BEFS NEWS

BEFS work on Tenement Maintenance continues, and you can see the updated webpage outlining activity here. BEFS and Under One Roof have worked together for several years, with UOR becoming BEFS Members recently. Both organisations share secretariat for the Tenement Working Group. Here, Anny from Under One Roof, Scotland’s only charity committed to providing free and impartial information on repairs, maintenance, and retrofit for tenement flat owner-occupiers, landlords, and housing professionals in Scotland – shares a bit more about UOR’s work and recent events.

BEFS Director took part in the RSGS and Zero Waste Scotland series 10 Big Climate Solutions – the Building Futures workshop highlighted 3 areas for action – these are captured within this report. BEFS will continue to be involved, with Zero Waste Scotland, on the strand related to evidence. This builds upon and supports the work relating to Housing and Land Data recently explored in a paper by Andy Wightman and an event with the David Hume Institute.

A new Report of Independent Review of the Skills Delivery Landscape has been published which makes a range of recommendations for future adaptations to support the National Strategy for Economic Transformation. If implemented, key recommendations would radically change the skills delivery (and funding) landscape in Scotland.

The 2023 SURF Awards for Best Practice in Community Regeneration has been launched. The purpose of the Award is to highlight, celebrate and share the achievements of initiatives that address physical, social and economic challenges in communities across Scotland. The deadline for applications is 5pm on Monday 4 September.

Doors Open Day Festival is inviting hosts to apply now to take part in this year’s event. For more information if you are considering taking part, please see their comprehensive online guide that answers all your queries, and to register an interest.

The winners of Europe’s top heritage awards 2023 have been announced by the European Commission and Europa Nostra. This year, 30 outstanding heritage achievements from 21 countries have been awarded in five categories: 1) Conservation & Adaptive Reuse; 2) Research; 3) Education, Training & Skills; 4) Citizens’ Engagement & Awareness-raising; and 5) Heritage Champions. The full list included two outstanding projects from the UK. The Call for Entries for the 2024 edition of the Awards is now open.

Congratulations to Stonemason, Luke Maher who was one of 10 winners of the Emerging Talent Award 2023 as announced at the recent Natural Stone Show in London. This is a great achievement by Luke, alongside MCU & the Stirling Skill’s Centre who got him to this point of top recognition by the UK Stone Industry.

 

CONSULTATIONS

Council Tax for second and empty homes, and non-domestic rates thresholds
Scottish Government/COSLA
This joint public consultation with COSLA seeks views on giving local authorities the power to increase council tax on second homes and empty homes, as well as considering whether the current non-domestic rates thresholds for self-catering accommodation remain appropriate.
Closes 11 July 2023

Future of Scotland’s first National Park
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
Consultation on the Draft National Park Partnership Plan 2024-29, drafted to frame conversations about the future of the National Park. The National Park Partnership Plan guides how all of those with a role to play in looking after the National Park will work together to manage the Park and achieve a shared vision for the area.
Closes 19 July 2023

Local living and 20 minute neighbourhoods: draft planning guidance
Scottish Government
Consultation seeking views and comments on the draft planning guidance for local living and 20 minute neighbourhoods. It is expected to be of particular relevance in the preparation of Local Development Plans (LDPs), Local Place Plans (LPPs) and to support planning decision making.
Closes 20 July 2023

New National Parks – appraisal framework
Scottish Government
With a commitment to designating at least one new National Park in Scotland by the end of this Parliamentary session in 2026, a draft appraisal framework has been developed with proposed criteria for new National Parks in Scotland. Views and comments are being sought on this framework.
Closes 4 August 2023

Review of Permitted Development Rights – Phase 3
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government is carrying out a review of permitted development rights (PDR) as part of a wider planning reform programme. The PDR review is being taken forward in phases, with each phase focussing on specific development types. Phase 3 of the review considers PDR in relation to renewables equipment, thermal efficiency improvements, development by electricity undertakers, reverse vending machines and the temporary use of land for shooting ranges.
Closes 23 August 2023

Effective Community Engagement in Local Development Planning Guidance
Scottish Government
This consultation concerns guidance on effective community engagement in the local development planning process, inviting views from planning authorities and communities on the clarity and helpfulness of the guidance in informing people when engagement will be most effective.
Closes 13 September 2023

 

CONSULTATION RESPONSES

Land Reform in a Net Zero Nation: analysis report of responses to the consultation exercise (Scot Gov June 2023)

Land reform in a Net Zero Nation: consultation analysis (Scot Gov 02/06/2023)

New Build Heat Standard: consultation part two analysis (Scot Gov 09/06/2023)

Review of National Outcomes 2023 – SCVO response to call for evidence (SCVO 12/06/2023)

BEFS response to the Review of National Outcomes: call for evidence (BEFS 12/06/2023)
BEFS have submitted a response to the Scottish Government’s Review of National Performance Framework Outcomes: call for evidence consultation. BEFS response highlights the lack of appreciation for the cross-cutting benefits that come from cultural-heritage means many across the sector are continually explaining and reiterating the wide-reaching positive impacts of their work. It calls for greater alignment with the UN-SDGs particularly SDG 11.4: ‘Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage’. The additions of Targets and Outcomes, taking into account cross-sectoral inputs, could help to: incentivise, and enable, cross-portfolio working to deliver against net-zero, wellbeing and wider community aims.

 

PUBLICATIONS

Reviewing Residential Retrofitting Literature: An Explorative Mapping Study (CaCHE May 2023)

Architectural Heritage Fund – 2023-28 Strategy (AHF 22/05/2023)

RenoHUb Project Closing Report (RenoHUB 22/05/2023)
Establishment of the first one-stop-shop consulting office network in Hungary, aimed at supporting deep renovations managed by citizens.

For Churches – Strategy 2023-2026 (National Churches Trust 31/05/2023)

Measuring the Social Dimension of Culture: Handbook (MESOC June 2023)

Ex-ante Assessment of the Thematic Area “Greening Cities” under the Urban Agenda for the EU (European Commission 08/06/2023)

Ensuring inclusivity: parks and public spaces to be designed for girls and young women – Make Space for Girls webinar with PAS (PAS 10/06/2023)

 

SCOTTISH & UK GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS

SPICe Spotlight: Scottish climate change adaptation policy (SPICe 01/06/2023)

SPICe Spotlight: Scottish climate change impacts in Scotland (SPICe 01/06/2023)

SPICe Spotlight: Net Zero; what does it mean and what happens afterwards (SPICe 01/06/2023)

List of special advisers who provide advice across all portfolio areas in the Scottish Government (Scot Gov 01/06/2023)

Letter from the Minister for Housing to the Convener of the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee (Scot Parl 01/06/2023)
Update on enhancing the accessibility, adaptability and usability of Scotland’s homes.

Fit for the Future: developing a post-school learning system to fuel economic transformation (Scot Gov 07/06/2023)
Review considered skills functions and remits of Scotland’s national public bodies, making 15 recommendations for future adaptations to support National Strategy for Economic Transformation

Culture in Communities – Constitution, Europe, External Affairs And Culture Committee, 19th Meeting, 2023, Session 6 (Scot Parl 08/06/2023)
SPICe Briefing and written submission from Creative Scotland.

Letter from the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Just Transition to the Conveners of Finance and Public Administration Committee and Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee (Scot Parl 08/06/2023)
Update on implementation of the conclusions of the Joint Budget Review in relation to climate change.

Letter from the Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings, Active Travel and Tenants’ Rights to the Convener of the Economy and Fair Work Committee (Scot Parl 08/06/2023)
On the Building (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2023.

Letter from Mr J Keith Robertson the to the Economy and Fair Work Committee (Scot Parl 09/06/2023)
On Registers of Scotland and the registration backlog June 2023.

Community Climate Action Hubs: response analysis (Scot Gov 09/06/2023)

Scotland’s National Innovation Strategy (Scot Gov 09/06/2023)

Scotland’s National Innovation Strategy: economic evidence paper (09/06/2023)

Growth sector statistics – Sustainable tourism (Scot Gov 09/06/2023)
Includes museum activities and operation of historical sites and buildings and similar visitor attractions.

Growth sector statistics – Creative Industries (Scot Gov 09/06/2023)
Including Heritage: Libraries and archive activities, Cultural education, Architecture and Desing activities.

Growth sector statistics – International Tourism (Scot Gov 09/06/2023)
Including Total Turnover (£Millions), 2008-2020 for Cultural Activities: Creative, arts and entertainment activities; Museum activities; Operation of historical sites and buildings and similar visitor attractions (in Table 2.1).

Scottish Central Government Energy Efficiency Grant scheme: form and guidance (Scot Gov 09/06/2023)

SPICe Spotlight: Trends in Funding for Culture (SPICe 12/06/2023)

Building standards – ministerial view: building insulation envelope (Scot Gov 12/06/2023)

Circular Economy (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 13/06/2023)
Màiri McAllan has introduced the Circular Economy (Scotland) Bill. The bill will give ministers powers to set local recycling targets, devise statutory targets for the delivery of a circular economy, ban the disposal of unsold consumer goods and place charges on single-use items.

 

NEWS RELEASES

Europa Nostra Council appeal to 2nd Summit of the European Political Community in Moldova to include Culture and Cultural Heritage among future EPC priorities (Europa Nostra 31/05/2023)

The Call for Entries for the European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards 2024 is now open! (Europa Nostra 13/06/2023)

Plans unveiled for new Archive House (HES 13/06/2023)
An existing building in the Sherwood Industrial Estate in Bonnyrigg, will be converted to a world-class facility

 

OPINION & COMMENT

What is the right approach for retrofitting? (Build Up – European Commission 16/05/2023)

Renovation and innovation solutions for monumental buildings (Build Up – European Commission 16/05/2023)

Eighteen properties evacuated and road closed as safety zone placed under St Ninians site (Daily Record 18/05/2023)

Geospatial Commission calls for upgrade in land use data (UKAuthority News 23/05/2023)

Place Standard Tool: Norwegian colleagues visit to Scotland (A&DS 26/05/2023)

Pioneering Programme Using Archaeology to Empower Young People  (Historic England 28/05/2023)

Collapse in GCSE arts subjects gathers pace (Arts Professional 29/05/2023)

Roadside heritage to be more visible under National Highways plans (Museums & Heritage Advisor 31/05/2023)

SPAB Scholars: what stories can this old chapel tell? (SPAB 31/05/2023)

Agenda: Why it’s time to back urban planners (The Herald 01/06/23)

New Scottish building standards model piloted (RICS 01/02/2023)

Is there a future for Scotland’s National Performance Framework? (SCVO 02/06/2023)

EU’s green renovation wave faces backlash: Countries are wary of EU plans to slash emissions by retrofitting millions of homes (Politico 05/06/2023)
Includes renovation of older building stock in the UK and the EU that doesn’t meet modern standards.

Climate initiative cities boost renewables’ use, but still largely depend on fossil fuels (JRC 06/06/2023)

Left in ruins: Should we let historic buildings ‘gracefully die’? (Holyrood Magazine 07/06/2023)

Outer House finds Edinburgh’s short-term let licensing policy unlawful (Scottish Legal News 08/06/2023)

Historic England launches the country’s first online building stones database (HTN 08/06/2023)

New indicators will track climate change between IPCC reports (CarbonBrief 08/06/2023)
Dashboard to data visualisation is available at Climate Change Tracker here.

New Loch Ness immersive experience tourist attraction to open after £1.5m revamp (Sky News 08/06/2023)
The newly refurbished Loch Ness Centre is in a Category B listed building, previously the Drumnadrochit Hotel.

The EPC system is no longer fit for heritage buildings (Architects’ Journal 09/06/2023)

Credibility gap in net-zero climate targets leaves world at high risk (Science 09/06/2023)

Creative placemaking – necessary, not just nice to have (Place Design Scotland 09/06/2023)

Scotland: historic sites closed for two years over safety (The Herald 12/06/2023)

Building Futures in Rural Scotland (Halvorsen Architects 12/06/2023)

City of Edinburgh Council’s short-term lettings decision: full case report (Scottish Housing News 13/06/2023)

New rules for all new buildings to have zero direct emissions heating systems (Scottish Housing News 13/06/2023)
Please see the link to the Regulations which come into force on 1 April 2024

 

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Monica Lennon, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 28/04/2023
S6W-17468
To ask the Scottish Government what engagement it has had with churches, regarding the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016 (Register of Persons Holding a Controlled Interest in Land) Regulations 2021, since 1 January 2023.
Current status: Answered by Mairi Gougeon on 31 May 2023

Pam Duncan-Glancy, Glasgow, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 19/05/2023
S6W-18141
To ask the Scottish Government when it plans to publish the independent review of the skills delivery landscape.
S6W-18143
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will set out its vision for the college sector.
Current status: Answered by Graeme Dey on 31 May 2023

Liam Kerr, North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 12/05/2023
S6W-17911
To ask the Scottish Government how many green jobs currently exist in Scotland, broken down by the region in which they are located, and what the definition is that it uses for such jobs.
Current status: Answered by Mairi McAllan on 1 June 2023

Liam Kerr, North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 16/05/2023
S6W-17982
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-15987 by Patrick Harvie on 23 March 2023, whether it will provide an update on when it will publish the data, in light of reports that it is already being used for policy formulation and implementation.
Current status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 1 June 2023

Katy Clark, West Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 22/05/2023
S6W-18199
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-17602 by Neil Gray on 12 May 2023, under the Fair Work First Framework on conditionality for public sector grants, which grant funders are subject to applying conditionality on (a) effective voice and (b) Real Living Wage under these rules, and whether there are any public sector grant funders that are exempt from doing so.
Current status: Answered by Neil Gray on 1 June 2023

Willie Rennie, North East Fife, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: 18/05/2023
S6W-18068
To ask the Scottish Government when its new Warmer Homes Scotland scheme will be launched.
S6W-18069
To ask the Scottish Government for how long it had been planning to pause the current Warmer Homes Scotland scheme ahead of relaunching a new one.
S6W-18070
To ask the Scottish Government how much money will be available for homeowners to use through its new Warmer Homes Scotland scheme.
S6W-18071
To ask the Scottish Government how many households it estimates will be supported through its new Warmer Homes Scotland Scheme.
Current status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 5 June 2023

Miles Briggs, Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 25/05/2023
S6W-18021
To ask the Scottish Government whether it has established a Land Tax Working Group, and, if so, when the group will report.
Current status: Answered by Tom Arthur on 5 June 2023

Daniel Johnson, Edinburgh Southern, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 19/05/2023
S6W-18100
To ask the Scottish Government whether it can provide a full appraisal of the Scottish Funding Council’s Upskilling Fund, from its inception in 2019, including details on (a) uptake, (b) type of learner, (c) level of qualification, (d) the (i) hours and (ii) credits of learning provided and (e) any employer engagement.
Current status: Answered by Graeme Dey on 6 June 2023

Sharon Dowey, South Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 22/05/2023
S6W-18203
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its innovation strategy.
Current status: Answered by Richard Lochhead on 6 June 2023

Stephen Kerr, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 22/05/2023
S6W-17956
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-16779 by Patrick Harvie on 27 April 2023, how households will be successfully engaged with, as part of Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES) delivery plans, in order to take action to retrofit their homes with energy efficiency and low carbon heating measures.
Current status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 7 June 2023

Liam Kerr, North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 24/05/2023
S6W-18305
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to a recent report by Changeworks, which reportedly found that homes in the Highlands and Islands have lower Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings than the rest of Scotland.
Current status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 7 June 2023

Craig Hoy, South Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 24/05/2023
S6W-18312
To ask the Scottish Government what estimate it has made of the number of office buildings that it owns that are fitted with reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete, and what funding has been made available to fix any such buildings.
S6W-18315
To ask the Scottish Government how many public buildings it has inspected since the start of 2021 to determine whether they were constructed with reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), broken down by building type, and how many of these were confirmed to have been constructed with RAAC.
S6W-18316
To ask the Scottish Government what estimate it has made of the cost of fixing any public buildings that it owns that are fitted with reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete.
Current status: Answered by Shona Robison on 7 June 2023

Craig Hoy, South Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 25/05/2023
S6W-18339
To ask the Scottish Government what collaboration it has undertaken with Research Data Scotland.
Current status: Answered by Richard Lochhead on 7 June 2023

Paul Sweeney, Glasgow, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 01/06/2023
S6W-18523
To ask the Scottish Government whether it can detail the planned (a) scope, (b) cost and (c) duration of the repair and maintenance works currently being carried out on the historic central tower and spire of Glasgow Cathedral.
Current status: Answered by Christina McKelvie on 7 June 2023

Miles Briggs, Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 25/05/2023
S6W-18022
To ask the Scottish Government when it plans to establish a City Centre Recovery Task Force.
Current status: Answered by Neil Gray on 8 June 2023

Willie Rennie, North East Fife, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: 24/05/2023
S6W-18317
To ask the Scottish Government, regarding non-domestic rates, whether it will reduce the combined poundage rate for the largest properties, to match the equivalent rate in England, over the course of the current parliamentary session.
Current status: Answered by Tom Arthur on 8 June 2023

Monica Lennon, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 01/06/2023
S6W-18505
To ask the Scottish Government what recent assessment it has made of any additional financial pressures on local authority budgets being caused by inflation.
Current status: Answered by Tom Arthur on 8 June 2023

Daniel Johnson, Edinburgh Southern, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 25/05/2023
S6W-18368
To ask the Scottish Government which apprenticeship providers have delivered (a) Modern, (b) Foundation and (c) Graduate Apprenticeships in Scotland in each year since 2018-19, also broken down by occupational grouping.
Current status: Answered by Graeme Dey on 12 June 2023

Donald Cameron, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 05/06/2023
S6W-18645
To ask the Scottish Government how much funding it has allocated to the maintenance of Scotland’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites in each year since 2007, broken down by site.
Current status: Answered by Christina McKelvie on 13 June 2023

Donald Cameron, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 07/06/2023
S6W-18838
To ask the Scottish Government what investigations Historic Environment Scotland has undertaken to determine whether any of the buildings that it manages were fitted with reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete, and what the cost was of conducting any necessary repairs, broken down by building.
Current status: Answered by Christina McKelvie on 13 June 2023

Jamie Greene, West Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 08/06/2023
S6W-18884
To ask the Scottish Government whether Japanese knotweed or other invasive species have been found at Historic Environment Scotland properties in the last five years, and, if so, whether it will provide a list of any such incidences.
Current status: Answered by Christina McKelvie on 13 June 2023

Jamie Greene, West Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 02/06/2023
S6W-18614
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-17942 by Shona Robison on 30 May 2023, whether the 17 buildings on the Scottish Government Core Estate will meet an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of at least band C by 2028, as will be required by all properties actively rented in the private sector, and, if not, what its position is on whether it is fair to impose energy standards on the private rented sector that the Scottish Government will not meet in its own buildings.
Current status: Answer expected on 16 June 2023

Stephen Kerr, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 05/06/2023
S6W-18672
To ask the Scottish Government whether the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills has received the final report of the Independent Review of Qualifications and Assessment.
Current status: Answer expected on 19 June 2023

Miles Briggs, Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 06/06/2023
S6W-17025
To ask the Scottish Government how much funding has been allocated through the (a) Scottish Empty Homes Partnership and (b) Empty Homes Loan Fund in each year since it was launched, broken down by local authority.
Current status: Answer expected on 20 June 2023

Liam Kerr, North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 09/06/2023
S6W-18914
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-14236 by Lorna Slater on 2 February 2023, whether the study to map the net zero gap skills on Scottish islands, as referred to on page 12 of the Carbon Neutral Islands Project Progress Report, has progressed beyond its “early stages” and the “initial meetings” that “were held in December 2022”; if so, whether it will provide a detailed report on progress, and, if not, for what reason it has not progressed, and when it is expected to do so.
Current status: Answer expected on 23 June 2023

Monica Lennon, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 09/06/2023
S6W-18942
To ask the Scottish Government when the Green Heat Finance Taskforce (a) last met and (b) will next meet.
Current status: Answer expected on 23 June 2023

Paul Sweeney, Glasgow, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 09/06/2023
S6W-18918
To ask the Scottish Government when the Scottish Ministers will make regulations to give effect to Part 7 of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015.
Current status: Answer expected on 23 June 2023

Craig Hoy, South Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 12/06/2023
S6W-19021
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-18315 by Shona Robison on 7 June 2023, when it anticipates that inspection surveys will (a) begin and (b) finish.
S6W-19022
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-18315 by Shona Robison on 7 June 2023, by what date its appointed specialist will have developed the scope for inspection surveys.
S6W-19023
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-18306 by Patrick Harvie on 7 June 2023, whether it (a) has provided and (b) plans to provide financial support to local authorities to undertake inspections of buildings for reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete.
Current status: Answer expected on 26 June 2023

Alexander Burnett, Aberdeenshire West, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 12/06/2023
S6W-19030 R
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on progress in developing a new energy efficiency ratings system to replace the current Energy Performance Certificate system, and when it will publish details of the proposed changes.
Current status: Answer expected on 26 June 2023
S6W-19031
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to improve the Energy Performance Certificate ratings of buildings that are part of the Scottish Government estate.

Tess White, North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 12/06/2023
S6W-19060
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the implementation of the recommendations of the Report of the Review Panel on Building Standards Compliance and Enforcement, which was published in June 2018.
Current status: Answer expected on 26 June 2023

 

MOTIONS

Liz Smith, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 05/06/2023
S6M-09340
Prioritising Scottish Tourism. That the Parliament believes that the tourism sector is a crucial element in the future sustainability of the Scottish economy; regrets the SNP-Scottish Green Party administration’s failure to prioritise tourism, and the weaknesses in Scotland’s infrastructure with the resulting detrimental effect on connectivity across rural and island areas, including failures in ferry services and the delay in progressing the dualling of both the A9 and the A96; notes the concern amongst the hospitality sector about the introduction of a visitor levy; condemns the flawed short-term lets policy and an anti-business agenda, which has resulted in additional costs and red tape for those across the tourism sector, and calls on the Scottish Government to bring forward an urgent blueprint to address the deep-seated concerns of the tourism sector and its related industries.
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on 7 June 2023

 

EVENTS

IHBC Annual School 2023: Swansea – Climate Change and the Historic Environment – Resilience and Performance
Date & Time: Wednesday 21 – Saturday 24 June 2023
Location: Swansea and Online
Heritage insights for everyone with a range of different school formats to appeal to anyone with an interest in heritage, culture and conservation. The school offers an opportunity to understand and interrogate new approaches to coping with climate change challenges, including: complying with standards, energy management, retrofit, fuel poverty and traditional buildings, meeting energy targets and protecting buildings.

RTPI West of Scotland – Summer Social
Date & Time: Thursday 22 June 2023; 7-11pm
Location: The Maltman, 59-61 Renfield Street, Glasgow, United Kingdom, G2 1LF
Come and join the RTPI at their summer social at The Maltman in Glasgow, for drinks and networking.

Icon Scotland – Burrell Collection Conservation Tour
Date & Time: Thursday 22 June 2023; 10:45am-1pm
Location: Burrell Collection, Pollok Country Park, 2060 Pollokshaws Rd, Glasgow G43 1AT
Glasgow’s Burrell Collection recently reopened after a major refurbishment, which opened up more gallery space, allowing access to objects which have not been seen for decades or have never been on permanent display. The conservators at Glasgow Life are partnering with the Icon Scotland group to offer a tour with a conservation focus.

Under One Roof Scotland – Maintenance and retrofit for tenement owners
Date & Time: Monday 26 June 2023; 1-3pm
Location: Members Lounge at Woodhall House, Westburn Rd, Aberdeen, AB16 5GB
Come along to a free and informative event hosted by Under One Roof, Aberdeenshire Council and Aberdeen City Council, aimed at owner-occupiers and landlords who want to learn more about maintaining and managing their tenement flats. Topics covered will include: the basics of tenement maintenance; knowing your neighbours and how to find them; the issues with patch repairs; the importance of building insurance and tips for self-factoring your building. Additionally, there will be discussion on energy efficiency and retrofit, as well as changes to government regulations affecting owner-occupiers and landlords.

Heritage Trust Network – Your Church, Your Community – Workshop 1
Date & Time: Tuesday 27 June 2023
Location: Online
Heritage Trust Network, Historic Churches Scotland and the Community Ownership Support Service are teaming up to deliver a 3-part workshop series to bring to life our new resource: Your Church, Your Community. This workshop series will feature a range of expert speakers who will bring these topics to life and offer the opportunity of live discussion and questions.
Save the date: Booking will open shortly but for now, do email Sarah Pearce to register your interest.

RTPI Grampian – Crathie – Moxon office site visit
Date & Time: Thursday 29 June 2023; 5:30-7pm
Location: Quarry Studios, Crathie, Ballater, Aberdeenshire, United Kingdom, AB35 5UL
The event will feature a guided tour of the user designed Moxon Architects’ offices and associated café space at Crathie. The offices have been designed and built within a former brownfield site which has an interesting history, and the development has required to consider a number of environmental constraints being located adjacent to a Site of Special Scientific Interest and National Scenic Areas. Moxon will host the event and will discuss the evolution of the design and outcomes as well as an opportunity to discuss some of the other projects Moxon have worked on in the area.

Heritage Trust Network – Exploring Opportunities: Churches and Tourism
Date & Time: Thursday 6 July 2023; 7-8:30pm
Location: Online
Are you a community group thinking about taking ownership of your local church? Are you already managing your church for the benefit of the community? This free online event is for you. Heritage Trust Network and Historic Churches Scotland have partnered with Scottish Community Tourism to host the fifth event in a series aimed at any group contemplating the future of their church building. This event will focus on how church buildings can play a part in your local tourism offering; come along to jointly explore innovative ideas to keep these community-based buildings alive.

RICS WBEF – Heat resilience in urban environments: Making cities cooler
Date & Time: Wednesday 12 July 2023; 4-5pm
Location: Online
With the impact of climate change becoming more pronounced and the frequency of extreme heat events increasing, cities must find ways to mitigate prolonged periods of soaring summer temperatures. This webinar looks at the possible solutions from incorporating more green infrastructure and other passive options to active technologies, and how a multi-disciplinary approach by built environment professionals can make cities cooler.

 

TRAINING

Culture & Business Scotland: Business Briefing: Tax update for the culture sector – VAT matters
Date & Time: Tuesday 20 June 2023; 12–1pm
Location: Online via Zoom
As tax issues continues to change and challenge the finances of organisations in the culture sector, Scott Craig (Partner and Head of VAT, Azets) will provide essential insight as well as highlighting issues and opportunities.

 

VACANCIES

The Ridge – Managing Director
Status: Full-time (flexible working possible)
Location: Dunbar
As the scale and scope of its work expands, The Ridge is looking to restructure its senior management, with the creation of a new Managing Director role within The Ridge Foundations CIC (the social enterprise construction company). To date, the whole of The Ridge (SCIO and CIC) has had a single Managing Director, but it is clear that more time, energy and focus is required to lead the company, with a direct role in heading up the Training team.
Follow this link for more information about The Ridge, and about this exciting new opportunity, including how to apply.
Closing date: Tuesday 20 June 2023

The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland – Head of Practice
Salary: Band £45,000 – £50,000 p.a.
Status: Full-time (28/35hr)
Location: Edinburgh (flexible working potential)
The RIAS is looking to appoint a highly motivated individual to lead its Practice team. This is a key role for the Incorporation, to lead, develop, and manage the Practice Team creating a hub of technical information, learning and practice to support the membership, and supporting practices with advice on a wide range of topics. The successful applicant will lead RIAS flagship Practice Services, contribute to other streams of RIAS activities, and help to generate revenue to support the financial sustainability of the RIAS.
Closing date: Friday 30 June 2023

Fife Employment Access Trust – Project Director for Silverburn Flax Mill Renovation
Budgeted Fee: Costs not to exceed £120,000
Status: Fixed term – from appointment in 2023 up to November 2026
Location: Leven, Fife
Fife Employment Access Trust are seeking an experienced Project Director within the built environment sector to lead the Silverburn Flax Mill Renovation Project, creating a Visitor Centre and Community Hub. The role involves leading the Project to deliver exemplar conservation and refurbishment that respects and preserves the original design intent, while maximising access and benefit for all. The Project Director will manage the project from initial construction works to project close in accordance with recognised Project Management processes, producing, circulating and maintaining all project controls and documentation with particular emphasis on governance, managing risk, quality, cost, programme and change. In addition, they will lead on the delivery of the overall Project Brief in consultation with internal teams and stakeholder groups.
Follow this link for more information and details on how to apply.
Closing date: Midday on Monday 10 July 2023

The National Trust for Scotland – Heritage Compliance Officer
Salary: £34,376-£38,027 (subject to experience)
Status: Full-time (flexible working possible)
Location: Hybrid working, available for meetings in Edinburgh
The National Trust for Scotland is looking to recruit a heritage compliance officer to help identify and manage the conservation and operations risks. This is a unique opportunity to work across all aspects of a major heritage organisation, liaising with colleagues in all disciplines.
All enquiries and applications should be addressed to: Diarmid Hearns, Head of Public Policy, Risk and Environment

BACK

BEFS NEWS

BEFS Director was part of a panel giving evidence to the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs & Culture Committee – the inquiry focused on the idea of a ‘place-based approach’ to culture within communities in Scotland, with the aim of understanding good practice and barriers to place-based cultural policy. You can read the full report here and have a look at the Consultations section for community engagement in Local Development Planning.

Meanwhile, outside Parliament experts in construction and housing, and school pupils gathered to explore ways to tackle the retrofit challenge now and into the future. This saw over 30 MSP’s joining young people and construction industry representatives to showcase, and learn more about the importance of traditional building skills.

Aligning with the skills fair, the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) held a Retrofit Roundtable event in Holyrood to advocate for a Retrofit Strategy to form a collaborative way forward for improving the energy efficiency of homes and buildings across the country.

It’s been a while since we’ve seen the housing conditions statistics – The Scottish House Condition Survey (SHCS): 2021 has just been released. This contains statistics based on a national survey of the housing stock. Due to the change in approach for the 2021 SHCS, the results are not directly comparable with previous waves of the survey. BEFS will be looking at statistics across the sector more broadly in the next Bulletin, but the key take-aways for now are that only 52% of Scottish homes were currently rated as EPC band C or better. And 16% of all Scotland’s dwellings had an urgent disrepair to critical elements, with pre-1919 dwellings having a rate of urgent disrepair to critical elements of 25%.

Thinking of funding, there’s news across the sector: Culture Secretary Angus Robertson announced that eight communities across Scotland are set to benefit from £863,050 area-based funding provided jointly by Historic Environment Scotland (HES) and the National Lottery Heritage Fund (Heritage Fund).

The Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) and the National Lottery Heritage Fund announced a three-year partnership programme to save heritage across the UK. The new programme is looking to support a diverse range of organisations, at different stages of development. The new Heritage Development Trusts will receive a package of funding that includes three-year revenue grants between £55k-£70k per annum, as well as guidance from consultants and mentors to develop their skills and knowledge alongside peer-to-peer support.

The Nature & Culture Heritage Fund, led by NatureScot and funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) has awarded £375,926 to Archaeology Scotland – Working with the West Ardnamurchan Community to develop an Adopt-a-Monument scheme, called the Real Wild West, creating a trail, tourist hubs and physical and digital experiences, improve the condition and maintenance of 10 heritage sites and develop ‘slow tourism’ adventures for visitors.

So much of the funding above is related to partnerships – and the recent findings of the latest UK Heritage Pulse, has been published revealing that nearly all organisations agree they would benefit from more partnerships, but not all know how to create them. Read in more detail in the Spotlight on: Partnerships.

All those with premises across the sector and beyond should be aware that from 1 July 2023 Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) will no longer be attending automatic fire alarm (AFA) callouts to commercial business and workplace premises such as factories, offices, shops and leisure facilities, unless a fire has been confirmed. This change to call outs includes listed buildings.

BEFS Members, The Institution of Civil Engineers Scotland, is inviting applications from professionals to join as an Associate Member (AMICE). Membership is open to anyone working in the built environment who wants to improve their knowledge and develop new ways of delivering the infrastructure of the future. AMICE is valuable to the whole industry spectrum – from engineers to academics, procurement and legal experts, to architects and surveyors; find out more information here

Congratulations from BEFS go to – Barbara Cummins who has been appointed as Chair of the Cockburn Association. And we also applaud, Craig McLaren on his new role as the Improvement Service’s National Planning Improvement Champion. Craig will step down in August as RTPI director of Scotland, Ireland and English regions.

And news just in, RIAS have announced the winners of the 2023 awards, which include two new buildings for leading Scottish universities, and a new headquarters at the home of Scottish golf.

 

CONSULTATIONS

National Outcomes review 2023: Call for Evidence
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government want to hear from people and communities across Scotland about whether their National Outcomes continue to reflect the kind of Scotland we want to see. They would also like to hear about how the National Performance Framework could have a bigger impact.
Closes 12 June 2023 (deadline extended)

Call for Evidence – Coronavirus and Scotland follow-up
UK Government, The Scottish Affairs Committee
The Committee has launched an inquiry, following up on its inquiry into coronavirus and Scotland, to see whether sectors and industries across Scotland have recovered in the post-pandemic period and to assess the helpfulness of UK and Scottish government support.
Closes 14 June 2023

Council Tax for second and empty homes, and non-domestic rates thresholds
Scottish Government/COSLA
This joint public consultation with COSLA seeks views on giving local authorities the power to increase council tax on second homes and empty homes, as well as considering whether the current non-domestic rates thresholds for self-catering accommodation remain appropriate.
Closes 11 July 2023

Future of Scotland’s first National Park
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
Consultation on the Draft National Park Partnership Plan 2024-29, drafted to frame conversations about the future of the National Park. The National Park Partnership Plan guides how all of those with a role to play in looking after the National Park will work together to manage the Park and achieve a shared vision for the area.
Closes 19 July 2023

Local living and 20 minute neighbourhoods: draft planning guidance
Scottish Government
Consultation seeking views and comments on the draft planning guidance for local living and 20 minute neighbourhoods. It is expected to be of particular relevance in the preparation of Local Development Plans (LDPs), Local Place Plans (LPPs) and to support planning decision making.
Closes 20 July 2023

New National Parks – appraisal framework
Scottish Government
With a commitment to designating at least one new National Park in Scotland by the end of this Parliamentary session in 2026, a draft appraisal framework has been developed with proposed criteria for new National Parks in Scotland. Views and comments are being sought on this framework.
Closes 4 August 2023

Review of Permitted Development Rights – Phase 3
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government is carrying out a review of permitted development rights (PDR) as part of a wider planning reform programme. The PDR review is being taken forward in phases, with each phase focussing on specific development types. Phase 3 of the review considers PDR in relation to renewables equipment, thermal efficiency improvements, development by electricity undertakers, reverse vending machines and the temporary use of land for shooting ranges.
**NEW** Closes 23 August 2023

Effective Community Engagement in Local Development Planning Guidance
Scottish Government
This consultation concerns guidance on effective community engagement in the local development planning process, inviting views from planning authorities and communities on the clarity and helpfulness of the guidance in informing people when engagement will be most effective.
**NEW** Closes 13 September 2023

 

CONSULTATION RESPONSES

Draft Energy Strategy And Just Transition Plan Consultation – A Common Weal Response (Common Weal Policy 23/05/2023)

 

PUBLICATIONS

New Uses For Former Church Buildings – A study of inspiration and hope (The Scottish Civic Trust March 2013)
This document, considering new uses for old churches, is as relevant today as when first published, providing innovative examples of re-use of religious buildings, which will have expanded over the years.

Conservation Skills Strategy 2023 (ICON April 2023)
Ensuring that the skills to effectively care for objects, collections and built heritage exist within the conservation workforce.

Scottish third sector tracker report: wave 5 findings, winter 2022 (SCVO May 2023)

Heat pump user survey report (Nesta May 2023)

Young People’s Engagements with Heritage Report (Institute for Community Research & Development and Arts Connect with Historic England May 2023)

A Net Zero workforce (Climate Change Committee May 2023)

Our Regulatory Framework (HES 16/05/2023)

Springboard Footfall Monitor – April Report – report for Scotland’s High Streets (Scotland’s Towns Partnership 18/05/2023)

Understanding Scotland: Economy tracker survey (David Hume Institute and the Diffley Partnership 23/05/2023)
Survey of economic attitudes and insights from more than 2,000 members of the Scottish adult population every 3 months to track changes over time.

The Cheviot, The Stag And The Black Black Carbon – Natural Capital, the Private Finance Investment Pilot and Scotland’s Land Reform by Alastair McIntosh BSc MBA PhD (Community Land Scotland 26/05/2023)

Heat Pumps in Historic Buildings (Historic England 26/05/2023)

Heritage Transformed in Wales and Northern Ireland – End of Programme Report 2020-23 (AHF 31/05/2023)

 

SCOTTISH & UK GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS

Correspondence from The Keeper of the Registers of Scotland to the Economy and Fair Work Committee regarding the organisation’s May update (RoS 16/05/2023)

Place Directors representing Scottish Government in local authority and Community Planning Partnership areas: Factsheet Update (Scot Gov 17/05/2023)

Planning circular 1/2023: short-term lets and planning (Scot Gov 17/05/2023)

Evidence sessions on ‘culture in communities’ inquiry focusing on taking a place-based approach to culture (Session 6) (Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee 18/05/2023)

Families and households in the UK: 2022 (ONS 18/05/2023)

Evidence session on the role of local government and its cross-sectoral partners in financing and delivering a net-zero Scotland (Session 6) (Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee 23/05/2023)

Evidence session on Community Councils in their 50th year (Session 6) (Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee 23/05/2023)

Building standards: Standard 2.15 Automatic Fire Suppression System. Cost benefit analysis (Scot Gov 23/05/2023)

Local development planning guidance (Scot Gov 24/05/2023)

Effective community engagement in local development planning guidance: impact assessments (Scot Gov 24/05/2023)

Medium-Term Financial Strategy: Ministerial statement (Scot Gov 25/05/2023)

The Scottish Government’s Medium-Term Financial Strategy (Scot Gov 25/05/2023)

Visitor Levy legislation introduced (Scot Gov 25/05/2023)

Visitor Levy Bill: business and regulatory impact assessment (Scot Gov 25/05/2023)

Single Building Assessment programme: spending information (Scot Gov 26/05/2023)

Building Assessment Report (BAR) guidance (Scot Gov 30/05/2023)

Heat Network Zone (HNZ) guidance (Scot Gov 30/05/2023)

Scottish House Condition Survey: 2021 Key Findings – updated fuel poverty rates, energy efficiency ratings and data on external disrepair (Scot Gov 30/05/2023)

Climate change adaptation programme: progress report 2023 (Scot Gov 30/05/2023)

Climate change monitoring report 2023 (Scot Gov 30/05/2023)

Planning and Environmental Appeals Stakeholder Forum minutes: November 2022 (Scot Gov 30/05/2023)

 

NEWS RELEASES

Winners of the Icon Photography Competition – images that capture the everyday magic of conservation (ICON 15/05/2023)

Edinburgh Local Heritage Network launched by the Lord Provost (City of Edinburgh Council 17/05/2023)

Review of British Tourist Authority underway – operator of VisitEngland and VisitBritain is being independently reviewed (UK Gov 18/05/2023)

Obituary: Hugo Burge, visionary behind the restoration of historic Marchmont House (The Scotsman 19/05/2023)

Construction industry experts call on the Scottish Government to develop a long-term, joined-up retrofitting strategy (CIOB 19/05/2023)

Mortgage rate cut for energy efficient homes under government-backed trials – £4.1 million awarded to green finance projects to help homeowners make their homes more energy efficient (UK Gov 19/05/2023)

New research finds cultural creative hubs key to supporting local communities during crises (University of Stirling 22/05/2023)

Empowering people and places – £5 million funding boost for new Heritage Development Trusts to revive unused historic buildings across the UK (AHF 24/05/2023)

Local Authorities chosen for new Key Agencies Group support offer revealed (A&DS 24/05/2023)

Meet the European Heritage Hub and engage on social media (Europa Nostra 25/05/2023)

STA Statement: Scottish Tourism Alliance response to introduction of Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill to the Scottish Parliament (STA 25/05/2023)

Pioneering £22m fund leaves lasting legacy for Highlands and Islands tourism – the Natural & Cultural Heritage Fund (NCHF) (NatureScot 30/05/2023)

Applications invited for grants up to £10million (Heritage Fund 30/05/2023)
Increased upper limit of National Lottery Grants for Heritage to support larger-scale heritage projects across the UK.

The Central Scotland Green Network ‘Growing Food Together’ Fund 2023 is now open (CSGN 01/06/2023)
Funded by the Scottish Government, projects can apply for part of the £100,000 fund that aims to foster community engagement.

 

OPINION & COMMENT

Scotland will be able to build an energy-efficient future – Hugh Franklin (The Scotsman 17/05/2023)

Financing Climate Adaptation—and Deciding What to Let Go (Harvard Magazine 17/05/2023)
Long-term spatial planning in the US which will involve difficult conversations about “what to protect and what to let go”.

Austrian town that inspired Arendelle from ‘Frozen’ erects fence in bid to stop selfies (The Independent 19/05/2023)

Construction body calls for long-term retrofitting plan for Scotland’s draughty housing stock (Scottish Housing News 19/05/2023)

Why construction of the past can help us to build a better future (The National 20/05/2023)

The Church of Scotland will have to close hundreds of churches in the coming years, the Kirk’s trustees have warned as it stages its annual General Assembly (BBC News 20/05/2023)

Lanarkshire MSP promotes apprenticeships in traditional building skills (Daily Record 20/05/2023)

20-minute neighbourhood: A return to our past, not a conspiracy (The National 21/05/2023)

Skills for Greener Places: The future of landscape (pbc today 22/05/2023)

The Great Heat Pump Mystery: Where’s The COP? (CaCHE 22/05/2023)

New partnership to target empty homes for remote essential worker housing (Scottish Housing News 22/05/2023)

Increased funding for local land ownership – £1 million increase to the Scottish Land Fund –  a flagship scheme that helps communities take ownership of local land and buildings (Scottish Rural Network 24/05/2023))

Get up to speed on embodied carbon now, say leading developers (Architects’ Journal 25/05/2023)

Involve communities or face ‘carbon clearances’, says new report (The Press & Journal 26/05/2023)

Hawick pupils get hands-on construction skills masterclass (Border Telegraph 26/05/2023)

Scheme launched to explore how to help communities move quickly for local assets (Place Design Scotland 27/05/2023)

Scott Hogan: Why Scotland’s property relief changes are policy in a vacuum (Scottish Construction Now 31/05/2023)

 

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

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

Foysol Choudhury, Lothian, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 04/05/2023
S6W-17685
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-16420 by Patrick Harvie on 27 April 2023, for what reason there is no accreditation for contractors carrying out masonry repairs in Scotland.
Current status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 19 May 2023

Mark Griffin, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 04/05/2023
S6W-17710
To ask the Scottish Government what support it provides to public authorities to remove any asbestos from their buildings.
S6W-17711
To ask the Scottish Government whether it keeps a central register of buildings containing asbestos.
S6W-17712
To ask the Scottish Government what work it has done to consider any (a) costs and (b) benefits of establishing a central register of buildings containing asbestos.
S6W-17713
To ask the Scottish Government what information it holds on (a) how many and (b) what proportion of public buildings contain asbestos, broken down by sector.
S6W-17716 R
To ask the Scottish Government whether Home Energy Scotland grants and loans provide funding for removal of asbestos during retrofit.
Current status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 19 May 2023

Monica Lennon, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 09/05/2023
S6W-15691
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will commit to amending the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 to grant communities equal rights of appeals, in light of the Aarhus Convention Compliance Committee (ACCC) recently accepting the admissibility of a complaint by the Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland, Planning Democracy, RSPB and Friends of the Earth Scotland, reportedly stating that there is a lack of equal rights of appeal in the planning system, which is unfair and in breach of the convention.
Current status: Answered by Joe FitzPatrick on 19 May 2023

Rhoda Grant, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 09/05/2023
S6W-17726
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-16434 by Lorna Slater on 25 April 2023, whether any representatives of community ownership organisations were involved in the workshops referred to on alternative ownership models; who (a) organised and (b) attended the workshops; whether a record of the workshop (i) discussions and (ii) decisions will be made publicly available, and whether the workshops were arranged specifically to further the work flowing from the Memorandum of Understanding with NatureScot.
S6W-17728
To ask the Scottish Government whether (a) its and (b) NatureScot officials are providing to landowners and managers any introductions to the private financiers involved in the Memorandum of Understanding with NatureScot.
Current status: Answered by Lorna Slater on 19 May 2023

Liam McArthur, Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: 05/05/2023
S6W-17756
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-01910 by Michael Matheson on 20 August 2021, how much it estimates it will cost (a) on average and (b) in total to bring such properties up to an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of at least band C, in line with its net zero and just transition ambitions.
Current status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 22 May 2023

Angus Robertson, Edinburgh Central, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 22/05/2023
S6M-09107
Debate on the Scottish Connections Framework
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on 23 May 2023

Alasdair Allan, Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 12/05/2023
S6W-17920
To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to review the current Community and Renewable Energy Scheme (CARES) to ensure that it is able to effectively support community renewable projects in Na h-Eileanan an Iar.
Current status: Answered by Gillian Martin on 24 May 2023

Willie Rennie, North East Fife, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: 10/05/2023
S6W-17815
To ask the Scottish Government for what reason referrals to Warmer Homes Scotland have been paused from 31 March 2023 until October 2023.
Current status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 24 May 2023

Kaukab Stewart, MSP for Glasgow Kelvin, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 24/05/2023
S6W-18499
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its progress towards securing an agreement on the Scottish Safer Buildings Accord.
Current status: Answered by Paul McLennan on 25 May 2023

Monica Lennon, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 12/05/2023
S6W-17952
To ask the Scottish Government when it anticipates the three legislative stages of its proposed Circular Economy Bill will conclude.
Current status: Answered by Lorna Slater on 25 May 2023

Stephen Kerr, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 12/05/2023
S6W-17960
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-16779 by Patrick Harvie on 27 April 2023, how additional demands on other local authority services, such as planning and building control, will be resourced, particularly in light of the reported national shortage of planners.
Current status: Answered by Joe FitzPatrick on 25 May 2023

Jamie Greene, West Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 12/05/2023
S6W-17942
To ask the Scottish Government how many of its buildings do not have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of at least band C, and whether it will list them.
Current status: Answered by Shona Robison on 30 May 2023

Stephen Kerr, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 12/05/2023
S6W-17955
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-16779 by Patrick Harvie on 27 April 2023, how funding to pay for household measures will be (a) coordinated and (b) delivered, and, specifically, what it anticipates will be the role of local authorities in this.
S6W-17957
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-16779 by Patrick Harvie on 27 April 2023, whether there will be a national public communications programme to ensure that the general public understand the proposed upcoming changes to Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) requirements, and what role Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES) delivery plans will play in any such programme.
S6W-17958
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-16779 by Patrick Harvie on 27 April 2023, who will be responsible for managing the coordination of suppliers at local level, to ensure that they have the skills and quality marks required, in time for the roll-out of delivery plans, and what it anticipates will be the role of local authorities in this.
S6W-17959
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-16779 by Patrick Harvie on 27 April 2023, where there are any specific anticipated functions for local authorities to deliver elements of the Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES) delivery plans, such as communication, coordination, monitoring and complaints, what funding will be made available for the fulfilment of any such functions that is commensurate with the cost.
Current status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 30 May 2023

Monica Lennon, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 28/04/2023
S6W-17468
To ask the Scottish Government what engagement it has had with churches, regarding the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016 (Register of Persons Holding a Controlled Interest in Land) Regulations 2021, since 1 January 2023.
Current status: Answered by Mairi Gougeon on 31 May 2023

Katy Clark, West Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 22/05/2023
S6W-18199
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-17602 by Neil Gray on 12 May 2023, under the Fair Work First Framework on conditionality for public sector grants, which grant funders are subject to applying conditionality on (a) effective voice and (b) Real Living Wage under these rules, and whether there are any public sector grant funders that are exempt from doing so.
Current status: Answer expected on 7 June 2023

Stephen Kerr, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 22/05/2023
S6W-17956
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-16779 by Patrick Harvie on 27 April 2023, how households will be successfully engaged with, as part of Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES) delivery plans, in order to take action to retrofit their homes with energy efficiency and low carbon heating measures.
Current status: Answer expected on 7 June 2023

Liam Kerr, North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 24/05/2023
S6W-18305
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to a recent report by Changeworks, which reportedly found that homes in the Highlands and Islands have lower Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings than the rest of Scotland.
Current status: Answer expected on 9 June 2023

Daniel Johnson, Edinburgh Southern, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 25/05/2023
S6W-18368
To ask the Scottish Government which apprenticeship providers have delivered (a) Modern, (b) Foundation and (c) Graduate Apprenticeships in Scotland in each year since 2018-19, also broken down by occupational grouping.
Current status: Answer expected on 12 June 2023

Miles Briggs, Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 25/05/2023
S6W-18021
To ask the Scottish Government whether it has established a Land Tax Working Group, and, if so, when the group will report.
S6W-18022
To ask the Scottish Government when it plans to establish a City Centre Recovery Task Force.
Current status: Answers expected on 12 June 2023

 

MOTIONS

John Swinney, Perthshire North Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 17/05/2023
S6M-08942
Congratulating the Scottish Crannog Centre on Winning the Visitor Welcome Award
That the Parliament acknowledges what it sees as the outstanding achievement of the Scottish Crannog Centre on being awarded the Visitor Welcome Award at the Museum and Heritage Awards 2023; recognises the prestige of this international award, which spotlights excellence in the museum, galleries, and heritage visitor attractions sector; commends the dedicated staff and volunteers of the Scottish Crannog Centre for their continuous efforts in delivering a world-class visitor experience; appreciates the centre’s contribution in promoting Scottish heritage and culture, and in boosting local tourism, and extends its heartfelt congratulations to all those involved in what it sees as this remarkable achievement.

Foysol Choudhury, Lothian, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 25/05/2023
S6M-09080
That the Parliament notes the view that there is a need for urgent action to improve the energy efficiency of existing buildings through repair and maintenance, to ensure that they are windproof and watertight, comfortable to live in, and affordable to heat; understands that the built environment sector is facing a shortage of people with the correct skills, knowledge and materials to undertake these projects; notes the view that increased support from the Scottish Government is required to address what it sees as this skills gap; further notes the view that training provisions are required throughout Scotland, including in the Lothian region, to ensure that young people have equal access to roles within the construction industry; notes the view that a sustainable model must be found to ensure that there is a skilled workforce across the whole construction industry, to give homeowners the opportunity to repair and maintain their buildings, and therefore reduce their carbon emissions; believes that this issue is of nationwide importance, and notes the calls on all political parties to collaborate to ensure that there is a sustainable, skilled construction workforce in Scotland.

 

EVENTS

For further listings, please see our events calendar.

Architectural Heritage Fund – Heritage Development Trusts programme – Information Sessions
Dates & Times: 2-14 June 2023
Location: Online
These events are about finding out about the new UK Heritage Development Trusts programme – now open for Expressions of Interest.
Session 2. Friday 2 June 2023; 10-11am: Presented by Kelcey Wilson-Lee from the Architectural Heritage Fund with guest Darren Barker from Great Yarmouth Preservation Trust.
Session 3. Thursday 8 June 2023; 1-2pm: Presented by Gavin Richards from the Architectural Heritage Fund with guest Martin Hulse from Tyne & Wear Building Preservation Trust.
Session 4. Wednesday 14 June 2023; 10-11am: Presented by Gavin Richards from the Architectural Heritage Fund with guest Rob Kenyon from Heritage Lab Ramgate.

Architecture and Design Scotland – Place Forum: towards zero carbon places – making it happen
Date & Time: Wednesday 7 June 2023; 11am-1pm
Location: Online via Teams
The second Place Forum focuses on the role of retrofit and zero-carbon buildings in creating carbon conscious places in Scotland. This event brings together a variety of speakers from across the country to share their experiences of delivering projects related to retrofit and zero-carbon buildings in Scotland and examples of collaborative approaches to carbon conscious places.

SURF – 25th Anniversary SURF Awards Launch Event
Date & Time: Thursday 8 June 2023; 1:30-4pm
Location: Billiard Hall, The Pearce Institute, 840-860 Govan Road, Glasgow G51 3UU
2023 marks the 25th Anniversary of SURF’s annual SURF Award programme. Join SURF to mark this anniversary, when you will be able to hear more about the history of the SURF Awards, ask questions to previous SURF Award Winners, find out about how to apply for the 2023 Awards and hear from some of the SURF Award partners. It will also provide an opportunity for networking.

RTPI Central Scotland – Tour of Stirling Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme
Date & Time: Thursday 8 June 2023; 6-8pm
Location: The Burgh Coffeehouse, 4 King St, Stirling FK8 1AY
The Stirling Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme is a £3.1 million project funded by Historic Environment Scotland and Stirling Council. This guided tour, led by Alex Collins – Project Officer, will visit the two main project sites – Stirling Arcade, Kings Street/Murray Place and Cowanes House, St.Mary’s Wynd. The tour will also provide information and opportunities for discussion on a range of issues, including logistics for making a CARS bid, project assessment and funding distribution criteria, consenting processes and project implementation issues.

Under One Roof Scotland – Maintenance and retrofit for tenement owners
Date & Time: Friday 9 June 2023; 1pm-3pm
Location: Atrium Business Centre, North Caldeen Road, Coatbridge, ML5 4EF
Come along to a free and informative event hosted by Under One Roof and North Lanarkshire Council, aimed at owner-occupiers and landlords who want to learn more about maintaining and managing their tenement flats. Topics covered will include: the basics of tenement maintenance; knowing your neighbours and how to find them; the issues with patch repairs; the importance of building insurance and tips for self-factoring your building. Additionally, there will be discussion on energy efficiency and retrofit, as well as changes to government regulations affecting owner-occupiers and landlords.

Under One Roof Scotland – Maintenance and retrofit for tenement owners

Date & Time: Tuesday 13 June 2023; 1pm-3pm
Location: The Townhouse, High Street, Irvine, KA12 0AL
Come along to a free and informative event hosted by Under One Roof and North Ayrshire Council, aimed at owner-occupiers and landlords who want to learn more about maintaining and managing their tenement flats. Topics covered will include: the basics of tenement maintenance; knowing your neighbours and how to find them; the issues with patch repairs; the importance of building insurance and tips for self-factoring your building. Additionally, there will be discussion on energy efficiency and retrofit, as well as changes to government regulations affecting owner-occupiers and landlords.

 

Historic Religious Buildings Alliance – BIG UPDATE 2023
Date & Time: Wednesday 14 June 2023; 10am-4:30pm
Location: St John’s Waterloo, 73 Waterloo Road, London SE1 8TY
The ‘Big Update’ is about keeping up to date with what’s happening to secure the future of historic places of worship. The programme will follow the usual format of 20 minute talks, shorter talks and videos covering a wide range of topical and inspirational subjects including the popular ‘Your Big Update’ session when anyone can have the floor for three minutes.

IHBC Annual School 2023: Swansea – Climate Change and the Historic Environment – Resilience and Performance
Date & Time: Wednesday 21 – Saturday 24 June 2023
Location: Swansea and Online
Heritage insights for everyone with a range of different school formats to appeal to anyone with an interest in heritage, culture and conservation. The school offers an opportunity to understand and interrogate new approaches to coping with climate change challenges, including: complying with standards, energy management, retrofit, fuel poverty and traditional buildings, meeting energy targets and protecting buildings.
Book your place now!

Icon Scotland – Burrell Collection Conservation Tour
Date & Time: Thursday 22 June 2023; 10:45am-1pm
Location: Burrell Collection, Pollok Country Park, 2060 Pollokshaws Rd, Glasgow G43 1AT
Glasgow’s Burrell Collection recently reopened after a major refurbishment, which opened up more gallery space, allowing access to objects which have not been seen for decades or have never been on permanent display. The conservators at Glasgow Life are partnering with the Icon Scotland group to offer a tour with a conservation focus.

 

TRAINING

Culture & Business Scotland: Tell your story, sell your idea – copywriting training for fundraisers
Date & Time: Tuesday 6 & Wednesday 7 June 2023; 10am-1pm
Location: Online via Zoom
Move from a blank page to a compelling case for support in the capable hands of professional copywriter, Allison Traynor. Packed with tips, tools and techniques and delivered in two sessions over two days. (Previously called ‘Telling it like it is’.)

Culture & Business Scotland – Marketing, fundraising and data protection laws: keeping yourself right
Date & Time: Tuesday 13 June 2023; 9:30am–1.30pm
Location: Online via Zoom
As more of us are keeping in touch with our audiences, supporters and followers online than ever before, it’s essential to ensure your practices are lawful, as well as to provide privacy, security and transparency to maintain the trust of your audiences.??This one-day course provides a clear understanding of the law, explores practical examples to help reflect on an organisation’s current approaches and processes, and will allow consideration of any changes that might be needed.

 

VACANCIES

National Churches Trust – Support Officers
Salary: £32,000 p.a.
Status: Full-time, Three Years (Fixed Term)
Location: 3 Posts based in Wales, Scotland & North West England
Are you passionate about helping churches near you to remain open and thrive? If you can respond to enquiries and engage with stakeholders, you could make a massive difference to the churches, chapels and meeting houses in your nation or region. The NCT are hiring 3 Support Officers to undertake delivery of the new National Lottery Heritage Funded Cherish project. Reporting to the new Support Project Manager, the post holders will work full-time on a three-year fixed-term contract overseeing the project in either Scotland, Wales or North-West England. Work will be undertaken within your country or region, but occasional travel to the London office will be expected.
Further information can be found here.
Closing date: Monday 12 June 2023 at 9am

Stirling City Heritage Trust – Traditional Buildings Health Check Retrofit Inspector
Salary: £34,000 – £37,000 (depending on experience)
Status: Full-time, fixed-term to 30 June 2025
Location: Stirling
The Traditional Buildings Health Check (TBHC) is a proactive building maintenance service operated by Stirling City Heritage Trust, who provide advice and inspection services to traditional property owners in Stirling. The service is expanding to provide energy efficiency and retrofit advice to traditional building owners. As such, the Trust are seeking a Retrofit Inspector to undertake inspections of traditional buildings to establish the current EPC rating and explore ways to help building owners take appropriate retrofit measures to improve the EPC rating.
For further information on the role and to apply go to SCHT Careers; or for an informal chat please contact the Trust Manager, Lindsay Lennie
Closing date: Wednesday 14 June 2023 at noon

Stirling City Heritage Trust – Traditional Buildings Health Check Retrofit Grants & Education Officer
Salary: £29,000 – £31,500 (depending on experience)
Status: Part-time (28 hours per week) fixed-term to 30 June 2025
Location: Stirling
The Traditional Buildings Health Check (TBHC) is a proactive building maintenance service operated by Stirling City Heritage Trust, who provide advice and inspection services to traditional property owners in Stirling. The service is expanding to provide energy efficiency and retrofit advice to traditional building owners. As such, the Trust are seeking a Grants & Education Officer to deliver the Trust’s grant initiative for retrofit for TBHC member properties, assessing grant applications, forming recommendations, and managing an ongoing caseload of repair grants, including site visits and meetings with owners, building professionals and contractors.
For further information on the role and to apply go to SCHT Careers; or for an informal chat please contact the Trust Manager, Lindsay Lennie
Closing date: Wednesday 14 June 2023 at noon

The Ridge – Managing Director
Status: Full-time (flexible working possible)
Location: Dunbar
As the scale and scope of its work expands, The Ridge is looking to restructure its senior management, with the creation of a new Managing Director role within The Ridge Foundations CIC (the social enterprise construction company). To date, the whole of The Ridge (SCIO and CIC) has had a single Managing Director, but it is clear that more time, energy and focus is required to lead the company, with a direct role in heading up the Training team.
Follow this link for more information about The Ridge, and about this exciting new opportunity, including how to apply.
Closing date: Tuesday 20 June 2023

The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland – Head of Practice
Salary: Band £45,000 – £50,000 p.a.
Status: Full-time (28/35hr)
Location: Edinburgh (flexible working potential)
The RIAS is looking to appoint a highly motivated individual to lead its Practice team. This is a key role for the Incorporation, to lead, develop, and manage the Practice Team creating a hub of technical information, learning and practice to support the membership, and supporting practices with advice on a wide range of topics. The successful applicant will lead RIAS flagship Practice Services, contribute to other streams of RIAS activities, and help to generate revenue to support the financial sustainability of the RIAS.
Closing date: Friday 30 June 2023

Loco Home Retrofit – Retrofit Planner
Salary: starting at £25,000 p.a.
Status: Full-time; 37.5 hours
Location: Glasgow
Join one of Scotland’s newest and most innovative third sector organisations addressing the climate crisis. Loco Home Retrofit are looking for a buildings professional to deliver a retrofit planning service. The role involves surveying condition, heritage, fabric efficiency and heating systems, whilst employing software and professional judgement to produce recommendations and, through discussion with the households, arriving at an outline improvement plan.
To apply and for more information.

The National Trust for Scotland – Heritage Compliance Officer
Salary: £34,376-£38,027 (subject to experience)
Status: Full-time (flexible working possible)
Location: Hybrid working, available for meetings in Edinburgh
The National Trust for Scotland is looking to recruit a heritage compliance officer to help identify and manage the conservation and operations risks. This is a unique opportunity to work across all aspects of a major heritage organisation, liaising with colleagues in all disciplines.
All enquiries and applications should be addressed to: Diarmid Hearns, Head of Public Policy, Risk and Environment

BACK

BEFS NEWS

BEFS Director Ailsa Macfarlane was part of a panel giving evidence today to the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs And Culture Committee with Craig McLaren, Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), Johanna Boyd, Planning Aid Scotland (PAS) and Euan Leitch, Scotland’s Regeneration Forum (SURF). The Committee was undertaking an inquiry focused on the idea of a ‘place-based approach’ to culture within communities in Scotland, with the aim of understanding good practice and barriers to place-based cultural policy. Written submissions from the RTPI and PAS as well as a SPICe briefing are available here.

BEFS was also delighted to support the RSA conference this week on Heritage: Challenges, Opportunities and Solutions. With a wide range of international and national speakers and presenters – we heard provocations, tales from the ‘coalface’ and debated architectural conservation and contemporary trends; as well as highlighting the skills shortages facing the sector.

Thinking of skills, if you have time today (Thursday 18 May) do head to the grounds of the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh to see the Scottish Traditional Building Forum and many partners providing a skills demonstration – engaging young people with traditional building skills, and ensuring parliamentarians recognise the importance of these skills for the future of all our places.

The Scottish Vacant and Derelict Land Survey 2022 has been published and figures show that more sites were brought back into use for residential (including housing) purposes than any other use (140 of the 262 reused sites). Where the funding source was known, 11% used public sector funding only, 50% used private sector funding only and 21% involved a mix of public and private funding.

The 197th Royal Scottish Academy Annual Exhibition opened on 6 May, with a section of the exhibition space devoted to showcasing several of Scotland’s best-known architects. Comprising 3D models, drawings and materials used, the exhibition, including the Architecture Viewing Room, is also accessible online.

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) released a short video explaining why retrofit is important, the means we have to retrofit traditional buildings and the skills required; with options tested for renewables and heating systems. This draws attention to the Guide to Energy Retrofit of Traditional Buildings published in 2021, describing retrofit measures which can be used to improve the energy efficiency of traditional buildings, whilst maintaining as much of their historic fabric as possible thus creating healthy indoor environments.

HES also have a survey for stakeholders, designed to shape plans during delivery of HES Corporate Plan (closing on 19 May).

The RTPI’s Sir Patrick Geddes Commemorative Lecture returns on 25 May 2023, and this year Imandeep Kaur, Founder and Director of CIVIC SQUARE will talk about the social and ecological transition, and the critical role of our homes, streets, and neighbourhoods.

BEFS member The Ridge launched “Constructing Futures”, a new Pre-Apprenticeship Programme. This 16 week-long, no cost construction and life skills programme was designed by The Ridge and funded by Historic Environment Scotland, with the aim of helping participants develop an understanding of apprenticeship opportunities in the construction trades. Participants will gain knowledge of various career opportunities within the trades, basic entry-level skills, construction experience through work placements with local employers, plus familiarity with trade tools, terminology and basic principles.

 

CONSULTATIONS

National Outcomes review 2023: Call for Evidence
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government want to hear from people and communities across Scotland about whether their National Outcomes continue to reflect the kind of Scotland we want to see. They would also like to hear about how the National Performance Framework could have a bigger impact.
Closes 5 June 2023

Call for Evidence – Coronavirus and Scotland follow-up
UK Government, The Scottish Affairs Committee
The Committee has launched an inquiry, following up on its inquiry into coronavirus and Scotland, to see whether sectors and industries across Scotland have recovered in the post-pandemic period and to assess the helpfulness of UK and Scottish government support.
**NEW** Closes 14 June 2023

Council Tax for second and empty homes, and non-domestic rates thresholds
Scottish Government/COSLA
This joint public consultation with COSLA seeks views on giving local authorities the power to increase council tax on second homes and empty homes, as well as considering whether the current non-domestic rates thresholds for self-catering accommodation remain appropriate.
Closes 11 July 2023

Future of Scotland’s first National Park
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park
Consultation on the Draft National Park Partnership Plan 2024-29, drafted to frame conversations about the future of the National Park. The National Park Partnership Plan guides how all of those with a role to play in looking after the National Park will work together to manage the Park and achieve a shared vision for the area.
Closes 19 July 2023

Local living and 20 minute neighbourhoods: draft planning guidance
Scottish Government
Consultation seeking views and comments on the draft planning guidance for local living and 20 minute neighbourhoods. It is expected to be of particular relevance in the preparation of Local Development Plans (LDPs), Local Place Plans (LPPs) and to support planning decision making.
Closes 20 July 2023

New National Parks – appraisal framework
Scottish Government
With a commitment to designating at least one new National Park in Scotland by the end of this Parliamentary session in 2026, a draft appraisal framework has been developed with proposed criteria for new National Parks in Scotland. Views and comments are being sought on this framework.
**NEW** Closes 4 August 2023

 

CONSULTATION RESPONSES

Building Community Wealth in Scotland (BEFS 09/05/2023)
BEFS supports action and initiatives that enable and support communities to benefit from their places and spaces. Adapting, repurposing, and reusing our current building stock presents enormous opportunities for skilled employment, carbon solutions, good places, healthy town centres and more homes; solutions which provide benefits to economy, people and place.

Draft Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan (BEFS 09/05/2023)
BEFS response reiterates the role of the built and historic environment in providing solutions towards net zero and a just transition. The Improvement Service response can also be found here.

SCVO response to Building Community Wealth consultation (SCVO 15/05/2023)

Culture Counts response to Recommendations for Scotland’s International Culture Strategy (CC 15/05/2023)

 

PUBLICATIONS

Global review of training funds: spotlight on levy-schemes in 75 countries (UNESCO 2022)

The landscape character assessment database for the UK and Ireland (Landscape Institute March 2023)
The openly available resource was developed with the support of Natural England, NatureScot, Natural Resources Wales, Transport Infrastructure Ireland and DAERA Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA). The database is available here.

By All, For All: The Power of Partnership – AHRC Creative Communities Deep Dive Report 2023 (Creative Communities April 2023)

Scottish Tourism Alliance & Tourism Updated Fact Sheet (STA 25/04/2023)

Equality Progress and Monitoring Data Reports – Mid-term Equalities Report 2023 (HES 30/04/2023)

Infographics – insights and learnings from Rebuilding Heritage’s Cost of Living Crisis support phase: Nov 2022-Apr 2023 (Rebuilding Heritage 04/05/2023)

Energy Efficiency in Scotland’s Traditional Buildings | Energy Retrofit – YouTube (HES 05/05/2023)

Lessons from successful ‘turnaround’ cities for the UK: Navigating Economic Change (Resolution Foundation 15/05/2023)

Interim State of the Profession 2023 (RTPI 16/05/2023)

HES Regulatory Framework (HES 16/05/2023)

 

SCOTTISH & UK GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS

Evaluation and data report for the Culture Recovery Fund (UK Gov April 2023)
Including cultural organisations and heritage sites.

Regeneration Capital Grant Fund – stage one 2024 to 2025: application form (Scot Gov 02/05/2023)

Housing to 2040 Strategic Board meeting March 2023: FOI release (Scot Gov 03/05/2023)

Planning appeal decisions 2022-23: EIR release (Scot Gov 03/05/2023)

Building standards – non-domestic buildings – ventilation: research (Scot Gov 03/05/2023)

Building standards – ventilation guidance: research (Scot Gov 03/05/2023)

Correspondence from The Keeper of the Registers of Scotland to the Economy and Fair Work Committee regarding the organisation’s latest quarterly update (Scot Parl 05/05/2023)

Rural Research worth millions to Scotland, helping to cut emissions and create jobs (Scot Gov 08/05/2023)

Scottish Vacant and Derelict Land Survey 2022 (Scot Gov 10/05/2023)

Scottish Vacant and Derelict Land Survey – site register (Scot Gov 10/05/2023)

Tourism and Hospitality Industry Leadership Group minutes: March 2023 (Scot Gov 11/05/2023)
Including the role and sense of what ‘community’ means, climate change and data driven decision making.

Net Zero, Energy And Transport Committee Report On The Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 (Interim Target) Amendment Regulations 2023 [Draft] (Scot Parl 12/05/2023)

Tourism and Hospitality Leadership Group: terms of reference (Scot Gov 16/05/2023)

Unlocking the Value of Public Sector Data for Public Benefit minutes: February 2023 (Scot Gov 16/05/2023)

Local government in Scotland: Overview 2023 (Audit Scotland 17/05/2023)

Place Directors: factsheet (Scot Gov 17/05/2023)

Planning circular 1/2023: short-term lets and planning (Scot Gov 17/05/2023)

How have Scottish sectors recovered from Covid-19 and was government support sufficient? (UK Parl 17/05/2023)

Radical change is needed across Scotland’s councils (Audit Scotland 17/05/2023)

 

NEWS RELEASES

Scotland’s Garden and Landscape Heritage’s Spring Newsletter (May 2023)

Over £573k awarded to 20 Museums to support their resilience (Museums Galleries Scotland 04/05/2023)

PHS welcomes delegation from Norway to learn more about the Place Standard Tool (Public Health Scotland 04/05/2023)

Green Home Festival 2023 – First shows confirmed and tickets made available (GHF 04/05/2023)
Including the Festival of fabric first and discussions around retrofit projects.

Welsh Government invests £1.7 million to transform museums and libraries in Wales (Welsh Gov 05/05/2023)

Architectural exhibition opened in Edinburgh (Place Design Scotland 09/05/2023)

Become a RoSS consultant and support heritage across the UK (NLHF 09/05/2023)

VAT Month at Heritage Trust Network (HTN 10/05/2023)

Architecture and Design Scotland launch their Climate Action Towns Project with a film by Bircan Birol capturing the work across nine climate action towns (A&DS 11/05/2023)

European Heritage Hub inaugurated in Brussels to support Europe’s green, social and digital transformation through cultural heritage (Europa Nostra 16/05/2023)

Culture Secretary announces over £850,000 investment in eight communities (HES 17/05/2023)

 

OPINION & COMMENT

Shifting from consultation to co-production with communities – Nick Wright (Place Design Scotland 28/04/2023)

Stone blocks collapse onto road from bank building in Thurso (BBC News 01/05/2023)

The changing face of Princes Street –  see how it has evolved over the centuries, keeping step with social, economic and architectural fashions (HES 02/05/2023)

Energy efficiency standards and traditional buildings (The Engine Shed 03/05/2023)

Glasgow city centre regeneration frameworks approved (Austin-Smith:Lord 04/05/2023)

Council to urge Scottish Government to boost community planning appeal rights (The Ferret 05/05/02023)

Urquhart Castle: Visitor centre closed due to safety fears (The Herald 05/05/2023)

Mark Smith: The death of a building that says everything about Glasgow (The Herald 08/05/2023)

Designing an Accessible, Inclusive Environment for People with Disabilities Podcast #70 (RICS 08/05/2023)

A Wee Guide to Intangible Cultural Heritage (Traditional Arts & Culture 09/05/2023)
Intangible Cultural Heritage includes traditional skills relating primarily to the built or historic environment.

Coworking worth millions to Scotland’s town and city centres (STP 10/05/2023)

Ex-SNP minister says ‘urgency is lacking’ to pull in net zero funds (The Herald 10/05/2023)

‘Leeds 2023’: can investment in culture improve a city’s health? Yes, but more ambition is needed (The Conversation 10/05/2023)

Making parks safe for women and girls (greenspace scotland 11/05/2023)

New charges for Stirling planning applications (Scottish Construction Now 12/05/2023)

Helping to keep a critically endangered craft alive (SPAB 12/05/2023)

Climate emergency: Scotland needs an Office for Net Zero with real teeth if we are to tackle carbon emissions (The Scotsman 15/05/2023)

 

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

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

Stephen Kerr, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 05/04/2023
S6W-16780
To ask the Scottish Government how the new National Public Energy Agency will work with local government on area-based delivery.
Current status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 4 May 2023

Meghan Gallacher, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 12/04/2023
S6W-16397
To ask the Scottish Government what the impact on training providers has been of the reported apprenticeship freeze in early 2023.
S6W-16400
To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to implement the 14 recommendations from the report, Impact of Scotland’s Developing Young Workforce Strategy on Employer Engagement, and, if so, whether it will provide a timescale for the implementation
Current status: Answered by Graeme Dey on 4 May 2023

Sarah Boyack, Lothian, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 19/04/2023
S6W-17254
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of any green skills gap in each local authority area.
S6W-17255
To ask the Scottish Government what action it has taken to identify the skills needed in the energy sector to reach net zero targets on a geographical basis.
Current status: Answered by Lorna Slater on 4 May 2023

Sarah Boyack, Lothian, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 19/04/2023
S6W-17268
To ask the Scottish Government what progress it is making on its aim for at least 124,000 homes to have low-carbon heating systems installed by 2026.
S6W-17269
To ask the Scottish Government, as of 13 April 2023, how many homes have low-carbon heating systems installed.
Current status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 4 May 2023

Kenneth Gibson, MSP for Cunninghame North, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 20/04/2023
S6W-17301
To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to bring derelict and empty homes in rural and island communities back into habitable use.
Current status: Answered by Paul McLennan on 4 May 2023

Jamie Greene, West Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 02/05/2023
S6W-17601
To ask the Scottish Government what proportion of Historic Environment Scotland sites are not equipped with CCTV, and whether it will provide a list of any such sites.
Current status: Answered by Christina McKelvie on 10 May 2023

Katy Clark, West Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 02/05/2023
S6W-17617
To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to review or amend the law to ensure that local authorities are prohibited from closing or selling public museums unless alternative premises have been identified for their replacement.
Current status: Answered by Christina McKelvie on 10 May 2023

Katy Clark, West Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 02/05/2023
S6W-17618
To ask the Scottish Government whether it has any plans to review tiers of local democracy and whether reform is needed.
Current status: Answered by Tom Arthur on 10 May 2023

Donald Cameron, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 14/04/2023
S6W-17035
To ask the Scottish Government on what date it anticipates publishing its response to the results of the Scottish Highly Protected Marine Areas public consultation, after it closes on 17 April 2023.
Current status: Answered by Mairi McAllan on 15 May 2023

Monica Lennon, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 28/04/2023
S6W-17467
To ask the Scottish Government whether it is planning any future engagement with churches regarding the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016 (Register of Persons Holding a Controlled Interest in Land) Regulations 2021.
Current status: Answered by Mairi Gougeon on 17 May 2023
S6W-17468
To ask the Scottish Government what engagement it has had with churches, regarding the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016 (Register of Persons Holding a Controlled Interest in Land) Regulations 2021, since 1 January 2023.
Current status: Holding Answer by Mairi Gougeon on 16 May 2023

Sarah Boyack, Lothian, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 19/04/2023
S6W-17277
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the recent ministerial appointments, what the membership is of the Cabinet Sub-Committee on the Climate Emergency.
Current status: Awaiting answer

Foysol Choudhury, Lothian, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 04/05/2023
S6W-17685
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-16420 by Patrick Harvie on 27 April 2023, for what reason there is no accreditation for contractors carrying out masonry repairs in Scotland.
Current status: Answer expected on 19 May 2023

Mark Griffin, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 04/05/2023
S6W-17710
To ask the Scottish Government what support it provides to public authorities to remove any asbestos from their buildings.
S6W-17711
To ask the Scottish Government whether it keeps a central register of buildings containing asbestos.
S6W-17712
To ask the Scottish Government what work it has done to consider any (a) costs and (b) benefits of establishing a central register of buildings containing asbestos.
S6W-17713
To ask the Scottish Government what information it holds on (a) how many and (b) what proportion of public buildings contain asbestos, broken down by sector.
S6W-17716 R
To ask the Scottish Government whether Home Energy Scotland grants and loans provide funding for removal of asbestos during retrofit.
Current status: Answers expected on 19 May 2023

Monica Lennon, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 09/05/2023
S6W-15691
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will commit to amending the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 to grant communities equal rights of appeals, in light of the Aarhus Convention Compliance Committee (ACCC) recently accepting the admissibility of a complaint by the Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland, Planning Democracy, RSPB and Friends of the Earth Scotland, reportedly stating that there is a lack of equal rights of appeal in the planning system, which is unfair and in breach of the convention.
Current status: Answer expected on 23 May 2023

Jamie Greene, West Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 12/05/2023
S6W-17942
To ask the Scottish Government how many of its buildings do not have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of at least band C, and whether it will list them.
Current status: Answer expected on 30 May 2023

Monica Lennon, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 12/05/2023
S6W-17952
To ask the Scottish Government when it anticipates the three legislative stages of its proposed Circular Economy Bill will conclude.
Current status: Answer expected on 30 May 2023

Stephen Kerr, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 12/05/2023
S6W-17955
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-16779 by Patrick Harvie on 27 April 2023, how funding to pay for household measures will be (a) coordinated and (b) delivered, and, specifically, what it anticipates will be the role of local authorities in this.
S6W-17957
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-16779 by Patrick Harvie on 27 April 2023, whether there will be a national public communications programme to ensure that the general public understand the proposed upcoming changes to Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) requirements, and what role Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES) delivery plans will play in any such programme.
S6W-17958
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-16779 by Patrick Harvie on 27 April 2023, who will be responsible for managing the coordination of suppliers at local level, to ensure that they have the skills and quality marks required, in time for the roll-out of delivery plans, and what it anticipates will be the role of local authorities in this.
S6W-17959
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-16779 by Patrick Harvie on 27 April 2023, where there are any specific anticipated functions for local authorities to deliver elements of the Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES) delivery plans, such as communication, coordination, monitoring and complaints, what funding will be made available for the fulfilment of any such functions that is commensurate with the cost.
S6W-17960
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-16779 by Patrick Harvie on 27 April 2023, how additional demands on other local authority services, such as planning and building control, will be resourced, particularly in light of the reported national shortage of planners.
Current status: Answers expected on 30 May 2023

 

EVENTS

Under One Roof Scotland – Maintenance and retrofit for tenement owners with Perth & Kinross Council
Date & Time: Monday 22 May 2023; 3-5pm
Location: Civic House, 2 High Street, Perth, PH1 5PH
Come along to a free and informative event hosted by Under One Roof and Perth & Kinross Council, aimed at owner-occupiers and landlords who want to learn more about maintaining and managing their tenement flats. Topics covered will include: the basics of tenement maintenance; knowing your neighbours and how to find them; the issues with patch repairs; the importance of building insurance and tips for self-factoring your building. There will be discussion on energy efficiency and retrofit, as well as changes to government regulations affecting owner-occupiers and landlords.

RTPI Scotland – Sir Patrick Geddes Commemorative Lecture 2023
Date & Time: Thursday 25 May 2023; 12:30-1:30pm
Location: Big Marker Webinar (details on sign up)
This year’s lecture ‘The social and ecological transition, and the critical role of our homes, streets, and neighbourhoods’ will be delivered by: Imandeep Kaur, Founder and Director of Civic Square. Immy’s career has focused on building community, the role of citizens in radical systemic change, and how we create more democratic, open source social and civic infrastructure.

SURF – Taking creative approaches to regenerate communities: SURF Awards Shared Learning Workshop
Date & Time: Thursday 25 May 2023; 10am-1pm
Location: Kinning Park Complex, Glasgow
This free SURF Awards workshop event provides an opportunity to explore successful approaches towards linking creative arts and culture into regeneration initiatives. The winning and highly commended projects from the ‘Creative Regeneration’ category highlighted in the 2022 SURF Awards process will provide commentary on their experiences and transferable learning.

Society of Antiquaries of Scotland – Archaeological Research in Progress Conference 2023
Date & Time: Saturday 27 May 2023; 9am–5:30pm
Location: Hybrid format (in-person at Augustine United Church and livestreamed via Zoom)
For this year’s ARP conference, the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland and Archaeology Scotland are proud to present 12 talks covering exciting new research and best practice in archaeology from across Scotland. With special thanks to sponsor of the event: Forestry and Land Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland, GUARD Archaeology Ltd, Association of Local Government Archaeology Officers, and the Federation of Archaeological Managers and Employers.

Architecture and Design Scotland – Place Forum: towards zero carbon places – making it happen
Date & Time: Wednesday 7 June 2023; 11am-1pm
Location: Online via Teams
The second Place Forum focuses on the role of retrofit and zero-carbon buildings in creating carbon conscious places in Scotland. This event brings together a variety of speakers from across the country to share their experiences of delivering projects related to retrofit and zero-carbon buildings in Scotland and examples of collaborative approaches to carbon conscious places.

SPAB – Scotland Finzean Watermills Working Party
Date & Time: Wednesday 7–Sunday 11 June 2023
Location: Finzean Watermill, Banchory AB31 6PP
The 2023 SPAB Scotland Working Party will once more be in Finzean, Aberdeenshire, and will have a carpentry theme this year; with thanks to Historic Environment Scotland for the funds to support this work. Work will be done for three full days (8, 9, 10 June) before the site closes on Sunday 11 June. There will be a celebration ceilidh on the final Saturday evening – an event not to be missed!
To book and for more information.

RTPI Central Scotland – Tour of Stirling Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme
Date & Time: Thursday 8 June 2023; 6-8pm
Location: The Burgh Coffeehouse, 4 King St, Stirling FK8 1AY
The Stirling Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme is a £3.1 million project funded by Historic Environment Scotland and Stirling Council. This guided tour, led by Alex Collins – Project Officer, will visit the two main project sites – Stirling Arcade, Kings Street/Murray Place and Cowanes House, St.Mary’s Wynd. The tour will also provide information and opportunities for discussion on a range of issues, including logistics for making a CARS bid, project assessment and funding distribution criteria, consenting processes and project implementation issues.

IHBC Annual School 2023: Swansea – Climate Change and the Historic Environment – Resilience and Performance
Date & Time: Wednesday 21 – Saturday 24 June 2023
Location: Swansea and Online
Heritage insights for everyone with a range of different school formats to appeal to anyone with an interest in heritage, culture and conservation. The school offers an opportunity to understand and interrogate new approaches to coping with climate change challenges, including: complying with standards, energy management, retrofit, fuel poverty and traditional buildings, meeting energy targets and protecting buildings. Book your place now!

Icon Scotland – Burrell Collection Conservation Tour
Date & Time: Thursday 22 June 2023; 10:45am-1pm
Location: Burrell Collection, Pollok Country Park, 2060 Pollokshaws Rd, Glasgow G43 1AT
Glasgow’s Burrell Collection recently reopened after a major refurbishment, which opened up more gallery space, allowing access to objects which have not been seen for decades or have never been on permanent display. The conservators at Glasgow Life are partnering with the Icon Scotland group to offer a tour with a conservation focus.

 

TRAINING

Culture & Business Scotland – Business Briefing: Employment Law & HR Update
Date & Time: Tuesday 23 May 2023; 12-1pm
Location: Online via Zoom
Barry Nichol, Director and a specialist in employment law at Anderson Strathern, will provide an essential employment law and HR update in this one-hour webinar, addressing important topics such as flexible and atypical working, family-friendly rights and the Fair Work Framework.

SPAB – Repair of Old Buildings Course (RC1 23)
Date & Time: Monday 22 – Friday 26 May 2023
Location: Museum of the Home, Kingsland Road, London E2 8EA
This popular short course has been presented by the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings since the 1950s. Run over five days, this course delivers an intensive programme of lectures and visits to building repair projects. Presented by leading building conservation professionals, the Repair Course considers British and international approaches to the conservation of old buildings.

Scotland’s Churches Trust – Scotland’s Closing Churches Recording Project – Training Session
Date & Time: Saturday 3 June 2023; 1-3pm
Location: Cramond Kirk, Cramond Glebe Road, Cramond EH4 6NS
Around 400 churches are expected to close by 2025 and in response, Scotland’s Churches Trust has developed, with support from Historic Environment Scotland, a quick and simple church recording methodology for volunteers to record the moveable contents of these closing public buildings before they are sold and their contents scattered. Join SCT at Cramond Kirk for a practical demonstration of the methodology and to find out how you can help with the project.

 

VACANCIES

Loco Home Retrofit – Retrofit Planner
Salary: starting at £25,000 p.a.
Status: Full-time; 37.5 hours
Location: Glasgow
Join one of Scotland’s newest and most innovative third sector organisations addressing the climate crisis. Loco Home Retrofit are looking for a buildings professional to deliver a retrofit planning service. The role involves surveying condition, heritage, fabric efficiency and heating systems, whilst employing software and professional judgement to produce recommendations and, through discussion with the households, arriving at an outline improvement plan.
To apply and for more information.

The National Trust for Scotland – Heritage Compliance Officer
Salary: £34,376-£38,027 (subject to experience)
Status: Full-time (flexible working possible)
Location: Hybrid working, available for meetings in Edinburgh
The National Trust for Scotland is looking to recruit a heritage compliance officer to help identify and manage the conservation and operations risks. This is a unique opportunity to work across all aspects of a major heritage organisation, liaising with colleagues in all disciplines.
All enquiries and applications should be addressed to: Diarmid Hearns, Head of Public Policy, Risk and Environment

BACK

BEFS NEWS

Historic Environment Scotland published its Annual Operating Plan 2023-24 setting out priorities for the coming year to support economic recovery, tackle ongoing challenges brought by COVID-19 and climate change, and to deliver real public benefit. The focus for the 2023-25 period will include Wellbeing; Inequality and access; Managing Heritage Assets (including High-Level Masonry, Properties In Care Strategy); A stronger, fairer, greener economy; Sector recovery and Net Zero.

The Scotland + Venice Partnership is gearing up for the 18th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia 2023 in Venice, Italy. The A Fragile Correspondence exhibition investigates how a closer relationship between land and language can help architecture be more attuned to the environment in which it operates. The exhibition explores alternative perspectives and new approaches to the challenges of the worldwide climate emergency as well as highlighting cultures and languages that have a close affinity with the landscapes of Scotland. This short film reflects on the exhibition’s themes, introducing the contributing cultural heritages and locations across Scotland.

Scotland’s Churches Trust welcomed the news from the Church of Scotland General Trustees that they are introducing a new internal category of “Historic Signature Churches” into their portfolio, which might see some further safeguarding of notable churches that would otherwise have likely been subject to disposal.

BEFS welcomes the appointment of six new Honorary Fellows to the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS); honoured in recognition of their significant contribution to Scotland’s cultural, academic, business or political life. The new RIAS Honorary Fellows are: Sue Evans MBE FLI, Dr Will Maclean MBE RSA RSE, Sir Geoff Palmer, Dame Seona Reid FRSE, Steve Evans & Gail Evans.

The long awaited Scottish Household Survey (SHS) 2021 has been published.
The key findings report, and accompanying data tables cover a range of topics: housing, neighbourhoods and communities, environment, volunteering, culture and heritage; noting the trust placed in applicable institutions. Highlights of the findings have been released with the caveat that whilst the 2020 and 2021 survey results are not comparable to 2019 or earlier, the 2021 survey will be broadly comparable to 2020.

The Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee (LGHP) has been convened to consider evidence on Damp and Mould in Social and Private Rented Housing. Evidence already provided by the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations and Shelter Scotland highlights the extent of the issues caused by damp and mould, stressing the need for legislation on a new common housing standard to be prioritised.

And finally, Vernacular architecture and buildings have always employed traditional construction techniques and craft skills, using local, natural materials. Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is looking to recruit a Vernacular Building Craft Fellow to learn and use traditional building construction by sourcing natural materials and building using traditional construction methods, working with The Scottish Crannog Centre team to support the building of a new Crannog and ‘Iron Age Village’.

 

NEWS RELEASES

European Heritage Hub and European Data Space for Heritage discussed at Alliance 2023 Spring meeting in Brussels (Europa Nostra 21/03/2023)

£3.5 million boost for Scotland’s historic environment (HES 24/04/2023)
National Trust for Scotland, Keep Scotland Beautiful and the Scottish Civic Trust amongst those receiving funding from Historic Environment Scotland

Visitor numbers to Cadw sites on track to full recovery post-Covid (Welsh Gov 24/04/2023)

Society Grants Add Colour to Scotland’s Past (Society of Antiquaries of Scotland 25/04/2023)

Enriching Scotland’s architecture scene: RIAS names six new Honorary Fellows (RIAS 26/04/2023)

Future of Scotland’s first National Park up for discussion as consultation gets underway (Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park 26/04/2023)

Climate action hubs: apply to set one up (Scot Gov 26/04/2023)
A national network of climate action hubs is being set up to support communities to take forward climate action in their areas.

Now open: areas of Caernarfon Castle that have not been accessed for centuries, thanks to £5 million investment (Welsh Gov 26/04/2023)

Funding Success for Society Projects! (Society of Antiquaries of Scotland 27/04/2023)

 

OPINION & COMMENT

How cartographers of the early Ordnance Survey mapped the length and breadth of Britain, capturing elements of the cultural heritage (The Economist 06/04/2023)

UK insulation scheme would take 300 years to meet government targets, say critics (The Guardian 09/04/2023)

Museums and Chill – How Architecture Shapes The Museum Experience – podcast (ICOM 14/04/2023)

Scotland’s move toward a Passivhaus standard (E&T 14/04/2023)

A Fragile Correspondence – Scotland + Venice (A&DS 14/04/2023)

Retrofit mustn’t ignore the tragic health impacts of damp and mould (Architects’ Journal 19/04/2023)

Future of heritage sector comes under the spotlight in Inverness (The Press & Journal 20/04/2023)

Heat Pumps in the UK – State of the Conversation (CaCHE 21/04/2023)

Spotlight on traditional building skills (DnG24 21/04/2023)

Climate crisis poses risk to Scotland’s World Heritage site (The Herald 23/04/2023)

Designing for people’s lives (A&DS 25/04/2023)

Charles Rennie Mackintosh heritage leader’s concern over buildings (Glasgow Times 28/04/2023)

Bid to force purchase of empty properties for Scotland’s homeless (The Herald 02/05/2023)

Black’s Blog: A new minister… a new beginning? (Scottish Housing News 03/05/2023)

 

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

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

Debate on VAT: Building Repairs and Maintenance (Retro-fitting)
UK Parliament – Lords Chamber
Date: 19 April 2023

Monica Lennon, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 05/04/2023
S6W-15640
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will consider introducing an equal right of appeal in the planning system.
Current status: Answered by Joe FitzPatrick on 20 April 2023

Stephen Kerr, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 05/04/2023
S6W-16777
To ask the Scottish Government what specific steps it is taking to address the reported long-term decline in the number of local authority-employed planners, in light of such planners having a significant role in delivering the ambitions of the new National Planning Framework.
S6W-16778
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will introduce planning apprenticeships, and, if so, when.
Current status: Answered by Joe FitzPatrick on 20 April 2023

Donald Cameron, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 06/04/2023
S6W-16871
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to the question S6W-12216 by Neil Gray on 24 November 2022, whether the National Partnership for Culture will continue to exist, following its meeting on 14 December 2022, and, if so, when it will next meet.
S6W-16874
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its work to “carry out cross-portfolio engagement to scope where culture may be able to link into the Place Standard tool”, as outlined in its response to the National Partnership for Culture recommendations.
Current Status: Answered by Angus Robertson on 20 April 2023

Evelyn Tweed, Stirling, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 20/04/2023
S6W-17459
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on when an updated version of the revised Planning with People: Community engagement and participation guidance will be published.
Current status: Initiated by the Scottish Government. Answered by Michael Matheson on 21 April 2023

Liam McArthur, Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: 06/04/2023
S6W-16889
To ask the Scottish Government what additional support will be made available to support the construction of social housing when the Scottish equivalent to the Passivhaus standard is introduced.
Current Status: Answered by Paul McLennan on 24 April 2023

Donald Cameron, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 06/04/2023
S6W-16870 R
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-09920 by Mairi Gougeon on 18 August 2022, whether it will provide an update on how much funding (a) it allocated to and (b) was distributed to successful grant applicants from the Croft House Grant scheme in 2022-23.
Current Status: Answered by Mairi Gougeon on 25 April 2023

Sarah Boyack, Lothian, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 17/04/2023
S6W-17083
To ask the Scottish Government what progress it is making in providing the powers to local authorities to introduce a Transient Visitor Levy.
Current status: Answered by Tom Arthur on 25 April 2023

Donald Cameron, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 18/04/2023
S6W-17137
To ask the Scottish Government when it expects (a) Kisimul Castle, (b) the Bonawe Historic Iron Furnace and (c) Kilchurn Castle to reopen to the public.
Current status: Answered by Christina McKelvie on 25 April 2023

Sue Webber, Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 19/04/2023
S6O-02138
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the Historic Environment Scotland sites that remain closed.
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on 26 April 2023

Miles Briggs, Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 18/04/2023
S6W-17028
To ask the Scottish Government what its most recent assessment is of the allocation of resources to Community Planning Partnerships in each local authority area.
Current status: Answered by Joe FitzPatrick on 26 April 2023

Sarah Boyack, Lothian, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 19/04/2023
S6W-17261
To ask the Scottish Government whether the consequences of climate change were factored into the fourth National Planning Framework (NPF4).
Current status: Answered by Joe FitzPatrick on 26 April 2023

Stephen Kerr, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 05/04/2023
S6W-16779
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will clarify what role local authorities will play in an area-based approach to heat decarbonisation, and what additional support it will offer to local authorities for the preparation and delivery of their Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategies.
S6W-16781
To ask the Scottish Government when it will communicate to the public its ambition for homes to aim to achieve an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of at least C from 2025.
Current status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 27 April 2023

Foysol Choudhury, Lothian, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 06/04/2023
S6W-16420
To ask the Scottish Government what action it has taken to ensure that only accredited contractors carry out masonry repairs.
Current status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 27 April 2023

Alex Cole-Hamilton, Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: 12/04/2023
S6W-16994
To ask the Scottish Government when property valuation will next be reviewed for the setting of (a) domestic and (b) non-domestic rates.
Current status: Answered by Tom Arthur on 27 April 2023

Stephen Kerr, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 05/04/2023
S6W-16773
To ask the Scottish Government when it will provide a comprehensive roadmap for the delivery of net zero in key areas, as set out in the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee report, The role of local government and its cross-sectoral partners in financing and delivering a net-zero Scotland.
S6W-16774
To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to establish a local government-facing climate intelligence unit to provide specialist help to local authorities in areas where there may be a lack of in-depth specialist knowledge, and, if so, when such a unit will be established.
S6W-16775
To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to ensure that there are larger, fewer and more flexible challenge fund streams for net zero-related projects at a local level that are better configured to support a holistic and place-based response to climate change.
Current status: Answered by Mairi McAllan on 28 April 2023

Sarah Boyack, Lothian, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 17/04/2023
S6W-17075
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-13155 by Patrick Harvie on 10 January 2023, whether it will bring forward its proposed Housing Bill prior to the summer parliamentary recess.
Current status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 28 April 2023

Sarah Boyack, Lothian, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 19/04/2023
S6W-17276
To ask the Scottish Government what progress it is making on preparing detailed sectoral transition plans.
Current status: Answered by Mairi McAllan on 28 April 2023

Foysol Choudhury, Lothian, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 06/04/2023
S6W-16419
To ask the Scottish Government what action it can take to mitigate the dangers of falling masonry, in light of recent occurrences of high winds.
Current status: Answered by Paul McLennan on 2 May 2023

Miles Briggs, Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 13/04/2023
S6W-17023
To ask the Scottish Government, regarding the Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme, what plans it has to review the definition of “long-term vacant”, which is currently 15 years for derelict properties and land.
Current status: Answered by Joe FitzPatrick on 2 May 2023

Jamie Greene, West Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 18/04/2023
S6W-17154
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on how many homes have been returned to use with support from the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership since 2022, and whether it can provide a breakdown of the information by local authority area.
Current status: Answered by Paul McLennan on 2 May 2023

Paul Sweeney, Glasgow, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 18/04/2023
S6W-17168
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to reports that the Scottish Training Federation has warned that thousands of young people across Scotland have been “left in limbo” as no new modern apprenticeships will be available “for the foreseeable future”, as a result of delays in Scottish Government funding to Skills Development Scotland, which is reportedly resulting in employers putting their recruitment plans on hold, and training providers looking at laying off staff due to the shortage of work.
Current status: Answered by Graeme Dey on 2 May 2023

Sarah Boyack, Lothian, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 19/04/2023
S6W-17256
To ask the Scottish Government what action it has taken to identify the skills needed in the construction sector to reach net zero targets on a geographical basis.
S6W-17260
To ask the Scottish Government what progress it is making on identifying the skills required in sectors of the economy that are key to achieving net zero.
Current status: Answered by Lorna Slater on 2 May 2023

Sharon Dowey, South Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
S6M-07369
Date lodged: 06/01/2023
Impact of long-term, historical closures of sites managed by Historic Environment Scotland
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on 3 May 2023

Stephen Kerr, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 05/04/2023
S6W-16780
To ask the Scottish Government how the new National Public Energy Agency will work with local government on area-based delivery.
Current status: Answer expected on 4 May 2023

Liam McArthur, Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: 06/04/2023
S6W-16888
To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to enhance the financial support available to (a) individual developers and (b) community groups for Rural and Islands Housing Fund projects, in the event that the introduction of a Scottish equivalent to the Passivhaus standard adds additional costs to construction in rural and island areas.
Current status: Answer expected on 5 May 2023

Meghan Gallacher, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 12/04/2023
S6W-16397
To ask the Scottish Government what the impact on training providers has been of the reported apprenticeship freeze in early 2023.
S6W-16400
To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to implement the 14 recommendations from the report, Impact of Scotland’s Developing Young Workforce Strategy on Employer Engagement, and, if so, whether it will provide a timescale for the implementation
Current status: Answers expected on 12 May 2023

Donald Cameron, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 14/04/2023
S6W-17035
To ask the Scottish Government on what date it anticipates publishing its response to the results of the Scottish Highly Protected Marine Areas public consultation, after it closes on 17 April 2023.
Current status: Answer expected on 16 May 2023

Sarah Boyack, Lothian, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 19/04/2023
S6W-17254
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of any green skills gap in each local authority area.
S6W-17255
To ask the Scottish Government what action it has taken to identify the skills needed in the energy sector to reach net zero targets on a geographical basis.
S6W-17268
To ask the Scottish Government what progress it is making on its aim for at least 124,000 homes to have low-carbon heating systems installed by 2026.
S6W-17269
To ask the Scottish Government, as of 13 April 2023, how many homes have low-carbon heating systems installed.
S6W-17277
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the recent ministerial appointments, what the membership is of the Cabinet Sub-Committee on the Climate Emergency.
Current status: Answers expected on 4 May 2023

Kenneth Gibson, MSP for Cunninghame North, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 20/04/2023
S6W-17301
To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to bring derelict and empty homes in rural and island communities back into habitable use.
Current status: Answer expected on 5 May 2023

Liam Kerr, North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 27/04/2023
S6W-17174
To ask the Scottish Government what the average award per property has been for funding awarded from the Social Housing Net Zero Heat Fund, since the fund was established.
Current status: Answer expected on 15 May 2023

Mark Griffin, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 27/04/2023
S6W-16522
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of its response to Freedom of Information request FOI/ 202200321870, what its response was to the recommendation contained in the Gateway Review documents that a “portfolio approach” to cladding remediation is required.
Current status: Answer expected on 15 May 2023

Monica Lennon, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 28/04/2023
S6W-17467
To ask the Scottish Government whether it is planning any future engagement with churches regarding the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016 (Register of Persons Holding a Controlled Interest in Land) Regulations 2021.
S6W-17468
To ask the Scottish Government what engagement it has had with churches, regarding the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016 (Register of Persons Holding a Controlled Interest in Land) Regulations 2021, since 1 January 2023.
Current status: Answer expected on 16 May 2023

Jamie Greene, West Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 02/05/2023
S6W-17601
To ask the Scottish Government what proportion of Historic Environment Scotland sites are not equipped with CCTV, and whether it will provide a list of any such sites.
Current status: Answer expected on 17 May 2023

 

EVENTS

For further listings, please see our events calendar.

Glasgow City Heritage Trust – The Knight Map of Glasgow: Tracing the Transformation
Date & Time: Saturday 6 – Sunday 14 May 2023; 11am-5pm daily
Location: New Glasgow Society, 1307 Argyle Street, Glasgow G3 8TL
This exhibition will showcase GCHT’s new map by artist Will Knight, alongside the 1864 Sulman map of the city. Viewers will be able to explore how the city has changed in the last 150 years and ponder what will happen in the future, as well as have the opportunity to see the incredible detail of the map whilst learning about how it was created.

Historic Environment Scotland – Equalities Sessions: Apprenticeships in Scotland
Date & Time: Wednesday 10 May 2023; 12-1pm
Location: Online via Zoom
Join HES and Skills Development Scotland to learn about the Apprenticeship family in Scotland, highlighting the differences in the apprenticeships on offer, the benefits of each and how they are funded. This session will cover Modern and Graduate Apprenticeships, the benefits to the company and school pupils of a Foundation Apprenticeship, steps to be taken to look at introducing an apprentice to the business or using the apprenticeship schemes to upskill existing staff.

RSA Fellows’ MCICH Network: Built and Landscape Heritage – Terminology and Public Engagement
Date & Time: Thursday 11 May 2023; 6-7:30pm
Location: Online via Zoom
RSA Fellows and guests of any discipline or location across the public, private and third sectors, are invited to register for this event, one in a series of online discussions within the overall theme of “Heritage: Challenges, Opportunities and Solutions”, the subject of a future conference. Discussion will begin with brief perspectives from panel members followed by Q&A with the audience.

Society of Antiquaries of Scotland – “Reapproaching Celts”
Date & Time: Thursday 11 May 2023; 6-7pm
Location: Hybrid format (in-person at Augustine United Church and livestreamed via Zoom)
Presented by Dr Rachel Pope FSAScot. The lecture will discuss newly published work by the author that provides an enhanced framework for our understanding of the European Iron Age on the Continent, via the development of new contextual method that works to combine archaeology (primarily status burial data) with Classical textual references, whilst also focusing on the distinctly regional nature of Iron Age social organisation.

Under One Roof Scotland – Maintenance and retrofit for tenement owners with West Lothian Council
Date & Time: Monday 15 May 2023; 12-2pm
Location: Howden Park Centre, Howden, Livingston EH54 6AE
Come along to a free and informative event hosted by Under One Roof and West Lothian Council, aimed at owner-occupiers and landlords who want to learn more about maintaining and managing their tenement flats. Topics covered will include: the basics of tenement maintenance; knowing your neighbours and how to find them; the issues with patch repairs; the importance of building insurance and tips for self-factoring your building. Additionally, there will be discussion on energy efficiency and retrofit, as well as changes to government regulations affecting owner-occupiers and landlords.

SURF – Exploring place-based regeneration initiatives: SURF Awards Shared Learning Workshop
Date & Time: Thursday 18 May 2023; 10am-1pm
Location: Clyde Community Hall, 41 Whitefield Road, Govan, G51 2YB
An opportunity to explore successful current approaches towards regenerating Scotland’s places with two winning projects from the ‘Improving Scotland’s Places’ category winner Living Alloa and ‘Community Led Regeneration’ category winner Bressay Development Ltd – Speldiburn highlighted in the 2022 SURF Awards process.

Under One Roof Scotland – Maintenance and retrofit for tenement owners with Perth & Kinross Council
Date & Time: Monday 22 May 2023; 3-5pm
Location: Civic House, 2 High Street, Perth, PH1 5PH
Come along to a free and informative event hosted by Under One Roof and Perth & Kinross Council, aimed at owner-occupiers and landlords who want to learn more about maintaining and managing their tenement flats. Topics covered will include: the basics of tenement maintenance; knowing your neighbours and how to find them; the issues with patch repairs; the importance of building insurance and tips for self-factoring your building. There will be discussion on energy efficiency and retrofit, as well as changes to government regulations affecting owner-occupiers and landlords.

RTPI – South East Scotland Chapter Annual Pub Quiz
Date & Time: Wednesday 24 May 2023; 6-10pm
Location: Frankenstein’s Bier Kellar, 26 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EN
The RTPI Annual Pub Quiz is back and the prestigious SES Chapter Pub Quiz Champions Trophy is up for grabs once more! Teams will be up to six people, and people without a team can be matched up. Thanks to Geddes Consulting for sponsoring the event with a bar tab and food. Book now!

SURF – Taking creative approaches to regenerate communities: SURF Awards Shared Learning Workshop
Date & Time: Thursday 25 May 2023; 10am-1pm
Location: Kinning Park Complex, Glasgow
This free SURF Awards workshop event provides an opportunity to explore successful approaches towards linking creative arts and culture into regeneration initiatives. The winning and highly commended projects from the ‘Creative Regeneration’ category highlighted in the 2022 SURF Awards process will provide commentary on their experiences and transferable learning.

Society of Antiquaries of Scotland – Archaeological Research in Progress Conference 2023
Date & Time: Saturday 27 May 2023; 9am–5:30pm
Location: Hybrid format (in-person at Augustine United Church and livestreamed via Zoom)
For this year’s ARP conference, the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland and Archaeology Scotland are proud to present 12 talks covering exciting new research and best practice in archaeology from across Scotland. With special thanks to sponsor of the event: Forestry and Land Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland, GUARD Archaeology Ltd, Association of Local Government Archaeology Officers, and the Federation of Archaeological Managers and Employers.

SPAB – Scotland Finzean Watermills Working Party
Date & Time: Wednesday 7–Sunday 11 June 2023
Location: Finzean Watermill, Banchory AB31 6PP
The 2023 SPAB Scotland Working Party will once more be in Finzean, Aberdeenshire, and will have a carpentry theme this year; with thanks to Historic Environment Scotland for the funds to support this work. Work will be done for three full days (8, 9, 10 June) before the site closes on Sunday 11 June. There will be a celebration ceilidh on the final Saturday evening – an event not to be missed!
To book and for more information.

IHBC Annual School 2023: Swansea – Climate Change and the Historic Environment – Resilience and Performance
Date & Time: Wednesday 21 – Saturday 24 June 2023
Location: Swansea and Online
Heritage insights for everyone with a range of different school formats to appeal to anyone with an interest in heritage, culture and conservation. The school offers an opportunity to understand and interrogate new approaches to coping with climate change challenges, including: complying with standards, energy management, retrofit, fuel poverty and traditional buildings, meeting energy targets and protecting buildings. Book your place now!

 

TRAINING

Birse Community Trust – Two-day Lime Pointing Course
Date & Time: Thursday 18 & Friday 19 May 2023; 9am-4pm
Location: Finzean Old School (Aberdeenshire)
This two-day lime mortar workshop, aimed at beginners, will provide you with the practical skills and confidence to carry out your own mortar repointing works as part of repairs or more extensive renovation projects to traditional masonry structures and buildings. Led by tutor Andy Newcombe, a time served stone mason with 20 years’ experience working with and repairing traditional buildings.
Cost: £60 for the two days for BCT members / £80 for non-members Booking essential via BCT Office.

Birse Community Trust – Lime Pointing Taster Day
Date & Time: Saturday 20 May 2023; over two sessions – either 9am-12pm or 1pm-4pm
Location: Finzean Old School (Aberdeenshire)
This course, aimed at beginners, will provide a taste of the practical skills required to carry out your own repointing works as part of repairs or more extensive renovation projects to traditional masonry buildings. The session will be led by tutor Andy Newcombe, a time served stone mason with 20 years’ experience working with and repairing traditional buildings. Cost: Free
Booking essential via BCT Office.

Culture & Business Scotland – Business Briefing: Employment Law & HR Update
Date & Time: Tuesday 23 May 2023; 12-1pm
Location: Online via Zoom
Barry Nichol, Director and a specialist in employment law at Anderson Strathern, will provide an essential employment law and HR update in this one-hour webinar, addressing important topics such as flexible and atypical working, family-friendly rights and the Fair Work Framework.

SPAB – Repair of Old Buildings Course (RC1 23)
Date & Time: Monday 22 – Friday 26 May 2023
Location: Museum of the Home, Kingsland Road, London E2 8EA
This popular short course has been presented by the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings since the 1950s. Run over five days, this course delivers an intensive programme of lectures and visits to building repair projects. Presented by leading building conservation professionals, the Repair Course considers British and international approaches to the conservation of old buildings.

 

VACANCIES

Edinburgh World Heritage – Donor Engagement Manager
Salary: £29,840-£31,900 p.a.
Status: Part-time (0.5/0.6 FTE); permanent
Location: Edinburgh
Edinburgh World Heritage are seeking a Donor Engagement Manager to play a vital part in organisational core resilience, through ownership of international and corporate income targets, developing on a good early foundation in these engaging and impactful areas of work. This is a fantastic opportunity to work with a dynamic and energetic team striving to support a more entrepreneurial approach to securing a future as custodians of, and ambassadors for, Edinburgh’s outstanding world heritage. Further information on applications can be found here.
Closing date: 9am, Monday 8 May 2023

Historic Environment Scotland – Vernacular Building Craft Fellow
Salary: £21,052-£21,872 p.a.
Status: Full-time; 37 hours per week
Location: Perthshire, Kinross and Angus
This post will be part of a wider programme of Craft Fellowships across Scotland.
Vernacular buildings reflect local building traditions, they are created using local, natural materials, using traditional construction techniques and craft skills. Craft Fellows have the opportunity to gain practical experience, learn from experts in their chosen field or craft, increase knowledge of the wider conservation sector, expand their professional network and have access to a wide range of learning resources and opportunities from the Engine Shed, Scotland’s dedicated Conservation Resource Centre. This role involves working with The Scottish Crannog Centre team, to support the building of the new ‘Iron Age Village’ and Crannog at The Scottish Crannog Centre’s new site at Dalerb, and gain experience in traditional building construction by sourcing natural materials and building using traditional construction methods. The role will also provide the opportunity to learn about green wood working, thatching, and stone and turf wall building.
Further information and applications.
Closing date: Midday, Tuesday 9 May 2023

Heritage Trust Network – Heritage Trainee (Graduate)
Salary: Pro rata – £20,000 p.a.
Status: Full-time (37 hrs per week)
Location: Working from home or from an agreed shared workspace anywhere in the UK.
Heritage Trust Network is recruiting for a new post of Heritage Trainee (Graduate) for a fixed term of 6 months. This exciting post has been designed to help the successful graduate develop on-the-job skills, knowledge and networks to help them gain early-career access to the heritage sector. The post is perfect for someone who has recently graduated and has an interest in heritage and the regeneration of communities through the use of historic buildings, structures and spaces. Training and equipment will be provided. Job description and recruitment pack.
Closing date: Monday 15 May 2023

National Churches Trust – Church Support Project Manager
Salary: £37,000 p.a.
Status: Full-time; 3 years fixed-term
Location: Home or office-based
Are you an experienced Project Manager who wants to help keep churches well maintained, valued and in use? You could make a massive difference to the UK’s churches, chapels and meeting houses by joining the National Churches Trust team. The NCT are seeking a Church Support Project Manager to oversee delivery of a new National Lottery Heritage Funded Cherish project. Reporting to the Head of Church Engagement, the post holder will work full-time on a three-year fixed-term contract overseeing the project in Scotland, Wales and North-West England. There is the option of working at home or in the London office, but some travel will be required.
Information pack to apply.
Closing date: 10am, Friday 19 May 2023

The Cockburn Association – Chair
The Cockburn Association is seeking to recruit a new Chair to replace Professor Cliff Hague OBE, who retires from the position in May 2023 following 6 years of excellent service. In 2025, the Cockburn will celebrate its 150^th anniversary. The new Chair will help frame the celebrations of this significant landmark event, which will include a major civic reception and publication. A key objective of the Chair is to drive the development of the Cockburn ‘brand’, increasing the support base and reaching out to stakeholders across the city, existing and new.  The Chair will be expected to bring their own network into the Association where possible and act as a figurehead to members and supporters.
Further information and a role description is available from the Director, Terry Levinthal: 0131-557-8686

The National Trust for Scotland – Heritage Compliance Officer
Salary: £34,376-£38,027 (subject to experience)
Status: Full-time (flexible working possible)
Location: Hybrid working, available for meetings in Edinburgh
The National Trust for Scotland is looking to recruit a heritage compliance officer to help identify and manage the conservation and operations risks. This is a unique opportunity to work across all aspects of a major heritage organisation, liaising with colleagues in all disciplines.
All enquiries and applications should be addressed to: Diarmid Hearns, Head of Public Policy, Risk and Environment

BACK

BEFS NEWS

This week the First Minister set out his priorities in a new policy document – outlining what the government plans to achieve by 2026. This set of aims is built around the values of equality, opportunity and community; and is broken down by portfolio. (See BEFS Blog on the new Scottish Government roles for further detail on the portfolios). BEFS Director has provided a brief overview of activity in the new policy document covering the main areas of interest for BEFS Members, Associates and Bulletin readers.

Just as the Scottish Parliament have been debating the draft Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan and the contribution it may make to Scotland’s next Climate Change plans, Audit Scotland has published its report on the arrangements of the Scottish Government to deliver climate change goals. Key messages of the report highlight that the Scottish Government has improved how, as an organisation, it supports the delivery of its climate change goals since declaring a climate emergency in 2019. However, the government needs to identify the key risks to meeting its climate change goals, and take effective action to address them. The report also has recommendations for improving climate change governance and risk management arrangements.

In related news: The Climate Vulnerability Index (CVI) assessments of World Heritage properties in Scotland was piloted in 2019 by assessing the Heart of Neolithic Orkney site. Since then, CVI has been applied to four of Scotland’s World Heritage sites, assessing a diversity of heritage – from the Neolithic to the 20th century. Historic Environment Scotland recently published an overview summary of the application of the CVI to Scottish properties and detailed CVI assessment reports for the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh as well as the Antonine Wall.

In order to mark the publication of the new reports and give an opportunity to look behind the scenes of the projects for the first time, Dr Rebecca Jones, Visiting Professor at Heriot-Watt University wrote a guest blog. In this she explains the reason for using CVI in Scotland, introduces the diversity of Scotland’s World Heritage, and describes the challenges unique to Scotland.

Looking to the future, the final selection of the seven places in the UK being considered for World Heritage Site status has been published. And you can also discover which European sites are under threat, as Europa Nostra released this year’s list of Europe’s 7 Most Endangered Heritage Sites.

When considering the sector more broadly: Responses from the UK Heritage Pulse survey on volunteering have been published, providing insights in to the current relationship between volunteering and the heritage sector. And, The Scottish Civic Trust trialled two My Place Marketplace heritage surgeries in March to gain insight into the biggest challenges for heritage organisations today. Further to their survey findings, they have compiled a directory of helpful resources for local heritage groups.

 

CONSULTATIONS

PAS 2035 Retrofitting dwellings for improved energy efficiency – Specification and guidance
British Standard Institute
Comments sought to inform the development of PAS 2035 on the requirements for retrofit of dwellings as part of a British Standard Institute (BSI) Standards Solutions projects.
Closes 26 April 2023

International Culture Strategy: Survey
Scottish Government
Views sought to inform the development of a strategy to support the international aspirations and potential of Scotland’s culture sector.
Closes 26 April 2023

Community Wealth Building
Scottish Government
Views are being sought on the internationally recognised Community Wealth Building (CWB) approach to economic development, as a key practical means for the Scottish Government to make progress towards realising the wellbeing economy vision outlined in the National Strategy for Economic Transformation (NSET).
Closes 9 May 2023

Draft Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan
Scottish Government
This consultation seeks views on the vision and the actions to transition to an affordable, resilient and clean energy system set out in the draft Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan as well as understanding how maximum social and economic benefits from the energy transition for Scotland can be secured.
Closes 9 May 2023

National Outcomes review 2023: Call for Evidence
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government want to hear from people and communities across Scotland about whether their National Outcomes continue to reflect the kind of Scotland we want to see. They would also like to hear about how the National Performance Framework could have a bigger impact.
Closes 5 June 2023

Council Tax for second and empty homes, and non-domestic rates thresholds
Scottish Government/COSLA
This joint public consultation with COSLA seeks views on giving local authorities the power to increase council tax on second homes and empty homes, as well as considering whether the current non-domestic rates thresholds for self-catering accommodation remain appropriate.
*NEW* Closes 11 July 2023

 

CONSULTATION RESPONSES

Delivering Scotland’s Circular Economy – route map to 2025 and beyond: consultation analysis (Scot Gov 18/04/2023)

 

PUBLICATIONS

Cost of NOT ZERO in 2022 (Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit January 2023)

 

SCOTTISH & UK GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS

Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme (VDLIP): application form (Scot Gov 06/04/2023)
Guidance and application form for applicants at stage 1.

Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022: equality impact assessment (Scot Gov 06/04/2023)

The UK Government announces the seven places it is backing to win UNESCO World Heritage Status (UK Gov 10/04/2023)

Building standards approved energy assessment software: guidance (Scot Gov 11/04/2023)

Scottish Connections Framework: setting out a cohesive and cross-cutting approach to diaspora engagement (Scot Gov 11/04/2023)

European Regional Development Fund: annual implementation report 2019 (Scot Gov 14/04/2023)

Just Transition Commission – letter to Cabinet Secretaries: 14 April 2023 (Scot Gov 17/04/2023)

Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee Report – Building Safety update session (Scot Parl 18/04/2023)

Equality, opportunity, community. New leadership – A fresh start for Scotland (Scot Gov 18/04/2023)

Bringing empty homes back into use: Approaches and interventions – an evidence scoping review (Scot Gov 18/04/2023)

National Planning Framework 4: integrated impact assessment post adoption statement (Scot Gov 18/04/2023)

A fair economy supporting Scotland’s people (Scot Gov 19/04/2023)

 

NEWS RELEASES

Driving long-term positive change through place-based funding (Heritage Fund 03/03/2023)

Call for evidence: buildings that have received colourless water-repellent treatments (SPAB 01/04/2023)

Industry Update: Domestic demand drives visitor attraction recovery (Scottish Tourism Alliance 07/04/2023)

Europe’s 7 Most Endangered Heritage Sites 2023 announced (Europa Nostra 13/04/2023)

FOI Request: Information released confirming Scottish Government overturned 4 in 10 planning appeals last year (The Ferret 17/04/2023)

International Day for Monuments and Sites 18 April 2023: Explore UNESCO World Heritage sites with Google Arts & Culture (UNESCO 18/04/2023)

 

OPINION & COMMENT

Scotland’s new permitted development rights will facilitate town centre regeneration (Colliers 30/03/2023)

NPF4 – the incompatibility conundrum (Lichfields 03/04/2023)

Christina McKelvie named as Scottish culture minister in reshuffle (Museum Association 04/04/2023)

Placemaking: how to make cities we feel we belong to? – YouTube webinar (Design to Connect 05/04/2023)

Loss and damage: How can culture and heritage loss be measured and addressed? (CarbonBrief 05/04/2023)

The UK’s Net Zero Strategy risks entrenching inequality (New Economics Foundation 06/04/2023)

Funding delay halts new Scottish apprenticeships (BBC News 08/04/2023)

Is the UK prepared to let its rural churches rot – or can they be saved? (The Observer 08/04/2021)

Scotland iron age settlement among seven UK sites given Unesco world heritage status backing (The Scotsman 10/04/2023)

Let’s Turn Buildings Inside-Out – Opening Up the Ground Floors of Buildings Can Move Us Towards an Architecture of Place (Social Life Project 12/04/2023)

Deadly Design: 5 cases for careful conservation (Heritage Open Days 13/04/2023)

Low heat pump uptake ‘an embarrassment’ (The Times 14/04/2023)

Historical site shutdowns ‘damage businesses, tourism and jobs’ (The Herald 17/04/2023)

 

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

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

Foysol Choudhury, Lothian, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 22/03/2023
S6W-16087
To ask the Scottish Government what routes it has made available for local residents to appeal planning application decisions made by its reporters, in cases where they cannot afford the legal fees and are not entitled to legal aid.
Current status: Answered by Joe FitzPatrick on 6 April 2023

Miles Briggs, Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 23/03/2023
S6W-16108
To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to develop and support a town planning apprenticeship scheme.
Current status: Answered by Joe FitzPatrick on 6 April 2023

Stephen Kerr, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 28/03/2023
S6W-16305
To ask the Scottish Government what meetings it has held with chairs of planning authorities regarding the implementation of the fourth National Planning Framework (NPF4).
Current status: Answered by Joe FitzPatrick on 6 April 2023

Stephen Kerr, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 28/03/2023
S6W-16307
To ask the Scottish Government what meetings it has held with Heads of Planning Scotland regarding the implementation of the fourth National Planning Framework (NPF4).
Current Status: Answered by Joe FitzPatrick on 6 April 2023

Liam McArthur, Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: 21/03/2023
S6W-16061
To ask the Scottish Government for what reason grant and loan support is not available through Home Energy Scotland for air-to-air heating systems.
Current status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 11 April 2023

Stephen Kerr, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 28/03/2023
S6W-16313
To ask the Scottish Government how it is supporting Historic Environment Scotland in its efforts to preserve historic buildings.
S6W-16314
To ask the Scottish Government how much funding it provided to (a) Historic Scotland and (b) Historic Environment Scotland in each year since 2007.
Current Status: Answered by Christina McKelvie on 11 April 2023
S6W-16312
To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it has provided to Historic Environment Scotland for the financial year 2023-24.
Current Status: Answered by Christina McKelvie on 12 April 2023

Mark Griffin, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour,
Date lodged: 20/03/2023
S6W-15861 R
To ask the Scottish Government whether any Unique Property Reference Numbers, that are used in the property registers held by Registers of Scotland or any other publicly available property registers for which it is responsible, match across all of the registers, and what information it has on whether these numbers match with any Unique Property Reference Numbers used in the Scottish Energy Performance Certificate Register.
S6W-16025
To ask the Scottish Government which (a) property registers held by Registers of Scotland and (b) other publicly available property registers for which it is responsible, use Unique Property Reference Numbers, and what information it has on whether the same of similar Unique Property Reference Numbers are used in the Scottish Energy Performance Certificate Register.
Current status: Answered by Tom Arthur on 13 April 2023

Jamie Halcro Johnston, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 29/03/2023
S6W-16455
To ask the Scottish Government what steps are being taken to work with local authorities to develop an interlinked strategy for tackling any problems facing Scotland’s town centres, in light of the recent Economy and Fair Work Committee’s Inquiry into Retail and Town Centres in Scotland.
Current status: Answered by Joe FitzPatrick on 14 April 2023

Alexander Burnett, Aberdeenshire West, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 28/03/2023
S6W-16322
To ask the Scottish Government whether the level of information required from third sector organisations for grant applications has increased compared with previous years, and, if so, what the reasons are for this, and what consideration it has given to the ability of these organisations to access funding.
Current status: Answered by Shirley-Anne Somerville on 18 April 2023

Monica Lennon, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 05/04/2023
S6W-15640
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will consider introducing an equal right of appeal in the planning system.
Current status: Answer expected on 4 May 2023

Stephen Kerr, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 05/04 2023
S6W-16773
To ask the Scottish Government when it will provide a comprehensive roadmap for the delivery of net zero in key areas, as set out in the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee report, The role of local government and its cross-sectoral partners in financing and delivering a net-zero Scotland.
S6W-16774
To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to establish a local government-facing climate intelligence unit to provide specialist help to local authorities in areas where there may be a lack of in-depth specialist knowledge, and, if so, when such a unit will be established.
S6W-16775
To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to ensure that there are larger, fewer and more flexible challenge fund streams for net zero-related projects at a local level that are better configured to support a holistic and place-based response to climate change.
S6W-16777
To ask the Scottish Government what specific steps it is taking to address the reported long-term decline in the number of local authority-employed planners, in light of such planners having a significant role in delivering the ambitions of the new National Planning Framework.
S6W-16778
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will introduce planning apprenticeships, and, if so, when.
S6W-16779
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will clarify what role local authorities will play in an area-based approach to heat decarbonisation, and what additional support it will offer to local authorities for the preparation and delivery of their Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategies.
S6W-16780
To ask the Scottish Government how the new National Public Energy Agency will work with local government on area-based delivery.
S6W-16781
To ask the Scottish Government when it will communicate to the public its ambition for homes to aim to achieve an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of at least C from 2025.
Current status: Answers expected on 4 May 2023

Foysol Choudhury, Lothian, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 06/04/2023
S6W-16419
To ask the Scottish Government what action it can take to mitigate the dangers of falling masonry, in light of recent occurrences of high winds.
S6W-16420
To ask the Scottish Government what action it has taken to ensure that only accredited contractors carry out masonry repairs.
Current status: Answers expected on 5 May 2023

Liam McArthur, Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: 06/04/2023
S6W-16888
To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to enhance the financial support available to (a) individual developers and (b) community groups for Rural and Islands Housing Fund projects, in the event that the introduction of a Scottish equivalent to the Passivhaus standard adds additional costs to construction in rural and island areas.
S6W-16889
To ask the Scottish Government what additional support will be made available to support the construction of social housing when the Scottish equivalent to the Passivhaus standard is introduced.
Current status: Answers expected on 5 May 2023

Donald Cameron, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 06/04/2023
S6W-16870 R
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-09920 by Mairi Gougeon on 18 August 2022, whether it will provide an update on how much funding (a) it allocated to and (b) was distributed to successful grant applicants from the Croft House Grant scheme in 2022-23.
S6W-16871
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to the question S6W-12216 by Neil Gray on 24 November 2022, whether the National Partnership for Culture will continue to exist, following its meeting on 14 December 2022, and, if so, when it will next meet.
S6W-16874
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its work to “carry out cross-portfolio engagement to scope where culture may be able to link into the Place Standard tool”, as outlined in its response to the National Partnership for Culture recommendations.
Current status: Answer expected on 5 May 2023

Alex Cole-Hamilton, Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: 12/04/2023
S6W-16994
To ask the Scottish Government when property valuation will next be reviewed for the setting of (a) domestic and (b) non-domestic rates.
Current status: Answers expected on 12 May 2023

Meghan Gallacher, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 12/04/2023
S6W-16397
To ask the Scottish Government what the impact on training providers has been of the reported apprenticeship freeze in early 2023.
S6W-16400
To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to implement the 14 recommendations from the report, Impact of Scotland’s Developing Young Workforce Strategy on Employer Engagement, and, if so, whether it will provide a timescale for the implementation
Current status: Answers expected on 12 May 2023

Miles Briggs, Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 13/04/2023
S6W-17023
To ask the Scottish Government, regarding the Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme, what plans it has to review the definition of “long-term vacant”, which is currently 15 years for derelict properties and land.
Current status: Answer expected on 15 May 2023

Donald Cameron, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 14/04/2023
S6W-17035
To ask the Scottish Government on what date it anticipates publishing its response to the results of the Scottish Highly Protected Marine Areas public consultation, after it closes on 17 April 2023.
Current status: Answer expected on 16 May 2023

Sarah Boyack, Lothian, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 17/04/2023
S6W-17075
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-13155 by Patrick Harvie on 10 January 2023, whether it will bring forward its proposed Housing Bill prior to the summer parliamentary recess.
Current status: Answer expected on 2 May 2023

Sarah Boyack, Lothian, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 17/04/2023
S6W-17083
To ask the Scottish Government what progress it is making in providing the powers to local authorities to introduce a Transient Visitor Levy.
Current status: Answer expected on 2 May 2023

Miles Briggs, Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 18/04/2023
S6W-17028
To ask the Scottish Government what its most recent assessment is of the allocation of resources to Community Planning Partnerships in each local authority area.
Current status: Answer expected on 3 May 2023

Donald Cameron, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 18/04/2023
S6W-17137
To ask the Scottish Government when it expects (a) Kisimul Castle, (b) the Bonawe Historic Iron Furnace and (c) Kilchurn Castle to reopen to the public.
Current status: Answer expected on 3 May 2023

Jamie Greene, West Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 18/04/2023
S6W-17154
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on how many homes have been returned to use with support from the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership since 2022, and whether it can provide a breakdown of the information by local authority area.
Current status: Answer expected on 3 May 2023

Paul Sweeney, Glasgow, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 18/04/2023
S6W-17168
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to reports that the Scottish Training Federation has warned that thousands of young people across Scotland have been “left in limbo” as no new modern apprenticeships will be available “for the foreseeable future”, as a result of delays in Scottish Government funding to Skills Development Scotland, which is reportedly resulting in employers putting their recruitment plans on hold, and training providers looking at laying off staff due to the shortage of work.
Current status: Answer expected on 3 May 2023

 

EVENTS

For further listings, please see our events calendar.

UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence – Delivering Scotland’s fourth National Planning Framework (NPF4)
Date & Time: Monday 24 April 2023; 10am-4pm
Location: Advanced Research Centre, University of Glasgow, 11 Chapel Lane, Glasgow G11 6EW
Scotland’s fourth National Planning Framework (NPF4) seeks to prioritise projects that will help to tackle the climate crisis and reach net zero through the sustainable development of communities and the economy. Attention now turns to delivering NPF4 and what it will take to do this effectively. Concerns remain around resourcing, monitoring and evaluation, to name a few.

RSA Fellows’ MCICH Network: Built Heritage – Purposes and Pragmatism
Date & Time: Monday 24 April 2023; 6-7:30pm
Location: Online via Zoom
This on-line event is one in a series of four under the title of “HERITAGE: Challenges, Opportunities and Solutions” and all the events are open to all irrespective of discipline or location and delegates from outwith the UK are also most welcome. Panel includes Matthew McKeague (Architectural Heritage Fund), Audrey Carlin (WASPS) and RSA Fellow Dr Deborah Mays Hon FRIAS (Historic England).

RICS Scotland Conference
Date & Time: Wednesday 26 April 2023; 8:30am-4:30pm
Location: The Technology and Innovation Centre, Glasgow G1 1RD
The programme will focus on sustainability and the role of professionals in helping achieve net zero in Scotland, with presentations and a choice of break-out sessions covering topics across land, property and the built environment. There will be key-note speeches from Professor Sir John Curtice, University of Strathclyde, Roger Esson MRICS, Head of Industry & Partner Network, Net Zero Technology and Morag Angus FRICS, Chief Surveyor and Head of Property and Construction, The Scottish Government Centre, as well as RICS new President, Ann Gray FRICS.

Society of Antiquaries of Scotland – April Lecture and Fellowship Election
Date & Time: Thursday 27 April 2023; 6-7pm
Location: Hybrid format (in-person at Augustine United Church and livestreamed via Zoom)
This event will feature two short presentations given by Early Career fellows on their research linked to Scotland’s past. The first given by Dr Julie Holder FSAScot on “Displaying ‘National’ Antiquities in the mid-19th century: Scotland, England, and Ireland”, and the second given by Dr Ralph St Clair Wade FSAScot on “’Old Scotch’: The Early Work of David Bryce (1803-1876)”. This event will also feature the Spring Election of new Fellows to the Society outside of our Anniversary Meeting on St Andrew’s Day.

RSA Fellows’ MCICH Network: Conservation – US and UK Perspectives
Date & Time: Wednesday 3 May 2023; 6-7:30pm
Location: Online via Zoom
RSA Fellows and guests of any discipline or location across the public, private and third sectors, are invited to register for this event, one in a series of online discussions within the overall theme of “Heritage: Challenges, Opportunities and Solutions”, the subject of a future conference. Discussion will begin with brief perspectives from panel members followed by Q&A with the audience.

The Patrick Geddes India Scotland Talks
Date & Time: Thursday 4 May 2023; 10am–5pm
Location: The Patrick Geddes Centre, Riddles Court, 322 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2PG
This free event presents guest speakers from India, France & Scotland who will share their thoughts on a major renewal project in Dehli, ecological studies in Kolkata at the botanical gardens and how a historic farm in Edinburgh has been transformed by Geddesian concepts and community inspiration into a multi-faceted Social Resource Centre.

SURF – Successful approaches to housing led regeneration – SURF Award Shared Learning Event
Date & Time: Thursday 4 May 2023; 10am-1pm
Location: Wheatley House, 25 Cochrane Street, Glasgow, G1 1HL
This free SURF Awards workshop event offers an opportunity to explore successful approaches to housing led regeneration initiatives providing wider community outcomes. The winning and highly commended projects from the ‘Housing and Regeneration’ category highlighted in the 2022 SURF Awards process will provide commentary on their experiences and transferable learning.

RSA Fellows’ MCICH Network: Built and Landscape Heritage – Terminology and Public Engagement
Date & Time: Thursday 11 May 2023; 6-7:30pm
Location: Online via Zoom
RSA Fellows and guests of any discipline or location across the public, private and third sectors, are invited to register for this event, one in a series of online discussions within the overall theme of “Heritage: Challenges, Opportunities and Solutions”, the subject of a future conference. Discussion will begin with brief perspectives from panel members followed by Q&A with the audience.

Society of Antiquaries of Scotland – “Reapproaching Celts”
Date & Time: Thursday 11 May 2023; 6-7pm
Location: Hybrid format (in-person at Augustine United Church and livestreamed via Zoom)
Presented by Dr Rachel Pope FSAScot. The lecture will discuss newly published work by the author that provides an enhanced framework for our understanding of the European Iron Age on the Continent, via the development of new contextual method that works to combine archaeology (primarily status burial data) with Classical textual references, whilst also focusing on the distinctly regional nature of Iron Age social organisation.

Institute of Historic Building Conservation – Aberdeen meeting & Deeside conservation study tour
Date & Time: Friday 12 & Saturday 13 May 2023; 7:30-9:30pm Friday and 9am-4pm Saturday
An evening reception at Aberdeen Advocates Library on Friday 12 May, with short presentations and a networking opportunity for people professionally involved in the historic built environment, will be followed by a tour on Saturday. Travel via minibus to NTS Craigievar Castle, currently scaffolded to allow a close look at the harl, and on to Finzean sawmills. £20 each day – email to book.

SURF – Exploring place-based regeneration initiatives: SURF Awards Shared Learning Workshop
Date & Time: Thursday 18 May 2023; 10am-1pm
Location: Clyde Community Hall, 41 Whitefield Road, Govan, G51 2YB
An opportunity to explore successful current approaches towards regenerating Scotland’s places with two winning projects from the ‘Improving Scotland’s Places’ category winner Living Alloa and ‘Community Led Regeneration’ category winner Bressay Development Ltd – Speldiburn highlighted in the 2022 SURF Awards process.

 

TRAINING

Social Enterprise Academy– Steps to Sustainability: Skills Sessions
Date & Time: 16 March-11 May 2023
Location: Online
Range of training sessions for those working in the Heritage Sector covering: Retail Management Essentials, Digital Engagement, Fundraising, Marketing & PR, and Alternative Sources of Finance.

Icon Scotland – Creating Conservation Videos Workshop
Date & Time: Thursday 11, 18 & 25 May 2023; 9-11am
Location: Online via Zoom
Over three sessions, learn about creating conservation video content to be used to educate, promote and share the profession. The workshop will cover the start-to-finish workflow for creating conservation videos, ethical and legal considerations of sharing conservation content, platforms and methods that support video content, and tips and tricks, such as repurposing footage. Sessions will take place one week apart and will allow attendees to create their own videos and receive feedback from the instructor.

 

VACANCIES

Edinburgh World Heritage – Donor Engagement Manager
Salary: £29,840-£31,900 p.a.
Status: Part-time (0.5/0.6 FTE); permanent
Location: Edinburgh
Edinburgh World Heritage are seeking a Donor Engagement Manager to play a vital part in organisational core resilience, through ownership of international and corporate income targets, developing on a good early foundation in these engaging and impactful areas of work. This is a fantastic opportunity to work with a dynamic and energetic team striving to support a more entrepreneurial approach to securing a future as custodians of, and ambassadors for, Edinburgh’s outstanding world heritage. Further information on applications can be found here.
Closing date: 9am, Monday 8 May 2023

Heritage Trust Network – Heritage Trainee (Graduate)
Salary: Pro rata – £20,000 p.a.
Status: Full-time (37 hrs per week)
Location: Working from home or from an agreed shared workspace anywhere in the UK.
Heritage Trust Network is recruiting for a new post of Heritage Trainee (Graduate) for a fixed term of 6 months. This exciting post has been designed to help the successful graduate develop on-the-job skills, knowledge and networks to help them gain early-career access to the heritage sector. The post is perfect for someone who has recently graduated and has an interest in heritage and the regeneration of communities through the use of historic buildings, structures and spaces. Training and equipment will be provided. Job description and recruitment pack.
Closing date: Monday 15 May 2023

The Cockburn Association – Chair
The Cockburn Association is seeking to recruit a new Chair to replace Professor Cliff Hague OBE, who retires from the position in May 2023 following 6 years of excellent service. In 2025, the Cockburn will celebrate its 150^th anniversary. The new Chair will help frame the celebrations of this significant landmark event, which will include a major civic reception and publication. A key objective of the Chair is to drive the development of the Cockburn ‘brand’, increasing the support base and reaching out to stakeholders across the city, existing and new.  The Chair will be expected to bring their own network into the Association where possible and act as a figurehead to members and supporters.
Further information and a role description is available from the Director, Terry Levinthal: 0131-557-8686

The National Trust for Scotland – Heritage Compliance Officer
Salary: £34,376-£38,027 (subject to experience)
Status: Full-time (flexible working possible)
Location: Hybrid working, available for meetings in Edinburgh
The National Trust for Scotland is looking to recruit a heritage compliance officer to help identify and manage the conservation and operations risks. This is a unique opportunity to work across all aspects of a major heritage organisation, liaising with colleagues in all disciplines.
All enquiries and applications should be addressed to: Diarmid Hearns, Head of Public Policy, Risk and Environment

BACK

BEFS NEWS

The newly updated Heritage Careers Guide 2023-2024 is out. Written by Prof. Ian Baxter of Heriot-Watt University (and BEFS Vice-Chair). It is designed to help students, graduates and prospective workers in the heritage sector find opportunities to enter into the various fields within heritage. It signposts a wide range of resources. BEFS Bulletin readers are encouraged to get in touch with feedbacks and suggestions for future editions, contact Prof. Ian Baxter, details available in the Guide or on BEFS website.

Culture Counts, the network of arts, heritage, and creative industries organisations in Scotland has announced the appointment of a new Director, Lorraine (Lori) Anderson. Culture Counts works to protect and develop the culture sector for the common good. Lori has extensive experience working across heritage, arts and the creative sector, including in fundraising, capital development and most recently in international projects. BEFS have worked with Culture Counts in relation to the National Partnership for Culture, and look forward to working with them in the future.

Scotland’s Towns Partnership have also announced a change in leadership, with the departure of Phil Prentice, Chief Officer for the past eight-and-a-half years. Phil has been an incredible champion of Scotland’s towns and played a pivotal part in ensuring the vision to create a new future for them has not just been developed, but is being acted on. Kimberley Guthrie will be interim Chief Officer whilst a permanent replacement is sought.

Glasgow City Heritage Trust (GCHT) has launched the second Podcast series of: ‘If Glasgow’s walls could talk’ exploring the relationships between Glasgow’s historic buildings, places and communities. In the first episode of Series 2 Dr Emily Munro, Curator and Learning Officer at the National Library for Scotland’s Moving Image Archive, has an enlightening discussion with Niall Murphy about Glasgow on film.

Six new members were appointed to : Gemma Butterfield, Joe Doogan, Simon Hodge, Gary Jebb, Ann Leslie and Anne-Marie O’Hara. The appointments will be for four years and will run from 20 March 2023 to 19 March 2027. BEFS congratulate all the appointees.

The end of the financial year always brings forth change, and many publications as teams, departments, and areas of work come to either a natural end, or the end of a reporting cycle; see the vast amount of publications below for evidence of this. This year, due to changes within the SNP leadership, we also have a new Cabinet for the Scottish Government. For a fuller assessment of what roles remain, have changed, and where BEFS expects to focus its public affairs energy please see BEFS Director’s blog.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has produced its Sixth Assessment Report (AR6). IPCC published its Headline Statements document briefly explaining the overarching conclusions of the approved Summary for Policymakers such as Current Status and Trends, Future Climate Change, Risks, and Long-Term Responses and Responses in the Near Term. “Climate change is a threat to human well-being and planetary health with a very high confidence there is a rapidly closing window of opportunity to secure a liveable and sustainable future for all,” and calls for action and increased cooperation.

In Consultations you will see that, The British Standard Institute (BSI) is developing “PAS 2035 Retrofitting dwellings for improved energy efficiency – Specification and guidance” and asking for comments on the proposed draft. The scope of PAS 2035 includes: assessment of dwellings for retrofit; identification and evaluation of improvement options (energy efficiency measures, or EEMs); design and specification of EEMs (whether individual measures or packages of multiple measures); and monitoring and evaluation of retrofit projects.

Heritage Delivers, an alliance of heritage organisations in Northern Ireland, connecting the sector to protect and promote the value of Northern Ireland’s historic environment have refreshed the Heritage Delivers | Treasure the Past, Enrich the Future website with recent additions to news, events as well as case studies and publications sections.

And finally, Under One Roof is expanding the retrofit section of their website to cover the basics of retrofit, retrofit solutions for tenement buildings, and financing retrofit. If you have any suggestions for elements that you would like to see, please email Under One Roof.

 

CONSULTATIONS

Whole Life Carbon Assessment for the Built Environment, RICS Professional Standard, 2nd edition
RICS
Consultation on the second edition of whole life carbon assessments in the built environment – a standard which mandates a methodology to track all carbon emissions from production of materials, construction process, use and disposal of built assets over their entire life cycle.
Closes 18 April 2023

Gaelic Language Plan 2023-2026 Consultation
HES
Views are invited on the HES Gaelic Language Plan 2023-2026. The plan will set out how HES intends to increase the use, learning and promotion of Gaelic and builds on the success of its 2018-2023 plan which was the first Gaelic Language Plan for the organisation.
Closes 19 April 2023

PAS 2035 Retrofitting dwellings for improved energy efficiency – Specification and guidance
British Standard Institute
Comments sought to inform the development of PAS 2035 on the requirements for retrofit of dwellings as part of a British Standard Institute (BSI) Standards Solutions projects.
Closes 26 April 2023

International Culture Strategy: Survey
Scottish Government
Views sought to inform the development of a strategy to support the international aspirations and potential of Scotland’s culture sector.
Closes 26 April 2023

Community Wealth Building
Scottish Government
Views are being sought on the internationally recognised Community Wealth Building (CWB) approach to economic development, as a key practical means for the Scottish Government to make progress towards realising the wellbeing economy vision outlined in the National Strategy for Economic Transformation (NSET).
Closes 9 May 2023

Draft Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan
Scottish Government
This consultation seeks views on the vision and the actions to transition to an affordable, resilient and clean energy system set out in the draft Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan as well as understanding how maximum social and economic benefits from the energy transition for Scotland can be secured.
Closes 9 May 2023

National Outcomes review 2023: Consultation information pack
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government want to hear from people and communities across Scotland about whether their National Outcomes continue to reflect the kind of Scotland we want to see. They would also like to hear about how the National Performance Framework could have a bigger impact.
Closes 5 June 2023

Edinburgh Council: Conservation & Adaptation
(Edinburgh Council 31/03/2023)
Views being sought by Edinburgh Council on challenges faced by property owners adapting and repairing historic homes
*NEW* Closes 11 June 2023

 

CONSULTATION RESPONSES

Nature Scot: Advice to Ministers following Consultation on new National Park(s) in Scotland (16/03/2023)

 

PUBLICATIONS

 

SCOTTISH & UK GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS

Unlocking Ambition: Scottish Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Guide (Scot Gov March 2023)

Community Planning Inquiry: Post-Legislative Scrutiny of the Community Empowerment Act 2015 (Scot Gov 14/03/2023)

Sustainability projects within the Scottish Government: EIR release (Scot Gov 14/03/2023)

Department of Culture, Media & Sports: areas of research interest (UK Gov 16/03/2023)

SPICe Spotlight: UK Budget 2023 – the Hunt for growth (Scot Parl 16/03/2023)

Building improvement requirements and financial assistance: FOI release (Scot Gov 16/03/2023)

Letter from Deputy First Minister to Prime Minister following Spring 2023 budget announcement about funding for carbon capture storage (Scot Gov 16/03/2023)

Building Planning and Buildings Standards: FOI release (Scot Gov 17/03/2023)

Letter from Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Housing and Local Government Shona Robison MSP to Convener, Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee, Ariane Burgess MSP regarding publication of research on Empty Homes (Scot Gov 20/03/2023)

Promoting Scotland Internationally: Scottish Affairs Committee – Oral Evidence Report (UK Gov 20/03/2023)

Area Based Schemes: annual final measures reports 2021-2022 (Scot Gov 20/03/2023)
details of all the Area Based Schemes’ home energy efficiency measures by tenure and local authority area.

Scotland’s Carbon Footprint 1998 – 2019 (Scot Gov 21/03/2023)

Labour market and skills projections: 2020 to 2035 (UK Gov 21/03/2023)

Tourism Recovery Plan Update on Delivery March 2023 (UK Gov 21/03/2023)

The Town and Country Planning (Development Planning) (Scotland) Regulations 2023 (Scot Gov 24/03/2023)
Provisions supporting a new way of preparing LDPs that will result in new style plans that manage the use of land in the long-term public interest.

The Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 (Commencement No. 12 and Saving and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2023 (Scot Gov 24/03/2023)

Local Development Plan evidence report – defining Gypsies and Travellers: consultation analysis (Scot Gov 24/03/2023)

Supporting creative enterprises – exploring the impact of infrastructure and place-based initiatives (SPICe 27/03/2023)

Building Standards Enforcement Handbook – First Edition (Scot Gov 27/03/2023)

Written submissions on Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development and Use Classes) (Scotland) Miscellaneous Amendment Order 2023
Rollout of electric vehicle (“EV”) charging infrastructure and the resilience and recovery of city, town and local centres through placemaking and change in use in buildings (Scot Parl 28/03/2023)

Consumer Scotland Annual Work Programme (Consumer Scotland 29/03/2023)

Public appointment: Members appointed to Historic Environment Scotland (Scot Gov 29/03/2023)

Place Directors Factsheet – Scottish Government representation in local authority and Community Planning Partnership areas (Scot Gov 29/03/2023)

Powering Up Britain – The Net Zero Growth Plan (UK Gov 30/03/2023)

Climate Change Act – Section 72: thirteenth annual report (Scot Gov 31/03/2023)
highlighting that future reports should consider changes to building regulations and heat standards in order to establish whether Section 3F continues to be needed.

National Islands Plan Annual Report 2022 (Scot Gov 31/03/2023)
setting out progress made during the 2022 reporting year including historic environment and heritage projects.

Planning Application Statistics stakeholder feedback survey 2023: results (Scot Gov 03/04/2023)

Skills: Shared Outcomes Assurance Group minutes: 28 February 2023 (Scot Gov 03/04/2023)
Including Pathfinders – Net Zero (SOAG/22/06) and Commercial and Domestic Heat in Buildings (SOAG/22/07) and Deep dive: apprenticeships – ‘unlocking potential’.

 

NEWS RELEASES

Improvement Service publishes new business plan for 2023/24 (IS March 2023)

Glasgow City Heritage Trust Bursaries (GCHT 13/03/2023)
GCHT are inviting applications to their new bursary scheme for postgraduate students undertaking dissertation research focussing on any aspect of Glasgow’s historic built environment

Chartered Institute of Building supports Scottish charter on construction quality (CIOB 16/03/2023)

New climate adaptation tool for communities launched (Community Councils 17/03/2023)

Key Agencies Group’s new offer to support local authority collaborative place-based approaches to development plan preparations (A&DS 21/03/2023)
22 local authorities across Scotland have expressed an interest in the offer of support for a place-based approach to gathering evidence and reporting.

Consumer protection: enabling sustainable choices and ending greenwashing (European Commission 22/03/2023)

Scotland Loves Local goes digital (Scot Gov 25/03/2023)
A scheme aimed at boosting trade in town and city centres is going digital.

More than £24million awarded to heritage projects across the UK (Heritage Fund 28/03/2023)

Arts & Business Scotland becomes Culture & Business Scotland with new identity and strategic vision (Culture & Business Scotland 28/03/2023)

Progress in adapting to climate change (England) – 2023 Report to Parliament (Climate Change Committee 29/03/2023)

 

OPINION & COMMENT

Net zero: Navigating the built environment’s route to COP28 (RICS 23/02/2023)

Au revoir automobile: are cities better without cars? (RICS MODUS 09/03/2023)

The 15-minute city is something worth fighting for (Architects’ Journal 13/03/2023)

Built environment must sympathetically blend our surroundings to promote wellbeing (Project Scotland 14/03/2023)

Don’t turn away from town centres – Mhairi Donaghy (The Scotsman 16/03/2023)

Visitors to the UK’s leading attractions down 25% on pre-Covid numbers (The Guardian 17/03/2023)

Scotland travel: Tourist sites see visitor numbers soar (The Herald 17/03/2023)

NPF4 and the definition of ‘affordable’ housing (CaCHE 17/03/2023)

Interview with Eugen Vaida, founder of the Ambulance for Monuments and finalist of the Religious Heritage Innovator of the Year (Future for Religious Heritage 20/03/2023)

Whether we like it or not, planning is a narrative art (The Planner 21/03/2023)

How just walking around – even when accompanied by an adult – is empowering for children (The Conversation 21/03/2023)

Misinformation hubs: How social media is fuelling misrepresentation of planning (The Planner 21/03/2023)

Carbon warning over Glasgow flats demolition (BBC News 23/03/2023)

UK’s top asset manager warns of ‘bumpy ride’ through green transition (Financial Times 29/03/2023)

First look inside the new £45 million Paisley Museum (The Herald 03/04/2023)

Cold, damp, overcrowded homes cause mental and physical problems and keeps patients trapped in hospitals, costing the NHS £1.4bn a year (The Times 03/04/2023)

Scottish tourism on road to recovery as attraction visitor numbers soar (Daily Record 05/04/2023)

 

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

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

Donald Cameron, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 01/03/2023
S6W-15473 R
To ask the Scottish Government what powers are available to (a) local authorities and (b) other public bodies to take action to address empty homes in Scotland.
Current status: Answered by Shona Robison on 20 March 2023

Ross Greer, West Scotland, Scottish Green Party
Date lodged: 15/03/2023
S6W-15971
To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to revise national planning rules in relation to domestic energy microgeneration, such as photovoltaic arrays on roofs, in conservation areas, following the publication of the fourth National Planning Framework (NPF4).
Current status: Answered by Tom Arthur on 21 March 2023

Jenni Minto, Argyll and Bute, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 15/03/2023
S6O-02032
To ask the Scottish Government how it is supporting the regeneration of cultural assets and venues in communities.
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on 22 March 2023

Liam Kerr, North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 16/03/2023
S6W-15987
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-13337 by Patrick Harvie on 10 January 2023 (homes deemed technically unsuitable for an air source heat pump), whether it will provide an update on whether it has published the data, in light of it already being used for policy formulation and implementation, and of it committing to publishing it “early this year”.
Current status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 23 March 2023

Liam Kerr, North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 17/03/2023
S6W-15939
To ask the Scottish Government how many planning application appeals it has received in each of the last five years on the grounds of non-determination, where a local authority has been unable to reach a decision within six months, broken down by (a) local authority area and (b) type of application.
Current status: Answered by Tom Arthur on 23 March 2023

Liz Smith, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 14/03/2023
S6W-15947
To ask the Scottish Government when it plans to consult on removing the 50kW threshold above which permitted development rights do not apply for solar panels on commercial rooftops.
Current status: Answered by Tom Arthur on 23 March 2023

Liam McArthur, Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: 23/03/2023
S6W-16134
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of its commitment to “phasing out the need to install new or replacement fossil fuel boilers in off gas properties from 2025”, as set out in its Heat in Buildings Strategy, whether it plans to offer support to help people move to zero or low emissions heating systems rapidly at points of distress, such as the sudden unexpected failure of a fossil fuel boiler.
Current status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 28 March 2023

Douglas Lumsden, North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 22/03/2023
S6W-15975
To ask the Scottish Government what analysis it has undertaken of any potential impact of local authorities decreasing relief on non-domestic rates for empty, listed properties.
Current status: Answered by Tom Arthur on 5 April 2023

Mark Griffin, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour,
Date lodged: 20/03/2023
S6W-15861 R
To ask the Scottish Government whether any Unique Property Reference Numbers, that are used in the property registers held by Registers of Scotland or any other publicly available property registers for which it is responsible, match across all of the registers, and what information it has on whether these numbers match with any Unique Property Reference Numbers used in the Scottish Energy Performance Certificate Register.
S6W-16025
To ask the Scottish Government which (a) property registers held by Registers of Scotland and (b) other publicly available property registers for which it is responsible, use Unique Property Reference Numbers, and what information it has on whether the same of similar Unique Property Reference Numbers are used in the Scottish Energy Performance Certificate Register.
Current status: Answer expected on 17 April 2023

Debate on the Transition to a Wellbeing Economy
Date lodged: 20/03/2023
S6M-08305
Debate on the Motion regarding Scotland’s transition to a wellbeing economy.

Debate on Secondary Education (Vocational and Technical Qualifications)
Date lodged: 20/03/2023
S6M-08291
Debate on the Motion regarding expansion of vocational and technical qualifications in Scotland’s secondary schools, including building courses from bricklaying to retrofitting.

Liam McArthur, Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: 21/03/2023
S6W-16061
To ask the Scottish Government for what reason grant and loan support is not available through Home Energy Scotland for air-to-air heating systems.
Current status: Answer expected on 18 April 2023

Foysol Choudhury, Lothian, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 22/03/2023
S6W-16087
To ask the Scottish Government what routes it has made available for local residents to appeal planning application decisions made by its reporters, in cases where they cannot afford the legal fees and are not entitled to legal aid.
Current status: Answer expected on 19 April 2023

Miles Briggs, Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 23/03/2023
S6W-16108
To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to develop and support a town planning apprenticeship scheme.
Current status: Answer expected on 20 April 2023

Ronnie Cowan, Inverclyde, Scottish National Party
Date: 27/03/2023
To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities what discussions his Department plans to hold with the Scottish Government and local authorities on proposals to create an investment zone in Scotland.

Alexander Burnett, Aberdeenshire West, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 28/03/2023
S6W-16322
To ask the Scottish Government whether the level of information required from third sector organisations for grant applications has increased compared with previous years, and, if so, what the reasons are for this, and what consideration it has given to the ability of these organisations to access funding.
Current status: Answer expected on 25 April 2023

Stephen Kerr, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 28/03/2023
S6W-16305
To ask the Scottish Government what meetings it has held with chairs of planning authorities regarding the implementation of the fourth National Planning Framework (NPF4).
S6W-16306
To ask the Scottish Government what meetings it has held with housing developers regarding the implementation of the fourth National Planning Framework (NPF4).
S6W-16307
To ask the Scottish Government what meetings it has held with Heads of Planning Scotland regarding the implementation of the fourth National Planning Framework (NPF4).
Current Status: Answer expected on 25 April 2023

Stephen Kerr, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 28/03/2023
S6W-16312
To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it has provided to Historic Environment Scotland for the financial year 2023-24.
S6W-16313
To ask the Scottish Government how it is supporting Historic Environment Scotland in its efforts to preserve historic buildings.
S6W-16314
To ask the Scottish Government how much funding it provided to (a) Historic Scotland and (b) Historic Environment Scotland in each year since 2007.
Current Status: Answer expected on 25 April 2023

 

EVENTS

For further listings, please see our events calendar.

Institute of Civil Engineers – Exhibition: Time is running out; help engineer a net zero world
Date & Time:  Saturday 1 – Thursday 13 April 2023
Location: Glasgow Science Centre, 50 Pacific Quay, Glasgow G51 1EA
The Institution of Civil Engineers Scotland exhibition highlights the ways civil engineers are making things better for people and the planet. Featuring original hand-drawn illustrations and animations, the exhibition explores the role of civil engineers in creating the infrastructure needed to fight climate change and reach net zero targets.

Scottish Historic Buildings Trust – Gone with the Wynd: A Shopper’s Prehistory of the Tron Kirk
Date & Time: Wednesday 12 April 2023; 5:30-7:30pm
Location: Riddles Court, 322 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2PG
Before the Tron Kirk was built in the 1630’s, wooden shops lined the wynds, selling both the exotic and mundane. The residents were equally intriguing, tailors and booksellers, widows remarrying, five nuns, and a pioneering spinster ‘being and abyding without marriage’. Meet the ancestors!” A lecture by Morag Cross.

CIfA2023 Sustainable futures – standards, skills and the profession
Date & Time: Wednesday 19 – Friday 21 April 2023
Location: Crowne Plaza Hotel, Nottingham; Online via Zoom
CIfA2023 will incorporate keynote addresses, wide-ranging sessions and training workshops in a live and virtual forum. The conference is the premiere professional archaeological conference in the UK, attracting hundreds of participants across the heritage environment sector.
CIfA2023 will be a livestreamed conference; hosted live in Nottingham and streamed online to offer attendees the same flexibility they experienced in 2022, whilst learning from experience to allow for the best digital user experience.

UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence – Delivering Scotland’s fourth National Planning Framework (NPF4)
Date & Time: Monday 24 April 2023; 10am-4pm
Location: Advanced Research Centre, University of Glasgow, 11 Chapel Lane, Glasgow G11 6EW
Scotland’s fourth National Planning Framework (NPF4) seeks to prioritise projects that will help to tackle the climate crisis and reach net zero through the sustainable development of communities and the economy. Attention now turns to delivering NPF4 and what it will take to do this effectively. Concerns remain around resourcing, monitoring and evaluation, to name a few.

RICS Scotland Conference
Date & Time: Wednesday 26 April 2023; 8:30am-4:30pm
Location: The Technology and Innovation Centre, Glasgow G1 1RD
The programme will focus on sustainability and the role of professionals in helping achieve net zero in Scotland, with presentations and a choice of break-out sessions covering topics across land, property and the built environment. There will be key-note speeches from Professor Sir John Curtice, University of Strathclyde, Roger Esson MRICS, Head of Industry & Partner Network, Net Zero Technology and Morag Angus FRICS, Chief Surveyor and Head of Property and Construction, The Scottish Government Centre, as well as RICS new President, Ann Gray FRICS.

SURF – Successful approaches to housing led regeneration – SURF Award Shared Learning Event
Date & Time: Thursday 4 May 2023; 10am-1pm
Location: Wheatley House, 25 Cochrane Street, Glasgow, G1 1HL
This free SURF Awards workshop event offers an opportunity to explore successful approaches to housing led regeneration initiatives providing wider community outcomes. The winning and highly commended projects from the ‘Housing and Regeneration’ category highlighted in the 2022 SURF Awards process will provide commentary on their experiences and transferable learning.

Institute of Historic Building Conservation – Aberdeen meeting and Deeside conservation study tour
Date & Time: Friday 12 – Saturday 13 May 2023; 7:30-9:30pm Friday and 9am-4pm Saturday
An evening reception at Aberdeen Advocates Library on Friday 12 May, with short presentations and a networking opportunity for people professionally involved in the historic built environment, will be followed by a tour on Saturday. Travel via minibus to NTS Craigievar Castle, currently scaffolded to allow a close look at the harl, and on to Finzean sawmills. £20 each day To book, email IHBC

 

TRAINING

Social Enterprise Academy– Steps to Sustainability: Skills Sessions
Date & Time: 16 March-11 May 2023
Location: Online
Range of training sessions for those working in the Heritage Sector covering: Retail Management Essentials, Digital Engagement, Fundraising, Marketing & PR, and Alternative Sources of Finance.

Date & Time: Tuesday 18 April 2023; 3-6pm
Location: 15 Rutland Square, Edinburgh EH1 2BE
This session is designed for architects who want to run a successful business without sacrificing their artistic vision. Learn from industry experts and gain practical skills including how to calculate hourly rates, prepare robust terms of appointment, plan for profitability, and manage client changes.

Scottish Lime Centre Trust – Retrofitting Traditional Buildings: Principles and Practice
Date & Time: Wednesday 19 & 26 April 2023; 9:30am-1pm
Location: Online via Zoom
An online technical masterclass, running over 2 half days, covering emerging research, best practice and case studies in the field of upgrading traditional and historic buildings. Addressing the following questions:  How do we protect our traditional buildings but make them fit for the future? What are the risks for small- and large-scale retrofit projects? How can unintended consequences be addressed when upgrading solid-walled buildings? The Whole Building Approach to retrofit!

Icon Scotland – Creating Conservation Videos Workshop
Date & Time: Thursday 11, 18 & 25 May 2023; 9-11am
Location: Online via Zoom
Over three sessions, learn about creating conservation video content to be used to educate, promote and share the profession. The workshop will cover the start-to-finish workflow for creating conservation videos, ethical and legal considerations of sharing conservation content, platforms and methods that support video content, and tips and tricks, such as repurposing footage. Sessions will take place one week apart and will allow attendees to create their own videos and receive feedback from the instructor.

 

VACANCIES

The Cockburn Association – Chair
The Cockburn Association is seeking to recruit a new Chair to replace Professor Cliff Hague OBE, who retires from the position in May 2023 following 6 years of excellent service. In 2025, the Cockburn will celebrate its 150^th anniversary. The new Chair will help frame the celebrations of this significant landmark event, which will include a major civic reception and publication. A key objective of the Chair is to drive the development of the Cockburn ‘brand’, increasing the support base and reaching out to stakeholders across the city, existing and new.  The Chair will be expected to bring their own network into the Association where possible and act as a figurehead to members and supporters.
Further information and a role description is available from the Director, Terry Levinthal: 0131-557-8686

The National Trust for Scotland – Heritage Compliance Officer
Salary: £34,376-£38,027 (subject to experience)
Status: Full-time (flexible working possible)
Location: Hybrid working, available for meetings in Edinburgh
The National Trust for Scotland is looking to recruit a heritage compliance officer to help identify and manage the conservation and operations risks. This is a unique opportunity to work across all aspects of a major heritage organisation, liaising with colleagues in all disciplines.
All enquiries and applications should be addressed to: Diarmid Hearns, Head of Public Policy, Risk and Environment

BACK