BEFS News

Scotland is to become the first part of the UK to legally require that women make up at least half the board members for all public authorities. MSPs at the Scottish Parliament passed the new Gender Representation on Public Boards (Scotland) Bill on Tuesday. In 2017 BEFS analysed the composition of our Members’ and Associates’ Boards – in regard to gender we found that on average 36% of Board members were women; and in relation to age, 25% were under 50. Join BEFS on the evening of Tuesday, 20th February 2018 for a discussion on Board Diversity in Public and Third Sector Organisations. Our experienced panel members; Jane Ryder (Chair – HES, previously CE – OSCR), Talat Yaqoob (Director – Equate Scotland, Chair – Women 50:50) and Beltus Etchu Ojong (CEO – Next Step Initiative); will explore both how organisations have changed, and how we need to continue to develop.

BEFS has submitted information to the Finance and Constitution Committee in response to their call for evidence on the estimated financial implications of the Planning (Scotland) Bill as set out in its accompanying Financial Memorandum. BEFS comments specifically on Strategic Development Plans, Local Development Plans and Local Place Plans. Read BEFS submission.

BEFS has now registered with the Scottish Lobbying Register and has submitted three Information Returns regarding ‘regulated lobbying’ undertaken by BEFS this month. For those of you still considering whether or not to register your organisation ahead of the Lobbying (Scotland) Act coming into force on 12th March, you can view our submissions here.

It’s time to speak out! The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) wants your views on the future of National Lottery funding for heritage. They’re consulting on how they should use National Lottery Good Causes income for the period from 2019 to 2024, their next Strategic Funding Framework (SFF).

We have three fascinating guest blogs for you this week. In the first blog, Bill Pagan, BEFS Board member, and founding Board member of Cupar Development Trust, offers thoughts on progress in Cupar in 2017 and the challenges to achieving action on the ground.

Niall Murphy, Planning Convener of Pollokshields Community Council, Chair of Pollokshields Heritage and Vice Chair of the recently established Pollokshields Trust, reflects on the motivations behind a community led charrette and the challenges arising out of it, in our second blog.

Finally, Lesley Martin, strategic planner and doctoral researcher, reflects of the challenges and opportunities presented by public engagement and participation in her blog ‘Participation, inequality and inclusion: the new complexities’.

Consultations

Have your say on the future priorities of the Heritage Lottery Fund – Consultation (ComRes 31/01/18)

Communities and Local Government Committee – Land value capture inquiry (BP 25/01/18)
The Communities and Local Government Committee (CLG) Committee is to examine the effectiveness of current land value capture methods and the need for new ways of capturing any uplift in the value of land associated with the granting of planning permission or nearby infrastructure improvements and other factors.
Accepting written submissions; the deadline is Friday 2 March 2018.

Practical Fire Safety Guidance for Existing Premises with Sleeping Accommodation
Closes on 5 February 2018.

Scotland’s Energy Efficiency Programme: Second Consultation on Local Heat & Energy Efficiency Strategies, and Regulation of District and Communal Heating
Closes on 20 February 2018.

Consultation Responses

A Consultation on the Long Term Management of the Crown Estate in Scotland: Analysis of Consultation Responses (SG 25/01/18) 

Publications

Historic Environment Scotland New Guidance Note – Managing Change in the Historic Environment (HES 31/01/18) 

Gender Representation on Public Boards (Scotland) Bill (SPICe briefing 01/18)

Letting Agent Code of Practice (SG 31/01/18)

Scottish Government News Releases

Tenants and landlords benefit from new regulations (SG 31/01/18)
Letting agent code of practice goes live. A new, statutory Code of Practice for letting agents, which will improve standards and empower tenants, has come into force.

Gender balanced public boards (SG 30/01/18)
Scotland is the only country in the UK with a statutory gender representation objective for public boards. The Gender Representation on Public Boards (Scotland) Bill has been passed by the Scottish Parliament. The bill sets an objective for public boards that 50% of non-executive members are women by the end of 2022.

Scottish Crown Estate (SG 25/01/18)
Plans to reform the Scottish Crown Estate, and give local communities more control of its assets, has been introduced to the Scottish Parliament. The Scottish Crown Estate Bill will establish a framework for changes in the management of Scottish Crown Estate assets and give communities a stronger voice in how these assets are managed.

Homelessness and Housing Options Statistics (SG 23/01/18)
A National and Official Statistics Publication for Scotland. Scottish Local Authorities received 17,797 applications for homelessness assistance during the six months April to September 2017, 2% higher compared to the same period during 2016.

Tackling homelessness and housing (SG 20/01/18)
£1.6 million funding boost for projects across Scotland. Grants totaling £1.6 million will fund innovative services aimed at tackling homelessness and improving housing, particularly for the most vulnerable. 17 projects successfully applied for the Housing Voluntary Grant Scheme (HVGS) 2018/19, which supports third sector organisations to deliver housing related projects and services.

News Releases

£866 million investment to help unlock potential 200,000 new homes (BG 01/02/18)
Up to 200,000 new homes are set to get off the ground as government confirms £866 million investment in local housing projects. Housing Secretary Sajid Javid and Chancellor Philip Hammond announced that 133 council-led projects across the country will receive funding to support local work that will make housing developments viable and get much-needed homes built quicker.

Holyrood Committee welcomes Housing Amendment Bill (SP 1/02/18)
The Local Government and Communities Committee has recommended the general principles of the Housing (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill in a report published today. The Bill is intended to pave the way for the Office for National Statistics to reclassify Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) back to the private sector in the UK national accounts.

Report from the accreditation and CPD workshop Edinburgh (CIfA 31/01/18)
CIfA held a workshop in Edinburgh focused on accreditation and continuing professional development. The event provided applicants and those considering applying for or upgrading their membership with advice on how to approach the task of demonstrating their competences. It covered practicalities of applying, and also the wider reasons for what the benefit of accreditation is for practicing archaeologists and the wider profession.

Shaping Better Places Together (University of Dundee 26/01/18)
With support from the Scottish Government, a specialist research team made up of members from the University of Dundee, Eclipse Research and Kevin Murray Associates has produced a report into the facilitation of participatory placemaking.

Committees call Carillion directors in new joint inquiry (BP 25/01/18)
The Work and Pensions and Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committees launch a new joint inquiry into the collapse of Carillion, leaving a mountain of debt, potential job losses in the thousands, a giant pension deficit and hundreds of millions of pounds of unfinished public contracts with vast on-going costs to the UK taxpayer.

Web platform for sustainable building materials (A&DS 24/01/18)
Material Considerations: A Library of Sustainable Building Materials has been based at The Lighthouse, Glasgow since 2012. This web based resource showcases sustainable, traditional, innovative, recycled and low carbon building materials. This resource will interest construction professionals, architects, builders, home-owners and students alike.

A9 dualling proposals (HES 23/01/18)
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has today (Tuesday 23 January) responded to proposals to dual the A9 between Killiecrankie and Glen Garry in Perthshire, requesting more assurances around the impact on Killiecrankie Battlefield.

Scotland’s Most Polluted Streets for 2017 Revealed (Friends of the Earth Scotland 22/01/18)
A new study by Friends of the Earth Scotland ranking the country’s most polluted streets confirms that air pollution remains a public health crisis plaguing Scotland.

IHBC 2018 Belfast School, June 21-3: Home, venue and promotional pages launched (IHBC 21/01/18)
The first webpages for the IHBC’s 2018 School in Belfast – on June 21-23 and exploring ‘Our Shared Heritage’ – have been launched, and include links to venues and promotional opportunities, to help delegates, users and advertisers plan their School CPD, travel and business.

Independent review to tackle barriers to building (MHCLG 14/01/18)
Panel of experts to review the gap between number of planning permissions being granted and those built in areas of high demand.

Compulsory Purchase Order National Assembly 2017 (SG 12/17)
The Minister for Local Government and Housing’s speech at the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) National Assembly held on 12 December 2017.

IHBC’s new website for 2018: sharp design – improved access – enhanced security (IHBC 16/01/18)
The IHBC has launched its upgraded website, with a new look home page that now also includes direct links to IHBC Branch and IHBC related events across the UK.

Opinion & Comment

One brick at the time: changing the future of construction (A&DS 24/01/18)

The demise of Carillion matters to us all (Mandy Rhodes, Holyrood Magazine 23/01/18)

Culture as the ‘social glue’ in society, and the value it adds to External Relations in Scotland (Ann Packard, RSA 15/12/17) 

Parliamentary Questions

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

Question S5W-13988: Rachael Hamilton, Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 22/01/2018
To ask the Scottish Government what action it will take to protect the 160 historic sites that have been reported by Historic Environment Scotland as being at high risk.

Parliamentary Questions & Answers

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

Question S5W-13672: Ben Macpherson, Edinburgh Northern and Leith, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 04/01/2018
To ask the Scottish Government what the average level of grant funding is for each affordable housing unit in Scotland, and how this compares with England.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (22/01/2018)

Question S5W-13671: Ben Macpherson, Edinburgh Northern and Leith, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 04/01/2018
To ask the Scottish Government how many homes have been delivered since 2007 for social rent, and how the supply of homes for social rent compares with that in England.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (22/01/2018)

Question S5W-13670: Ben Macpherson, Edinburgh Northern and Leith, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 04/01/2018
To ask the Scottish Government how many affordable homes have been delivered since 2007, and how the supply of affordable housing per head of population in Scotland compares with that in England.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (22/01/2018)

Question S5W-13719: Claudia Beamish, South Scotland, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 09/01/2018
To ask the Scottish Government whether, in furthering its land reform policies, local community organisations, such as those types referred to in the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 and the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015, are given the first opportunity to buy any Scottish Government-owned land or property, or part thereof.
Answered by Roseanna Cunningham (18/01/2018)

Events

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

AHSS Forth & Borders Group Lecture
‘Heroines of the Canongate: a different perspective on urban reform in the Edwardian Old Town’
Date: 5th February, at 18.30.
Location: St Andrew’s and St George’s West Church, 13 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PA
Cost: £5 (£2.50 students) Non-members welcome! Tickets on the door.
Urban reform in the Old Town is often associated with the names of H.D.Littlejohn and Patrick Geddes. Dr Elizabeth darling adopts a different perspective, focusing on the many women who effected change in environments in and around the Canongate.

Maximising Tourism Opportunities in Towns [STP in partnership with VisitScotland]
Date: Wednesday 7th February 2018, 1.30pm – 4pm.
Location: Murrayfield, Edinburgh.
Learn how to maximise the opportunities from tourism in your town at this interactive workshop with VisitScotland and Scotland’s Towns Partnership. Due to high demand, additional places on this workshop have been made available. Read more.
Free to STP Members | £50+VAT Non-Members

‘Researching Scotland’s textile heritage through material culture evidence’
Date: February 19 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Location: National Museum Scotland Auditorium, Chambers Street Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
Lecture given by Dr Anita Quye, Senior Lecturer, Conservation Science, History of Art, University of Glasgow. Many perspectives on the often colourful world of historical textiles are gained through scientific and historical research of material culture evidence in heritage collections. The particularly rich legacies of Scotland’s textile-producing past in museums and archives have led the University of Glasgow to investigate the significance and preservation needs of this fascinating material culture. Presented in this talk are research projects for Turkey red textiles and 19th century early synthetic dyes research, and the interdisciplinary ReINVENT and ReCREATE knowledge exchange and research networks.

‘Researching Scotland’s textile heritage through material culture evidence’
Date: February 21 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Location: Kelvin Hall, 1445 Argyle Street Glasgow, G3 8AW.
Lecture given by Dr Anita Quye, Senior Lecturer, Conservation Science, History of Art, University of Glasgow. Many perspectives on the often colourful world of historical textiles are gained through scientific and historical research of material culture evidence in heritage collections. The particularly rich legacies of Scotland’s textile-producing past in museums and archives have led the University of Glasgow to investigate the significance and preservation needs of this fascinating material culture. Presented in this talk are research projects for Turkey red textiles and 19th century early synthetic dyes research, and the interdisciplinary ReINVENT and ReCREATE knowledge exchange and research networks.

AHSS Strathclyde Group Lecture
‘The Enigma of Sir John James Burnet’
Date: 22 February, at 19:30.
Venue: Garnethill Room, Renfield St. Stephen’s Centre, 260 Bath Street, Glasgow
Cost: £4 / students free. Tickets will be available on the door.
Niall Murphy, Deputy Director of Glasgow City Heritage Trust discusses the career and buildings of Glasgow’s third architect with an international reputation. With a talent equal to Thomson and Mackintosh and an even more stellar career, Burnet remains something of an unknown.

Contemporary Approaches to Sustainability in European Cities
Date: Thursday 1 March 2018, 1pm – 6pm.
Location: University of Dundee.
The Academy of Urbanism and University of Dundee are delighted to convene a special event to consider the application of contemporary strategies to make medium-sized cities more sustainable in environmental, socio-economic and cultural terms. We have invited senior speakers from leading AoU European City Finalists, including Bilbao, Copenhagen, Freiburg and Ljubljana together with additional input from Scottish and UK specialists. Read more.
Places are free but will be limited, so registration is required by the 22 February.

‘Recent work on the sunken Bronze Age town of Pavlopetri, Greece’
Date: March 12 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Venue: National Museum Scotland Auditorium, Chambers Street Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
Lecture given by Dr Jon Henderson, Associate Professor, Department of Archaeology, University of Nottingham. Joint lecture with the Prehistoric Society. Pavlopetri, off the coast of Laconia, Greece, is the oldest submerged town in the world with remains dating from at least 3,500 BC through to the end of the Mycenaean period c.1,100 BC. Recent underwater research has traced structures over 8 hectares of seabed consisting of intact domestic buildings, larger public constructions, courtyards, streets, graves and rock-cut tombs. As the current project comes to a close this lecture will consider the nature of occupation at the site through time, how it came to be submerged and its wider role in the maritime trade networks of the Aegean.

Training

Cash in with our Focus on Fundraising bundle – Digital, Data and Marketing
Museums & Galleries Scotland kickstart the New Year with a programme of training on the subject of income generation, with great courses from Resourcing Scotland’s Heritage, Culture Republic and more! We’ve got seven individual courses covering three different themes: a bundle called Focus on Fundraising, a solo artist called Rural Heritage and Commerciality, and the triple threat bundle that is Digital, Data and Marketing.

RIAS Risk Management CPD
Date: 7th of February, 1.45pm and 3.45pm.
Location: RIAS Headquarters, 15 Rutland Square, Edinburgh EH3 2BE.
Cost: The workshop is £5 which covers catering.
The aim of this workshop is to outline how Professional Indemnity Insurance policy operates in the event of a circumstance/claim and how the insurer, broker and insured work together to either manage the issue or, when needed, to settle. It is intended as a round table discussion and not a lecture. Thereafter, some real examples of common causes of circumstances/claims and how the cover operates in the case of a complaint to the ARB against the Insured will be reviewed. There are no definitive check lists in risk management and so the purpose of this event is to help you develop thinking tools to protect yourself.

In Conversation: Fundraising For Heritage Trustees (Aberdeen)
Date & time: February 8 @ 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Location: Society Of Advocates in Aberdeen Broad St, Aberdeen, AB10.
For the second ‘In Conversation’ event, chair Catherine Holden will be joined by a panel of expert guests, to share their experiences, insights and tips on fundraising for the heritage sector. The panel will be comprised of individuals working with both large and small organisations; those in the thick of a fundraising campaign, or with a campaign behind or ahead of them, and others focusing on revenue fundraising.

Crowdfunding For Arts & Heritage Organisations (Edinburgh)
Date & time: February 13 @ 10:30 am – 4:30 pm
Location: A&BS, 1st Floor, Rosebery House 9 Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh EH12 5EZ.
This training event, brought to you by Arts & Business Scotland supporting Resourcing Scotland’s Heritage, will provide a ‘how-to’ guide to crowdfunding for cultural organisations.
There are 6 places for arts organisations and 6 places for heritage organisations to participate in the event which is being delivered by the creative crowdfunding agency (SoLoCo and Dig Ventures).
The training will also incorporate a hands-on simulated crowdfund so that you can try out your new skills straight away.

In Focus: Trusts & Foundations (Linlithgow)
Date & time: February 15 @ 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: Linlithgow Burgh Halls, Cross House, Linlithgow, EH49 7AH.
This session focuses on heritage organisations applying to Trusts & Foundations. The training will include: An overview of where Trusts sit within the overall funding landscape. The advantages and disadvantages of making applications. An exploration of the various different types of trusts and a guide to writing proposals. The event will explore case studies from the sector and provide top tips in making applications as well as developing and maintaining your relationship with a trust.

A General Tax Guide For Arts And Heritage Organisations (Edinburgh)
Date & time: February 21 @ 1:00 Pm – 4:30 Pm
Location: A&BS, 1st Floor, Rosebery House Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh, EH12 5EZ.
This half-day seminar is a must for all financial or budget holding staff and anyone who wants to know how tax affects (and can benefit) arts and heritage organisations with charitable status in Scotland. The event will look at the tax status of income, box office arrangements, room hires, trading activities, memberships, grants and donations and sponsorship.  It will highlight tax savings that can be available and the issues and opportunities that frequently affect arts and heritage organisations. It will be based on current rules and procedures and highlight common errors and dispel common tax myths.

Trustees’ Event: Briefing On Risk Management (Edinburgh)
Date & time: February 21 @ 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Location: RSM, First Floor, Quay 2, 139 Fountainbridge, Edinburgh, EH3 9QG.
During this session, Richard Mackie – Associate Director at RSM Risk Assurance Services LLP – will provide a step-by-step introduction to risk management for trustees working in the heritage sector. Risk Management is essential to the smooth-running and sustainability of all projects and organisations. It involves consideration of both internal and external risk factors, and an evaluation of previous areas of risk which have impacted the organisation. It asks what the organisation wants to look like in five years’ time and what challenges might be faced in getting there. The process also takes in to account what beneficiaries, regulators, partners, public and other stakeholders are telling you about the organisation.

In Focus: Storytelling Using Media (Edinburgh)
Date & time: February 22 @ 9:30 am – 4:30 pm.
Location: Riddle’s Court, 322 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH1 2PG.
This hands-on practical session will allow you to identify your key messages and present them using media. This particular workshop will focus on using video as a medium for storytelling. Identifying and presenting your key messages in an appealing and visual way can support your fundraising efforts and help you to effectively communicate the value of the work that you/your organisation does as well as the value of heritage more widely.

Vacancies

Assistant BID Manager (Part–time Maternity Cover) (Falkirk Delivers)
We are looking for someone to cover maternity leave for 12 months from late February 2018 in the position of Assistant BID Manager – A job which carries real responsibility and a degree of autonomy. Working closely with the BID Manager to deliver agreed project outcomes on time and in budget under the key strategic objectives. Working with the project partners and BID team to identify, capture and manage risks. Working with a wide range of partners and town centre stakeholders both at a local and national level. Liaising with media and marketing teams to ensure positive promotion of Falkirk Town Centre. Identify funding opportunities for town centre projects and events.
Closing date midnight on Monday 5th February 2018 

Director (SCT)
The Scottish Civic Trust is seeking to recruit a new Director. This is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated individual to join the leading body in Scotland for encouraging civic pride in our cities, towns and villages. The Trust is a proud supporter of a nationwide network of local civic and amenity societies and is a regular campaigner for issues of national significance. The key responsibilities of the Director include the development and management of initiatives, providing advice on matters of policy and ensuring the Trust’s resources and activities are aligned with Board’s strategies. As the Trust’s principal ambassador, the Director will build and maintain relationships and networks with similar organisations and the media as well as ensuring the Trust’s reputation is maintained, therefore requiring knowledge of a range of communication strategies and media. The newly appointed Director will also be responsible for ensuring the Trust’s resources, such as finance, people and property, are deployed effectively.
Closing date: Monday 12 February 2018.

Development Officer Scotland (Heritage Trust Network)
Heritage Trust Network is a membership organisation run by people who have delivered amazing heritage projects against all the odds. Our mission is to help others do the same.
Thanks to funding from the Architectural Heritage Fund (supported by Historic Environment Scotland) and The National Trust for Scotland, we are now recruiting a Development Officer to support and connect the HTN network in Scotland, and recruit new members. We are looking for an experienced historic buildings / community development professional with the ability to bring together national and local partners to revitalise the Building Preservation Trust sector in Scotland and unlock the potential of historic buildings at risk for communities across Scotland.
The closing date for applications is midday on Thursday 22 February

Volunteering Opportunity: Place and Design Panel (West Dunbartonshire Council)
Are you passionate about the importance of place making and the role of good design in our built environment? Are you willing to contribute your expertise and enthusiasm to making a difference to design quality in West Dunbartonshire? West Dunbartonshire Council is looking for people to join their Place and Design Panel; a new venture in early engagement and impartial, objective dialogue with upcoming development. The Place and Design Panel will play a key role in raising the quality of design development, improving the health, well-being, aspirations and economic fortunes of West Dunbartonshire.
The closing date for applications is Friday 1st June 2018.

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

BEFS News

The Maintenance of Tenement Communal Property was debated in the Parliament on Tuesday 9th January. BEFS contacted MSPs ahead of the debate to raise awareness, using the range of case studies we received following our call for evidence at the end of 2017. You can watch the debate here. You can also read the live coverage of the debate on BBC Scotland News. BEFS will continue to engage with the Parliament on this topic and has offered to support any working group formed.

You can vent your own common repair problems in this three minute survey from Under One Roof.

BEFS in partnership with a number of BEFS members and stakeholders has written to Kevin Stewart MSP, Minister for Local Governmnet and Housing, to raise concerns over current government proposals intended to improve the energy performance of Scotland’s private rented housing stock – specifically the potential impact the use of the Energy Performance Certificate will have on Scotland’s stock of traditionally built homes.

The power for communities to have the right to buy abandoned, neglected, or detrimental land and buildings is soon to become available: what opportunities will it offer your community? BEFS in partnership with Glasgow City Heritage Trust invites you to join us at Govanhill Baths in March to find out more about this piece of legislation.

Scotland’s Sustainable Development Goals Network has launched an invitation to organisations and individuals across Scotland to sign an open letter to key decision makers and institutions in Scotland. This letter calls on the Scottish Cabinet and Scotland’s Political Parties, Parliamentary Committees and Local Authorities to demonstrate their commitment to delivering the SDGs in Scotland by publishing the specific actions they are taking towards the goals. BEFS has agreed to sign the open letter. It might be something for your organisation to consider too.

Scottish Civic Trust’s My Place Awards 2018 are still accepting nominations for the best new building, public realm or designed landscape or heritage restoration project in Scotland. Don’t delay, the deadline for nominations is 31 January 2018!

Finally, don’t miss out on the range of upcoming events listed in out events and training sections and a number of job opportunities in the sector.

Consultations

Planning (Scotland) Bill
As with all bills, the Finance and Constitution Committee invites written evidence on the estimated financial implications of the Bill as set out in its accompanying Financial Memorandum (FM).
The deadline for submissions is 26 Janaury 2018.

A Connected Scotland: Tackling social isolation and loneliness and building stronger social connections (SG 16/01/18)
Opened 16 Jan 2018 and closes 27 Apr 2018.

Practical Fire Safety Guidance for Existing Premises with Sleeping Accommodation.
Closes 5 February.

Proposed Social Housing (Automatic Fire Suppression Systems) (Scotland) Bill
Consultation closing date: 16 April 2018.

Law Commission consultation on planning law in Wales (Law Commission x/12/17)
he Law Commission launched a twelve-week public consultation on its proposals to modernise and codify planning law in Wales, with a deadline for responses of 1 March 2018.

Consultation Responses

Basements developments and the planning system call for evidence: summary of responses (MHCLG 19/12/17)

Publications

Scotland’s Place in Europe: People, Jobs and Investment (SG 15/01/18)

The Planning (Scotland) Bill – How the Scottish planning system currently operates (SPICe Briefing 08/01/18) 

Scottish Government News Releases

Scotland after Brexit (SG 16/01/18)
Nicola Sturgeon delivered the first of the David Hume Institute’s Politicians & Professionals speeches, which continue until the end of February.

Scottish EU Bill likely to be introduced in February (SG 10/01/18)
EU Withdrawal Bill incompatible with devolution. The Scottish Government has begun preparations to introduce an EU Continuity Bill to prepare Scotland’s laws for Brexit after UK Government legislation was called “incompatible with the devolution settlement” by a cross-party Holyrood committee.

Keeping Scotland in Europe (SG 08/01/18)
“Next few months are a window of opportunity” says First Minister. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said today that the first few months of 2018 are a window of opportunity for all those working to protect Scotland’s place in Europe and particularly our membership of the European Single Market.

Forecasting coastal erosion (SG 05/01/18)
Research to map the effects of climate change. The damage that climate change could cause to nearly one fifth of Scotland’s coastline and the steps that could be taken to mitigate it will be forecast in a new two year research project. The next phase of DynamicCoast.com will use the latest monitoring techniques to map and categorise the resilience of the Scottish coast and identify the links between erosion and flooding.

Designing communities (SG 26/12/17)
People to have say in designs for their area. Community projects from Argyll and Bute to Shetland will share around £312,000 to regenerate their neighbourhoods, Local Government Minister Kevin Stewart announced today. As part of the Making Places Initiative, 19 projects will receive funding to bring people together to agree priorities for their area and shape future planning and design.

News Releases

V&A Dundee Museum of Design announces opening date (BBC 18/01/18)
Dundee’s £80.1m V&A Museum of Design will open on 15 September, it has been confirmed. The museum’s opening exhibition will be Ocean Liners: Speed & Style, which will “re-imagine the golden age of ocean travel.”

RICS Brexit position statement on infrastructure (RICS Scotland 16/01/18)
Membership of the EU provides the UK with access to a number of EU funding streams – notably, the European Investment Bank (EIB) and European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF). A loss of these funding streams could have negative consequences for infrastructure investment and development.

12 European heritage sites shortlisted for the 7 Most Endangered programme 2018 (EN 16/01/18)
At the opening of the European Year of Cultural Heritage, Europa Nostra, the leading heritage organisation in Europe, and the European Investment Bank Institute announce the 12 heritage sites shortlisted for the 7 Most Endangered programme 2018 by a panel of experts in various fields.

IHBC’s ‘Heritage from the (Christian) doorstep’:  New funding to rescue deteriorating historic churches (IHBC 16/01/18)
Historic churches and chapels in England, Wales, Scotland will benefit from £680,000 of rescue funding from the National Churches Trust, the UK’s church buildings support charity, as reported by Premier Christian Media Trust.

New Report Shows Impact of Climate Change on Historic Sites (HES 15/01/18)
A ground-breaking report outlining the climate change risk to Scotland’s historic sites, and next steps for managing this through in-depth assessment and investment, has been published today (Monday 15 January) by Historic Environment Scotland (HES).

Government’s vision for a greener future launched (DEFRA 11/01/18)
A pledge to eliminate avoidable waste, introduce new safeguards for wildlife and connect more children with nature are among the ambitious plans for a greener future outlined by Prime Minister Theresa May and Environment Secretary Michael Gove today.

Government renews focus on housing with Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG 08/01/18)
Following the appointment of Rt Hon. Sajid Javid MP as the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, the department will be renamed as the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).

Deal or No Deal? There are significant issues with City Region Deals, says Holyrood Committee (SP 08/01/18)
There are significant issues with Scotland’s City Region Deals that must be addressed, according to a Holyrood Committee’s Deal or No Deal report. In the report published today, the Local Government and Communities Committee recognises that these Deals are in their infancy but outlines a number of concerns on the economic growth projects.

Historic Environment Scotland celebrates Planning Performance (HES 21/01/18)
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has today (21 Dec 2017) published its 2016-17 Planning Performance Report; the first full-year Planning Performance Report since the merger of Historic Scotland and the Royal Commission on Historic and Ancient Monuments of Scotland in 2015.

Green Infrastructure Community Engagement Fund to re-open for applications (SNH)
We are re-opening our Community Engagement Fund to new applicants at the start of 2018.  The Fund is part of SNH’s Green Infrastructure project which is working to transform some of Scotland’s most deprived urban areas by developing and improving their green spaces. The deadline for applications is Tuesday 3 April with funding decisions to be announced in May.

New App, Litlong, Lets You Take a Literary Tour of Edinburgh: Features 50,000 Book Excerpts 
The University of Edinburgh and Napier University have teamed up to create Litlong, a website and mobile app that lets you explore Edinburgh and its rich literary tradition.

SPAB Briefings (SPAB)
The SPAB Briefings offer a summary of recent work by the Society. Briefings offer cutting-edge information to help both owners and building professionals. They contain views, advice and information from specialists and members of the Society’s staff and cover: ‘Disaster and Recovery’, ‘
Energy Efficiency in Old Buildings’, ‘Lime’ and ‘Windows and Doors’.

Opinion & Comment

The Challenges and Opportunities for Scottish Planners in 2018 (Craig McLaren, RTPI Scotland) 

Synergies and Frictions between Mega-events and Local Urban Heritage (Zachary Jones, Department of Architecture and Urban Studies, Politecnico di Milano)

After Grenfell (Professor Mark Stephens, Heriot-Watt University)

Design well on the old: architectural conservation as a solution for 21st Century challenges (Dr Cristina González-Longo, University of Strathclyde)

Carillion’s Missing Millions (Grace Blakeley, Think tank researcher) 

Parliamentary Questions

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

Question S5W-13719: Claudia Beamish, South Scotland, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 09/01/2018
To ask the Scottish Government whether, in furthering its land reform policies, local community organisations, such as those types referred to in the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 and the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015, are given the first opportunity to buy any Scottish Government-owned land or property, or part thereof. (SP 09/01/18)

Question S5W-13670: Ben Macpherson, Edinburgh Northern and Leith, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 04/01/2018
To ask the Scottish Government how many affordable homes have been delivered since 2007, and how the supply of affordable housing per head of population in Scotland compares with that in England. (SP 04/01/18)

Question S5W-13671: Ben Macpherson, Edinburgh Northern and Leith, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 04/01/2018
To ask the Scottish Government how many homes have been delivered since 2007 for social rent, and how the supply of homes for social rent compares with that in England. (SP 04/01/18)

Question S5W-13672: Ben Macpherson, Edinburgh Northern and Leith, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 04/01/2018
To ask the Scottish Government what the average level of grant funding is for each affordable housing unit in Scotland, and how this compares with England. (SP 04/01/18)

Parliamentary Questions & Answers

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

Question S5W-13531: Jackie Baillie, Dumbarton, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 19/12/2017
To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish the assessment that underpins its assertion that the provisions in its Planning (Scotland) Bill are compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights.
Answered by Angela Constance (09/01/2018) 

Question S5W-13532: Jackie Baillie, Dumbarton, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 19/12/2017
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of whether the provisions in its Planning (Scotland) Bill are compliant with the obligations in the UN Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-Making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters, also known as the Aarhus Convention, and when it will publish any such assessment.
Answered by Angela Constance (09/01/2018) 

Question S5W-13327: Elaine Smith, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 11/12/2017
To ask the Scottish Government how it will support local authorities in mitigating the effect of reports of rising rents in some inner city areas on low-income workers.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (21/12/2017)

Question S5W-13328: Elaine Smith, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 11/12/2017
To ask the Scottish Government how the provisions of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 that require local authorities to take due regard of the long-term supply of appropriately trained construction and maintenance labour has been monitored, and how it will be recorded during the Affordable Supply Housing. Programme
Answered by Kevin Stewart (20/12/2017)

Question S5W-13324: Elaine Smith, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 11/12/2017
To ask the Scottish Government what proportion of local authority-owned land has been (a) sold to private developers and (b) retained for the purpose of building council housing for social rent in each of the last five years.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (20/12/2017)

Debates

Members’ Business for debate
Ben Macpherson: Maintenance of Tenement Communal Property—That the Parliament recognises that a significant proportion of people in Edinburgh and across Scotland live in tenement buildings; believes that the maintenance of communal property, otherwise known as the common parts or “Scheme Property” as defined in the Tenements (Scotland) Act 2004, in tenements is essential to the upkeep of the buildings and the standard of living for owner occupiers and tenants; understands with concern that, in many cases, such Scheme Property is in a state of disrepair, degradation or deterioration; believes that current legislation is not consistently fulfilling its intention to encourage owners to establish effective arrangements for managing communal repairs and undertaking maintenance; acknowledges the various potential solutions put forward by groups and individuals in the housing sector to help address this issue, and notes the view that, for the wellbeing of owner occupiers and tenants and to sustain and enhance the country’s urban infrastructure and environments, the government should review the situation and consider any legislative changes, new initiatives, enhanced use of existing rules and/or further action by local authorities that could facilitate improved upkeep of Scheme Property. (SP 09/01/18)

Find the transcript of the debate here.

Events

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

Join us for the launch of our Youth Volunteer programme as part of our celebration of the Year of Young People 2018!
When: 25 January 2018 –  12.45 – 2pm, with lunch provided.
Where: PAS Office, 3rd floor, 125 Princes Street, Edinburgh.
Over our 25 years of existence, the PAS volunteer network has been made up of built environment professionals – mainly planners, architects and designers. Now, to mark our 25th anniversary and Scotland’s Year of Young People 2018, we will launch a brand new youth volunteer programme on 25 January. Through the youth volunteer programme, we hope to promote active citizenship among 16-25 year olds, encourage young people to be actively involved in placemaking in their community and broaden young people’s skills and confidence to participate in the decision-making processes in their place. We’re pleased that Kevin Stewart MSP, Minister for Local Government and Housing has agreed to speak at the launch. Please RSVP to Volunteer Manager, Erin Fulton: erin@pas.org.uk.

Heroines of the Canongate: Urban Reform in Edwardian Old Town
When: Monday 5th February 2018, at 6.30pm.
Where: St Andrew’s and St George’s West Church, 13 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PA.
Dr Elizabeth Darling is Reader in Architectural History at     Oxford Brookes University. Her work focuses on gender, space and reform in the 1890s – 1940s. Elizabeth offers us a different perspective on urban reform in the Old Town, highlighting the many women working around the same time as Patrick Geddes, and the change they effected in environments in and around the Canongate.

Tradition and Innovation: The Modernist legacy in Cambodia and Vietnam
When: Tuesday, 06 February 2018, from 18:15 to 19:15.
Where: City of Edinburgh Methodist Church, 25 Nicolson Square, Edinburgh EH8 9BX.
In this Docomomo Scotland talk, Nick Haynes, an architectural historian living in Edinburgh, will share Modernist impressions of his recent journey through Cambodia and Vietnam. More holiday slideshow than academic lecture, the tour will take us to various places in both countries, looking at the fascinating mid-20th century legacy of architectural and urban planning in socialist Southeast Asia. This will, of course, feature the architecture of the Cambodian star architect Vann Mollyvann, but also many works by other designers.

Maximising Tourism Opportunities in Towns
When: FEBRUARY 07, 2018 AT 1:30PM – 4PM
Where: Architecture + Design Scotland, Bakehouse Close, Edinburgh.
Learn how to maximise the opportunities from tourism in your town at this interactive workshop with VisitScotland and Scotland’s Towns Partnership. The event is free for STP members – join today! Hear from VisitScotland experts in marketing, events and inclusive tourism, and receive information about support and funding available from the national tourism agency. You will also hear case studies from the VisitScotland Growth Fund and discuss opportunities to attract the local community and visitors from outwith the region to your town centres and its businesses.

Debate – Glasgow’s Tenement Tradition: Are we British or European?
When: Thursday 15th February 2018 | 6-8pm.
Where: St Luke’s, Bain Street.
73% of us in Glasgow live in flats, compared with around 24% in most comparable English cities. In Spain and Germany flatted living is much more prevalent, so are we just more European, north of the border? Or are our traditional tenements actually a quirk of British housing? Our panel of speakers will discuss the character of tenements in Glasgow and beyond and what our housing pattern means for the city.

William Adam and Formal Landscape Design in Scotland 1720 – 1745
When: Monday 12th March 2018, at 6.30pm.
Where: St Andrew’s & St George’s West Church, 13 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PA.
A graduate of St. Andrew’s University, Louisa Humm works for Historic Environment Scotland- initially in their listing team and now as a Senior Casework Officer responsible for listed building consent work in Glasgow and other parts of South-West Scotland. Her lecture investigates how Adam’s garden designs related to contemporary and earlier fashions in Scotland and England. Featured estates include Newliston and Blair Crambeth.

Power to the People: Understanding Community Right to Buy
When: Wednesday 14th March 2018 | 6-8pm.
Where: Govanhill Baths, 99 Calder Street, Glasgow, G42 7RA.
The power for communities to have the right to buy abandoned, neglected, or detrimental land and buildings is soon to become available: what opportunities will it offer your community? Glasgow City Heritage Trust in partnership with the Built Environment Forum Scotland (BEFS) invite you to join us at Govanhill Baths to find out more about this legislation, which will give communities significant power and rights to acquire land and buildings. Throughout the evening we will hear from a variety of organisations about what land is eligible, which community bodies can apply and the process for doing so. There will be opportunity for discussion and to learn from other communities that have taken on ownership responsibilities.

The Collapse of Holyrood Abbey Church in 1768
When: Monday 9th April 2018, at 6.30pm.
Where: St Andrew’s & St George’s West Church, 13 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PA.
Dr Dimitris Theodossopoulos teaches conservation and architectural technology at the University of Edinburgh, and is also a civil engineer. He is particularly interested in the technical aspects of monuments and their preservation. His talk sheds light onto the collapse of Holyrood Abbey Church, following the puzzling substitution of decaying roof trusses with masonry walls in 1760.

Training

CPD: Geology of Building Stone in Scotland
When: Wednesday 7th February 2018 | 12.30-1.30pm.
Where: 54 Bell Street, Glasgow.
Stone has been used as a vital element of Scotland’s historic built environment from prehistoric times to the present day. In this CPD session Dr Callum Graham of Historic Environment Scotland will explore the geology of Scotland’s rock types to highlight the fundamental physical properties of stone and why it was once the predominant material of choice for building traditional Scottish structures.

CPD: Approaches to Stone Conservation
When: Wednesday 21st February 2018 | 12.30-1.30pm.
Where: 54 Bell Street, Glasgow.
‘Approaches to Stone Conservation’ illustrates common symptoms and causes of stone decay and their means of determination before the main preventive and remedial conservation actions are discussed in the context of traditional stone buildings. These will cover stone cleaning, pointing, stone indents and surface coatings.

The Structural Repair of Historic Buildings
When: 23 February 2018, 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Where: Charlestown Workshops & Merryhill Training Centre.
Cost: £190 + vat (if you are a BLF, IHBC or RIAS member you are eligible for 20% discount on this seminar. Please just give us a call with your member number).
The aim of this seminar is to provide professionals with a sound understanding of the philosophy of conservation and a better understanding of the relationship between structural engineering and conservation, of safety issues and of the aesthetics of conservation based structural repairs. This seminar, led by Ian Hume is suitable for anyone involved in the structural repair of historic buildings, conservation officers, architects, engineers, site managers and others would find this seminar helpful. The course will consist of lectures, case studies and group activities.

CPD: Stone Matching
When: Wednesday 7th March 2018 | 12.30-1.30pm.
Where: 54 Bell Street, Glasgow.
Throughout Scotland there is a wealth of traditional buildings constructed of stone. When the time comes to repair and replace stonework, a detailed knowledge of the chemical, physical and mineralogical properties of the existing stone is required. Only with that understanding can we select compatible materials to replace it with. This CPD session will explore why stone matching is required, the difficulties of stone replacement in the UK and what services are available, as well as the petrographic stone matching procedures, its requirements, time restraints and what the technician undertaking the test actually does.

Vacancies

Project Manager (STP)
Scotland’s Towns Partnership, the national agency for towns in Scotland, is seeking a Project Manager (part time) for a 3 – 6 month period. The post offers a flexible working pattern. The post holder will be expected to work closely alongside our Chief Officer as we reshape the Business Improvement District Model towards a more expansive Community Improvement District approach and develop a new range of supports, partnerships and activities related to this. The role will involve developing new stakeholder relationships and helping to shape central support services and tools for the new Community Improvement District model.
The deadline for applications is 5pm, 19th January 2018.

Glasgow’s Historic Environment Scoping Study: Invitation to Tender (GCHT)
Glasgow City Heritage Trust (GCHT) wishes to engage a suitable professional to conduct a study into the state of Glasgow’s built environment and the landscape of organisations and community groups involved in the sector within Glasgow. This study would form the framework and supporting background documentation for an event in Spring 2018  which would challenge attendees to consider: what do we need to do together to improve the state of the city’s built heritage? The final document would inform GCHT’s strategic direction and would also be disseminated online to anyone with an interest, allowing them to evidence and develop their own activities in the sector. This study will suit a variety of professionals and the Trust is flexible in the appointment of this contract.
Deadline: 12 noon, Monday 22nd January 2018.

Grants Operations Manager (HES)
The Grants Operations Manager will undertake all day to day management functions of the delivery of HES’s grant investment in the historic environment. You will be responsible for ensuring annual spend meets the allocated budgets, commitments for future spend are suitably accounted and that the Delivery Team is well line managed.
Closing Date: 24 January 2018 at midday.

International Training Officer (EWH)
Edinburgh World Heritage looking to appoint an International Training Officer to assist with the delivery of the Interreg Atlantic Area European Regional Development Fund (AtlaS.WH) project. This is a European project to improve the preservation, enhancement and sustainability of historic city centres. Partner cities include Porto (project co-ordinator), Edinburgh, Florence, Bordeaux, and Santiago de Compostela. The project objectives are to improve the protection and promotion of World Heritage Sites, reinforce the sense of belonging for residents, promote local economic activities and promote sustainable management of urban World Heritage Sites. To apply for this role, please send us your CV, together with a completed application from and covering letter in support of your application by 5PM, Wednesday 24th January 2018. 

Heritage Impact Fund – Project Manager (Consultant) Tender Opportunity (AHF)
The Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF), the leading social investor in the heritage sector, is developing a new Heritage Impact Fund (HIF). This fund is designed to assist community businesses, social enterprises and charities to find enterprising new uses for historic buildings they value and to produce socially-beneficial heritage projects. In preparation for launching this Fund, the AHF is now seeking a Project Manager who will support the Architectural Heritage Fund’s Investment Manager on the establishment of the HIF. Completed tenders to be returned to the AHF by 24th January 2018; 

Chief Executive (Shetland Amenity Trust)
In stunning surroundings and with an unparalleled history, this is a rare chance to lead Shetland Amenity Trust, a charity set up in 1983 to care for the islands’ exceptional culture and heritage and improve access to them. As well as being a grant giver, the Trust runs a large number of projects and events. These include the Geopark which is of international and UNESCO interest, a Viking project, a woodland conservation scheme, a museum and archives which hosts a cafe, a range of community history projects, tourist holidays and accommodation, and a number of cultural events which have global appeal. The role of CEO with the Trust will be varied, exciting and challenging while allowing you to showcase your talents to the max.
Closing Date: Midnight, Monday 5th February 2018.

Five (5) High-Quality Grant Supported Traineeships at Scottish Heritage Organisations (Next Step Initiative)
Next Step Initiative is offering The Ethnic Minority Career Museum, & Built Environment Heritage Traineeships (With Bursary).
Next Step Initiative is a leading Ethnic Minority Social enterprise and Charity established in 2009, that works to empower, improve and transform the quality of life of African and Caribbean/Ethnic Minority Communities in Scotland. Next Step Initiative, through the support of its strategic heritage partners, has created this unique and exciting new skills training programme. ‘The Ethnic Minority Career Museum and Built Environment Heritage Programme’, (EMCMBEHP). EMCMBEHP aim is to focus on widening and strengthening skills development and access of people from the African and Caribbean/Ethnic Minority Communities across Scotland into the world of both the museum and built environment heritage sectors. EMCMBEHP is supported through the Heritage Lottery Fund’s National Skills for the Future Initiative.
Application Deadline: 5 pm on Friday 9th of February 2018.

CSGN Young Persons Travel Grant (CSGN)
The High Line in New York, Gardens by the Bay in Singapore and the Bosco Verticale in Milan are just some of the world-renowned examples of green infrastructure which are already being used to inspire the development of projects in central Scotland. By applying for our travel grant of up to £1,000 (£500 if visiting an initiative in the UK), you could be in with a chance to visit anywhere in the world to learn more about green infrastructure projects like these and to bring the knowledge back to the Central Belt.
Deadline for applications is midnight 1 April 2018. 

Heritage consultant (Simpson & Brown)
Simpson & Brown is looking to appoint a new member to its Heritage Consultancy Team. Simpson & Brown is looking for an enthusiastic, dynamic and experienced person to join the Heritage Consultancy Team in Edinburgh. The position would be part time, three days per week. Simpson & Brown are leading experts in historic buildings and sites with 40 years of experience working with some of the United Kingdom’s most important built heritage. The Heritage Consultancy Team specialises in conservation plans and statements of significance for all types of heritage asset. Working in this team requires versatility and a willingness to be involved in a variety of work relating to the historic built environment.
Further details will be released on Simpson & Brown’s website in the last week of January 2018

BEFS News

Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Constitution Derek Mackay MSP laid out the details of the Scottish Government’s draft budget 2018-19 last Thursday. Key documents have also been published, including a Scotland Performs Update. Details on the funding of Historic Environment Scotland within the Culture, Tourism and External Affairs portfolio can be found in our latest news item.

Scotland’s national fundraising conference specifically dedicated to the heritage sector will take place on Thursday 26th April 2018 in Edinburgh. Celebrating Scotland’s Heritage and the Resourcing Scotland’s Heritage (RSH) Training Programme, the conference will focus on various fundraising avenues, share the RSH legacies from the past four years and look forward to future training opportunities, following the conclusion of the training programme in March 2018. Further details in the new year but save the date!

BEFS is delighted to introduce three new Trustees. Read a little about Tom Addyman, Stuart Beattie and Kate Houghton, and their ambitions in their new roles on BEFS board.

Finally, the team at BEFS would like to wish you all a wonderful festive season and a great start to 2018. The BBC has helpfully pulled together some of the best and worst politician Christmas cards of the year…enjoy!

Consultations
The Scottish Parliament’s Local Government and Communities Committee has today, Friday 15 December, launched a call for written evidence on the Planning (Scotland) Bill

Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (Relief from Additional Amount) (Scotland) Bill
The Finance and Constitution Committee is the lead Committee responsible for scrutiny of the Bill.  Accordingly, the Committee would be interested in hearing your views on the Bill.

Consultation Responses

Climate Change Bill: Consultation Summary Report (SG 18/12/17)
A summary report from independent contractors analysing responses to the public consultation on Scottish Government proposals for a Climate Change Bill.

Publications

The Taylor Review: Sustainability of English Churches and Cathedrals (DDCMS 20/12/17)
An independent review, chaired by Bernard Taylor, into the sustainability of Church of England Church and Cathedral buildings.

The Energy Efficiency Standard for Social Housing (EESSH) – Scottish Government Guidance for Social Landlords (Revised December 2017) (SG 20/12/17)

A guide to energy performance certificates for the marketing, sale and let of dwellings: Improving the energy efficiency of our buildings (DCLG xx/12/17)

Places, people and planning: simplified development zone flowchart (SG 18/12/17)

Understanding the Archaeology of Landscapes: A Guide to Good Recording Practice (Second Edition) (CiFA 14/12/17)
This document outlines non-invasive fieldwork approaches to surveying, investigating and interpreting archaeological sites and landscapes. It is relevant to archaeologists working in the commercial sector, to those conducting academic research projects, and to the voluntary sector and community groups.

‘Hard to reach’ or ‘easy to ignore’? Promoting equality in community engagement – Evidence review (WWS 12/12/17)
This evidence review explores the intersection between community engagement and inequality. It examines evidence, from Scotland and the UK, on what is being done to overcome inequality in community engagement.

Estimate of Community Owned Land in Scotland 2017 (SG 08/12/17)

Code of Conduct for Persons Lobbying MSPs (SP 08/12/17)
TheLobbying (Scotland) Act 2016 requires the Scottish Parliament to publish a code of conduct for persons lobbying members of the Scottish Parliament.  This Code of Conduct has been produced to meet this statutory obligation.

Scottish Government News Releases

Building a fairer Scotland (SG 20/12/17)
£756 million investment in affordable housing. A 28% funding increase will help deliver at least 50,000 affordable homes over this Parliament, as announced in the Draft Budget by Finance Secretary Derek Mackay.

Building and fire safety (SG 18/12/17)
Response to independent interim review. Communities Secretary Angela Constance has welcomed the publication of an interim report into UK building regulations and fire safety. Dame Judith Hackitt was commissioned to carry out the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety following the Grenfell Tower fire.

Scotland’s Budget (SG 14/12/17)
Investing in the NHS, protecting low earners, backing Scotland’s economy. The 2018-19 Draft Budget will protect the NHS and public services, support low earners and unlock Scotland’s economic potential, according to Finance Secretary Derek Mackay.

13% increase in number of new build homes started (SG 13/12/17)
A National Statistics Publication for Scotland. There were 19,598 new build homes started across all sectors over the year ending June 2017, an increase of 13%, or 2,188 homes, on the previous year.

Returning EU powers (SG 12/12/17)
Preparations underway for ‘Continuity Bill’. The Scottish Government will press ahead with preparations for a ‘Continuity Bill’ if significant changes are not made to UK Brexit legislation, Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland’s Place in Europe Michael Russell has said.

70,000 affordable homes delivered (SG 12/12/17)
Housing figures published today. More than 70,000 affordable homes have now been delivered since 2007- a total of 48,813 homes for social rent, including 8,819 council homes, as well as 4,936 for affordable rent and 17,112 for affordable home ownership.

Community ownership is increasing in Scotland (SG 08/12/17)
Scotland’s Chief Statistician today published the Estimate of Community Owned Land in Scotland 2017 publication. The publication presents the area of land in community ownership, the number of land parcels/assets in community ownership and the number of community groups that own land parcels/assets.

News Releases

New Planning Bill needs national and regional housing targets, says Henry McLeish (SHN 21/12/17)
The chair of the Scottish Alliance for People and Places and the former First Minister of Scotland, the Rt. Hon. Henry McLeish, has pressed the Scottish Government to be more ambitious on housing in its recently published Planning (Scotland) Bill.

Survey of community archaeologists (CiFA 19/12/17)
The CIfA Voluntary and Community SIG has launched a survey of community archaeologists to get a better idea of who is working in community archaeology and to find out what everyone would like to have or need in terms of support and training. What can we do to support community archaeology across the sector and promote best practice and standards? The survey is open until the end of January 2018.

Call for Entries – RIAS/RIBA Awards for Scotland 2018 (RIAS 14/12/17)
This year we are launching entirely in tandem with the RIBA. All types of architectural projects are eligible, including conservation, conversions, extensions, interiors, new-build, public realm, regeneration and restoration. Entries submitted will be eligible to win the new RIAS Awards and Special Category Awards, RIBA Awards for Scotland and RIBA Special Awards. RIAS Award winners will also be eligible for the RIAS Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award. RIBA Award winners will also be eligible for the RIBA Stirling Prize. Only one submission and one entry fee per project submitted is required.

Independent review calls for greater community use to give church buildings a sustainable future (DDCMS 20/12/17)
Churches should be opened up for new and different uses by communities to help build a more sustainable future for the buildings, an independent report has recommended. The Taylor Review: Sustainability of English Churches and Cathedrals says that congregations should be empowered to involve more local people in enjoying, valuing, using and caring for their churches.

SURF Award Winners Announced (SURF 07/12/17)
The outcomes of the prestigious 2017 SURF Awards for Best Practice in Community Regeneration were announced tonight (07/12/17) at a celebratory presentation event in Glasgow’s Grand Central Hotel.

Opinion & Comment

Reflections on the Planning (Scotland) Bill (RTPI Scotland 19/12/17)

Communities across Scotland at risk from flooding reservoirs (18/12/17)

Land Value Taxation (Scottish Land Commission 15/12/17)

Arctic Circle Forum: Scotland and the New North (RTPI Scotland 14/12/17)

Blog: The housing land market in Scotland (SHN 08/12/17)

Parliamentary Questions

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

Elaine Smith S5W-13324
To ask the Scottish Government what proportion of local authority-owned land has been (a) sold to private developers and (b) retained for the purpose of building council housing for social rent in each of the last five years. (SP 11/12/17)

Elaine Smith S5W-13327
To ask the Scottish Government how it will support local authorities in mitigating the effect of reports of rising rents in some inner city areas on low-income workers. (SP 11/12/17)

Elaine Smith S5W-13328
To ask the Scottish Government how the provisions of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 that require local authorities to take due regard of the long-term supply of appropriately trained construction and maintenance labour has been monitored, and how it will be recorded during the Affordable Supply Housing Programme (SP 11/12/17).

Jackie Baillie S5W-13531
To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish the assessment that underpins its assertion that the provisions in its Planning (Scotland) Bill are compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights. (SP 20/12/17)

Jackie Baillie S5W-13532
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of whether the provisions in its Planning (Scotland) Bill are compliant with the obligations in the UN Convention on Access to Information, Public Participation in Decision-Making and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters, also known as the Aarhus Convention, and when it will publish any such assessment. (SP 20/12/17)

Parliamentary Questions & Answers

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

Question S5W-12953: Liam McArthur, Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats, Date Lodged: 23/11/2017
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the commitment in the 2016 SNP manifesto to deliver a warm homes bill “to support our work to tackle fuel poverty and improve energy efficiency”, whether it will set out what specific measures it will introduce to combat fuel poverty and improve energy efficiency.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (05/12/2017)

Question S5W-13032: Graham Simpson, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 29/11/2017
To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it has given to the introduction of new towns as a means to tackle housing shortages, as recommended by RICS and similar to those announced for England by the UK Government.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (06/12/2017)

Question S5W-13066: Liam McArthur, Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats, Date Lodged: 29/11/2017
To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to use (a) the (i) Energy Efficiency Programme (SEEP) and (ii) Warm Homes bill and (b) other measures to invest in and support work (A) to bring more existing stock back in to use and (B) where properties need repaired or upgraded before insulation work begins.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (12/12/2017)

Question S5W-13033: Graham Simpson, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 29/11/2017
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answers to questions S5W-11853 and S5W-11854 by Kevin Stewart on 25 October 2017, what provisions are in place to ensure the same standards are met for listed and pre-1919 buildings that are not grant-funded by HES.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (12/12/2017)

Question S5W-13034: Graham Simpson, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 29/11/2017
To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to ensure that all (a) listed and (b) pre-1919 buildings have an accredited professional adviser on energy efficiency adaptations.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (12/12/2017)

Question S5W-13036: Graham Simpson, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 30/11/2017
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5W-11854 by Kevin Stewart on 25 October 2017, in light of the development of the skills listed being voluntary, what plans it has to make accreditation mandatory for retrofit work on listed and traditional buildings.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (12/12/2017)

Question S5W-13028: Graham Simpson, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 29/11/2017
To ask the Scottish Government how many new skilled workers it estimates are needed to meet its house-building targets.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (13/12/2017)

Question S5W-13030: Graham Simpson, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 29/11/2017
To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it has given to providing additional funding for training new workers in the construction sector.
Answered by Jamie Hepburn (12/12/2017)

Question S5W-13031: Graham Simpson, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 29/11/2017
To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it will give to the recommendations in the UK Government’s interim report on the review of the gap between planning permission being granted and house building completion, and whether it will consider these when tackling similar issues for housing developments in Scotland.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (12/12/2017)

Question S5W-13037: Graham Simpson, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 30/11/2017
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5W-11852 by Kevin Stewart on 25 October 2017, what protections are in place for alterations and changes that may be damaging but are allowed to take place without a Listed Building Consent.
Answered by Fiona Hyslop (12/12/2017) 

Question S5W-13038: Graham Simpson, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 30/11/2017
To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of pre-1919 residential buildings are not listed.
Answered by Fiona Hyslop (12/12/2017)

Question S5W-13039: Graham Simpson, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 30/11/2017
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether EPC measures for the U-value of stone construction in Scotland fairly represent actual in situ performance.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (12/12/2017)

Events

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

Property repair and maintenance event
When: 5th February 2018 at 5.30pm-7.30pm
Where: ESPC Property Information Centre,107 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 3ES
Living in a tenement? Have you considered the best way to maintain the communal building in which you live to protect your property from damp or other such problems? Or worry about how to go about fixing repairs on your shared building now that the council’s statutory notices are no longer issued? Is there funding available for your property? Hypostyle Architects has worked with homeowners for many years providing a professional service to help them repair and maintain their properties. ESPC has teamed up with Hypostyle to host a Property Maintenance Event to provide homeowners with the tools required to assess their building’s condition and demonstrate how to carry out repairs and ensure correct maintenance of their property. This means you don’t have to worry about any sudden large bills due to degrading buildings.

Training

Building Craft Programme
Start date: 9 July 2018
Duration: 8 months
Bursary: £1,000 per month
Overview: The Prince’s Foundation Building Craft Programme gives practical experience in traditional building crafts and an opportunity to gain a Heritage Skills NVQ Level 3. This course is designed for craftspeople looking to bridge the gap between basic qualifications and becoming a master craftsperson working within the heritage sector. The programme offers something for everyone, and we’ve worked with people across the world to deliver it. Over the course of this eight-month programme, you will work with a wide range of building crafts and expert craftspeople to learn all of the subtle nuances of the craft, taking your skills to the next level.

Transform your approach to community engagement
Upcoming date for Part 1:
Edinburgh, Thursday 25 January 2018 *last few places remaining*
Become recognised for your community engagement skills!
SP=EED Verification is for anyone who would like to enhance their skills and become recognised as a community engagement practitioner. Previous participants have come from local authorities, planning consultancies, the energy sector, and third sector organisations. SP=EED is a two-part programme: Part 1 is an interactive workshop facilitated by our trainers, with Part 2 being an assessed written reflective learning assessment based on a real life engagement process you have been involved in. The cost of the two-part programme is £250 per person. For full details and to book your place please visit our website. For further details please contact David Wood or on 0131 659 9774.

Vacancies

IHBC joint project and HESPR ‘Pick’: ‘Guidelines for Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment – Request for Expressions of Interest for a Writer’
The IHBC and partners, IEMA and The Chartered Institute of Archaeologists (CIfA), seek a ‘Writer’ to prepare ‘Guidelines for Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment’, due out April 2019, with a deadline for tender queries of 12 January 2018; closing date for submissions 2 February, with the opportunity also posted on the weekly ‘News and Tender Alert’ to the IHBC’s heritage business listing, HESPR – the Historic Environment Service Providers Recognition scheme.
Closing 2 Feb 2018. 

The Architectural Heritage Fund – Trustee Vacancies
The Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) is currently seeking to appoint three new trustees to join its Board. The Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) is a leading heritage charity founded in 1976 to help charities, community businesses and social enterprises across the UK find solutions for vulnerable historic buildings. We do this by offering advice, grants and loans.
Closing: Friday 15th January.

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

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

The wonderful Riddles Court

BEFS News

The Planning (Scotland) Bill was published on Tuesday and followed by a Ministerial Statement on ‘Planning and Inclusive Growth’ by Kevin Stewart MSP, Minister for Local Government and Housing. The Bill is intended to strengthen and simplify the planning system. It is anticipated that the Bill will receive Royal Assent in Autumn 2018, with preparation of the new National Planning Framework (NPF) beginning in 2018. The new NPF will be in place from 2020 to inform the preparation of local development plans.

Some of BEFS members have provided an initial response to the new Planning Bill, including RTPI Scotland’s call for the planning bill to be bold and comments from PAS and RICS Scotland in Scottish Housing News. BEFS Planning Bill Taskforce will meet to discuss the content of the Bill and briefings arising in January 2018.

The Scottish Household Conditions Survey 2016 has now been published. Key findings include that 67% of pre-1919 dwellings had critical element disrepair (which refers to weather tightness and structural stability) in 2016, compared to 68% in 2015.

In our blog this week, BEFS Director, Euan Leitch, reflects on links between recent built environment events and academic analysis, in light of the forthcoming changes in the funding landscape.

Finally, we were delighted to see many of you at BEFS AGM yesterday, at the fabulous Riddles Court. We would like to officially welcome and introduce our newest Associate Members: the Cockburn Association and SURF – Scotland’s Regeneration Forum.

Consultations

A consultation on a draft revised code of conduct for registered property factors
Closes on 15 January 2018.

Consultation on a Draft Order extending coverage of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 to Registered Social Landlords
Opened 6 Dec 2017 and closes on 7 March 2018.

Scotland’s Energy Efficiency Programme: Second Consultation on Local Heat & Energy Efficiency Strategies, and Regulation of District and Communal Heating.
Opened 14 Nov 2017 and closes on 20 February 2018.

Consultation Responses

Housing Supply Budget: Summary of written evidence (SP 05/12/17)

Strategic Housing Investment Plans (SHIPs): Summary of written evidence (SP 05/12/17)

Community Empowerment and Common Good Property: Analysis of Responses to the Consultation on Draft Guidance (SG 24/11/17)

Publications

Global Talent, Global Reach – A report detailing the impact of Brexit on architecture export (RIBA 07/12/17)

The housing land market in Scotland: A discussion paper (Scottish Land Commission 05/12/17)

SPICe Briefing on the Scottish Government’s More Homes Budget (SP 05/12/17)

Building Britain’s Future? The Construction Workforce after Brexit (IPPR 11/17)

Construction Industry Brexit Manifesto (UK Construction Industry 11/17)

Review of factoring services in Scotland – Our summary findings (Scottish Housing Regulator 29/11/17)

The Architectural Heritage Fund’s Annual Review 2016/17 (AHF 11/17)

Planning Performance Framework Annual Report 2016-17 (SG 11/11/17)

Scottish Government News Releases

Scottish House Condition Survey 2016 (SG 05/12/17)
In 2016 fuel poverty rates declined by about 4 percentage points, equivalent to 99,000 fewer households living in fuel poverty compared to 2015. 26.5% (or around 649,000 households) were fuel poor.  This is the lowest rate recorded by the survey since 2005/6 and the same as in 2007. 7.5% (or 183,000 households) were living in extreme fuel poverty in 2016.

Transforming planning (SG 05/12/17)
New legislation to simplify and improve the planning system has been set out by Local Government Minister Kevin Stewart. Mr Stewart described how the Planning (Scotland) Bill, will create a new structure for a more proactive and enabling system with clearer development plans, earlier engagement with communities, streamlined procedures and smarter resourcing.

New Private Residential Tenancy (01/12/17)
Greater security for tenants and safeguards for landlords. The biggest change to the private rental sector in a generation will mean tenants have more security and stability coupled with better safeguards for landlords, lenders and investors.

Royal Edinburgh Building opened (SG 29/11/17)
£48 million hospital redevelopment complete. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon today officially opened the Royal Edinburgh Building – the first phase of the £48 million Royal Edinburgh Hospital redevelopment.

Discretionary Housing Payments (SG 28/11/17)
Statistics released today by Scotland’s Chief Statistician show that during the period 1 April to 30 September 2017, Local Authorities in Scotland made nearly 98,000 awards under the Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) Scheme, with a total value of £52.6 million and an average award of £537.

News Releases

Landscape for Scotland (LIS 04/12/17)
The Landscape Institute Scotland is delighted to present ‘Landscape for Scotland’. The document encourages Scotland’s commitment to international best practice in landscape protection, planning and management and supports the Scottish Government in delivering its Programme for Scotland. It demonstrates that Scottish landscapes are an essential aspect of people’s sense of place and belonging.

Changes to our grant making (HLF 01/12/17)
In early 2019 the Heritage Lottery Fund will begin a new, five-year Strategic Funding Framework that sets out how we will distribute National Lottery good causes money to the heritage sector. In January 2018 we will begin a public consultation on our priorities and how that will work.

IHBC’s update on HLF forward planning with lower budgets, from CE Ros Kerslake OBE (IHBC 01/12/17)
The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), through its Chief Executive Ros Kerslake OBE, has informed key stakeholders such as the IHBC and its members, about its plans to ‘optimise how [the HLF will] use a lower, but still substantial, budget of some £190m next year – set in light of reduced National Lottery income and the need to align our grant commitments with reserves’.

My Place Awards launched for 2018 (SCT 01/12/17)
As the countdown to Christmas begins, so too does the search for 2018’s best new building, public realm or designed landscape or heritage restoration project in Scotland. Deadline for nominations is 31 January 2018!

Creative industries’ record contribution to UK economy (DDCMS 29/11/17)
The UK’s booming creative industries made a record contribution to the economy in 2016, new statistics show. Industries including advertising and marketing, arts and film, TV and radio, and museums and galleries are all part of this thriving economic sector, which is now worth almost £92bn, according to the figures published today by the Department for Digital, Media, Culture and Sport.

Housing and infrastructure draft planning delivery advice: Chief Planner letter (SG 29/11/17)
Letter from the Chief Planner about the withdrawal of the housing and infrastructure draft planning delivery advice from 1 December 2017.

Young Professionals Panel (National Infrastructure Commission 28/11/17)
The UK’s up-and-coming planners, designers, architects and engineers are being encouraged to give their views on meeting the country’s future infrastructure needs. The National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) has unveiled plans for a young professionals panel to advise its chairman Lord Adonis and fellow commissioners. Adonis said this was a “unique opportunity” for professionals at the outset of their careers to have an influence.

Tailored review of the Heritage Lottery Fund and National Heritage Memorial Fund (DDMCS 27/11/17)
The review found that HLF’s role in distributing funding for heritage was seen as crucial to the conservation of heritage assets, to engaging communities across the UK with their heritage, and to providing support for heritage organisations to survive and thrive. Whilst HLF has a good reputation in the sector, the review found scope for it to become a more strategic organisation.

The IFS hosted its post-Budget briefing yesterday (IFS 23/11/17)
Opening remarks and information in the economic downgrade, public spending, housing, and tax and benefits have been published. It warned that the UK was in danger of losing two decades of earnings growth, leading to a forecast increase in borrowing. The Chancellor’s commitment to reducing the deficit by £25bn by 2022-23 was described as optimistic. It also noted there are £12bn of welfare cuts still to come and public spending is expected to be reduced by a further 3.6%.

Brexit scuppers Dundee’s 2023 European Capital of Culture bids (BBC 23/11/7)
Dundee will not be able to compete in the European Capital of Culture 2023 competition due to Brexit, the European Commission has confirmed.

Industry raises £127,000 at launch of RICS and LandAid fundraising campaign (RICS 20/11/17)
The Pledge150 campaign will see RICS partnering with property industry charity LandAid, to lead the built environment sector in raising £2.25m for the provision of 150 bed spaces across all 12 UK regions by December 2018. The kick-off event raised £127,000 towards the £2.25m target.

Enter RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence now: be a winner in 2018 (RTPI 13/11/17)
The RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence are the longest running and most high-profile awards in the industry. They are now open for entries. Make sure you get yours in before midnight, 8 December.

Opinion & Comment

Exploring ways to increase the supply of affordable housing (SHN 07/12/17)

McLeish: Planning Bill’s a good start, but there is space to build on the ambition (SAPP 05/12/17)

An Evolving Approach to Social Media: Leveraging Social Media for Advocacy (Preservation Leadership Forum 11/17)

Planning for the wrong homes in the wrong places? (NT 13/11/17) 

Parliamentary Questions

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

Graham Simpson S5W-13039
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether EPC measures for the U-value of stone construction in Scotland fairly represent actual in situ performance. (SP 30/11/17)

Graham Simpson S5W-13038
To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of pre-1919 residential buildings are not listed. (SP 30/11/17)

Graham Simpson S5W-13037
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5W-11852 by Kevin Stewart on 25 October 2017, what protections are in place for alterations and changes that may be damaging but are allowed to take place without a Listed Building Consent. (SP 30/11/17)

Graham Simpson S5W-13036
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5W-11854 by Kevin Stewart on 25 October 2017, in light of the development of the skills listed being voluntary, what plans it has to make accreditation mandatory for retrofit work on listed and traditional buildings. (SP 30/11/17)

Graham Simpson S5W-13028
To ask the Scottish Government how many new skilled workers it estimates are needed to meet its house-building targets. (SP 29/11/17)

Graham Simpson S5W-13030
To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it has given to providing additional funding for training new workers in the construction sector. (SP 29/11/17)

Graham Simpson S5W-13031
To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it has given to the recommendations in the UK Government’s interim report on the review of the gap between planning permission being granted and house building completion, and whether it will consider these when tackling similar issues for housing developments in Scotland. (SP 29/11/17)

Graham Simpson S5W-13032
To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it has given to the introduction of new towns as a means to tackle housing shortages, as recommended by RICS and similar to those announced for England by the UK Government. (SP 29/11/17)

Graham Simpson S5W-13033
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answers to questions S5W-11853 and S5W-11854 by Kevin Stewart on 25 October 2017, what provisions are in place to ensure the same standards are met for listed and pre-1919 buildings that are not grant-funded by HES. (SP 29/11/17)

Graham Simpson S5W-13034
To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to ensure that all (a) listed and (b) pre-1919 buildings have an accredited professional adviser on energy efficiency adaptations. (SP 29/11/17)

Liam McArthur S5W-13066
To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to use (a) the (i) Energy Efficiency Programme (SEEP) and (ii) Warm Homes bill and (b) other measures to invest in and support work (A) to bring more existing stock back in to use and (B) where properties need repaired or upgraded before insulation work begins. (SP 29/11/17)

Parliamentary Questions & Answers

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

Question S5W-12771: Alison Johnstone, Lothian, Scottish Green Party, Date Lodged: 16/11/2017
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-19841 by Derek Mackay on 10 March 2014, whether it will provide an update on what progress it is making on delivering the recommendations in A Low Carbon Building Standards Strategy for Scotland: 2013 Update.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (27/11/2017)

Question S5W-12770: Alison Johnstone, Lothian, Scottish Green Party, Date Lodged: 16/11/2017
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the recommendation in A Low Carbon Building Standards Strategy for Scotland that it should have been introduced in 2016-17, when it will set the date for the delivery of net zero-carbon new buildings.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (27/11/2017)

Question S5W-12873: Richard Lyle, Uddingston and Bellshill, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 21/11/2017
To ask the Scottish Government what (a) housing and (b) electrical safety standards must Airbnb and other similarly-let premises meet, and what assessment it has made of how many are meeting these.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (04/12/2017)

Question S5W-12957: Liam McArthur, Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats, Date Lodged: 23/11/2017
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of its plan for all homes to be given a minimum energy performance rating by 2040, whether it will confirm (a) what the minimum rating will be and (b) how the energy performance will be measured.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (29/11/2017)

Question S5W-12956: Liam McArthur, Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats, Date Lodged: 23/11/2017
To ask the Scottish Government whether the forthcoming Scotland’s Energy Efficiency Programme (SEEP) bill will contain (a) proposals for an independent body to oversee the delivery of SEEP and (b) targets and milestones for the delivery of each proposal.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (29/11/2017)

Question S5W-12953: Liam McArthur, Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats, Date Lodged: 23/11/2017
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the commitment in the 2016 SNP manifesto to deliver a warm homes bill “to support our work to tackle fuel poverty and improve energy efficiency”, whether it will set out what specific measures it will introduce to combat fuel poverty and improve energy efficiency.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (05/12/2017)

Other Parliamentary Activity
The Parliament has agreed the following parliamentary recess dates in 2017:

• 23 December 2017 to 7 January 2018 (inclusive)

Events

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

RSA Scottish Land Commission Strategy Debate
When: Mon 11 December 2017, from 17:00 – 19:00 GMT.
Where: James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen AB15 8QH.
Please join us for a presentation by Andrew Thin, Chairman, Scottish Land Commission, followed by a Q&A/debate about the work of the Commission and its potential impact on both urban and rural Scotland. This event, being run jointly by the James Hutton Institute and RSA – via its MCICH Network – is open to Fellows of the RSA, staff and board members of the James Hutton Institute and to all those interested in the Commission’s work from private, public and third sector perspectives. It is envisaged delegates may also have questions about the recently announced Esmee Fairbairn Foundation funded “Food, Farming, and Countryside Commission”. Queries to organiser Ann Packard FRSA via 0131 556 2052.

‘The General Register of Sasines – celebrating 400 years’
When: December 11th, from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm.
Where: National Museum Scotland Auditorium, Edinburgh, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF.
Lecture given by Isla MacLeod, Registers of Scotland. Created by the 1617 Registration Act of the Parliament of Scotland, the General Register of Sasines was the first of its kind in the world. Whilst it is probably one of the lesser known world firsts chalked up for Scotland, its impact has been fundamental – here and aboard. The story of the General Register of Sasines and the organisation responsible for it, Registers of Scotland, reflects the social, economic and political history of Scotland across the last four centuries. This illustrated talk will bring together the stories, people and projects that have characterised Scottish land registration over the last 400 years.

‘The General Register of Sasines – celebrating 400 years’
When: December 12th, from 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm.
Where: Regent Building Lecture Theatre, Regent Walk, Aberdeen, AB24 3FX.
Lecture given by Isla MacLeod, Registers of Scotland. Created by the 1617 Registration Act of the Parliament of Scotland, the General Register of Sasines was the first of its kind in the world. Whilst it is probably one of the lesser known world firsts chalked up for Scotland, its impact has been fundamental – here and aboard. The story of the General Register of Sasines and the organisation responsible for it, Registers of Scotland, reflects the social, economic and political history of Scotland across the last four centuries. This illustrated talk will bring together the stories, people and projects that have characterised Scottish land registration over the last 400 years.

GCHT Festive Winter Warmer
When: 14th December, from 4pm-7pm.
Where: GCHT HQ, 54 Bell Street, Glasgow.
Join us on Thursday 14th December for an evening of festive treats and crafts and the opportunity to browse a large selection of framed prints and canvasses featuring stunning photographs of Glasgow’s historic buildings and features, priced from £5. Can’t make it on the 14th? Don’t worry, we’ll have prints available for sale Monday 18th – Friday 22nd December – just pop into our HQ at 54 Bell Street between 9am and 5pm!

IHBC’s 2018 Annual School
When: 21-23 June 2018.
Where: Belfast.
The Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC) is delighted to announce the IHBC’s 2018 Annual School, in Belfast, 21-23rd June 2018, which will take as its title ‘Our Shared Heritage’, reflecting the theme for the 2018 European Year of Cultural Heritage, and with keynote speakers:
•    Bill Drummond – Scottish artist, co-founder of avant-garde pop group The KLF, and art provocateur known for burning £1millon cash, whose 10 Commandments for Art include ‘Make art for everyone’ and ‘Stand on the outside looking further out’.
•    Jukka Jokilehto – Celebrated conservation architect, leader in international heritage policy advice and education, and author of the definitive ‘A History of Architectural Conservation’, exploring how heritage professionals can work more effectively with communities.

Vacancies

Planning Officer (Falkirk Council)
The Falkirk Council area is changing for the better. As a Planning Officer you will assist in administering the Council’s Statutory Development Plan responsibilities. Based at Abbotsford House in Development Services you will be part of our planning policy team.
Closes: Sunday, 10th December 2017.

Conservation Adviser (SAVE Britain’s Heritage)
The conservation adviser role involves liaising with local groups, conservation officers and other heritage bodies, commenting on planning applications, as well as mounting campaigns to save threatened buildings at risk of imminent demolition. Excellent writing and analytical skills are required for this position. You must have a genuine enthusiasm for architecture and the ability to work quickly and with flexibility to tight deadlines. Working as part of a small team, from drafting press releases and researching reports, to advising a local campaign or commenting on planning applications, no single day is the same.
The closing date for applications is Friday January 5th and interviews will be held 11th and 12th January 2018.

SCVO Convener (Edinburgh/Glasgow/Across Scotland)
We’re on the hunt for a new Convener. Could you take on one of the most influential board positions in Scotland’s third sector? At SCVO, we passionately believe in the power of people, communities and the third sector.
We are searching for a special individual who can advocate for the third sector, and lead SCVO’s board and staff into the future. Candidates will already have significant experience and a high profile in Scottish public life, but they will also have a special affinity with the values and aspirations of Scotland’s third sector. Closing: 22 December 2017.

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

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

BEFS News

The Chancellor, Phillip Hammond, has presented the Autumn Budget, the second budget of 2017. The key heritage announcements include £4 million to Jodrell Bank, the UK’s next candidate for UNESCO World Heritage Site status and £2 million Cultural Development Fund funding for place based cultural development. Read The Heritage Alliance’s full summary of the Budget from a heritage perspective, here.

Within the context of the Scottish planning review, the National Trust for Scotland commissioned research to better understand public perceptions of how well the planning system is delivering. The results show there is still much to be done to get a planning system that people have confidence in, and that delivers the kind of places that they want. Read the full report.

We have a fitting blog for you this week, given that we are celebrating Scotland’s Towns Week. Lauren Pennycook, Policy and Development Officer at Carnegie UK Trust, reflects on the Trust’s new report Searching for Space: What place for towns in public policy? and the challenges facing Scotland’s towns.

Consultations

Scotland’s Energy Efficiency Programme: Second Consultation on Local Heat & Energy Efficiency Strategies, and Regulation of District and Communal Heating
Opened 14 November and closes 20 February 2018.

Consultation Responses

Consultation on the socio-economic duty: Analysis of responses (SG 23/11/17)

Consultation on Scotland’s Energy Efficiency Programme: Analysis of Responses (SG 14/11/17)

Energy efficiency and condition standards in private rented housing: Analysis of responses to the public consultation exercise (SG 14/11/17) 

Analysis of responses to the Consultation on Heat & Energy Efficiency Strategies, and Regulation of District Heating (SG14/11/17)

Publications

Icon launches next five-year strategy: 2017-21 (ICON 11/17)

House of Commons Scottish Affairs Committee – European Union (Withdrawal) Bill: Implications for Devolution (BP 21/11/17)

Housing (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill – SPICe Breifing (16/11/17)

Private Sector Rent Statistics, Scotland, 2010 to 2017 (SG 14/11/17)

The Land Question: Fixing the dysfunction at the root of the housing crisis (Civitas 11/11/17)

Scottish Government News Releases

Budget falls short for Scotland (SG 22/11/17)
Finance Secretary responds to UK Government financial plans. The UK Government’s budget does not represent a good deal for Scotland, as a consequence of a real terms cut to Scotland’s revenue block grant of over £200m next year.

Average 2 bedroom private rents up by 4.4% (SG 14/11/17)
An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland. Between 2016 and 2017, 15 out of 18 areas of Scotland saw increases in average rent levels for 2 bedroom private rental properties, ranging from 0.7% in the Ayrshires to 6.9% in Lothian and 7.0% in Greater Glasgow.

State of Economy report (SG 10/11/17)
Strong jobs market drives pick-up in growth. The latest report on Scotland’s economic performance has shown a strong first half of 2017. The State of the Economy paper has been published by Scotland’s Chief Economist, Dr Gary Gillespie.

News Releases

Builders vow to ensure Scots not left behind following Budget for housing (SHN 23/11/17)
With the Chancellor yesterday announcing a raft of measures aimed at significantly increasing levels of home building and “reviving the British dream of home ownership”, Scotland’s home building industry vowed to continue to hold the Scottish Government to account to ensure those living north of the border were not left behind.

Forres Voted Scotland’s most Beautiful High Street (STP 23/11/17)
The Moray town of Forres has been crowned as Scotland’s Most Beautiful High Street, after winning a public vote out of a final shortlist of ten towns competing for the title. See full results here.

Call for Scottish third sector to show value and support for EU nationals (SCVO 11/17)
The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) is calling for third sector organisations across the country to put supports in place to encourage EU nationals on their staff to remain in Scotland.

Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland – Special Notice (RIAS 17/11/17)
The Royal Incorporation has agreed to the request from our Secretary, Neil Baxter Hon FRIAS Hon FRIBA, to leave the organisation after ten years of service.

PM: We must get back to building the homes this country needs (DCLG 15/11/17)
Prime Minister Theresa May will pledge that it is her personal mission to ‘build more homes, more quickly’. The number of new homes delivered each year has been increasing since 2010, but the Prime Minister will say there is more we can do to build the homes the country needs.

Interactive map of construction activity across UK and Ireland launched (IHBC 15/11/17)
Considerate Constructors Scheme(CCScheme) has launched a pioneering construction map information to offer a single point of reference for construction activity across the UK and Ireland.

Glorious Gardens – the Second Stage is under way (SGLH 13/11/17)
Scotland’s Garden and Landscape Heritage’s Glorious Gardens project is entering its second stage.  The purpose is to produce a conservation strategy for the historic designed landscapes of the Clyde and Avon Valleys based on site records, researched and written by a team of volunteers, during Phase 1 of the project.

Creating Inspiring Learning Spaces (A&DS 11/17)
One of our top priorities is to help create inspiring places for learning. Drawing from our years of experience of working across the learning estate, we collaborate with local authorities to regenerate space for learning, by design. Our focus is on facilitating ‘space to succeed’ for all learners. We work to these principles derived from policy drivers, and in collaboration with learners, educators and estates practitioners.

The Heritage Alliance response to the Migration Advisory Committee (THA 11/11/17)
The Heritage Alliance has responded to The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC)’s call for evidence to advise the Government on the likely economic and social impacts of the UK’s exit from the European Union, and on how the UK’s immigration system should be aligned with a modern industrial strategy

IHBC New Research Note ‘New arrangements for National Amenity Society (NAS) statutory consultations in England’ (IHBC 11/17)
For anyone looking for insights on new NAS consultation arrangements in England, and related good practice more generally, the IHBC’s new Guidance Note – developed in consultation with England’s NASs and available on the IHBC’s ToolBox resource – is an essential new starting point.

Scotland’s environment website
The gateway to everything you want to know about Scotland’s environment. This website brings together environmental information and data in one place so that is easy to search, discover, analyse and interpret. Find out more about Scotland’s environment web.

Forestry Commission Scotland’s Revised Historic Environment Resource Guide (FCS 11/17)
This resource guide has been designed as a route map to the information and advice available to forest and woodland managers in regard to the historic environment. The guide identifies the various designations and legislation that may apply to the historic environment, and provides links to the legislation and guidance on these designations.

Self and custom build challenge fund: prospectus and form (SG 09/11/17)
The Self and Custom Build Challenge Fund is now open for applications. It will support projects which deliver innovative housing models that contribute to increasing housing supply through self and custom build. Applications should be submitted by Friday 1 December 2017.

Scottish Awards for Quality in Planning (SG 09/11/17)
The Scottish Awards for Quality in Planning are one of the Government’s most prestigious awards. They celebrate achievements in planning, from the detail of processing to the bigger picture of creating places which will become the legacy of our professionalism. Having shortlisted 22 projects in the four categories of Partnership, Place, Plans and Process, they have now recognised 16 projects with awards for 2017.

Opinion & Comment

Interview: Roseanna Cunningham on what Brexit means for the environment (Holyrood 23/11/17)

Blog: We’re changing private renting for the better (SHN 23/11/17)

What Makes a Great Learning Environment? Designer Blogs (A&DS 17/11/17) 

Real community planning in Lockerbie? (Nick Wright 13/11/17)

Blog: Why I am sleeping in the park – Graham Ross (A&DS 11/17)

Blog: Why I am sleeping in the park – Jim MacDonald (A&DS 11/17)

Parliamentary Questions

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

Richard Lyle S5W-12873
To ask the Scottish Government what (a) housing and (b) electrical safety standards must Airbnb and other similarly-let premises meet, and what assessment it has made of how many are meeting these. (SP 22/11/17)

Alison Johnstone S5W-12770
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the recommendation in A Low Carbon Building Standards Strategy for Scotland that it should have been introduced in 2016-17, when it will set the date for the delivery of net zero-carbon new buildings. (SP 16/11/17)

Alison Johnstone S5W-12771
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S4W-19841 by Derek Mackay on 10 March 2014, whether it will provide an update on what progress it is making on delivering the recommendations in A Low Carbon Building Standards Strategy for Scotland: 2013 Update. (SP 16/11/17)

Parliamentary Questions & Answers

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

Question S5W-12180: Michelle Ballantyne, South Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 24/10/2017
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that the Regulation of Energy Efficiency in Private Sector Homes (REEPS) will not disproportionately disadvantage rural homeowners.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (06/11/2017)

Debates

Motions for debate today (23/11/17)
Bob Doris: Building Regulations and Fire Safety in Scotland – That the Parliament notes the conclusions and recommendations in the Local Government & Communities Committee’s 9th Report 2017 (Session 5), Building Regulations and Fire Safety in Scotland (SP Paper 213), and welcomes contributions from Members on the key issues and questions set out in that report.

Events

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

COTAC 2018 conference – ‘BIM for Heritage: Stepping into the Future with the Past’
When: 8 December
Where: London
COTAC’s 2017 conference, ‘BIM for Heritage: Stepping into the Future with the Past’, on 8 December in London, is co-sponsored by IHBC and Ramboll, and offers delegates a unique overview of the challenges and benefits in heritage-related BIM practice, including recent publications and emerging case studies.

Training

Structural Repair of Historic Buildings Masterclass
Date: 23 February 2018
Venue: Charlestown Workshops, Fife
Time: 09.30 – 16.30
Cost: £190 + vat …… Remember if you are a BLF, IHBC or RIAS member you are eligible for 20% discount on this seminar. Please just give us a call with your member number.
The aim of this Masterclass is to provide professionals with a sound understanding of the philosophy of conservation and a better understanding of the relationship between structural engineering and conservation, of safety issues and of the aesthetics of conservation based structural repairs.

Transform your approach to community engagement  
SP=EED Verification is for anyone who would like to enhance their skills and become recognised as a community engagement practitioner. Previous participants have come from local authorities, planning consultancies, the energy sector, and third sector organisations. SP=EED is a two-part programme: Part 1 is an interactive workshop facilitated by our trainers, with Part 2 being an assessed written reflective learning assessment based on a real life engagement process you have been involved in. Upcoming date for Part 1: Edinburgh, Thursday 25 January 2018 *places still available*

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

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

BEFS News

Our Parliamentary section this week features Parliamentary questions from Andy Wightman MSP, Rhoda Grant MSP, Graham Simpson MSP, Michelle Ballantyne MSP and Liam McArthur MSP and their respective answers, relating to stone-built and traditional buildings, heritage, energy efficiency, house building and vacant land.

Andy Wightman MSP, Housing spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, launched his Homes First campaign this week to control the rapid and unregulated growth of short-term lets, where owners of residential properties offer them as holiday accommodation. The subject was also debated in the Scottish Parliament as a members’ business debate (motion S5M-08370) on 8th November.

As part of their 50th anniversary celebrations, the Scottish Civic Trust’s Annual Conference, on Monday 27 November in Glasgow, tackles the theme of “Fifty years of conservation areas”. Book your place now!

Also, it is not too late to sign up for Scotland’s Community Heritage Conference, in celebration of the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology, held in Glasgow tomorrow and on Saturday. The Conference offers the opportunity for heritage volunteers and professionals to network, showcase their achievements, share experiences and create future working partnerships.

Living Streets Scotland and Carplus Scotland are researching how new housing developments can be designed to make it easier to walk, cycle or use public transport. They are seeking views of built environment practitioners, and would really appreciate your help with the research by completing a short, anonymous survey (3 snapshot questions).

Consultations

Brexit and Local Government inquiry (BP)
The Communities and Local Government Committee’s Brexit and Local Government inquiry looks at which powers currently held by the EU could be transferred to town halls after the UK’s exit.
The closing date for submissions is Tuesday 14 November.

Guidance for Local Authorities when carrying out their new duties and functions under Part 9 of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015
Closes 17 Nov 2017.

Call for evidence on the reform of the Green Deal Framework (DBEIS)
This call for evidence is to improve our knowledge of stakeholders’ views on the Green Deal Framework, and whether there is scope for changing the framework so that it can better support current and future needs.
This consultation closes on 23 November 2017.

Practical Fire Safety Guidance for Existing Premises with Sleeping Accommodation (SG)
This consultation is to seek comment on a revised volume of practical fire safety guidance.
Opened 7 Nov 2017 and closes 5 Feb 2018.

The Scottish Government is currently consulting on proposals to revise the Code of Conduct for registered property factors and other related amendments to the Property Factors (Scotland) Act 2011. A number of events are being held to discuss and debate the proposals and questions raised in the consultation: 24 November 2017 in Edinburgh, 28 November 2017 in Glasgow, 29 November 2017 in Aberdeen, and 11 December 2017 in Dundee.

Publications

The Culture, Tourism, Europe & External Relations Committee’s SPICe Brexit update (SP 01/11/17) 

Scottish Council Housing Income and Expenditure 2016-17 (SG 31/10/17)

Age, Home and Community – The First Five Years (SG 30/10/17)
This is a mid point review of Age, Home and Community: A Strategy for Housing for Scotland’s Older People: 2012 -2021.

Building Regulation and Fire Safety in Scotland (SP 30/10/17)
The Local Government & Communities Committee has published its report. It concluded there needed to be more homebuyer support in the event of building defects and poor build quality, including for a Clerk of Works to become a “familiar face” on building sites.

The Culture, Tourism, Europe & External Relations Committee’s SPICe Brexit update (SP 26/10/17)

Scottish Government News Releases

Help to build own home (SG 08/11/17)
A new £4 million self-build loan fund offering financial backing to people who want to build their own homes will be available from next year. Housing Minister Kevin Stewart confirmed the fund was being set up following a successful pilot in the Highlands.

£15 million for affordable housing (SG 06/11/17)
Innovative funding scheme contributes to 50,000 affordable homes target. More than £15 million for affordable housing projects has been raised through an innovative funding scheme, supporting the development of over 200 homes for social rent across the country.

Local community land transfer in Skye (SG 03/11/17)
Forestry land at Fairy Pools to be owned by community group. An organisation in Skye are to become the first to acquire land under a new scheme to transfer publicly-owned forestry assets, to the benefit of local communities.

£1 million for Rothesay Pavilion (SG 31/10/17)
Restoration boost for celebrated site. More than £1 million of European funding for the restoration of Rothesay Pavilion will help create new jobs, Economy Secretary Keith Brown has said.

Supporting local communities (SG 27/10/17)
Community and third sector projects have been allocated a share of £29 million, to find new ways to tackle poverty and improve people’s lives. The funding, which includes £12.5 million from the European Social Fund, supports the Fairer Scotland Action Plan, published last year. It will benefit around 170 community and third sector groups who will use the investment to deliver projects tackling inequality and supporting inclusion.

Affordable housing for older people (SG 25/10/17)
Shared equity schemes increase access to housing and home ownership. Older people will have greater access to affordable homes with the introduction of greater flexibility to shared equity schemes, Housing Minister Kevin Stewart has announced.

News Releases

Green community ambitions – £400,000 to boost the environment (CSGN 08/11/17)
Communities across the central belt can bring environmental and health benefits to their areas by bidding for a share of a £400,000 fund. The 2018-19 round of the Central Scotland Green Network (CSGN) funding will offer investment to projects promoting active travel, woodland planting, community growing and restoring land. Since 2010 £6.3 million has been invested in more than 180 projects.

Heritage Groups Warn Government over Flawed Approach to Retrofitted Older Homes (CLA 08/11/17)
Several leading heritage organisations have formed an alliance to raise concerns with the Government over the way ‘flawed’ energy efficiency policy treats traditional buildings. The CLA, the organisation representing rural landlords, has joined together with others including the Church of England and the National Trust to write to the Government to explain that the one-size-fits-all approach to energy efficiency fails to recognise the unique nature of heritage properties.

Homelessness on the rise across the UK (Guardian 08/11/17)
A new analysis from Shelter and Shelter Scotland has revealed that the number of people recorded as homeless in the UK has risen to 307,000. The research covered data on rough-sleeping, social services and temporary accommodation, but the charities have warned that the true figure may be even higher because government records are not definitive. In Scotland, there were 28,297 households assessed as homeless, with 10,873 in temporary accommodation and an estimated 5,000 people sleeping rough.

Group on Skye first to acquire land under community scheme (SHN 07/11/17)
An organisation in Skye is to become the first to acquire land under a new scheme to transfer publicly-owned forestry assets, to the benefit of local communities. Forest Enterprise Scotland (FES) launched the Community Asset Transfer Scheme earlier this year. Minginish Community Hall Association (MCHA) applied to purchase land close to the Fairy Pools, an increasingly popular tourist site.

Is heritage good for your health? Share your views! (THA 03/11/17)
Listen to the audio and view the slides of The Heritage Alliance’s 2017 heritage debate ‘Is heritage good for your health’ here. The debate raised some good points and highlighted useful case studies from our panellists. Now we want to hear your experiences with health and heritage. Please fill out this short survey monkey questionnaire and share some case studies with us for a short briefing looking at the links between heritage and health.

Heritage 2020: #HeritageChat on 16 November (THA 03/11/17)
The first #HeritageChat will run on 16 November 2017, 13.00-14.00 (UK time).
#HeritageChat is a new monthly TwitterChat being coordinated by Heritage 2020 on behalf of the historic environment sector. The first session is being led by the Historic Houses Association, tweeting as @HeritageChat, and will explore innovation and entrepreneurship in heritage (tying into Global Entrepreneurship Week which runs 13-19 November #GEW2017).

Social Bite launches report on ‘Housing First’ strategy (SHN 01/11/17)
Social Bite has published a new study focussed on eradicating homelessness in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Dundee. The report by researchers at Heriot-Watt University gives a detailed breakdown of homelessness statistics in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Dundee and a clear roadmap of how to collaborate to end homelessness in Scotland.

Healthier Places (A&DS 11/17)
Architecture and Design Scotland (A&DS) is working with the Scottish Government Health & Social Care Directorate (SGHSCD) and Health Facilities Scotland (HFS) to support Health Boards create truly healing places. Quality underpins the future vision for healthcare in Scotland; the quality of support and services provided by the NHS, Local Authorities and the Third Sector, and the quality of environment needed to support each community in this.

Thirty-minute commute ‘saves up to £86,000 on house prices’ (BBC 30/10/17)
Living 30 minutes outside of Scotland’s largest cities could save commuters up to £86,000 in house prices, according to the Bank of Scotland (BoS). Properties half an hour outside of Edinburgh were £86,371 cheaper on average while equivalent homes outside of Glasgow were £22,000 cheaper.

Opinion & Comment

SFHA chief executive Sally Thomas looks ahead in housing (Holyrood 07/11/17)
New SFHA chief executive Sally Thomas is bringing some fresh ideas but she’s also keen to listen.

Making the best use of our assets – Scottish Empty Homes conference 2017 (LGiU 03/11/17)
Shaheena Din, National Project Manager for the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership, previews the Scottish Empty Homes Conference taking place on Wednesday 15th November.

Why place? (Claire Bynner, LGiU)
Prevention, performance, participation, partnership; the four pillars of the Christie Commission are now well-known. But what about ‘place’? Here What Works Scotland Research Associate Claire Bynner examines the role of place-based approaches, what ‘place’ offers to public service development and delivery, and also what it doesn’t.

Designing across the generations for age-friendly places (A&DS)
Going outdoors is essential for maintaining health and wellbeing into later life, but many older people find it becomes less easy, enjoyable and meaningful as they age, writes Iain Scott, Co-investigator of Mobility, Mood and Place (MMP).

Parliamentary Questions

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

Kate Forbes S5O-01425
To ask the Scottish Government how it is assisting remote and rural communities with community land buyouts. (SP 08/11/17)

Parliamentary Questions & Answers

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

Question S5W-11720: Andy Wightman, Lothian, Scottish Green Party, Date Lodged: 03/10/2017
To ask the Scottish Government when it plans to consult on vacant land, as announced by the First Minister on 2 March 2016.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (25/10/2017)

Question S5W-11860: Rhoda Grant, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 06/10/2017
To ask the Scottish Government what measures it will put in place to ensure that buildings are wind and watertight before it introduces measures to address energy efficiency, such as a Warm Homes Bill and the Scottish Energy Efficiency Programme.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (25/10/2017)

Question S5W-11855: Graham Simpson, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 06/10/2017
To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers the Energy Performance Certificate to be appropriate for stone-built properties, and what the reasons are for its position on this matter.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (25/10/2017)

Question S5W-11854: Graham Simpson, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 06/10/2017
To ask the Scottish Government how it can ensure that there will be a supply chain of professional accredited assessors for traditional buildings; how it will assess their accreditation standards, what steps it is taking to ensure that training and qualifications are developed to establish a qualified workforce to support the installation of energy efficiency measures.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (25/10/2017)

Question S5W-11853: Graham Simpson, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 06/10/2017
To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that lessons learned from failing energy retrofit remedies to traditional buildings are made available to homeowners and assessors.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (25/10/2017)

Question S5W-11852: Graham Simpson, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 06/10/2017
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will put measures or exemptions in place in energy efficiency legislation to ensure that (a) important heritage, (b) listed and (c) pre-1919 buildings are protected from inappropriate adaptations.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (25/10/2017)

Question S5W-12065: Liam McArthur, Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats, Date Lodged: 17/10/2017
To ask the Scottish Government what progress has been made to make buildings more energy efficient since it was announced that this would be designated as a national infrastructure priority.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (06/11/2017)

Question S5W-12179: Michelle Ballantyne, South Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 24/10/2017
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to reduce the cost of building houses in rural areas compared with urban areas.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (06/11/2017)

Debates

Members’ Business for debate (SP 08/11/17)

Andy Wightman: Homes First—That the Parliament notes what it understands as the anxiety being expressed by communities over the rapid growth in entire homes being let for short-term occupancy across urban and rural Scotland and the view that this should not be at the expense of people in housing need nor compromise the peaceful enjoyment of people’s homes; believes that this issue is long-standing in parts of the Highlands and the south-west and that this form of letting is now increasingly displacing residential communities in Edinburgh and across Lothian; notes reports of distress being felt by residents, particularly in communal property in the centre of the capital; acknowledges the recently-launched Homes First campaign, and notes the calls for all parties to urgently bring forward planning, fiscal or regulatory measures to enable local government to provide effective controls over the change of use of residential property to short-term let property.

Read the full debate.

Events

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

Looking Up & Looking Out for Tenements
When: Saturday 11th November 2017, 2pm-4.30pm, .
Where: 996 Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow, G41 2HA.
In the run up to National Maintenance Week Glasgow City Heritage Trust in collaboration with Under One Roof invite you to become a tenement detective for the day as we send you on an investigative walk around some of Glasgow’s traditional buildings in search of common issues and potential repairs. The ‘Looking Up & Looking Out’ tour will explore the common spaces of Camphill Gate, as well as gaining access to the communal roof space, where we will get amongst the chimney pots and experience a bird’s eye view of the surrounding area.

Looking Up & Looking Out for Tenements
When: Sunday 12th November 2017 | 2pm-4.30pm.
Where: Garnethill Multicultural Centre, Glasgow.
In the run up to National Maintenance Week Glasgow City Heritage Trust in collaboration with Under One Roof invite you to become a tenement detective for the day as we send you on an investigative walk around some of Glasgow’s traditional buildings in search of common issues and potential repairs. Garnethill is a predominately residential area located in the city centre of Glasgow. The ‘Looking Up & Looking Out’ tour will explore the late Georgian and Early Victorian tenements from the streets which surround the Garnethill Multicultural Centre.

From Banditry to Books, from Reiving to Screeving: The Borders Enlightenment
When: November 13 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm.
Where: National Museum Scotland Auditorium, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF.
Lecture given by Professor Ted Cowan Hon FSA Scot, Emeritus Professor of Scottish History and Literature, University of Glasgow. This lecture seeks to explore and assess enlightenment influence upon the inhabitants of the Scottish Borders. It also asks whether it is possible that folk with surnames such as Hume and Scott, up to their necks in all kinds of violence, feuding, skullduggery and general mayhem, through to 1603 could, two or three generations later, transform or be transformed, into some of the most distinguished of recipients and exponents of enlightenment.

From Banditry to Books, from Reiving to Screeving: The Borders Enlightenment
When: November 15 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Where: Dumfries Museum, Dumfries.
Lecture given by Professor Ted Cowan Hon FSA Scot, Emeritus Professor of Scottish History and Literature, University of Glasgow.
Please contact Dumfries Museum on 01387 253374 to reserve a free place at the lecture or via email.

Scottish Land Commission Strategy Debate
When: Monday 11 December 2017, from 17:00 – 19:00.
Where: James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, AB15 8QH.
Please join us for a presentation by Andrew Thin, Chairman, Scottish Land Commission, followed by a Q&A/debate about the work of the Commission and its potential impact on both urban and rural Scotland. This event, being run jointly by the James Hutton Institute and RSA – via its MCICH Network – is open to Fellows of the RSA, staff and board members of the James Hutton Institute and to all those interested in the Commission’s work from private, public and third sector perspectives.

Vacancies

Senior Planner (Scottish Government)
We are currently seeking applications for a Senior Planner within Planning and Architecture Division based in Edinburgh. This is a permanent and pensionable appointment and new entrants will normally start on the minimum of the pay range. Senior Planners take ownership of key planning issues and develop national policy, advice and solutions in response to issues that arise. This role requires positive collaborative working with a wide range of internal government departments, including transport, energy, economic development, environment and housing. Extensive external engagement with all the key agencies, Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) , planning authorities, the private sector, community and representative bodies and other interest groups is essential.
Closing date: 4 Dec 2017.

Head of Strategic Development (CSGNT)
Working directly with our Chief Executive, this vacancy provides an exciting opportunity to influence the strategic direction and policy development of the Central Scotland Green Network, the largest environmental project of its kind in Europe. In addition, you will have responsibility for our Development Team, you will line manage CSGNT’s specialist communications, heritage, brownfield land, monitoring and evaluation, GIS and IT staff. With considerable freedom to operate, this post will appeal to creative, problem-solving individuals, who are self-starters and able to plan and manage their workload through to completion.
The closing date for applications is 20 November 2017.

London Based Team Coordinator And Administrator (AHF)
We are currently seeking to appoint a full-time Team Coordinator and Administrator to help ensure the smooth running of the organisation, to help it communicate the impact of its work and to provide support to the AHF’s Investment, Finance and Operations teams and the Chief Executive.
Closing Date: 9am on 20th November, 2017

BEFS News

In recent months we have witnessed renewed parliamentary interest in the topic of building maintenance, particularly around the challenges faced in buildings under multiple ownership. BEFS is looking to gather some specific case studies for use in advocacy on the topic. Read more about BEFS aims and how to submit your examples here.

There are a number of parliamentary receptions on the built environment in November, which offer fantastic advocacy opportunities. Join RICS for their Tenement Maintenance Parliamentary Reception on 1st November. Also keep an eye out for STBFs parliamentary reception on Scottish Traditional Building Skills on 21st November and LIS’s reception on ‘Landscape for Scotland’ on 14th November.

The Scottish Parliament’s Acting Lobbying Registrar has confirmed that the new Lobbying Register will come into force from Monday 12th March 2018. From this date forward, certain face-to-face meetings with MSPs, Scottish Government Ministers, special advisers or the Permanent Secretary will need to be registered. In addition, a four-month familiarisation period has begun, allowing test returns to be made on the new register website.

Get ahead of the game! In 2018 Scotland puts its young people (8-26 year olds) in the spotlight. The Year of Young People 2018 (YOYP) is led by the Scottish Government, in collaboration with VisitScotland, EventScotland, Young Scot, Children in Scotland, Scottish Youth Parliament, Creative Scotland and YouthLink Scotland. VisitScotland have created a handy toolkit for you to plan how you’ll take advantage and benefit from the year.

In this week’s blog, Joanna Hambly, The SCAPE Trust, tells us about Scotland’s Coastal Heritage at Risk Project and the role of volunteers in surveying Scotland’s coastal archaeological heritage.

Check out our new section of the bulletin that highlights opinion and comment pieces relating to the built and historic environment.

Consultations

Brexit and Local Government inquiry launched (BP 17/10/17)
The Communities and Local Government Committee’s Brexit and Local Government inquiry looks at which powers currently held by the EU could be transferred to town halls after the UK’s exit.

Guidance for Local Authorities when carrying out their new duties and functions under Part 9 of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015
Closes 17 Nov 2017.

Consultation Responses

Housing (Amendment) Scotland Bill – Finance & Constitution Committee’s Call for Evidence Submissions

Submissions Received by Local Government and Communities Committee on the Housing (Amendment) (Scotland) Bil

Publications

Warming Scotland up to Energy Efficiency: Putting Consumers First (Consumer Futures Unit, Citizens Advise Scotland xx/10/17)

Disrupting the Housing Market – A policy programme to save the home-owning democracy (Localis xx/10/17)

The cost of housing for low-income renters (Institute for Fiscal Studies xx/10/17) 

A short briefing on a ‘no-deal Brexit scenario’ (Institute of Economic Affairs xx/10/17)

Help to Buy (Scotland) Administrative Procedures (SG 25/10/17)
Administrative Procedures for Agents administering the Help to Buy (Scotland) Affordable New Build Scheme.

New Supply Shared Equity (NSSE) Administrative Procedures (SG 25/10/17)
The Administrative Procedures for the RSLs and LAs administering the New Supply Shared Equity (NSSE) scheme

Open Market Shared Equity (OMSE) Buyer Information Leaflet (SG 25/10/17)

The Scottish Government Model Private Residential Tenancy Agreement (SG 18/10/17)

Scottish Government News Releases

Local Housing Allowance (SG 25/10/17)
Joint call to halt ‘damaging’ rates for social rented sector. Around 12,000 young people could be facing a shortfall up to £8.6 million through UK Government plans to introduce Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates to the social rented sector.

£1.5m for Community Choices Fund (SG 24/1017)
Communities from Arbroath to Ullapool will share £1.5 million to increase the numbers of people involved in making decisions about investment in their local areas.

Bute House repairs (SG 23/10/17)
Bute House, the official residence of the First Minister of Scotland, has temporarily closed to enable unscheduled essential repair work to take place. Recent routine monitoring revealed that urgent ceiling repairs and further inspection work are required to the A listed building.

Progress at Brexit meeting (SG 16/10/17)
A set of principles to guide negotiations around any potential UK or GB wide frameworks after Brexit has been agreed. But Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland’s Place in Europe, Michael Russell made clear that the Scottish Government continues to be unable to recommend that the Scottish Parliament gives consent to the EU Withdrawal Bill unless significant changes are made.

News Releases

Landmark launch for online Scottish land information service (SHN 24/10/17)
A new resource has been launched which will allow citizens, communities, professionals and business to access comprehensive information about any piece of land or property in Scotland for the first time. Launched today by the Keeper of the Registers of Scotland, Sheenagh Adams, ScotLIS, a lynchpin of Registers of Scotland’s (RoS) digital transformation, is an easy to use, map-based, online land information service.

New LSE analysis suggests Scotland would lose billions of pounds with Brexit (Herald Scotland 24/10/17)
London School of Economics analysis has warned Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow will be among the hardest hit cities in the UK after Brexit. Scotland would suffer a “devastating” Brexit bombshell with its towns and cities losing nearly £30 billion as a result of the UK leaving the EU without a deal, analysis suggests.

Scotland’s ‘heritage angels’ crowned (HES 17/10/17)
Heritage volunteers, professionals and organisations from across the country were honoured in the capital this evening (Monday 16 October), as the winners of the Scottish Heritage Angel Awards 2017 were revealed.

Revised Westminster boundary proposals criticised (Boundary Commission for Scotland 17/10/17)
The Boundary Commission for Scotland has published the revised proposals for UK Parliament constituencies that reflect responses to a consultation on the initial proposals published in October 2016. The 2018 Review of UK Parliament Constituencies will result in the total number of seats being reduced from 650 to 600, with the number of Scottish seats decreasing by six to 53.

Labour MSP launches fire safety Bill (Herald Scotland 15/10/17)
Scottish Labour MSP David Stewart has launched a new members’ bill on fire safety in social housing following the Grenfell Tower disaster.

Parliamentary Committees engage in inter-parliamentary dialogue on Brexit at Westminster (SP 13/10/17)
Senior representatives of three Scottish Parliament Committees today participated in inter-parliamentary dialogue on Brexit related issues including the implications of the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill upon the devolution settlements in the United Kingdom.

Proof that places shape who we are – and what that means for society today (NTS xx/10/17)
Scientific research carried out by the National Trust has found that natural and historic places have a powerful effect on all of us. In the ‘Places that Make us report’ the National Trust set out to understand the depth of people’s connection with place.

FutureTown Design Competition (STP xx/10/17)
STP invites you to take part in the third annual FutureTown Design Competition to gain media profile for your town and a keynote slot to present your idea at the annual Towns Tea Party! Shortlisted entries will also be displayed in a showcase exhibition at Scotland’s Towns Conference on 21 November. The deadline for entries is 5pm on Monday 6 November.

Opinion & Comment

Cities & Towns: The 2017 General Election and the social divisions of Place (New Economics Foundation 17/10/17) 

Making Local Place Plans work (Kate Houghton, RTPI Scotland)

The planning system should be a tool to empower citizens in Scotland (Jamie Cooke, Head of RSA Scotland)

Case Study: Your Kirkwall (David McAllister, PAS)

The truth about “soft densification” (Dr Richard Dunning, Hannah Hickman and Professor John Henneberry, RTPI)

Parliamentary Questions

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

Michelle Ballantyne S5W-12180
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that the Regulation of Energy Efficiency in Private Sector Homes (REEPS) will not disproportionately disadvantage rural homeowners. (SP 24/10/17)

Michelle Ballantyne S5W-12179
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to reduce the cost of building houses in rural areas compared with urban areas. (SP 24/10/17)

Liam McArthur S5W-12065
To ask the Scottish Government what progress has been made to make buildings more energy efficient since it was announced that this would be designated as a national infrastructure priority. (SP 20/10/17)

Parliamentary Questions & Answers

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

Colin Beattie S5O-01362
To ask the Scottish Government what progress it is making toward reaching its target of building 50,000 affordable homes before the end of the parliamentary session.
Taken in the Chamber on 25/10/2017

John Mason S5O-01346
To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it is giving to how tenement housing can be better maintained.
Taken in the Chamber on 25/10/2017

Question S5W-11526: Andy Wightman, Lothian, Scottish Green Party, Date Lodged: 25/09/2017
To ask the Scottish Government how much each local authority spent on rural housing projects in 2016-17, also broken down by the (a) (i) name and (ii) postcode of each project, (b) grant-receiving organisation, and (c) number of (A) units and (B) bed spaces.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (12/10/2017)

Question S5W-11851: Patrick Harvie, Glasgow, Scottish Green Party, Date Lodged: 05/10/2017
To ask the Scottish Government what the timescale is for the next revision of the National Planning Framework.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (11/10/2017)

Debate

Portfolio Question Time: Communities, Social Security and Equalities
Housing Maintenance (Tenements)

John Mason (Glasgow Shettleston) (SNP): 
To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it is giving to how tenement housing can be better maintained. (S5O-01346)

The Minister for Local Government and Housing (Kevin Stewart): 
The maintenance of the common parts of tenements is principally the responsibility of the owners and is usually governed by rules and conditions that are set out in the title deeds for the flats within a block.

The Tenements (Scotland) Act 2004 provides a structure, known as the tenement management scheme, for the maintenance and management of tenements. The Housing (Scotland) Act 2006 gave local authorities discretionary powers to require owners to carry out work on substandard houses and to provide assistance with repairs and improvements to private property. The Housing (Scotland) Act 2014 amended those powers to make them more effective and introduced new provisions to allow local authorities to pay missing shares for work that is agreed by a majority of owners in a tenement.

In the private rented sector, the new private residential tenancy, which comes into effect in December this year, will significantly improve tenant security and better enable tenants to exercise their right to report a breach of the repairing standard to the housing and property chamber of the first-tier tribunal.

Read full debate.

Motions

Motion S5M-08370: Andy Wightman, Lothian, Scottish Green Party, Date Lodged: 24/10/2017
Tackling Short-term Lets in Scotland 
That the Parliament notes what it understands as the anxiety being expressed by communities over the rapid growth in entire homes being let for short-term occupancy across urban and rural Scotland and the view that this should not be at the expense of people in housing need nor compromise the peaceful enjoyment of people’s homes; believes that this issue is long-tanding in parts of the Highlands and the south-west and that this form of letting is now increasingly displacing residential communities in Edinburgh and across Lothian; notes reports of distress being felt by residents, particularly in communal property in the centre of the capital; acknowledges the recently-launched Homes First campaign, and notes the calls for all parties to urgently bring forward planning, fiscal or regulatory measures to enable local government to provide effective controls over the change of use of residential property to short-term let property.
Current Status: Eligible for Members’ Business, Pending Cross Party Support

Motion S5M-08354: Ben Macpherson, Edinburgh Northern and Leith, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 24/10/2017
Maintenance of Tenement Communal Property 
That the Parliament recognises that a significant proportion of people in Edinburgh and across Scotland live in tenement buildings; believes that the maintenance of communal property, otherwise known as the common parts or “Scheme Property” as defined in the Tenements (Scotland) Act 2004, in tenements is essential to the upkeep of the buildings and the standard of living for owner occupiers and tenants; understands with concern that, in many cases, such Scheme Property is in a state of disrepair, degradation or deterioration; believes that current legislation is not consistently fulfilling its intention to encourage owners to establish effective arrangements for managing communal repairs and undertaking maintenance; acknowledges the various potential solutions put forward by groups and individuals in the housing sector to help address this issue, and notes the view that, for the wellbeing of owner occupiers and tenants and to sustain and enhance the country’s urban infrastructure and environments, the government should review the situation and consider any legislative changes, new initiatives, enhanced use of existing rules and/or further action by local authorities that could facilitate improved upkeep of Scheme Property.
Supported by: Stewart Stevenson, Joan McAlpine, Graham Simpson, Miles Briggs, John Mason, Graeme Dey, David Torrance, Ash Denham, Jenny Gilruth, Clare Haughey, Jeremy Balfour, Fulton MacGregor, Ivan McKee R
Current Status: Eligible for Members’ Business, Pending Cross Party Support

Events

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

Perth: Past, Present, Future
When: Thursday 26 October 2017, 7.00pm-9.00pm.
Where: Royal George Hotel, Tay Street, Perth.
Perth: the fair city in the heart of Scotland. Once a thriving hub of enterprise large and small, has Perth now lost its way? A key event to highlight the joint 50th anniversaries of the Scottish Civic Trust and Perth Civic Trust, this seminar considers Perth’s history and heyday, its current issues and challenges, and what can be done to encourage a more positive future, with a particular emphasis on retailing in the city centre. There will be plenty of opportunities for discussion and questions.

Icon Conference: Scotland Tour of Highlights
When: 27th October, from 9.00 – 16.30
Where: Augustine United Church, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh.
Due to popular demand, Icon Scotland Group will host a one-day event returning to some of the themes and presentations given in the Scotland and Care of Collections Group sessions at last year’s Icon conference in Birmingham. The day will comprise ten presentations from across the UK on a wide range of subjects and will allow plenty of time for networking. Refreshments and lunch are
provided. Tickets: £30 – £70.

British architects, landscape designers and gardeners in Russia
When: Monday 6th November 2017 at 6.30pm.
Where: St Andrew’s & St George’s West Church, 13 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PA.
Dr Patricia Andrew is an art and garden historian with a career in galleries and museums, and has also served on the Committee of the Garden History Society in Scotland. She specialises in Scottish artists at home and abroad from the 18th Century to the present day. This is a joint lecture with Scotland’s Garden and Landscape Heritage, focusing on the legacy of British (particularly Scottish) architects, garden designers and engineers in Russia.

Designing across the generations for age-friendly places
When: 8th November 2017 from 6pm – 8pm.
Where: A&DS, Bakehouse Close, 146 Canongate, Edinburgh, EH8 8DD.
Over a three-and-a-half-year period, the Mobility, Mood and Place (MMP) research project has been bringing together early career designers and older participants to envision places, from homes to public spaces, which are inclusive, enabling and inspirational. The project’s findings have implications for the way we design for people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities so that going outdoors in younger years becomes a lifelong passion for getting out and about. On Wednesday 8th November 2017, join A&DS and the MMP team for the launch of the project’s latest publication.

Community Heritage Conference 2017
When: Friday 10 November 2017 to Saturday 11 November 2017.
Where: Strathclyde University’s Technology and Innovation Centre, Glasgow.
We are delighted to announce booking for Community Heritage Conference is now open. Over two days we have more than sixty presentations, debates and workshops lined up to celebrate and explore the dizzying range of heritage projects across Scotland, with guest contributions for other parts of the UK, from across Europe, and from the USA. As always we will have dozens of displays, as well as our One Minute Mayhem – an ‘open mic’ session giving anyone the opportunity to stand up and have their say for 60 seconds.  Tickets are priced at just £30 for the two days (including lunch). Please contact Cara Jones if you would like to book space for a display or would like to take the stage for the One Minute Mayhem.

‘From Banditry to Books, from Reiving to Screeving: The Borders Enlightenment’
When: November 13 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm.
Where: National Museum Scotland Auditorium, Chambers Street, Edinburgh EH1 1J.
Lecture given by Professor Ted Cowan Hon FSA Scot, Emeritus Professor of Scottish History and Literature, University of Glasgow. This lecture seeks to explore and assess enlightenment influence upon the inhabitants of the Scottish Borders. It also asks whether it is possible that folk with surnames such as Hume and Scott, up to their necks in all kinds of violence, feuding, skullduggery and general mayhem, through to 1603 could, two or three generations later, transform or be transformed, into some of the most distinguished of recipients and exponents of enlightenment.

‘From Banditry to Books, from Reiving to Screeving: The Borders Enlightenment’
When: November 15 @ 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm.
Where: Dumfries Museum, The Observatory, Rotchell Road, Dumfries, DG2 7SW.
Lecture given by Professor Ted Cowan Hon FSA Scot, Emeritus Professor of Scottish History and Literature, University of Glasgow. Please contact Dumfries Museum on 01387 253374 to reserve a free place at the lecture or via email (dumfries.museum@dumgal.gov.uk)

‘There goes the neighbourhood’ –Academy of Urbanism Neighbourhood Summit 
When: November 22 @ 12:00 pm – November 23 @ 5:30 pm.
Where: West Park Conference Centre, 319 Perth Road, Dundee DD2 1NN.
As part of Scotland’s Towns Week, the Academy and its partners are holding a one-and-a-half-day event focusing on changing neighbourhoods, following the success of the 2016 event Streets Beyond – Beyond Streets. Drawing from national and international examples, the aim is to explore the physical, social and economic attributes that make for successful neighbourhoods. Using lessons from successful ‘established’ neighbourhoods, we aim to identify factors that can help regenerate existing neighbourhoods and making new neighbourhoods and estates more ‘liveable’.

SCT Conference 2017: 50 Years of Conservation Areas – Booking Now Open!
When: 27 November 2017
Where: Trades Hall, Glasgow.
As part of our 50th anniversary celebrations and recognising that the Civic Amenities Act was passed in 1967, the Scottish Civic Trust’s next annual conference, in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland and The Institute of Historic Building Conservation, will tackle the theme of “Fifty years of conservation areas” – what has been learned, what has been lost, and what are the threats and opportunities in the future.

Helen Shenton to give 2017 Plenderleith Lecture
When: 30th November, from 18.15 – 19.15.
Where: National Galleries of Scotland, The Mound, Edinburgh.
Icon Scotland Group is delighted to announce that this year’s Plenderleith Lecture will be given by Helen Shenton, Librarian and College Archivist of Trinity College Dublin. The title of the 20th Annual Harold Plenderleith Memorial Lecture will be, “Conservation+, personal reflections on a journey from conservator to director”. The lecture will be followed by a drinks reception. The event will as usual be preceded by Icon Scotland Group’s AGM (to which all Group members are invited) from 17.00 -18.00. We are also pleased to announce that a CPD visit to the National Museums Conservation Collections Centre in Granton will run in the afternoon of the same day from 14.30 to 16.30, and is bookable separately through Eventbrite.

Glasgow’s Britannia Panopticon & West Boathouse
When: Saturday, 2nd December 2017, 10:30-12:30
Where: McLennan Arch, Saltmarket entrance to Glasgow Green, Glasgow G1 5JZ.
SPAB Scotland is organising a visit of the spectacular Britannia Panopticon Music Hall and the ‘cute’ West Boathouse, before heading to Glasgow’s Christmas Market. Built in 1857, the Britannia Panopticon, on Trongate, “is an exceptionally rare survival of a music hall and the earliest and sole surviving example of its type in Scotland” –possibly even the earliest in Britain– as the listing description for this heritage designated building (Category A) notes. The West Boathouse, in Glasgow Green, dates from 1905 and is now Category B listed. The boathouse is a “by far the largest” of this “rare building type in Scotland”. For both buildings, conservation works are under preparation, and we will learn more from the professionals involved about their challenges and concepts when planning the works. After the building visits, we will head to the Christmas Market to celebrate (a day early) the start of the Advent season.

Training

IHBC’s Course Connection Day 2017: Free support & networking for conservation-curious Students 
When: 23 Nov – Ask Carla ASAP!
Where: Birmingham.
The IHBC’s celebrated ‘Course Connection Day’ takes a new twist in 2017 as students on any UK specialist course can apply to join the IHBC for a free, expenses-paid introductory day of conservation and career support, with limited places allocated on application to IHBC Support Officer and lead for the Day, Carla Pianese. Contact the lead for the day, IHBC’s Support Officer Carla Pianese.

Resourcing Scotland’s Heritage – Fundraising: Make it Happen (St Andrews)
When: Thursday 2nd November, 9:15am – 4:30pm.
Where: Learning Loft, Museum of the University of St Andrews.
Cost: £25/£50 + VAT.
This one-day training event explores funding opportunities for heritage groups and organisations with a focus on private sources (charitable trusts, businesses and individuals). The event includes an overview of the fundraising process; the seven steps of fundraising, and an in-depth look at how to develop an effective case for support for your organisation or project. There will be plenty of opportunity to discuss ideas and share stories at the training.  All refreshments and lunch are provided and travel bursaries are also available.

Vacancies

Project Manager (Edinburgh World Heritage)
We are looking to appoint a Project Manager to lead and manage the conservation and adaptation of the Canongate Housing development. The main purpose of the position will be to lead and manage EWH’s programme of conservation and adaptation of the Canongate Housing development in order to deliver a collaborative and successful project.
To apply for this role, please send us your CV, together with a completed application from and covering letter in support of your application by 5PM, Friday 27th October 2017.

Engagement and Monitoring Officer (Edinburgh World Heritage)
We are looking to appoint an Engagement and Monitoring Officer to engage with the residents of the Canongate Housing development.The main purpose of the position will be to engage with the residents of the Canongate Housing development in order to deliver a collaborative and successful project.
To apply for this role, please send us your CV, together with a completed application from and covering letter in support of your application by 5PM, Friday 3rd November 2017.

London Based Team Coordinator And Administrator (AHF)
We are currently seeking to appoint a full-time Team Coordinator and Administrator to help ensure the smooth running of the organisation, to help it communicate the impact of its work and to provide support to the AHF’s Investment, Finance and Operations teams and the Chief Executive.
Closing Date: 9am on 20th November, 2017.

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

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

BEFS News

The Chief Planner has provided an update on progress with the review of the Scottish planning system. An analysis of responses to the Position Statement was also published last week. If you missed BEFS response in August, you can find it and a comment on the Position Statement on our website. Finally, to find information about where the planning review is up to and the work that has been done so far, you may wish to check out RTPI Scotland’s updated Planning Review webpage.

As readers will be aware, the SNP Conference 2017 took place this week. BEFS was pleased to see that a resolution submitted by Ben Macpherson MSP (Edinburgh North & Leith) on the important issue of Maintenance of Tenement Communal Property was passed.

BEFS newest team member, Policy and Advocacy Officer, Ailsa Macfarlane, reflects on the Scottish Government’s recent conference on housing in our blog this week.

We have once again an array of fascinating built environment events, conference, seminars and away-days taking place in October and November. For details see our events section below or BEFS calendar.

Consultations

A consultation on a draft revised code of conduct for registered property factors
Opened 6 Oct 2017 and closes on 15 Jan 2018.

Guidance for Local Authorities when carrying out their new duties and functions under Part 9 of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015
Closes 17 Nov 2017.

Consultation Responses

Planning Review: Analysis of Position Statement Responses (SG 06/10/17)

Publications

Brexit: What’s at stake for businesses (SG 11/10/17)

Scottish Land Rights and Responsibilities Statement (SG 28/09/17)

Scottish Government News Releases

New scheme to boost investment in housing (SG 12/10/17)
Rental income guarantee scheme to support build-to-rent market. Housing Minister Kevin Stewart has announced the launch of a Rental Income Guarantee Scheme (RIGS), to boost new investment in private rented housing.

Beyond City Deals (SG 05/10/17)
Next steps for city region deals outlined. The Scottish Government will support the creation of regional economic partnerships across Scotland as a vehicle to drive inclusive economic growth, Economy Secretary Keith Brown has confirmed. As outlined in the Enterprise and Skills Review, the expansion of the regional economic policy beyond city deals will pave the way for regional economic partnerships for every part of Scotland.

Scotland’s economy continues to grow (SG 04/10/17)
GDP grows by 0.1% over second quarter of 2017. Scotland’s GDP grew by 0.1% in the second quarter of 2017, increasing by a total of 0.7% since the start of the year, according to Scotland’s latest GDP statistics published today. Over the past 12 months, Scotland’s GDP increased by 0.5%, with the services industry in particular driving growth.

Making more of Scotland’s land (SG 28/09/17)
Vision for land rights and responsibilities. A ‘world first’ vision for land rights and responsibilities has been published. The Scottish Land Rights and Responsibilities Statement outlines a strong and dynamic relationship between its land and people, where rights and responsibilities are fully recognised and fulfilled.

Support for housing (SG 28/09/17)
Challenge fund announced for custom and self-built homes. Housing Minister Kevin Stewart will today announce £90,000 to support pilot projects to assist people wanting to build their own homes with a new Challenge Fund. Speaking at the closing event of the Festival of Architecture in Edinburgh on Thursday, Mr Stewart will confirm the new fund will be open for applications by the end of October.

News Releases

Is Dumfries the happiest place in Scotland? (BBC 11/10/17)
A south of Scotland town has emerged as the happiest in the country, according to a recent survey.
Dumfries was named the top spot north of the border in the annual “happy at home” index compiled by Rightmove.

Record-breaking summer for Scotland’s historic sites (HES 06/10/17)
It’s been a spectacular summer for Scotland’s historic sites as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) announced record-breaking visitor figures for the 2017 summer season today (Friday 6th October).
The period from April to September 2017 saw the historic sites in the care of HES record an impressive overall 20% increase in footfall on the same period last year, making it the busiest season on record.

Report – Alienating, insecure and unaffordable: Living in Scotland’s Private Rented Sector (CW 06/10/17)
The private rented sector continues to have an appalling record on housing security, affordability and quality, a Common Weal report analysing new data on the experience of households in Scotland has found.  Its findings are based on data in the Scottish Household Survey 2016, published by the Scottish Government at the end of September this year.

£2 billion boost for affordable housing and long term deal for social rent (DCLG & PM 04/10/17)
Government has confirmed plans for a new generation of council and housing association homes. Funding for affordable homes will be increased by a further £2 billion to more than £9 billion.

Public sector building projects must focus on quality – Holyrood Committee (SP 03/10/17)
Lessons must be learned by the entire public sector in order to make sure that new public buildings are safe. This is the conclusion of a report issued today by the Scottish Parliament’s Education and Skills Committee which looked at the safety of the school estate in Scotland.

Work begins on multimillion pound Green Infrastructure projects (SNH 03/10/17)
Close to £20 million will be spent transforming urban green spaces, says Scottish Natural Heritage. Work has begun on one of seven major urban greenspace projects that have been awarded Green Infrastructure Funds (GIF) by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH). SNH is delivering this funding on behalf of Scottish Government, using money from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Scottish Natural Heritage Announces Social Housing Research (SNH 03/10/17)
On World Habitat Day, Scottish Natural Heritage announces recently commissioned research into the opportunities for green infrastructure within housing projects Everyone in Scotland should be able to access nature on their doorstep, according to new SNH Chief Executive Francesca Osowska.

Fanfare as Paisley launches City of Culture 2021 bid (BBC 29/09/17)
Paisley’s bid to become the UK City of Culture 2021 has been sent off with a fanfare in the town.
Crowds gathered to wave flags and watch more than 150 singers perform songs with Paisley roots.

Members’ News

Aspiring for Change in Cowdenbeath (PAS 11/10/17)
PAS has embarked on a new and exciting project made possible by the Aspiring Communities Fund and the European Social Fund led by the Scottish Government. The project kicked off in September at Beath High School where we hosted a performance of ‘Plan’ for around 20 pupils.

RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence 2018 now open for entries (RTPI)
The RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence are the longest running and most high-profile awards in the industry. For 40 years they have rewarded the brightest talent in the profession; the teams, projects and individuals that transform economies, environments and their communities all over the UK and internationally.

Satirical view of the Planning Review – It’s all up Bill Plannning now! (RTPI 29/09/17)
Jim Birrell provides a lighthearted take on the planning review. It was a time of turbulence and tempest. Two men and a wise lady told us so in 60 pages of inspiration, perspiration and independence of thought. “Your system for the planning world is not broken but it badly needs fixed, repaired and you must speak with your people more and mean it”.

Parliamentary Questions

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

Graham Simpson S5W-11852
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will put measures or exemptions in place in energy efficiency legislation to ensure that (a) important heritage, (b) listed and (c) pre-1919 buildings are protected from inappropriate adaptations. (SP 06/10/17)

Graham Simpson S5W-11853
To ask the Scottish Government how it ensures that lessons learned from failing energy retrofit remedies to traditional buildings are made available to homeowners and assessors. (SP 06/10/17)

Graham Simpson S5W-11854
To ask the Scottish Government how it can ensure that there will be a supply chain of professional accredited assessors for traditional buildings; how it will assess their accreditation standards, what steps it is taking to ensure that training and qualifications are developed to establish a qualified workforce to support the installation of energy efficiency measures. (SP 06/10/17)

Graham Simpson S5W-11855
To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers the Energy Performance Certificate to be appropriate for stone-built properties, and what the reasons are for its position on this matter. (SP 06/10/17)

Graham Simpson S5W-11856
To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to review the (a) Reduced Data Standard Assessment Procedure and (b) Energy Performance Certificate to incorporate Scotland-specific building performance data. (SP 06/10/17)

Rhoda Grant S5W-11860
To ask the Scottish Government what measures it will put in place to ensure that buildings are wind and watertight before it introduces measures to address energy efficiency, such as a Warm Homes Bill and the Scottish Energy Efficiency Programme. (SP 06/10/17)

Patrick Harvie S5W-11851
To ask the Scottish Government what the timescale is for the next revision of the National Planning Framework. (SP 05/10/17)

Andy Wightman S5W-11720 
To ask the Scottish Government when it plans to consult on vacant land, as announced by the First Minister on 2 March 2016. (SP 04/10/17)

Parliamentary Questions & Answers

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

Question S5W-11429: Graham Simpson, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 20/09/2017
To ask the Scottish Government what information it has regarding how many private high-rise blocks in each local authority area have combustible cladding.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (28/09/2017)

Question S5W-11426: Rhoda Grant, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 20/09/2017
To ask the Scottish Government how many community land purchases have been made in each local authority area; when each purchase took place and what the acreage was of each.
Answered by Roseanna Cunningham (28/09/2017)

Question S5W-11425: Rhoda Grant, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 20/09/2017
To ask the Scottish Government when its report into community land purchases will be published.
Answered by Roseanna Cunningham (28/09/2017)

Question S5W-11380: Dean Lockhart, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 19/09/2017
To ask the Scottish Government what resources it will contribute towards the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Deal, and when it expects the negotiations regarding the deal to conclude.
Answered by Paul Wheelhouse (29/09/2017):

Question S5W-11428: Graham Simpson, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 20/09/2017
To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) housing association, (b) local authority and (c) private sector-run (i) sheltered and (ii) very sheltered homes there are.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (02/10/2017)

Other Parliamentary Activity

The Parliament has agreed the following parliamentary recess dates in 2017:
•    7 to 22 October 2017 (inclusive)
•    23 December 2017 to 7 January 2018 (inclusive)

Events

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

Lecture: How the Other Half Lives
When: 19th October from 7pm-9pm.
Where: GCHT, 54 Bell Street, Glasgow.
More than any other city in Scotland, Glasgow is renowned for its traditional tenements. Often considered to be class-neutral they provide accommodation ranging from the tiny, single room flat to an enormous elite apartment, helping to create integrated communities and physical homogeneity.

Community Empowerment – implications for planning and property
When: 9.30am – 4.00pm, Tuesday 24 October 2017.
Where: PAS, 125 Princes Street, Edinburgh.
This conference (run jointly by JH Planning and PAS) focuses on those aspects of current and anticipated future legislation that will have a particular impact on the built environment – and in particular on:
•    Extension of the community right to buy to urban areas
•    Asset transfer requests
•    Aligning community planning and spatial planning through a statutory link
•    Incorporation of community-led local place plans into the local development plan

Cockburn Annual Lecture – Mapping Edinburgh’s Social History
When: Thu 26 October 2017, 19:00 – 21:00.
Where: City Chambers, 253 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1YJ.
Buildings and urban design – spaces and places – inform the way we use, remember and navigate the city, and so sensitivity to memories of the urban past are central to individual identity, civic engagement and community building in the future. The presentation by Professor Richard Rodger will explore how an understanding of the ways spaces and places developed in Edinburgh is crucial to understanding the contemporary city.

Perth: Past, Present, Future
When: Thursday 26 October 2017, 7.00pm-9.00pm.
Where: Royal George Hotel, Tay Street, Perth.
Perth: the fair city in the heart of Scotland. Once a thriving hub of enterprise large and small, has Perth now lost its way? A key event to highlight the joint 50th anniversaries of the Scottish Civic Trust and Perth Civic Trust, this seminar considers Perth’s history and heyday, its current issues and challenges, and what can be done to encourage a more positive future, with a particular emphasis on retailing in the city centre. There will be plenty of opportunities for discussion and questions.

Icon Conference: Scotland Tour of Highlights
When: 27th October, from 9.00 – 16.30
Where: Augustine United Church, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh.
Due to popular demand, Icon Scotland Group will host a one-day event returning to some of the themes and presentations given in the Scotland and Care of Collections Group sessions at last year’s Icon conference in Birmingham. The day will comprise ten presentations from across the UK on a wide range of subjects and will allow plenty of time for networking. Refreshments and lunch are
provided. Tickets: £30 – £70.

The architecture of Kininmonth & Spence
When: 2nd November, 17:30 – 19:00.
Where: University of Edinburgh, Minto House, Chambers Street, Edinburgh EH1 1JZ.
The architectural historian Dr. Clive B. Fenton, of Docomomo Scotland, will talk about the 1930s design of the renowned architects William Kininmonth and Basil Spence, firstly for their own architectural firm in Edinburgh during the early 1930s and later as part of Rowand Anderson, Paul & Partners.

Celebrating 250 years of Edinburgh’s New Town
When: 13th November, from 18:30 – 20:00.
Where: St. Andrew’s & St. George’s West Church, George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PA.
Join us to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Edinburgh’s New Town with an evening of lectures and films at the wonderful Georgian church of St. Andrew’s & St. George’s West, an absolute New Town highlight. The speakers are Dr. James Simpson OBE, cofounder of the renowned architectural firm Simpson & Brown, and Ranald MacInnes, a long-term heritage specialist at Historic Scotland / Historic Environment Scotland. Details of their talks and the film screenings will be published shortly.

Edinburgh, Lothians and Borders Archaeology Conference
When: Saturday November 18, from 9:00am – 4:45pm.
Where: Queen Margaret University, Musselburgh.
This annual conference is organised by City of Edinburgh Council, East Lothian Council and Scottish Borders Council.  It provides an important opportunity to hear and discuss first-hand accounts of the archaeological fieldwork and research being undertaken in Edinburgh, East Lothian, Midlothian, and the Scottish Borders.

Scotland’s Towns Conference 2017 – Creating the Future History of Scotland’s Towns: The Key to Social, Cultural and Economic Wellbeing
When: 21st November, from 9am – 4pm.
Where: Paisley Town Hall.
This year Scotland celebrates the richness of its history and heritage, and the role of the past in shaping our present-day places, cultures and identities. This is particularly true for towns, whose heritage tells our story as a nation, from medieval burghs and seats of kings, to hubs of the industrial revolution, and ‘new town’ symbols of post-war modernity.

SCT Conference 2017: 50 Years of Conservation Areas – Booking Now Open!
When: 27 November 2017
Where: Trades Hall, Glasgow.
As part of our 50th anniversary celebrations and recognising that the Civic Amenities Act was passed in 1967, the Scottish Civic Trust’s next annual conference, in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland and The Institute of Historic Building Conservation, will tackle the theme of “Fifty years of conservation areas” – what has been learned, what has been lost, and what are the threats and opportunities in the future.

Helen Shenton to give 2017 Plenderleith Lecture
When: 30th November, from 18.15 – 19.15.
Where: National Galleries of Scotland, The Mound, Edinburgh.
Icon Scotland Group is delighted to announce that this year’s Plenderleith Lecture will be given by Helen Shenton, Librarian and College Archivist of Trinity College Dublin. The title of the 20th Annual Harold Plenderleith Memorial Lecture will be, “Conservation+, personal reflections on a journey from conservator to director”. The lecture will be followed by a drinks reception. The event will as usual be preceded by Icon Scotland Group’s AGM (to which all Group members are invited) from 17.00 -18.00. Tickets for the Plenderleith Lecture can be obtained through Eventbrite. We are also pleased to announce that a CPD visit to the National Museums Conservation Collections Centre in Granton will run in the afternoon of the same day from 14.30 to 16.30, and is bookable separately through Eventbrite.

Training the City: Built Heritage Legacy of a Railway Battle
When: Monday 4th December 2017, at 6.30pm.
Where: St Andrew’s and St George’s West Church, George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PA.
Tom Parnell is an architectural historian, and is currently a Senior Casework Officer for Historic Environment Scotland. He has a personal interest in the built heritage legacy of railway development and de-development. His talk looks at railways in Edinburgh, particularly the dash for Leith in the later 19th Century, examining what might have been, what was lost and what legacy survives today.

Training

Traditional Masonry Repair C2-Contractor Level 2
When: 24 – 26 October 2017.
Where: Merryhill Training Centre, Fife
Time: 09.30 – 16.30
This 3 day workshop builds on the knowledge and skills gained on ‘C1 Making and Using Traditional Mortars’. The workshop aims to enable you to complete seamless rebuilding and repair of traditional masonry to match original work.

Maintaining Traditional Buildings
When: 27 October 2017
Where: Charlestown Workshops, Fife
Time: 10.00 – 15.00
A must for anyone who owns or is responsible for a traditional building.
The seminar provides the perfect starting point if you are considering undertaking some simple repairs yourself or will enable you to speak your builder’s language and be confident that you are being given the correct advice.

Resourcing Scotland Heritage Training
25th October – In Focus: Full Cost Recovery (Edinburgh)
2nd November – Fundraising: Make it Happen (St Andrews)
15th November – In Focus: Storytelling using Media (Edinburgh)
22nd November – Telling it like it is: How effective copywriting can help your case for support (Glasgow)
Full details can be found on the website.

Vacancies

Curator/Senior Curator, Medieval Archaeology & History
Based at the National Museum of Scotland this permanent, full-time post will support the work of the Scottish History and Archaeology Department. Working within the Department’s Medieval Archaeology and History Section, which is concerned with the period in Scotland’s history from the Romans to the Renaissance, your duties will include responsibility for collections; acquisitions; exhibitions; research; publications; and responding to public enquiries.
Closing Date: Sunday, October 29th, 2017.

IHBC Consultant Policy Advisor
The Institute of Historic Building Conservation is commissioning consultancy services to carry out its Policy function. The work will commence immediately and the current contract will last for 12 months from the date of appointment when the IHBC the contract will be reviewed. As the IHBC’s Consultant Policy Advisor you will:
•    help to shape the IHBC’s approach to policy and advocacy activities;
•    enhance our ability to develop and respond to policy support and strengthen IHBC’s ability and capacity to influence the policies of governments, voluntary and professional bodies and non-governmental organizations throughout the UK;
•    respond to consultations and take part in policy debates;
•    build policy relationships on behalf of IHBC;
•    promote the value of conservation and of the conservation profession to policy makers.
Closing date: 17.00 on Monday 23 October.

Could you be the next SPAB Scholar or Fellow?
The search is on for our 2018 Scholars and Fellows and if you’re an architect, building surveyor or engineer interested in building conservation then think about applying for the SPAB Scholarship. SPAB are also looking for craftspeople with a passion for old buildings and conservative repair for the Fellowship programme.
Apply by submitting a completed application form by 1st December.

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

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

BEFS News

We would like to introduce you all to Ailsa Macfarlane who started with us last Tuesday as our Policy & Advocacy Officer. Ailsa joins us from Resourcing Scotland’s Heritage and you can find a bit more about her background on our website.

The Scottish Government has published the Scottish Household Survey 2016. Key findings show that the number of adults who visited historical or archaeological places increased by 6 percentage points between 2012 and 2016 (28 to 34 per cent).

The fourth round of Brexit negotiations got underway this week and senior figures within the UK and Scottish Governments met regarding the EU (Withdrawal) Bill.

Scottish Parliament’s Information Centre (SPICe) has created an information hub on the UK’s decision to leave the EU. The Finance & Constitution Committee is calling for evidence on the impact of Brexit and the closing date for responses is Friday.

SCVO has also been working hard to gather the views of Scotland’s third sector. Do you have contact with European networks and institutions? What issues do you collaborate with European organisations on? Help SCVO build a more accurate picture of the networks and projects the Scottish third sector is involved in by completing the European Connections mapping survey.

Finally, we have a large number of fantastic events coming up next month so do check them out below or in our events calendar.

Consultations

The Scottish Parliament’s Finance & Constitution Committee is calling for evidence on the impact of Brexit.
The closing date for responses is Friday 29 September 2017.

Community Empowerment and Common Good Property: Consultation on Draft Guidance
Closes 29 Sep 2017.

Updating of the School Premises (General Requirements and Standards)(Scotland) Regulations 1967
Closes 9 Oct 2017.

The Scottish Parliament’s Economy, Jobs & Fair Work Committee has issued a call for evidence on Scotland’s economic performance.
The inquiry’s focus is to understand economic trends and divergences since 2007 between Scotland, the UK and Europe. It seeks to identify economic challenges and opportunities facing Scotland during the next decade. The deadline for written submissions is 13 November 2017

Consultation Responses

The Local Government & Communities Committee has published a SPICe summary of written evidence received on its homelessness inquiry (SP 22/09/17) 

Land Rights and Responsibilities Statement Consultation Analysis (SG 14/09/17)

Publications

Scottish Household Survey Key Findings 2016 (SG 26/09/17)

Scotland’s People Annual Report: Results from the 2016 Scottish Household Survey (SG 26/07/17)

The Culture, Tourism, Europe & External Relations Committee has published its latest SPICe Brexit Update (SP 20/09/17)

The proposed amendments to the EU (Withdrawal) Bill (SG 19/09/17)

Joint letter to Prime Minister re EU (Withdrawal) Bill (SG 19/09/17)

Letter from Michael Russell to Finance and Constitution Committee (SG 19/09/17) 

Scottish Government News Releases

Building and fire safety (SG 27/09/17)
Two leading experts have been announced as the chairs of the two groups that will take forward the review of building standards. Professor John Cole will chair the review of enforcement and compliance and Dr Paul Stollard will chair the review of fire safety in building standards.

Scottish Household Survey 2016 (SG 26/09/17)
Increasing numbers of people in Scotland feel they are managing well financially and nine out of ten people rate their neighbourhood as a good place to live. These are some of the key findings from the Scottish Household Survey 2016 published today.

Devolution must be protected (SG 25/09/17)
Speaking after today’s meeting with UK First Secretary of State Damian Green on the issues surrounding the current draft of the EU Withdrawal Bill – which was also attended by Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland’s Place in Europe Michael Russell and Scottish Secretary David Mundell – Deputy First Minister John Swinney said:

Clarity on Brexit Bill vital (SG 24/09/17)
Ministers to meet UK counterparts. The UK Government must ‘urgently stop any power grab’ over policy areas exercised at EU level through the draft Withdrawal Bill, Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland’s Place in Europe, Michael Russell has warned.

Defending devolution (SG 19/09/17)
Justice, farming, fishing, environment and rail among “power grab” list. The Scottish and Welsh governments have today jointly published amendments to the European Union (Withdrawal Bill), to prevent the UK Government taking control of devolved policy areas.

Scottish Government backs Paisley 2021 bid (SG 19/09/17)
The Scottish Government has given its financial backing to Scotland’s bid if Paisley is named UK City of Culture 2021. The Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop, made the announcement while attending the first of a series of culture conversation events which took place at the University of the West of Scotland campus in the heart of Paisley.

Homelessness and rough sleeping action group (SG 19/09/17)
£50 million ‘Ending Homelessness Together’ fund. Further details of a new short term action group which will identify the actions and changes needed to end rough sleeping and transform the use of temporary accommodation in Scotland, has been announced by Housing Minister Kevin Stewart in a Ministerial statement today.

News Releases

Search for Scotland’s ‘heritage angels’ enters final stage (HES 27/09/17)
The search to find Scotland’s ‘heritage angels’ is gearing up, with the final shortlist for the Scottish Heritage Angel Awards 2017 revealed today (Wed 27 Sep).

Fine homeowners who sell draughty homes, suggests report (BBC 27/09/17)
Frontier Economics has published a new report on energy efficiency. The firm recommends fining homeowners who sell properties that do not meet energy efficiency standards. It also called for new financing schemes and stamp duty rebates for those who do choose to insulate their homes.

Five tips to help you prepare for GDPR (SCVO 26/09/17)
Never mind the countdown to Christmas, there’s only 241 days left to get ready for Data Protection D-Day! So what can you do to minimise the risks to your organisation and make sure you’re ready for GDPR? Here are five tips to start off with.

McLeish launches Scottish Alliance for People and Places (SAPP 21/09/17)
The Scottish Alliance for People and Places, chaired by former First Minister Henry McLeish, has launched its campaign. The Alliance, comprising ten organisations working across the planning and placemaking sectors, has come together to urge the Scottish Government and Scottish Parliament to deliver a more inclusive, collaborative and innovative planning system when the Planning Bill is introduced to Holyrood later this year.

Call for Applications – Howdens Scottish Empty Homes Champion of the Year Awards (Shelter)
The Howdens’ Scottish Empty Homes Champion of the Year Awards are intended to provide a method for showcasing exemplary contributions to the field of private sector empty homes work in Scotland.  The awards are open to practitioners, campaigners, community groups and elected members who raise the profile of private sector empty homes issues in Scotland. Self-nomination is encouraged! Closing date for entries is midnight on 6th October 2017.

Future sea-level rise will increase potential flood risks in Firth of Clyde area (SNH 21/09/17)
Sea levels will rise by up to 0.47m by 2080, a new report published by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has highlighted.

Heritage Boost to England’s Economy Revealed in New Report (HE 21/09/17)
A new report published today by Historic England has revealed the vital contribution of heritage to England’s economic prosperity. Heritage is an important source of employment and draws millions of visitors each year. England’s unique collection of historic buildings provides premises for businesses, homes for residents and can help reverse decline in town centres.

SCVO series of papers on topics relating to Brexit (SCVO)
SCVO has been asked by the Scottish Government, UK Government and European Commission to support Scotland’s third sector to provide its perspectives and recommendations on making the best of Brexit for Scotland’s people and communities. These are presented in a series of five discussion papers, which we hope will help the sector deliberate and review the impact of Brexit on its own future and that of the people it works with.

£22.8 million boost to give power back to communities (DCLG 20/09/17)
Communities across England are set to benefit from a package of support worth £22.8 million to help them develop plans to give them a real say in the development of their area.

Apply now for the Community Capacity and Resilience Fund! (SCVO)
Community organisations and groups which aim to help people mitigate the effects of welfare reform by providing them with the support and skills they need can now apply for the third phase of the Community Capacity and Resilience Fund (CCRF).

Members News

A collaborative approach to creating homes (A&DS 20/09/17)
Whether it’s a house or a flat, a castle or a cottage, where we call home matters. Our health and well-being, our educational attainment, and many of our life choices depend on where we live. As a result, housing is one of our biggest challenges and the overwhelming reliance on the market as the go-to provider is looking increasingly in need of a reboot. For these reasons, A&DS has made support for the delivery of more and better homes one of its top priorities.

PAS responds to Scottish Government consultation on The Socio-Economic Duty (PAS 20/09/17)
PAS responded strongly in favour of this duty, noting the origins of the British planning system in addressing health and inequality, and making decisions in the public good. In particular, PAS welcomes the application of the socio-economic duty to Local Development Plans.

ScARF Bursaries available: Association for Environmental Archaeology conference 2017 (SoAoS 20/09/17)
The ‘Association for Environmental Archaeology conference 2017’ will take place from December the 1st to December the 3rd 2017 in Edinburgh, Scotland. The Scottish Archaeological Research Framework (ScARF) is offering student bursaries to support attendance at the conference. These bursaries are designed to allow students to hear about current research in archaeology and participate in discussions within the discipline.

Parliamentary Questions

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

Andy Wightman S5W-11526
To ask the Scottish Government how much each local authority spent on rural housing projects in 2016-17, also broken down by the (a) (i) name and (ii) postcode of each project, (b) grant-receiving organisation, and (c) number of (A) units and (B) bed spaces. (SP 25/09/17)

Rhoda Grant S5W-11425
To ask the Scottish Government when its report into community land purchases will be published. (SP 21/09/17)

Rhoda Grant S5W-11426
To ask the Scottish Government how many community land purchases have been made in each local authority area; when each purchase took place and what the acreage was of each. (SP 21/09/17)

Graham Simpson S5W-11428
To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) housing association, (b) local authority and (c) private sector-run (i) sheltered and (ii) very sheltered homes there are. (SP 21/09/17)

Graham Simpson S5W-11429
To ask the Scottish Government what information it has regarding how many private high-rise blocks in each local authority area have combustible cladding. (SP 21/09/17)

Dean Lockhart S5W-11380
To ask the Scottish Government what resources it will contribute towards the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Deal, and when it expects the negotiations regarding the deal to conclude. (SP 19/09/17)

Debates

Motion S5M-07862: Fiona Hyslop, Linlithgow, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 25/09/2017
Recognise and Support Paisley’s 2021 UK City of Culture and Dundee’s 2023 European Capital of Culture Bids 
That the Parliament recognises the significant contributions that the communities of Paisley and Dundee make to Scotland’s rich tapestry of cultural life and the local, national and international boosts that Paisley’s 2021 UK City of Culture and Dundee’s 2023 European Capital of Culture bids will bring; fully supports both bids, which will promote Scotland’s cultural and creative talent and showcase its inspiring building design and places to UK and European partners; notes that the Paisley bid will deliver a spectacular year-long cultural and events programme inspired by the rich textile heritage of the city and will be inclusive, accessible and appeal to a range of local, national and international audiences; recognises that the bid is part of broader heritage and culture-led regeneration plans seeking to transform Paisley into a vibrant cultural destination, growing the cultural, creative and visitor economy, and re-positioning Paisley as a place recognised for cultural excellence; further recognises that Dundee is on a pioneering journey with culture and creativity driving the continuing regeneration of the city and its waterfront, which includes a world-class design museum in the V&A; supports Dundee’s plans to build on its UNESCO City of Design status, learning from other European cities’ approaches, and supports the valuable role that the bid will have in promoting Dundee’s rich cultural heritage and exciting future.

Debated in the Chamber on 27/09/17. Read full transcript of debate here.

Events

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

Scottish Architectural Ironwork
When: Friday 29th September.
Where: Engine Shed, Stirling.
The day will cover early ironwork in Scotland, the Carron Iron Co, the Lion Foundry of Kirkintilloch and other important firms. The team currently restoring The Val d’Osne Ross Fountain in Edinburgh will talk about the project and their previous project of the award winning Paisley Fountain of George Smith and Co. Hear about the iron bandstand tradition and overseas influence of Scottish ironwork and ironworkers and peruse important archives and materials related to Scottish ironwork. You might also be interested in joining us for a freewalking tour of Stirling on the 28th of September or come to the Engine Shed on the 30 September to take part in our free Heavy Metal Weekend activities. Tickets for the seminar are priced at £40, to book a place, please visit our website.

Lecture: Edinburgh’s Unbuilt ‘Opera House’, 1960 – 1975 
When: Monday 2nd October. Time: 18:30.
Where: St Andrew’s and St George’s West Church, 13 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PA
Cost: £5 (£2.50 students).
This talk by Dr Alistair Fair examines the infamous proposals of 1960–1975 for a major new theatre in central Edinburgh. Popularly known as the ‘opera house’, the proposed Castle Terrace Theatre (which was never built) was a regular fixture in the local press, with frequent reports of delays, funding crises, architectural debate, and concerns about the designs themselves. This talk will ask: what went wrong?

Last BRICK Workshop in Scotland
When: 3rd October 2017, from 9:30 am – 4:15 pm.
Where: New Cumnock Town Hall.
We would like to invite you to our last BRICK workshop in Scotland. We will be coming to New Cumnock on 03 October 2017. This exciting day will focus on topics relating to governance, procurement and project management, all essential to the proper planning for reusing heritage sites. The day will also feature presentations on a range of heritage regeneration projects, all at different stages of their project journey. The workshop will include a range of presentations by national experts, including: Diane Gray, Development Manager from HLF in Scotland, Simon Green, Historic Environment Scotland, Gordon Neill, Development and Facilities Manager for Dumfries House.

Heritage and Innovation
When: 3rd October, 13:30-1800.
Where: Bowhill, Selkirk.
The Royal Society of Arts has a half day inter-disciplinary event looking at a variety of subjects with ten speakers delivering “provocations” to spark debate as Scotland moves towards the end of Scotland’s Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology.  For detailed registration/ticket price information and the list of ten diverse speakers and subjects, including two SEFARI speakers, please email SL&E member Ann Packard apmcich@btinternet.com who chairs the RSA Fellows’ (a) Borders and (b) Media, Creative Industries, Culture and Heritage Networks. She is also available via 0131 556 2052.

Riddle’s Court: A Conservation Story
When: Friday 6th October 10.00 – 16.00.
Where: Riddle’s Court, 322 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh, EH1 2PG.
Fee: £30 / £25 concession (lunch included).
Celebrating SHBT’s achievement in securing Riddle’s Court for future generations, this study day charts the conservation story of the building’s restoration. Join us as we hear from our project architect, Sarah Gear, on how she and the site team reconfigured a 16th century merchant’s house for 21st century activity using Patrick Geddes’ own example of conservative surgery as precedent. We will also be joined by Scottish Wall Painting’s lead conservator Karen Dundas, who worked on the historic painted ceilings and Nevin of Edinburgh, decorative arts restorers, will demonstrate paint graining techniques used throughout the internal decoration.

‘His little hour of royalty’: Charles Edward Stuart at the Palace of Holyroodhouse
When & where: 9th October in Edinburgh. 10th October in Aberdeen.
Lecture given by Dr Jacqueline Riding, Historian, Author and Honorary Research Fellow, Birkbeck College, University of London. In the autumn of 1745 Charles Edward Stuart established a court at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, an episode that was later described by Andrew Lang as ‘his little hour of royalty.’ Yet, at this time, no one could have predicted for certain the outcome of the prince’s campaign. This lecture will challenge Lang’s glib assessment of the Stuart court at Holyrood, re-presenting it as a crucial part of, rather than an adjunct to, Charles’ restoration attempt.

Dumfries and Galloway’s Autumn Trip
When: Wednesday 11th October. Time: 11:30.
Where: Dumfries House Gardens & Auchinleck House
Cost: entrance fee (attendees must provide their own transportation)
Over the past two years Dumfries House’s Walled Gardens have been transformed with newly restored terraces and greenhouses. There are 5 acres to explore so something for every taste. Auchinleck House has had a long and varied history. The site has been dwelt on since the 13th century but the current house was built c.1760 by the 8th Laird of Auchinleck. It later passed on to his colourful son the diarist and biographer James Boswell.

Scotland’s Churches Trust Marion Fraser Memorial Lecture
When: Thursday, 12th October from 6:30 pm for a 7:00pm start.
Where: Canongate Kirk, Royal Mile, Edinburgh.
“The Chapel Royal in Scotland” given by The Very Rev Professor Iain Torrance FRSE. The lecture will be followed by light refreshments. For further information contact info@scotlandchurchestrust.org.uk or telephone on 0131 225 8644.

Riddle’s Court and St Cecilia’s Hall: Patronage and Processionals
Courtly ritual in the reign of James VI
When: Friday 17th November 10.00 – 16.00
Where: Riddle’s Court, 322 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh, EH1 2PG.
Fee: £30 / £25 concession (lunch included)
In 1598, Riddle’s Court was the scene of a diplomatic banquet attended by James VI and Anne of Denmark. Through a lens of ritual, ceremony and patronage this study day explores the relationship music and performance would have played during this royal visit. Hear from top academics who shed light on the backdrop to such an event. Medieval Music ensemble ‘Gaita’ will give us a flavour of music performed in the late medieval era and in partnership with the historic instrument collection at St Cecilia’s Hall, Sarah Deters will guide us through the University of Edinburgh’s formidable collection of renaissance instruments housed in the fully restored eighteenth century concert venue.

Scotland’s Towns Conference 2017 – Creating the Future History of Scotland’s Towns: The Key to Social, Cultural and Economic Wellbeing
When: 21st November, from 9am – 4pm.
Where: Paisley Town Hall.
This year Scotland celebrates the richness of its history and heritage, and the role of the past in shaping our present-day places, cultures and identities. This is particularly true for towns, whose heritage tells our story as a nation, from medieval burghs and seats of kings, to hubs of the industrial revolution, and ‘new town’ symbols of post-war modernity.

Vacancies

IHBC Consultant Policy Advisor
The Institute of Historic Building Conservation is commissioning consultancy services to carry out its Policy function. The work will commence immediately and the current contract will last for 12 months from the date of appointment when the IHBC the contract will be reviewed. As the IHBC’s Consultant Policy Advisor you will:
•    help to shape the IHBC’s approach to policy and advocacy activities;
•    enhance our ability to develop and respond to policy support and strengthen IHBC’s ability and capacity to influence the policies of governments, voluntary and professional bodies and non-governmental organizations throughout the UK;
•    respond to consultations and take part in policy debates;
•    build policy relationships on behalf of IHBC;
•    promote the value of conservation and of the conservation profession to policy makers.
Closing date: 17.00 on Monday 23 October.

BEFS NEWS

The Scottish Government has now published its Programme for Scotland in 2017-18. Read BEFS Chair’s comment on the programme from a built environment perspective.

Do you seek to influence or lobby MSPs, Scottish Ministers, Scottish Special Advisers or the Permanent Secretary? If so, from the new year, you will need to register any ‘regulated lobbying’ with the Scottish Parliament’s lobbing register. The Scottish Parliament have now published their draft Parliamentary Guidance document to assist with stakeholder preparations for the implementation of the Lobbying (Scotland) Act 2016. Comments on the guidance, specifically relating to any errors or omissions, should be submitted by 28 September 2017.

As you will be aware, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) comes into force on 25 May 2018. GDPR will be the biggest change in data protection law for 20 years. This morning the Government published the new Data Protection Bill. The Bill transposes the GDPR into UK law and also fills in some of the gaps in the GDPR on exemptions etc. You may find the following resources, among others, useful when preparing for the GDPR in your organisation:
•   Information Commissioner’s Office – Overview of the GDPR
•   Information Commissioner’s Office – Preparing for the GDPR in 12 Steps
•   Act Now Training – GDPR resources
•   9 ways your business can prepare for the GDPR
•   Shepherd and Wedderburn – Countdown to GDPR

If you missed our screening of Dispossession: The Great Social Housing Swindle earlier in the year, come along to the Cameo Edinburgh screening at 8.30pm this evening. The film will be followed by a Q&A with director, Paul Sng, Sarah Boyack, Scottish Federation of Housing Associations, and Andy Wightman MSP, chaired by BEFS very own Euan Leitch.

CONSULTATIONS

Climate Change Bill
Closes 22 Sep 2017.

Fire and smoke alarms in Scottish homes: consultation
Consultation seeking views on possible changes to standards required for fire and smoke alarms in Scottish homes.
Opened 8 Sep 2017 and closes 1 Dec 2017.

Building Scotland’s Low Emission Zones
This consultation paper sets out the proposed arrangements and options to deliver a consistent approach to designing, building and managing Low Emission Zones (LEZs) in Scotland.
Opened 6 Sep 2017 and closes 28 Nov 2017.

PUBLICATIONS

Housing Statistics for Scotland 2017: Key Trends Summary (SG 12/09/17)

Making Places initiative 2017-2018: prospectus and application form (SG 11/09/17)
Prospectus and application form for the Making Places initiative – the evolution of the Charrettes fund. Applications are open until Friday 13 October 2017.

Flood Risk Management (scotland) Act 2009 Guidance on Duties of a Local Authority to: – Assess a Bodies of Water – Carry Out Clearance and Repair Works (SG 06/09/17)

A Nation With Ambition: The Government’s Programme for Scotland 2017-18 (SG 05/09/17)

Home Energy Efficiency programmes for Scotland: Summary Delivery Report 2015/16 (SG 31/09/17)

SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT NEWS RELEASES

Making Scotland the best place to invest (SG 12/09/17)
Mackay goes beyond Barclay to boost business. In a UK first, new properties will not pay Business Rates until they are occupied and their tenant will not pay for the first 12 months thereafter, Cabinet Secretary for Finance Derek Mackay has today announced.

EU Withdrawal Bill (SG 12/09/17)
The Scottish Government cannot recommend the Scottish Parliament give its consent to the EU (Withdrawal) Bill in its current form, the Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland’s Place in Europe Michael Russell has told MSPs.

More affordable housing approved (SG 12/09/17)
The number of affordable homes approved over the year to the end June 2017 has increased by 30% on the previous year, bringing the total number of approvals over the year to 10,612.

3% increase in housing supply (SG 12/09/17)
Total new housing supply in Scotland increased by 3% in 2016-17, to 18,539 new housing units, or 571 more homes than the previous year.

Designing communities (SG 09/09/17)
People to have say in the design of their area. Communities across Scotland can bid to take part in a new £325,000 scheme to regenerate their neighbourhood, Local Government Minister Kevin Stewart announced today. The Making Places Initiative will help bring communities together to agree improvements for their area based on local need and priorities.

Building and fire safety (SG 08/09/17)
The fifth meeting of a Ministerial Working Group, set up to review building and fire safety following the Grenfell Tower tragedy, has taken place today.

Flexible Workforce Development Fund (SG 07/09/17)
From today, Scotland’s employers can apply for part of a new £10 million fund to partner with colleges to deliver in-work skills training. The Flexible Workforce Development Fund (FWDF) will be available to organisations across the private, public and third sectors who are subject to the UK Government’s Apprenticeship Levy.

Culture conversations (SG 07/09/17)
People across the country are being encouraged to get involved in shaping Scotland’s new culture strategy, with three more public events to take place. Following sessions held in July in Dundee and Inverness, public events are now planned during September and October in Paisley, Dumfries and Galashiels, Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop announced today.

Brexit planning process ‘unacceptable’ (SG 06/09/17)
Minister raises concerns over lack of engagement by UK Government. The process for post-Brexit planning needs to change so that the position of the Scottish Government – particularly in areas that directly affect devolution  – is properly represented according to the Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland’s Place in Europe.

Landlord registration enforcement (SG 06/09/17)
Guidance on regulating landlords in the private rented sector has issued to all local authorities. The guidance will support local authorities to effectively regulate the landlord registration system, which requires councils to maintain a register of private landlords and ensure that only landlords it judges to be fit and proper are allowed on the register.

Programme for Government (SG 05/09/17)
Seizing the opportunities of the low carbon revolution, investing in future economic growth and improving the lives of all our young people will be central to the Scottish Government’s Programme for the coming year.

NEWS RELEASES

St Cyrus public consultation begins (SNH 14/09/17)
Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) want to hear from people with an interest in St Cyrus National Nature Reserve (NNR) to help prepare a new ten-year plan for the reserve.

Get ready for Scottish Lobbying! (SCVO 13/09/17)
A look at who’ll be affected when new Lobbying (Scotland) Act starts. In this blog, I look at exclusions (i.e. where you don’t need to register), outline some possible lobbying scenarios and highlight what’s not covered by the Act.

Data laws to be made fit for digital age (DDCMS 12/09/17)
The Government has today outlined vital protections and flexibilities for the nation’s world-leading research, financial services, journalism and legal services as part of its plans to update data protection legislation for the modern era.

Flexible Workforce Development Fund means a race for funding (SCVO 12/09/17)
One of the prominent themes of the Scottish Government’s recent decisions on employability has been the side-lining of the third sector. The Apprenticeship Levy is no different.

Making Places initiative 2017-2018 (A&DS 11/09/17)
The Scottish Government have launched the 2017 to 2018 Making Places initiative to encourage communities to positively and actively contribute to the development of their local places. Making Places represents a broadening of the Charrette Mainstreaming Programme to support communities at all stages of their thinking.

Programme for Government: A brave new world? (SCVO 07/09/17)
Do the First Minister’s announcements mark a truly radical change in approach and will actions match the warm rhetoric?

Housing system that works for everyone key to tackling housing crisis, say home builders (HFS 05/09/17)
With the First Minister renewing her mission to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping in today’s Programme for Government announcement, the country’s home building industry emphasised the fundamental importance of ensuring that Scotland has a housing system that works for everyone.

Tesco Bags of Help funds 225 projects in Scotland every 2 months. You can apply now for up to £4000 for projects that bring benefits to the community. This includes outdoor or indoor improvements, activities and equipment purchases. Get your application going – more here.

MEMBERS NEWS

World’s largest heritage photography competition and Scottish Archaeology Month (AS 11/09/17)
Wiki Loves Monuments, a photography competition to capture our heritage, launched at the beginning of September, 2017, and runs throughout the month. Archaeology Scotland is sponsoring the first place prize for the best photo from Scotland- 1 year’s membership – as part of Scottish Archaeology Month.

Paisley Traditional Building Skills event features in Parliamentary Motion (STBF 07/09/17)
The Traditional Building Skills Demonstration in Paisley on 4 & 5 September was featured in a parliamentary motion by Maurice Golden MSP who visited the event.

RTPI Scotland welcomes confirmation of Planning Bill (RTPI Scotland 06/09/17)
RTPI Scotland has welcomed the First Minister’s confirmation in her Programme for Government that the Planing Bill remains a priority.

EU Withdrawal Bill (RTPI 06/09/17)
Commons Briefing #1 from the Royal Town Planning Institute.

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

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

Question S5W-09723: Jackie Baillie, Dumbarton, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 19/06/2017
To ask the Scottish Government what guidance (a) has been and (b) will be delivered to (i) housing developers and (ii) local authorities to ensure that social housing developments announced as part of its £1.75 billion investment in affordable housing take account of the needs of ethnic minority families, including the provision of housing that is appropriate for (A) larger families and (B) families that often have to rent housing in the private sector but which are on lower incomes.
Answered by Angela Constance (06/07/2017)

MOTIONS

S5M-07613 Adam Tomkins: Housing—That the Parliament recognises that the lack of housing supply is one of the biggest challenges that Scotland faces and believes that the planning system needs urgent and radical reform; considers that a new deal on housing is required; believes that a national housing and infrastructure agency should be established and that the First Minister should appoint a cabinet secretary for housing and infrastructure; urges ministers to examine the case for a new generation of new towns and garden villages; recognises that improving existing properties and bringing empty ones back into use should form a core component of housing policy, and highlights the importance of housing for improving health and wellbeing and for meeting climate targets through energy efficiency and sustainable development. Supported by: Graham Simpson, Liam Kerr*, Annie Wells*, Tom Mason* (SP 13/09/17)

*S5M-07613.4 Pauline McNeill: Housing—As an amendment to motion S5M-07613 in the name of Adam Tomkins (Housing), leave out from first “recognises” to end and insert “believes that a safe, warm home should be available to everybody; considers that support for social housing should be a central part of housing policy and that it should be available as a choice of housing tenure; believes in the importance of community involvement in housing; recognises that affordable homes for those on low incomes can be a potential stepping stone out of poverty and that the current lack of such homes in Scotland is pushing people into poverty; believes that delays to universal credit payments are leading to increasing housing arrears and potential homelessness, while flatlining incomes are making it increasingly difficult for people to afford a home; agrees that a long-term national infrastructure project with a focus on social housing is
required to deliver the homes needed across Scotland, in particular in rural areas; recognises that this would also provide the certainty that the construction industry workforce needs; believes that a well-resourced planning system that strikes the right balance between communities and developers will be key to this, and recognises that there should be a continued focus on upgrading Scotland’s current housing stock and that, to truly tackle fuel poverty in the private rented sector, a minimum standard of Energy Performance Certificate of Band C should be introduced by 2025.” (SP 13/09/17)

*S5M-07613.3 Andy Wightman: Housing—As an amendment to motion S5M-07613 in the name of Adam Tomkins (Housing), leave out from first “recognises” to end and insert “believes that the current model of housing delivery has failed, and that a generation of young people face greater uncertainty and inequality as a result; further believes that a bold package of land reform measures is needed to provide sufficient affordable quality and warm homes, and that housing policy should aim to make housing more affordable across all tenures; supports taxing vacant and derelict land to reduce speculative land banking, rent controls that reflect the quality of the property and limit future rent rises, professionalising the private rented sector for the benefit of tenants and divesting public pension funds from fossil fuels and investing them in housing; opposes social security reform that puts people at risk of homelessness, and calls on the Scottish Government to set an interim target for all homes, where technically feasible and appropriate, to achieve an Energy Performance Certificate of Band C by 2025 to tackle fuel poverty and improve
energy efficiency.” (SP 13/09/17)

*S5M-07613.2 Angela Constance: Housing—As an amendment to motion S5M-07613 in the name of Adam Tomkins (Housing), leave out from “the lack” to end and insert “good quality, warm and affordable housing is vital to ensuring a Scotland that is fair for this and future generations; welcomes the 69,000 affordable homes delivered since 2007 and the commitment to deliver 35,000 social rented homes, as part of the Scottish Government’s wider aim to deliver 50,000 affordable homes over the current parliamentary term; acknowledges the longer-term funding of £1.75 billion made available to all councils to support them with their plans for accelerating affordable housing delivery; recognises the steps taken to safeguard social housing for the future by abolishing the right to buy; welcomes the Scottish Government’s commitment to action on planning, land and infrastructure to secure the housing developments that the country needs, including measures to strengthen community engagement; recognises that the Scottish Government’s housing infrastructure fund will help unlock key development sites; welcomes the continued commitment to delivering housing as a key way of promoting inclusive growth, and condemns the welfare changes that have been introduced by the UK Government that have led people to be insecure in their homes, including the introduction of the so-called bedroom tax, removal of financial support for housing for under 21s, and the six-week delay in receiving the first payment of universal credit, which is leading to housing arrears.”Supported by: Kevin Stewart* (SP 13/09/17)

*S5M-07613.1 Alex Cole-Hamilton: Housing—As an amendment to motion S5M-07613 in the name of Adam Tomkins (Housing), leave out from “a national housing” to “infrastructure” and insert “this should have a particular emphasis on building new homes for social rent, with increased targets to re-establish it as a valid long-term option for people; considers that, alongside an increase in housing supply, changes to social security are required to improve options and security, such as returning housing benefit to young people; recognises that the aspiration to build new properties and transform hundreds of thousands of existing properties into sustainable warm homes is dependent on the availability of skilled labour; believes that college cuts and the UK Government’s policies in relation to Brexit and immigration jeopardise the ability find this”. (SP 13/09/17)

DEBATES

Debate on motion S5M-07613, in the name of Adam Tomkins, on housing (SP 13/09/17)

A statement by Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Constitution Derek Mackay on the response to the report of the Barclay review of non-domestic rates (SP 12/09/17)

EVENTS

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

Property Repair & Maintenance Event
When: Monday 25th September 2017 from 5.30-7.30pm.
Where: ESPC, 107 George Street, Edinburgh.
Vital information will be provided to help you:
– Find out the condition of your property
– Find out the process required to repair and maintain your property
– Learn what funding options are available to you
– Talks from professionals who can start you on the right track
– Q&A opportunity at help desks
Why not come along to this free event. If you would like to attend please BOOK YOUR PLACE rsvp to: conservation@hypostyle.co.uk OR CALL 0131 555 0688.

Arts & Business Scotland Culture & Business Fund Scotland Workshop & Reception
When: Thursday 28 September 2017 from 15:30 to 19:30.
Where: The Rockfield Centre, Stevenson Street, Oban, PA34 5NA.
A free workshop that will give arts and heritage organisations the opportunity to learn about the Culture & Business Fund Scotland. The fund provides £ for £ match funding for arts and heritage organisations who gain sponsorship from first time business sponsors or business sponsors who have not sponsored culture in the last two years. An informal drinks and canapés reception for businesses and cultural organisations. Opportunities for networking and presentations featuring case studies of successful cultural and business partnerships from across Scotland. Guidance and advice on effective and collaborative engagement.

Patrick Geddes Learning Festival
When: Thu, 28 Sep 2017, 09:30 – Fri, 29 Sep 2017, 17:00.
Where: Patrick Geddes Centre, Riddle’s Court, 322 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2PG.
Following on from the success of the 2016 PAS conference; “Outlook: Exploring Geddes in the 21st Century” and in light of growing international interest in the work of Sir Patrick Geddes, PAS will host a follow-on conference this September. PAS is excited to say that we are working in partnership with the Patrick Geddes Learning Centre for the two-day conference.

The Heritage Trust Network Conference 2017 – Inspiring Heritage for All
When: Monday, 2nd October to Wednesday, 4th October.
Where: Guildhall, Kingston upon Hull.
This year the Heritage Trust Network’s conference will take place in Hull, City of Culture.
Have a look at the full three day programme and the wealth of inspiring speakers and workshops here.

Edinburgh’s Unbuilt ‘Opera House’, 1960 – 1975
When: Monday 2nd October 2017 at 6.30pm.
Where: St Andrew’s and St George’s West Church, 13 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PA.
Dr Alistair Fair is Chancellor’s Fellow and Lecturer in Architectural History, at the University of Edinburgh. He is a specialist in post-war architecture in Britain and has recently completed a book on post-war theatre building. This talk examines the infamous proposals of 1960 – 1975 for a major new theatre in central Edinburgh that were a regular fixture in the local press. Alistair looks at what went wrong.

A lecture to celebrate 250 years of the New Town
When: 5th October, from 18:00 – 20:30.
Where: The Glasite Meeting House, 33 Barony Street, Edinburgh EH3 6NX.
This year marks the 250th anniversary of the approval of James Craig’s winning design for the Edinburgh New Town. In this lecture, Adam Wilkinson, Director of Edinburgh World Heritage, will delve into the conditions that led to the creation of the New Town, and the subsequent development of our remarkable city centre. He will also touch on the work of the last 45 years to ensure this legacy remains one of the most spectacular survivals from the Georgian and early Victorian period.

Stirling Skills Demonstration Day
When: 5th and 6th October 2017.
Where: Port Street (between the entrance to the Thistles centre and New Look), Stirling.
The Stirling Traditional Skills Demonstration is being hosted by the Stirling City Heritage Trust in partnership with the Forth Valley Traditional Building Forum. The purpose of the event is to encourage young people to think about a career in traditional building skills, as well as raising general awareness of the skills that are so important in maintaining our historic environment. Come along and try your hand at stone masonry, roof slating, joinery and painting and decorating and discover the skills that are so important to maintaining our built heritage. The event is a free drop in and we look forward to seeing many of you there!

Housekeeping Scotland Convention: A vision for homes, communities & places
When: Sat 7 October 2017, 11:00 – 17:00.
Where: Sir Charles Wilson Building, 1 University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8NN.
Houses are not just walls with price tags. Houses are homes, which are the centre of communities, and it is communities which form places. The Housekeeping Scotland Convention is the start of a long term Common Weal project aiming to build a genuinely transformative agenda for housing in Scotland that re-establishes homes as the beating heart of communities and places, not as financial assets for speculative gains.

British architects, landscape designers and gardeners in Russia
When: Monday 6th November 2017 at 6.30pm.
Where: St Andrew’s and St George’s West Church, 13 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PA.
Dr Patricia Andrew is an art and garden historian with a career in galleries and museums, and has also served on the Committee of the Garden History Society in Scotland. She specialises in Scottish artists at home and abroad from the 18th Century to the present day. This is a joint lecture with Scotland’s Garden and Landscape Heritage, focusing on the legacy of British (particularly Scottish) architects, garden designers and engineers in Russia.

VACANCIES

Publications Officer (SoAoS)
The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland is a charity (Charity No SC 010440) and independent publisher of high-quality peer reviewed books and journals covering the entirety of Scotland’s past with a particular focus on archaeology and history. The Society is seeking an enthusiastic Publications Officer to support our publishing activity. This position will offer excellent and highly varied experience in all aspects of academic publishing, including editorial, design and marketing responsibilities.
Deadline for applications: 5pm on Sunday 17 September 2017. Interviews will be held on 25 September 2017.

World Heritage Site Project Assistant (EWH)
Edinburgh World Heritage are looking to appoint a World Heritage Site Project Assistant to assist with the delivery of a series of projects focusing on the conservation and enhancement of the historic environment within the World Heritage Site, including the “Twelve Closes” project. The main purpose of the position will be to assist the World Heritage Site Project Manager with the administration, fundraising and delivery of World Heritage projects. To apply for this role, please send us your CV, together with a completed application from and covering letter in support of your application by 5PM, Wednesday 20th September 2017.

Project Architect (HES)
The post will be responsible for the co-ordination and delivery of conservation and maintenance projects within the HES Investment Plan at the Properties in the Care of Scottish Ministers. This will include development, project management and delivery of the HES investment plan projects in our conservation, visitor facing facilities, site infrastructure, M&E installations, Climate Change and carbon reduction programmes.
Closes 27 Sep 2017.

National Investment Plan Co-ordinator for Conservation (HES)
The post will be responsible for the co-ordination and delivery of conservation and maintenance projects within the HES Investment Plan at the Properties in the Care of Scottish Ministers. This will include development, project management and delivery of the HES investment plan projects in our conservation, visitor facing facilities, site infrastructure, M&E installations, Climate Change and carbon reduction programmes.
Closes 27 Sep 2017.

PhD: Wrestling With Social Value: An Examination of Methods and Approaches For Heritage Management and Conservation
The University of Stirling is offering a funded PhD Studentship in collaboration with Historic Environment Scotland (HES). The studentship provides costs of Home/EU fees and student maintenance (at AHRC rates) for 3 years of PhD study. International students are welcome to apply, but will be liable for the difference between Home and International fees. The successful candidate will be expected to commence study on 1st January 2018.
Closes: 6th October 2017