 Rocks Road, Charlestown, Fife KY11 3EN
These hints, tips and practical advice will help you extend your season working with lime mortars successfully. The reality is that contracting is a 365 days a year business and you don’t have the luxury of picking your weather windows. This half day course is aimed at anyone who works with traditional buildings or structures, and will consist of a mixture of lecture and some practical demonstrations.

Culture & Business Scotland – All things American Fundraising
Date & Time: Wednesday 24 June 2026; 10am-4pm
Location: The Hub, Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2ND
Join Culture & Business Scotland for this essential workshop, designed to advance your practical knowledge of the American philanthropic landscape. In the session, three fundraising experts from Chapel & York will share their insights and perspectives. It is aimed at fundraisers and culture sector professionals keen to understand the intricacies of American fundraising.

SLCT – 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

The big news this bulletin is the result of last week’s elections. Derek Rankine, BEFS Head of Policy and Strategy, provides his take on what may come:

“Getting more champions in Holyrood who really care about historic buildings and understand the built environment.” Talking at the BEFS hustings event in Edinburgh, Sam Gallacher of Scottish Historic Buildings Trust spoke for many BEFS Members on their hopes from the Scottish Parliament elections. With the dust starting to settle following last week’s results, and ahead of Parliament reconvening tomorrow, we can take a brief look at whether those wishes were fulfilled.
There is some room for optimism. Of the 65 returning MSPs, many have previously worked with BEFS on built environment issues and have been actively involved with exploring challenges and developing opportunities through relevant Bills, consultations, debates, Committees and working groups. Some of the 64 new MSPs talked up local heritage and visited projects and groups in their campaigning. At the BEFS hustings event, and in the party manifestos, there are valuable acknowledgements and commitments relating to the 15 BEFS Manifesto policy recommendations.
With six parties having at least 10 MSPs, there is a notable cross-party spread from what the Scottish Parliament Information Centre described as a “fragmented result”. The SNP, which won 58 seats, is expected to continue as minority government. Leader John Swinney has said he will this week invite four of the other five party leaders to talks on potential areas of cooperation. Over the next six months, BEFS will be delivering an MSP engagement plan to further raise awareness of Members’ built environment priorities and support cross-party action. We are hopeful of developing even more champions in Parliament from new and returning MSPs. We look forward to working closely with BEFS Members on making the case for the existing built environment!

Historic Environment Scotland has launched their Traditional Materials Framework (TMF), a new publication setting out a clear delivery framework to guide work on sustainable supply and best practice use of traditional building materials in Scotland. Access to essential materials can be fragile, especially in the current context of the aftermath of a global pandemic, disruption to supply chains, and growing impacts from climate change. The TMF sets out to update our understanding of the main challenges and opportunities facing traditional materials today.

In case you missed it, one for the coffee break: cross industry group Don’t Waste Buildings has called on the UK government to incentivise the reuse of empty buildings. The report The Reuse Dividend: Unlocking Economic Growth from Britain’s Existing Buildings presents a landmark international study showing how other countries are unlocking billions from building reuse – warning that Britain is missing out on billions of pounds of potential economic growth.

And finally, BEFS is a member of The Archaeology Forum, a UK-wide group of bodies that work together to champion the investigation, management, and interpretation of the historic environment. The Archaeology Forum has refreshed its web presence; hosted by the Council of British Archaeology, the webpages include informative resources, useful tools and signposting on the work and Membership of the Forum, the policy landscape, and the value of archaeology. We recommend a visit!

News Releases

New report finds that nine in ten heritage workers would recommend their career (Historic Houses 20/04/2026)

Local Place Plans in Shetland: how communities are shaping the future of their areas (Planning Aid Scotland 30/04/2026)

Housing Regulator renews its commitment to including tenants and service users (Scottish Housing Regulator 30/04/2026)

Northern Ireland Heritage Delivers 2026 Report published (Heritage Delivers NI 01/05/2026)

New Business Plan sets out focus to accelerate investment and deliver sustainable infrastructure across Scotland (Scottish Futures Trust 12/05/2026)

Scottish & UK: Governmental & Parliamentary Publications

Cladding in Scotland: What Every Tenement Owner Should Know (CityLets News 15/04/2026)

‘Unusual’ Brutalist bank building granted listed status (BBC News 16/04/2026)

Dr Simon Gilmour: Scotland’s lucrative heritage at ‘serious risk’ of being ‘squandered’ as funding crashes (The Scotsman 26/04/2026)

Regeneration Across the Political Spectrum: 2026 Manifesto Analysis (SURF 27/04/2026)

Offers being assessed for Rum’s derelict Kinloch Castle (BBC News 28/04/2026)

Amid a heritage skills crisis, St Paul’s wants to bring its craftspeople into the light (Building 28/04/2026)

Access approval paves way for long-awaited Mavisbank restoration (Scottish Construction Now 30/04/2026)

Uncovering Edinburgh’s forgotten lives, one stair at a time: 10 Picardy Place (Tenement Town 04/05/2026)

Four major parties make manifesto commitments on tenement reform (Scottish Housing News 05/05/2026)

5,000-year-old artificial island hidden in Scottish loch predates Stonehenge (Archaeology News 05/05/2026)

CITB urges offshore workers to start career in construction (Construction Management 06/05/2026)

Built environment raw material extraction poses nature risk, highlights report (Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining 06/05/2026)

Renewable energy hub planned for Scottish coal museum (BBC News 12/05/2026)

‘Secure the culture brief’: Swinney faces arts industry cabinet demand (Herald 12/05/2026)

Alliterative summer school takes Architecture Fringe from margins to mainstream (Urban Realm 12/05/2026)

World’s first international football stadium given protected status (BBC News 13/05/2026)

Events

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 14, 21 & 28 May 2026; 10am-2pm
Location: Various; see individual events below
A series of SURF Award Shared Learning Workshops are taking 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 remaining workshops are:

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

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.

DTAS – New Futures Workshop: Heritage and Contents
Date & Time: Thursday 21 May 2026; 1-2:30pm
Location: Online
Part of the New Futures: Former Places of Worship workshop series. This workshop will focus on how communities may recognise the heritage importance of a former place of worship when considering community ownership. During this workshop you will hear presentations from Research in Action on Church Heritage (ReACH) and Keep Scotland Beautiful.

Archaeological Research in Progress Conference 2026
Date & Time: Saturday 23 May 2026; 9am-5pm
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.

Legacies in Stone – Online Conference Celebrating Graveyard Friends
Date & Time: Sunday 24 May 2026; 12:30-3:30pm
Location: Online
Ever wondered what it takes to save a historic mausoleum or how folklore can bring a graveyard to life? Step “behind the scenes” of caring for historic graveyards with stories, insights, and practical lessons from Graveyard Friends across Scotland. Whether you are a dedicated volunteer or a local history enthusiast, this session offers something for everyone – exploring everything from digital tour apps and green burials to the technical “how-to” of gravestone repair. Talks will be delivered via Zoom and a conference link will be emailed to participants in advance.

HES – Managing Change on Place and Landscape: Early engagement workshops
Dates & Times:  Tuesday 26 May 2026; 1-2pm & Wednesday 3 June 2026; 4-5pm
Location: Online
Historic Environment Scotland is starting work on a new Managing Change Guidance Note on Place and Landscape, and is inviting decision-makers, agencies, organisations and professionals working on place, landscape, planning, rural development, agriculture, forestry, and land use related issues to take part in early engagement workshops. The guidance will form part of HES’s Managing Change in the Historic Environment series, which provides practical advice to support good decision‑making about the historic environment. It responds to a growing demand for practical guidance on managing change that transforms whole places and landscapes, rather than individual sites or assets. It will promote a holistic approach to the environment, recognising the interrelationship between cultural and natural values.

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.

DTAS – Dundee Gathering: New Futures: Former Places of Worship
Date & Time: Thursday 28 May 2026; 10am-4pm
Location: Glasite Hall, King Street, Dundee DD1 2JB
Part of the New Futures: Former Places of Worship event series. This event aims to raise awareness of churches that are due to be sold in Dundee and surrounding areas. The day will bring various groups and support organisations together to discuss what needs to be considered when taking these significant heritage assets into community ownership and will provide an overview of the help available.

New Future – The People’s Emergency Briefing: Glasgow and the Built Environment & Panel Discussion
Date & Time: Monday 1 June 2026; 6pm
Location: Glasgow Film Theatre, 12 Rose Street, Glasgow G3 6RB
New Future, in partnership with Glasgow Film Theatre, Atelier Ten, Architecture Fringe and Architects Declare, present this post-election public screening of The People’s Emergency Briefing, followed by facilitated discussion with local councillors, newly-elected MSPs, and representatives from Scotland’s built environment sector. In November 2025, more than 1,200 MPs, peers and leaders from business, culture, faith, sport and the media gathered at Westminster Central Hall for a landmark national briefing delivered by leading UK experts. That briefing has now been adapted into a new public film, The People’s Emergency Briefing, designed for community screenings across the UK followed by structured local discussion. This post-election screening and panel discussion will be open to all, but with a specific focus on the implications for our built environment sector.

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.

DTAS – New Futures Drop In: Fundraising
Date & Time: Tuesday 2 June 2026; 12-1:30pm
Location: Online
Part of the New Futures: Former Places of Worship workshop series. This event will provide a chance for community organisations looking to take ownership of a former place of worship to share their experiences of fundraising and learn about examples of different fundraising methods.

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.

SURF – 2026 Awards Launch
Date & Time: Thursday 4 June 2026; 1-1:45pm
Location: Online
At this event you will hear more about the 2026 SURF Awards process and the 5 Award categories. Attendees will hear from former SURF Award Winners with their top tips for a successful application. If you have ever considered entering (or re-entering) the Awards or want to know more about this year’s process and what is involved, or to hear directly from projects who have gone through the process, then this event is definitely for you.

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 six 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.

Historic England – Digital Emissions – should heritage organisations worry about them, and how can we lower them?
Date & Time: Thursday 18 June 2026; 1-2pm
Location: Online
In this webinar, Claire Marchetti, Carbon and Sustainability Manager for Historic England will discuss how the organisation is addressing the environmental impact of its digital activity. The webinar will look at the challenges identified, the technical changes underway, how to use procurement to support ambitions, and how staff are engaged in reducing digital emissions. There will also be a look at practical steps heritage organisations can take to reduce their digital carbon footprint while embracing the benefits digital ways of working offer, helping the sector move toward a more sustainable, low carbon future.

AHF – 50th Conference: Heritage – Radical. Reimagined. Revitalised.
Date & Time: Thursday 18 June 2026; 2-8pm
Location: St Bartholomew’s Hospital, West Smithfield, London EC1A 7BE
The Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) is celebrating 50 years of transforming historic buildings and supporting communities across the UK. Join real estate professionals, heritage practitioners, social enterprise developers, policymakers, funders, and researchers as together they consider the potential for heritage-led regeneration to improve our communities in the next 50 years and beyond. This afternoon and evening event will bring together diverse voices and approaches to consider how heritage can help transform local communities and economies, shining light on proven models from around the UK and exploring policy changes that could supercharge adaptive reuse in the UK.

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.

DTAS – New Futures Workshop: Listed Building Consent
Date & Time: Tuesday 23 June 2026; 1-2:30pm
Location: Online
Part of the New Futures: Former Places of Worship workshop series. This workshop will clarify the situations were Listed Building Consent may be required and will provide an overview of the application process, specifically relevant to community organisations looking to take a former place of worship into community ownership.

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.

DTAS – New Futures Drop In: Involving Your Community
Date & Time: Thursday 2 July 2026; 1-2:30pm
Location: Online
Part of the New Futures: Former Places of Worship workshop series. This event will provide a chance for community organisations looking to take ownership of a former place of worship to share their experiences of getting their community involved. The Churches Advisors of the New Futures: Former Places of Worship programme will share top tips on how to ensure meaningful community engagement.

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 Atholl 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.

SLCT – 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

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!

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)

Scottish & UK: Governmental & Parliamentary Publications

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

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.

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

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!

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)

Scottish & UK: Governmental & Parliamentary Publications

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

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

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

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.

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.

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. Booking now open.

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.

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

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.

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.

Vacancies & Opportunities

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.

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)

Scottish & UK: Governmental & Parliamentary Publications

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

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

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.

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. Booking now open.

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

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.

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

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.

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)

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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. Booking now open.

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 – 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.

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 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

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

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