BEFS News

BEFS AGM was held at the start of December, when we said goodbye to three Board members, Calum MacLean, Nick Allan, and Nikola Miller. We were delighted to welcome Sonya Linskaill nominated by BEFS Members, RIAS. We thank all of our departing Board members for their contributions over more than 20 years combined service. Their knowledge and expertise, as well as humour and insight have been invaluable.

In January and February 2023 BEFS will be running engagement events in relation to the OPiT Consultation. Meantime, there is plenty of reading within the full consultation, which can be found here

Vision for Agriculture – Proposals for a New Agriculture Bill
At the start of the month BEFS – as signatories along with CIfA, Archaeology Scotland and ALGAO – wrote to Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands in response to the Scottish Government’s Vision for Agriculture, and sector concerns that the proposed new bill fails to recognise the contribution of the historic environment and any connection to existing historic environment polices and guidance. This is a missed opportunity – the historic environment is a key part of Scotland’s landscapes.
The letter advocates for a system which recognises that the historic environment provides funding opportunities for the maintenance and upkeep of built heritage assets – which in turn contribute to a wide range of social, environmental, and economic benefits, including the twin challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change.

In the Scottish Emission Targets – first five-yearly review – progress in reducing emissions in Scotland 2022 Report to Parliament, the Climate Change Committee warned that gaps in the Scottish Government’s climate plan, with concerns about the achievement of the 2030 goal to cut emissions by 75%. The 2020 interim target was achieved, however that was largely due to travel restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. To achieve the 2030, 2040 and Net Zero targets the CCC outlined a wide range of relevant recommendations (19) to residential and non-residential buildings including monitoring, low-carbon heating and energy efficiency, EPC reform, required skills provisions as well as recommendations on agriculture & land use.

BEFS Bulletin readers are familiar with the ongoing conversation around the value of heritage. The latest addition to the discussion is the Value of Heritage the first report of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Conservation, Places & People. The report provides insights on the economic, regeneration, environmental and social value of heritage and lays out five specific recommendations including targeted cuts in the VAT rate on listed building refurbishments and a presumption against demolition of existing properties. While the remit of the recommendations is subject to devolved matters, it has received support and backing by MPs. The launch event was attended by Ian Baxter, BEFS Board Vice-Chair at the UK Parliament.

BEFS Director was pleased to attend Managing Continuity and Change in Scotland’s Landscapes, the SLA 2022 debate marking the 22nd anniversary of the launch of the European Landscape Convention. For those of you who couldn’t make the event we are pleased to share this video link that covers the range of discussions exploring the landscape challenges and priorities ahead. SLA are committed to keeping the landscape community informed and will prepare a prioritised lists of outcomes to share with you in early 2023.

BEFS Director joined over 260 guests who celebrated the 24th annual SURF Awards at a presentation event in Glasgow. The winners of the 2022 SURF Awards for Best Practice in Community Regeneration were congratulated on their inspiring work by the Scottish Government Minister for Public Finance, Planning and Community Wealth, Tom Arthur MSP.

BEFS are also well aware that many will be awaiting the publication of the budget from the Scottish Government. As this is due to happen on the afternoon of the 15^th December BEFS will be issuing a short blog post in relation to this early in the coming week, this will be released via BEFS Twitter.

 

Consultations

Greenspaces Vision and Strategy for Edinburgh to 2050
The City of Edinburgh Council
Closes 31 December 2022

Local Government, Housing & Planning Committee inquiry into Community Planning
Scottish Parliament
There are two different surveys: the first call for views is aimed at members of Community Planning Partnerships (organisations or individuals). The second survey is aimed at other organisations or individuals who have an interest in community planning.
Closes 13 January 2023

Consultation on Historic Environment Scotland’s first Regulatory Framework
HES
Closes 14 Feb 2023

Consultation for Scotland’s new Historic Environment Strategy (OPiT)
HES
Closes 20 February 2023

 

Consultation Responses

Stakeholder Consultation on the Selection Criteria and Approach to National Parks in Scotland (30/11/22)
This consultation from NatureScot is part of the commitment from Scottish Ministers to establish at least one new National Park by 2026. Exploring the contribution of the historic environment and cultural heritage to the role and approach of National Parks is welcomed and felt to be vital; embedding heritage where appropriate and ensuring that existing considerations are maintained and enhanced should be a key concern.

Delivering Our Vision for Scottish Agriculture. Proposals for a New Agriculture Bill (05/12/22)
BEFS response reinforces concerns from the sector that the proposed new bill fails to recognise the contribution of the historic environment and any connection to existing historic environment polices and guidance. This is a missed opportunity – the historic environment is a key part of Scotland’s landscapes.

RTPI Scotland’s Response to ‘The Future for National Parks in Scotland’ (12/12/2022)

 

Publications

Urban regeneration as a tool for inclusive and sustainable recovery (UN-Habitat 2022)

World Cities Report 2022 – Envisaging the Future of Cities (UN-Habitat 2022)

Priorities 2022-2023: Adequate Housing, Cities and Climate Change and Localising the Sustainable Development Goals (UN-Habitat 2022)

Community-led action on vacant and derelict land –  how you and your community can bring unloved places back into use (Scottish Land Commission 2022)

Report on Cultural Rights and Sustainable Development: Special Rapporteur – Alexandra Xanthaki (UN 15/08/2022)

The Role of Built Heritage for Sustainable Development Goals: From Statement to Action  – identifying possible implications of the built cultural heritage on all 17 SDGs (Heritage 29/08/2022)

Beyond the house: the importance of gardens and greenspace around where we live (Public Health Scotland 28/10/2022)

Investment, innovation, and collaboration with industry: CITB Annual Report and Accounts 2021-2022 (CITB November 2022)

From Covid to Cost of Living: Scottish Tourism Index October 2022 (STI 10/11/2022)

Urban centre green metrics in Great Britain: A geospatial and socioecological study – disparities in green infrastructure in urban centres (PLOS One 23/11/2022)

Council resolution on the EU Work Plan for Culture 2023-2026 (EU Council 29/11/2022)

Cornerstones of Culture: Final Report Commission on Culture and Local Government (LGA 30/11/2022)

CultureForHealth Report: evidence on the effect of arts and cultural activities on health and well-being (CAE December 2022)

A Cultural Deal for Europe – A Central Place for Culture in the EU’s Post Pandemic Future (CAE December 2022)

Green Jobs Barometer – Monitoring a fair transition to a green economy (PwC December 2022)

The Value of Heritage: First Report of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Conservation, Places & People (APPG 01/12/2022)

Architectural Heritage Fund Annual Review 2021-22 (AHF 01/12/2022)

The Arts Green Book: Sustainable Buildings. How to make our cultural buildings more sustainable (ArtsGreenBook 01/12/2022)

Perceived place qualities, restorative effects and self-reported wellbeing benefits of visits to heritage sites: Empirical evidence from a visitor survey in England (Wellbeing, Space & Society 07/12/2022)

Scottish Emission Targets – first five-yearly review & Progress in reducing emissions in Scotland – 2022 Report to Parliament (Climate Change Committee 07/12/2022)

Planning Performance Report 2021-22 | Historic Environment Scotland
(Historic Environment Scotland 13/12/2022)

 

Scottish & UK Government Publications

The Cost of Living Crisis in Scotland: analytical report (SG 02/11/2022)

Welsh Parliamentary Committee Report examining increasing costs and impact on culture and sport (Welsh Parl 20/11/2022)

UK Government Ministerial response regarding the planning data clauses in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill (UK Gov 28/11/2022)

Delivering Scotland’s circular economy: Proposed Circular Economy Bill – Consultation analysis (SG 30/11/2022)

Scottish Government announcement of enhanced support to make homes warmer and greener (SG 02/12/2022)

UK Government announcement of £2.6 billion investment to replace funding previously run by the EU (UK Gov 05/12/2022)

European Structural and Investment Funds Programmes in Scotland: 2020 case studies booklet (SG 09/12/2022)

Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme: Q1 2022 – information on the capital projects which have received funding (SG 14/12/2022)

Land acquisition powers and land ownership restrictions in European countries: evidence review (SG 14/12/2022)

 

News Releases

Museums and Heritage Awards 2023: entry deadline 1 February 2023 (Museums + Heritage November 2022)

The EU Commission pledges to focus on mental health in 2023 (EU 07/11/2022)

Heritage Alliance: a series of blogs following their annual debate addressing the question: Heritage in 20 Years what will matter most? (HA 01/12/2022)

IHBC’s early update on UK Parliamentary Group’s first Inquiry report on ‘The Value of Heritage’ (IHBC 02/12/2022)

MPs back targeted VAT cuts on listed buildings and presumption against demolition (CPP-APPG 08/12/2022)

Update on Open Funding for Organisations – launching two funds on 15 February 2023 (Creative Scotland 12/12/2022)

Scottish Budget Briefing 2023/2024 (SCVO 13/12/2022)

Historic England Highlights Fascinating Heritage Sites Listed in 2022 (Historic England 15/12/2022)

Opinion & Comment

Could a Grade III listing for buildings halt the UK’s tide of demolition? (Architects’ Journal 22/11/2022)

How to fix 30m draughty homes and help Britain reach net-zero emissions (The Economist 29/11/2022)

Ruth Davidson: Guardians of our heritage are failing us all (The Times 30/11/2022)

BBC Analysis – Ros Atkins on the UK’s home insulation problem (BBC News 01/12/2022)

Heat pumps to be as cheap as fossil fuels boilers under grant scheme (The Herald 02/12/2022)

Questions raised about HES failing to act immediately to shut down crumbling historic buildings (The Herald 04/12/2022)

Postcode checker: how has your High Street changed since 2020? (BBC 06/12/2022)

Future of Glasgow could be built on creative place-making (The Herald 07/12/2022)

Perth Museum and Art Gallery to be refreshed and renamed (Museums + Heritage 07/12/2022)

Paul Sweeney: Glasgow standing the test of time (Glasgow Evening Times 09/12/2022)

Edinburgh reveals plans for city-wide arts and culture shake-up by 2030 (The Scotsman 09/12/2022)

Cost cutting puts up to 400 church buildings and artefacts at risk (The Herald 11/12/2022)

 

Parliamentary Questions and Answers

S6W-12327 Maurice Golden, North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 18/11/2022
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will clarify the role of Zero Waste Scotland in the governance structure of the National Strategy for Economic Transformation.
Current status: Answered by John Swinney on 30 November 2022

Pauline McNeill, Glasgow, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 18/11/2022
S6W-12343
To ask the Scottish Government what financial support will be available for off-gas-grid homeowners and businesses who will be required to replace a direct emissions heating system when undertaking conversion works after 1 April 2024.
S6W-12344
To ask the Scottish Government what analysis it has undertaken of the affordability of replacing a direct emissions heating system, including installation and retrofit costs, for older and hard-to-treat off-gas-grid properties.
Current status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 5 December 2022

S6W-12265 Paul McLennan, East Lothian, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 24/11/2022
To ask the Scottish Government what consideration has been given to (a) launching an inquiry to assess the potential value of retrofit over demolition and (b) the introduction of a demolition levy, in light of the Chartered Institute of Building’s report, Levelling the playing field, not Scotland’s built environment: a case for retrofit over demolition, which states that introducing a demolition levy could catalyse a shift in priority to favour retrofit projects and fund green initiatives.
Current status: Answered by Tom Arthur on 5 December 2022

S6W-12586 Sarah Boyack, Lothian, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 28/11/2022
To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) working groups and (b) advisory groups there currently are within the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture portfolio, and whether it will provide a list of these groups.
Current status: Answered by Angus Robertson on 6 December 2022

S6W-12578 Liam Kerr, North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 29/11/2022
To ask the Scottish Government what consideration it has given to introducing a low-carbon planning fund, which has been identified by Scottish Renewables as important for supporting local authority planning departments that are reportedly experiencing a significant impact on their resources due to the demands of renewable energy projects.
Current status: Answered by Tom Arthur on 12 December 2022

S6O-01645 Finlay Carson, Galloway and West Dumfries, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date lodged: 30/11/2022
To ask the Scottish Government what support it is providing to Historic Environment Scotland to ensure heritage sites are fully reopened as soon as possible.
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on 7 December 2022

Donald Cameron, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 30/11/2022
S6W-12727
To ask the Scottish Government how many Historic Environment Scotland sites (a) are earmarked for closure and (b) will receive a decrease in funding over the next 12 months.
S6W-12728
To ask the Scottish Government how many Historic Environment Scotland grants have been awarded for conservation-standard repairs in each financial year since 2007, and what the current available grant money for the financial year 2023-24 is.
Current status: Answered by Neil Gray on 12 December 2022

Donald Cameron, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 01/12/2022
S6W-12784
To ask the Scottish Government how many members of Historic Scotland there have been on 30 November in each year since 2007
S6W-12785
To ask the Scottish Government what the total cost of an (a) adult, (b) concession and (c) young person Direct Debit membership for Historic Scotland has been in each year since 2007.
S6W-12786
To ask the Scottish Government how many sites that are managed by Historic Environment Scotland and its predecessor agencies have been (a) open, (b) temporarily closed and (c) permanently closed in each year since 2007.
S6W-12787
To ask the Scottish Government whether it has conducted any analysis of the financial implications of restoring all of the sites managed by Historic Environment Scotland, and, if so, whether it will provide a breakdown of the costs associated with the restoration of each site.
S6W-12788
To ask the Scottish Government how it defines “managed decline” in relation to Historic Environment Scotland’s approach to managing Scotland’s historic environment.
S6W-12789
To ask the Scottish Government which local authority areas the members of Historic Environment Scotland’s HistoricScot Youth Forum reside in.
S6W-12790
To ask the Scottish Government how much funding Historic Environment Scotland has allocated for the activities of its HistoricScot Youth Forum.
S6W-12791
To ask the Scottish Government how it assesses the efficacy of Historic Environment Scotland’s HistoricScot Youth Forum.
S6W-12793
To ask the Scottish Government how many Freedom of Information requests have been made to Historic Environment Scotland in each year since it was founded, and what percentage of those requests were answered on or within 20 working days.
S6W-12794
To ask the Scottish Government how many complaints have been made to Historic Environment Scotland in each year since it was founded, and how many of those complaints were (a) successfully and (b) unsuccessfully resolved.
Current status: Answered by Neil Gray on 12 December 2022

S6W-12887 Liam Kerr, North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 06/12/2022
To ask the Scottish Government how many civil servants are working to tackle climate change and help achieve Scotland’s net zero commitments.
Current status: Answer expected on 20 December 2022

S6W-12878 Maurice Golden, North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 06/12/2022
To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many companies are currently accredited to carry out home insulation work in each local authority area in Scotland.
Current status: Answer expected on 20 December 2022

S6W-12904 Craig Hoy, South Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 08/12/2022
To ask the Scottish Government how often the stonemasonry training working group has met and when its last meeting was.
Current status: Answer expected on 22 December 2022

S6W-12966 Monica Lennon, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 08/12/2022
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to help bring vacant and disused buildings in Hamilton town centre back into use, particularly buildings that have been empty for several years.
Current status: Answer expected on 22 December 2022

S6W-13028 Douglas Lumsden, North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 09/12/2022
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the potential economic impact of Policy 27, part (d) in the revised fourth National Planning Framework (NPF4).
Current status: Answer expected on 9 January 2023

S6W-13064 Mark Ruskell, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Green Party
Date lodged: 09/12/2022
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-08334 by Tom Arthur on 17 May 2022, whether it will provide an update on phase 3 of the review of permitted development rights
Current status: Answer expected on 9 January 2023

 

Events

AHSS Richard Murphy – Adaptation and Development: Transforming the former Royal High School and Other Projects
Date & Time: Monday 9 January 2023; 6:30pm
Location: Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL (wheelchair accessible)
Note: Lectures will also be streamed online via Zoom
Architect Richard Murphy explores his approach to designing within, and adjacent to, historic buildings, with particular emphasis on his current project – the conversion of Thomas Hamilton’s Royal High School for St Mary’s Music School and the creation of public performance spaces.

RSA: Environment & Climate Scotland – Any Questions?
Date & Time: Wednesday 11 January 2023; 6-7:30pm
Location: Online
The RSA are hosting an insightful discussion on environmental and climate change issues in Scotland. This event is one of two being held in advance of a day conference coming up on 16 March 2023 titled “F5: Future Food, Fisheries, Farming and Forestry”.

RICS: World Built Environment Forum Week
Date: 16-23 January 2023
World Built Environment Forum Week celebrates the latest and best thinking from across the built and natural environment. The week-long schedule showcases pioneering ways in delivering sustainable places and spaces.
Booking link

RSA: Land Use in Scotland – Any Questions?
Date & Time: Tuesday 17 January 2023; 6-7:30pm
Location: Online
All are welcome to this event, where the discussion will be centred around the Scottish Government “Vision for Agriculture” document, other related policy consultations, and SEDA’s report of “A New Vision for Land Use in Scotland: 6 Conversations”, all as part of a wider conversation about issues relating to the environment and land use. This event is the second of two preceding a full day conference in March.

AHSS David Cook – Glasgow Building Preservation Trust and its Work
Date & Time: Thursday 19 January 2023; 7:30-10pm
Location: Renfield Centre, 260 Bath Street, Glasgow
Note: Lectures will also be streamed online via Zoom
Director, David Cook and some of the team from GBPT discuss the highs and lows over 40 years in rescuing and repurposing Glasgow’s historic buildings.

AHRC UKRI – ‘Where Next?’ Launch Event
Date & Time: Wednesday 25 January 2023; 2-4:30pm
Location: Online via Zoom
The Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) is launching its ‘Where Next?’ event for people to find out more about the submission process for this scheme, how AHRC will process submissions and how develop ideas.

Vacancies

PhD studentship – Mobilising cultural heritage in UK marine fisheries
This PhD studentship opportunity is led by Ian Baxter, Heriot-Watt and co-supervised by Ruth Thurstan, University of Exeter. Historic England is the Associate Partner and Antony Firth (Head of Marine Heritage Strategy) will also be providing co-supervision, with some limited financial support and internship opportunities.
Maritime cultural heritage is embedded in the practice of small-scale fishing: traditional ecological knowledge, maritime landscapes, historic landing places, traditional vessels, and all their associated skills and material culture. The fishing sector is going through transitions post-Brexit on top of environmental, generational and technological changes that are likely to further diminish the tangible and intangible heritage of fishing. How can we use this cultural legacy to drive greater sustainability within fisheries management before it is too late?
This studentship forms part of the large-scale NERC funded Centre for Doctoral Training in Sustainable Management of Marine Resource (CDT SuMMeR) and application details can be found here – search on the webpage for Heriot-Watt University project CDTS211:
Closing date: Tuesday 17 January 2023

BACK

BEFS News

Consultation has begun on the new draft of Our Place in Time (OPiT) to shape the future of Scotland’s historic environment. The 12-week consultation period closes on 20 February 2023. Prior to this BEFS facilitated a series of engagement workshops, both online and in person. The pre-consultation engagement report highlighted key findings and priority areas.

Historic Environment Scotland recently published their Annual Report and Financial Statements 2021-22. There are signs of recovery in visitor footfalls, increased income generated by heritage tourism to the Scottish economy and more staffed sites are open than in the previous year. There are still challenges along the road as volunteers, memberships, commercial income and investment through grants have not reached their pre-Covid level. The report highlights changes in the HES operating model as well as the status of KPI’s and the risks HES is facing with potential mitigating actions.

HES have also just released a consultation on their Regulatory Framework.

How culture and heritage is valued is always a matter of debate, especially when it comes to prioritising funds and resources, Scotland’s Historic Environment Audit is the usual source of key statistics in Scotland. UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is offering a £3,125,000 grant pot to develop our understanding further. Deadline for applications is 17 January 2023.

Museums Galleries Scotland are taking bookings for the Business Support Programme, a partnership between MGS, BEFS and greenspace scotland. Book here to have a 30-minute chat about the programme before making an application.

Applications are also now live for Rebuilding Heritage’s 1-2-1 Consultancy Sessions. These free online sessions will take place between January and March 2023 and are open to organisations across the UK. The programme covers Fundraising, Business Planning, Strategy and Finances and Communications. Deadline for applications is 12 December 2022.

RTPI Scotland published a Response to Revised Draft National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4). Robbie Calvert, Policy, Practice and Research Officer provided evidence to the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee in November. Culture Counts have also responded to the revised draft of NPF4.

COP27 is now over, and for the first time critical linkages between cultural heritage and climate change have been acknowledged, in terms of loss and damage associated with the adverse effects of climate change. While this is a positive outcome, countries failed to agree on phasing out of fossil fuels. According to the Climate Action Tracker’s November update, as far as real world action on current policies goes, the world is still heading towards 2.7°C of warming (and to 2.4°C of warming under current 2030 targets). It is very timely therefore that the Climate Change Committee is going to launch online their latest assessment of Scotland’s progress to reduce emissions.

In England, the Historic Environment Forum’s (HEF) Sustainability & Climate Change Task Group produced key materials to increase access to net zero expertise and share crucial learning on sustainability and net zero progress; from finding Net Zero resources to reducing Carbon Footprint.

The Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (World Heritage Convention) celebrated its 50^th anniversary last month and UNESCO launched the ‘50 Minds for The Next 50’. Each participant in the dialogue sessions outlined a new vision around five heritage themes: safeguarding against climate change, sustainable tourism, imagining the digital dimensions, a balanced representation of World Heritage Sites and heritage in the post-Covid world. You can watch it or read it.

The question of which future or futures we are managing heritage (including world heritage) for, and how we believe the heritage sector would provide benefits for those futures – or the future of the past – is as important now as it was when raised by the UNESCO Chair on Heritage Futures. It is also important to imagine alternative futures and look at heritage management.

An article considering findings from The Architectural Heritage Fund about communities and local groups taking up the role of custodians, highlights the current lack of other bodies to find new purpose for old buildings, many of which are interwoven with local life and their own stories of history and heritage.

A related consultation to highlight is that of King’s and Lord Treasurer’s Remembrancer, currently holding a consultation on the ownerless property transfer scheme.

BEFS Director attended an event celebrating 20 Years of the Scottish Council on Archives (SCA). A selection panel chose Twenty Treasures nominated by archivists and records managers from across Scotland.

The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) have announced that  the Quarry Studios by Moxon Architects, a new office building and community café in the Cairngorms National Park has been chosen as the winner of the 2022 Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award.

Scottish Civic Trust is pleased to announce that Thierry Lye, Calum Maclean and Gordon Murray have taken up their roles as .

And finally, BEFS are delighted to welcome our new Communications & Policy Officer, Roland Láposi. Roland has extensive experience across the sector and will be part of the team compiling our regular Bulletin.

The next dates are 15 December and 5 January – BEFS Members should submit information for inclusion by the Monday prior to publication.

Consultations

Developing a Scottish Tax to replace the UK Aggregates Levy
Scottish Government
Closes 4 December 2022

Delivering our Vision for Scottish Agriculture. Proposals for a new Agriculture Bill
Scottish Government
Closes 5 December 2022

World Heritage Site Management Plan 2023
Edinburgh World Heritage
Closes 12 December 2022

Ownerless Property Transfer Scheme (OPTS)
The King’s and Lord Treasurer’s Remembrancer (KLTR)
The OPTS has been developed from the KLTR’s existing casework approach to bona vacantia (ownerless) properties which have fallen to the Crown, normally where a company is dissolved, or a deceased person has no relatives to take on the property.
Closes 16 December 2022

Local Government, Housing & Planning Committee inquiry into Community Planning
Scottish Parliament
There are two different surveys: the first call for views is aimed at members of Community Planning Partnerships (organisations or individuals). The second survey is aimed at other organisations or individuals who have an interest in community planning.
Closes 30 December 2022

The Building Safety Levy: Consultation
UK Government
*New* Closes 7 February 2023

Consultation on Historic Environment Scotland’s first Regulatory Framework
HES
*New* Closes 14 Feb 2023

Consultation for Scotland’s new historic environment strategy (OPiT)
HES
*New* Closes 20 February 2023

Consultation Responses

Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee – NPF4 (ScotParl 22/11/2022)

Delivering Scotland’s circular economy: Proposed Circular Economy Bill – Consultation analysis (SG 30/11/2022)

Publications

HistoricScot Youth Forum: Final Report and Youth Action Plan (Young Scot 18/11/2022)

The Edinburgh Home Demonstrator – Introduction to Briefing and Design (BE-ST 24/11/2022)

Our Place in Time – Consultation Draft Strategy (HES 28/11/2022)

Our Place in Time – Engagement Report (HES 28/11/2022)

Our Place in Time – Island Communities Impact Assessment – Initial Screening (HES 28/11/2022)

Our Place in Time – Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment – Initial Screening (HES 28/11/2022)

Our Place in Time – Strategic Environmental Assessment (HES 28/11/2022)

Our Place in Time – Non-Technical Summary 2022 (HES 28/11/2022)

Research on barriers to community-owned energy projects in Scotland – Executive Summary (SURF 29/11/2022)

Annual Report 2021-22 (HES November 2022)

Understanding Scotland Report – Economy (Diffley Partnership, Charlotte Street Partners, The David Hume Institute November 2022)

Heritage Access 2022 – Report on accessibility of UK museum and heritage (Vocal Eyes November 2022)

World Heritage – The next 50 (UNESCO November 2022)

Nationwide equity assessment of the 20-min neighbourhood in the Scottish context: A socio-spatial proximity analysis of residential locations (Social Science & Medicine December 2022)

Scottish & UK Government Publications

Wellbeing economy toolkit: supporting place based economic strategy and policy development
(SG 22/11/2022)

The Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act 2022: Rent Freeze and Evictions Pause (ScotParl 24/11/2022)

UK Government publishes new measures to help people to better insulate their homes and reduce energy consumption (UK Gov 28/11/2022)

Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee Meeting, NPF4 (ScotParl 29/11/2022)

Economy and Fair Work Committee: Enquiry into Retail and Town Centres in Scotland (ScotParl 29/11/2022)

News Releases

20 minute neighbourhoods in rural settings (Forth Environment Link November 2022)

New survey of Scotland’s tourism sector published (Scottish Tourism Alliance 10/11/2022)

How the heritage sector is shaping a new 10-year strategy (Heritage Fund 16/11/2022)

Autumn Statement 2022 – Summary for Heritage (The Heritage Alliance 17/11/2022)

World’s first UNESCO Trail wins European sustainability award (VisitScotland 17/11/2022)

Climate Heritage Network lauds landmark Culture Outcomes at COP27; Redoubles Efforts to Win More Holistic Recognition (CHN 20/11/2022)

The Ferret and The Herald present the findings of their joint investigation into ‘Who Owns Scotland’s Cities’ (The Herald 21/11/2022)

Cumbernauld Town Centre decision (HES 23/11/2022)

Tourism recovery accelerates to reach 65% of pre-pandemic levels (UNWTO 23/11/2022)

Mill Street, Perth wins Great Street and Govanhill, Glasgow is awarded Great Neighbourhood at The Urbanism Awards 2022 (The Academy of Urbanism 24/11/2022)

Blenheim Palace using robot dog to monitor the impact of climate change (blooloop 25/11/2022)

Year of Stories Campaigns and Content case studies (VisitScotland 30/11/2022)

HES stonemasons win gold and silver in national skills competition (HES 01/12/2022)

Opinion & Comment

Heritage in 20 Years: what will matter most? (The Heritage Alliance 21/10/22)

People warned not to use ‘cowboy’ foam insulation firms (BBC News 21/11/2022)

The 20 minute neighbourhood: trap or opportunity? (CliffHague.com 22/11/2022)

The era of the megalopolis: how the world’s cities are merging (The Conversation 22/11/22)

Maryhill tower blocks: report states retrofitting is ‘greener option’ (The Herald 23/11/2022)

Britain’s greenest city centre – and its least green (The Conversation 23/11/2022)

Why are so many historic places still closed? (The Herald 24/11/2022)

Sauchiehall Street named Scotland’s most struggling high street (The Herald 24/11/2022)

Why better data is vital for future-proofing the cultural sector (Arts Professional 24/11/2022)

Scotland’s high-rises in the 1960s: The villages in the sky that transformed life for a generation of Scots (The Scotsman 24/11/2022)

Communities becoming accidental custodians of the nation’s heritage (The Herald 27/11/2022)

Concerns raised by heritage staff on salaries (The Herald 27/11/2022)

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”.

S6W-11950 Mark Griffin, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 07/11/2022
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-07307 by Shona Robison on 25 March 2022, and in light of its tender, OCT462463, for the audit anticipating that the research will extend over six months, what the (a) scope and (b) timeline is of the empty homes audit.
Current status: Answered by Shona Robison on 17 November 2022

S6W-11908 Mark Griffin, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 04/11/2022
To ask the Scottish Government what correspondence it has had with all identified privately owned high-rise buildings in regard to the Single Building Assessment programme ahead of their forthcoming invitation onto the survey programme in 2023, and how many buildings it has been in contact with.
Current status: Answered by Shona Robison on 18 November 2022

S6W-11882 Daniel Johnson, Edinburgh Southern, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 08/11/2022
To ask the Scottish Government what it can do to allow the removal of any freeze on apprenticeship places and budgets at Skills Development Scotland.
Current status: Answered by Jamie Hepburn on 21 November 2022

S6W-11938 Jamie Greene, West Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 07/11/2022
To ask the Scottish Government what the estimated cost of any backlog of maintenance work for the prison estate has been in each year since 2014.
Current status: Answered by Keith Brown on 21 November 2022

S6W-12076 Paul McLennan, East Lothian, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 10/11/2022
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will outline its plans for the upcoming review of the National Outcomes; when the review process will start; how long it will last, and how it plans to ensure that the review includes as broad a consultation process as possible before presenting new draft National Outcomes to the Parliament.
Current status: Answered by John Swinney on 21 November 2022

S6W-12215 Sharon Dowey, South Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 15/11/2022
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its “work on making the culture and heritage sector part of Scotland as a Fair Work Nation by 2025”.
Current status: Answered by Neil Gray on 23 November 2022

S6W-11964 Miles Briggs, Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 08/11/2022
To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many buildings in Scotland have undergone survey work to identify and remediate unsafe cladding since 12 May 2022.
Current status: Answered by Shona Robison on 24 November 2022

S6W-12095 Willie Rennie, North East Fife, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: 11/11/2022
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the role of Confucius Institutes in Scottish higher education.
Current status: Answered by Jamie Hepburn on 24 November 2022

S6W-12216 Sharon Dowey, South Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 15/11/2022
To ask the Scottish Government how the National Partnership for Culture is progressing, and whether it will provide examples of any opportunities that it has identified to date for individuals and organisations.
Current status: Answered by Neil Gray on 24 November 2022

S6W-12292 Mark Griffin, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 17/11/2022 R
To ask the Scottish Government how many proposals for projects to make use of the £50 million fund for bringing homes back into use it has received; for how long the fund will remain open for applications, and from which local authorities it has received proposals.
Current status: Answered by Neil Gray on 24 November 2022

Events

Museums Galleries Scotland – 2023 Business Support Programme Surgeries
Date & Time: Thursday 1 to Wednesday 7 December 2022; various times
Location: Online
Surgeries to answer your questions regarding the programme, such as eligibility, training content and delivery, participating in the programme, application process. 30 minute slots, open to all heritage organisations in Scotland interested in participating in the 2023 Business Support Programme, but please note, places are limited.

Climate Change Committee – Online launch: 2022 Scottish Progress Report and advice on climate targets
Date & Time: Wednesday 7 December 2022; 10-11:30am
Location: Online
The online launch of the latest assessment of Scotland’s progress to reduce emissions against its statutory targets as set out in the Climate Change (Scotland) Act.

Make Your Mark – Removing class barriers to heritage volunteering
Date & Time: Wednesday 7 December 2022; 10-12:30am
Location: Online
The staff and volunteers of the UK’s heritage sector are predominantly middle and upper class. Speakers from Museum As Muck, Volunteer Scotland, Volunteering Matters and the National Lottery Heritage Fund will discuss how heritage organisations can increase the socioeconomic diversity of their volunteer programmes by removing class barriers.

RICS World Built Environment Forum – Transforming land use: Delivering a vibrant and sustainable economy
Date & Time: Wednesday 7 December 2022; 1-2pm
Location: Online
The use and ownership of land will have a fundamental impact on the type of society and economy we look to build over the coming decades and in tackling climate change. Join leading experts in the wake of COP27 to examine the future of land management across the UK, including recent legislation and initiatives in the four nations, and its role in delivering a society and economy that meets the national, public and community interest.

Arts & Business Scotland Briefing: General Tax Update for the Culture Sector
Date & Time: Thursday 8 December 2022; 12–1pm
Location: Online
Tax continues to change and challenge the finances of cultural bodies. In this webinar Kirsty Murray and Scott Craig from Azets will provide an update on tax changes as well as highlight issues and opportunities they have found while working with cultural bodies. They will cover the VAT, gift aid and corporate tax implications associated with a number of areas.

PAS – Zero Waste Scotland: Circular Economy in a Planning Context
Date & Time: Thursday 8 December 2022; 12-1pm
Location: Online
What is the circular economy? And what does it mean for planning? This session will introduce you to the concept of the circular economy through a mix of presentation, questions and discussion.

SHSMG – The Future of Social Media
Date & Time: Thursday 8 December 2022; 3-4pm
Location: Online
Is it ethical to be creating content for platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok? Are you exploring any alternative platforms or approaches? Has your engagement dropped? Is social media really helping the heritage sector achieve our objectives?

RTPI West of Scotland – Winter Social and Quiz
Date & Time: Thursday 8 December 2022; 7-11pm
Location: 62 Argyll Arcade, 108 Argyle Street, Glasgow, G2 8BG
Join RTPI for the final West of Scotland event of 2022 – the return of the annual quiz! Maximum 4 per team, and individual attendees can be grouped together on the night.

HES – Inform Friday: An Introduction to Listed Building Consent and the Planning System
Date & Time: Friday 9 December 2022; 12-1pm
Location: Livestream via YouTube
What are listed buildings and conservation areas? How do you find out if a building is listed, and what permissions do you need to make changes to these buildings? Lila Angelaka will be joined by Steven Robb, HES Planning, Consents and Advice team, to talk about Historic Environment Scotland’s role in the planning system, the process of consent for historic buildings, such as listed building consent, conservation area consent and planning permission.

AHSS Dr Iain Gordon Brown – Auld Greekie: Edinburgh as the Athens of the North
Date & Time: Monday 12 December 2022; 6:30pm
Location: Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL (wheelchair accessible)
Note: Lectures will also be streamed online
In the early nineteenth century, Edinburgh – ‘Auld Reekie’ – came to think of itself and to be widely regarded as something else: it became ‘Modern Athens’. 1822 was a crucial year. At this bicentenary moment the speaker will share ideas explored in his new book, Auld Greekie.

RTPI Grampian – NPF4 What it all means
Date & Time: Tuesday 13 December 2022; 5-7pm
Location: Brodies House, 31-33 Union Grove, Aberdeen, AB106SD
NPF4 was laid in the Scottish Parliament on 8 November. 12 months after its draft was published, this document places the nature and climate crises front and centre, setting an overarching spatial strategy for the future, proposed national developments that support the spatial strategy and policies for the development and use of land. Elaine Farquharson Black at Brodies will provide a briefing on NPF4, followed by discussion on its impacts, next steps and implementation of this key piece of the Scottish Government’s planning reform agenda.

Rebuilding Heritage – What Does Fundraising Look Like for 2023?
Date & Time: Wednesday 14 December; 10-11:30am
Location: Online
This webinar will examine how the nature of fundraising is likely to change in light of current challenges faced by the heritage sector. Having dealt with the challenges of securing income during the Covid-19 pandemic, the heritage sector must now face the new reality that people and organisations don’t necessarily have as much cash in their pockets as they’d like. Join to find out more about how the current trends can steer you towards more successful outcomes; hear why a diversified portfolio is essential and what this may look like in the coming year.

Society of Antiquaries of Scotland December Lecture: The Viking boat-burial at Kiloran Bay, Colonsay – Professor James Graham-Campbell
Date & Time: Thursday 15 December 2022; 6pm
Location: Hybrid format; in-person at Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh and livestreamed online
The high-status Viking burial excavated at Kiloran Bay, Colonsay, in 1882 and 1884, is a well-furnished weapon grave, including scales, weights and harness-mounts, together with a boat, a horse and a possible human sacrifice, but also with two cross-marked stones. It is well documented for the period, in the archives of the Societies of Antiquaries of Scotland and of London, but much remains for discussion in relation to similar graves from Scandinavia, Britain and Iceland.

Cupar & District Annual Lecture 2022 – Professor Murray Pittock MAE FRSE
Date & Time: Thursday 15 December 2022; 6:45pm/7pm start
Location: Online
The 2022 Annual Lecture will cover “Culture, Tourism and the Economy” and will be delivered by Professor Murray Pittock, Pro-Vice Principal, Special Projects at The University of Glasgow. In addition to his previous university roles at Edinburgh, Oxford, Aberdeen and Strathclyde, Professor Pittock has held diverse visiting appointments including New York, Prague and Dublin. He is one of the few UK academics to be a prize lecturer of both the RSE and the British Academy.

Training

Scottish Lime Centre Trust – P1 Repairing Traditional Masonry (Professional Level 1)
Date & Time: Tuesday 6 & Wednesday 7 December 2022; 9:30am-4:30pm
Location: Charlestown Workshops, Fife, KY11 3EN
Cost: £310 +VAT
This 2-day workshop for building professionals provides an introduction to the effective conservation and repair of traditional masonry structures and buildings, for the most part using traditional lime based mortars. Learn the skills to create repair strategies for repointing works and understanding analysis techniques to best match and specify mortars for repair work, choose the right sands and aggregates; & make a variety of lime mortars including the criteria for selecting the right mortar mixes.

Vacancies

RTPI Scotland – Intern Project Officer
Salary: £19,838 pro rata
Status: 6 month fixed term contract
Location: Edinburgh
An excellent entry level position at RTPI Scotland, for a motivated person who can use collaborative and analytical skills to support the engagement of Scottish membership on planning policy matters. This role offers the successful applicant excellent experience, contributing to their understanding of planning policy in Scotland. Please note: for any applicants currently studying on a RTPI accredited qualification, this experience would not be able to be counted towards that needed to support an Assessment of Professional Competence.
Closing date: Midnight on Sunday 4 December 2022

Historic Environment Scotland – Board members
Salary: Fee of £228 per day, up to two days per month; reasonable expenses covered
Status: Duration – up to four years.
Historic Environment Scotland are seeking Board members with the ability and experience to contribute at a strategic level and the capacity and commitment to grow into the role and develop their skills, whether or not they have prior experience of being on a board. For some of these appointments, applications are invited from people who can demonstrate at least one of the following specialist experience, knowledge and expertise: managing heritage assets; customer/visitor experience; climate change/net zero; digital/marketing; or community development. There are up to five board positions available.
Closing date: 5pm on Friday 16 December 2022

PhD studentship – Mobilising cultural heritage in UK marine fisheries
This PhD studentship opportunity is led by Ian Baxter, Heriot-Watt and co-supervised by Ruth Thurstan, University of Exeter. Historic England is the Associate Partner and Antony Firth (Head of Marine Heritage Strategy) will also be providing co-supervision, with some limited financial support and internship opportunities.
Maritime cultural heritage is embedded in the practice of small-scale fishing: traditional ecological knowledge, maritime landscapes, historic landing places, traditional vessels, and all their associated skills and material culture. The fishing sector is going through transitions post-Brexit on top of environmental, generational and technological changes that are likely to further diminish the tangible and intangible heritage of fishing. How can we use this cultural legacy to drive greater sustainability within fisheries management before it is too late?
This studentship forms part of the large-scale NERC funded Centre for Doctoral Training in Sustainable Management of Marine Resource (CDT SuMMeR) and application details can be found here – search on the webpage for Heriot-Watt University project CDTS211:
Closing date: Tuesday 17 January 2023

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BEFS News

Last week saw the much anticipated publication of the Revised Draft National Planning Framework (NPF4). As the world continues to focus on events at COP27, tackling the climate and nature crises and climate mitigation and adaptation sit front and centre of the polices in the document. The revised draft represents a significant landmark in recognising the role of the historic environment towards sustainable places. BEFS Policy and Strategy Manager provides some initial thoughts here.

The independent analysis report of the responses to the consultation and Delivery Programme are also available.

With a further focus on urgent action to meeting Scotland’s climate targets, RICS recent report on Decarbonising UK Real Estate makes recommendations that aim to accelerate the reduction of both embodied and operational carbon emissions arising from real estate in line with national decarbonisation targets.

With insight from across the RICS profession and input from a wide range of built environment stakeholders the report’s recommendations call for:
•    The modernisation of the EPC scheme;
•    Establishment of a UK-wide retrofit programme; and
•    A whole life approach to measuring and monitoring built environment carbon emissions.

Applications are now live for the 2023 Museums Galleries Scotland | Business Support Programme. Starting in March 2023 this free programme will last 9 months and will support 20 heritage organisations across Scotland to build capacity and develop sustainable business models. The programme is open to organisations across the wider heritage sector in Scotland, including museums, galleries, built environment, greenspaces, and community heritage. The programme covers 4 key areas: Leadership, Governance, Business Planning and Community Engagement.
Deadline for applications is 12 noon on Monday 12 December 2022.

BEFS Members, Scotland’s Churches Trust recently elected Professor Adam Cumming as Chairperson, following Col Jamie Erskine’s departure after three and a half years. Adam outlines his passion for Scotland’s church heritage and his aspirations for the Trust’s future in this recent blog.

And finally, congratulations to BEFS Members, The Ridge, who won the SPAB Sustainable Heritage Award for their work rescuing No. 4 Black Bull Close, an abandoned 18th-century building behind Dunbar High Street.

The next Bulletin dates are 1 & 15 December – BEFS Members should submit information for inclusion by the Monday prior to publication.

Consultations

The Future of National Parks in Scotland
Scottish Government
Closes 30 November 2022

Responsible Tourism Framework
Historic Environment Scotland
Closes 30 November 2022

Developing a Scottish Tax to replace the UK Aggregates Levy
Scottish Government
Closes 4 December 2022

Delivering our Vision for Scottish Agriculture. Proposals for a new Agriculture Bill
Scottish Government
**Deadline extended** Now closes 5 December 2022

World Heritage Site Management Plan 2023
Edinburgh World Heritage
Closes 12 December 2022

The Scottish Parliament’s Local Government, Housing & Planning Committee inquiry into Community Planning 
There are two different surveys: the first call for views is aimed at members of Community Planning Partnerships (organisations or individuals). The second survey is aimed at other organisations or individuals who have an interest in community planning.
Closes 30 December 2022

Publications

Making data work for public sector policy: Can better data lead to better policy? (Centre for Cultural Value October 2022)

Understanding Landlord Behaviour in the Private Rented Sector in the UK (CaCHE November 2022)

A roadmap to decarbonisation: Retrofit of social housing stock in the South of Scotland (CLES/IPPR November 2022)

Decarbonising UK real estate: Recommendations for policy reform (RICS November 2022)

Scottish & UK Government Publications

Pre-Budget Scrutiny 2023-24: Scotland’s Public Finances in 2023-24 and the Impact of the Cost of Living and Public Service Reform (ScotParl 03/11/2022)

Non-domestic buildings – heating systems: research report (SG 04/11/2022)

Construction Industry Training Board Annual Report and Accounts for y/e 31 March 2022 (UK Gov 07/11/2022)

National Planning Framework 4: Revised Draft (SG 08/11/2022)

National Planning Framework 4: Explanatory Report (SG 08/11/2022)

National Planning Framework 4 Delivery Programme (SG 08/11/2022)

National Planning Framework 4 Housing Land Requirement Explanatory Report Addendum (SG 08/11/2022)

Habitats Regulations Appraisal of National Planning Framework 4 – HRA Record (SG 08/11/2022)

National Planning Framework 4 Final Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment (SG 08/11/2022)

Lifecycle Greenhouse Gas Emissions of National Planning Framework 4 Proposed National Development Assessment Findings (SG 08/11/2022)

Draft National Planning Framework 4 Analysis of Responses to the Consultation (SG 08/11/2022)

Local development planning regulations and guidance – draft: consultation analysis (SG 08/11/2022)

Building a green heat industry (SG 11/11/2022)

Towards an Industry for Green Heat: heat in buildings supply chains delivery plan (SG 11/11/2022)

News Releases

Creative Scotland issue update on approach to future funding for organisations (03/11/2022)

Congratulations to Chiara Ronchini of HES, announced as new secretary general of Great Spa Towns of Europe Association (08/11/2022)

The first guide in Scotland to support community organisations undertake their own housing or development projects is now available online (09/11/2022)

Historic England Reveals its Heritage at Risk Register 2022 (10/11/2022)

Stirling will become the first fully Augmented Reality city in the world (10/11/2022)

The team developing the UK’s Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard (the NZCBS) has launched a call for evidence, to help inform and guide the development of the Standard (09/11/2022)

The deadline has been extended for submissions of applications to Europa Nostra’s 2023 European Heritage Awards – now 5 December 2022 (14/11/2022)

Arts & Business Scotland announce the appointment of new Chair and Trustees (16/11/2022)

Opinion & Comment

Edinburgh conservation area ‘red tape’ could change to help insulate old homes (Edinburgh Live 02/11/2022)

Decarbonising UK public buildings to cost £25-30bn (BBC News 05/11/2022)

St Fillan’s: Congregation and campaigners still hope to save ancient church (The Scotsman 06/11/2022)

‘Empty promises’: Ministers plan £133m of cuts to Scots energy efficiency schemes (The Herald 07/11/2022)

Robertson’s fire destroyed a little bit of Dundee’s soul: Jim Spence (The Courier 15/11/2022)

Stirling prize: why Cambridge’s Magdalene library was named the UK’s best new building (The Conversation 15/11/2022)

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”.

S6W-11584 Donald Cameron, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 18/10/2022
To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with Historic Environment Scotland regarding the flexibility to use its reserves, and whether it has plans to extend any such flexibility to other organisations.
Current status: Answered by Neil Gray 1 November 2022

S6W-11537 Mark Griffin, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 13/10/2022
To ask the Scottish Government what the status is of each (a) single building assessment and (b) single building assessment application it has received under the grant-based approach.
Current status: Answered by Shona Robison 3 November 2022

Mark Griffin, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 04/11/2022
S6W-11906 To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6T-00933 by Shona Robison on 1 November 2022, what the status is of the gateway recommendations in Cladding Remediation Gateway Review 0 (Strategic Assessment) October 2021 and July 2022.
S6W-11907 To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-10678 by Shona Robison on 22 September 2022, whether the meeting with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities colleagues has now taken place, and what further funding has been secured to assess and remediate buildings in Scotland affected by combustible cladding.
S6W-11908 To ask the Scottish Government what correspondence it has had with all identified privately owned high-rise buildings in regard to the Single Building Assessment programme ahead of their forthcoming invitation onto the survey programme in 2023, and how many buildings it has been in contact with.
S6W-11909 To ask the Scottish Government how long it estimates the assessment of the 780 identified high-rise buildings in Scotland will take, and how this compares with the information released under Freedom of Information request 202200321870.
Current status: Expected answers 18 November 2022

S6W-11929 Sarah Boyack, Lothian, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 04/11/2022
To ask the Scottish Government how much of the new £50 million fund for bringing homes back into use has been allocated, broken down by local authority area.
Current status: Answered by Neil Gray 9 November 2022

S6W-11934 Sarah Boyack, Lothian, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 04/11/2022
To ask the Scottish Government whether it has a timeline of when Historic Environment Scotland expects sites currently closed to the public as part of the high-level masonry programme will reopen, and what information it has on the budgets required to do this.
Current status: Answered by Neil Gray 10 November 2022

S6W-11950 Mark Griffin, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 07/11/2022
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-07307 by Shona Robison on 25 March 2022, and in light of its tender, OCT462463, for the audit anticipating that the research will extend over six months, what the (a) scope and (b) timeline is of the empty homes audit.
Current status: Expected answer 21 November 2022

Ministerial Statement NPF4 – Tom Arthur, The Minister for Public Finance, Planning and Community Wealth
Date: 08 November 2022

S6W-11958 Mark Griffin, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 08/11/2022
To ask the Scottish Government what the £6 million of reduced Buildings Standards expenditure identified on page 23 of the Emergency Budget Review was originally assigned to.
Current status: Expected answer 22 November 2022

Miles Briggs, Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 08/11/2022
S6W-11964 To ask the Scottish Government what information it has on how many buildings in Scotland have undergone survey work to identify and remediate unsafe cladding since 12 May 2022.
S6W-11965 To ask the Scottish Government how many housing developers it has met with regarding the identification and remediation of unsafe cladding since 12 May 2022.
S6W-11966 To ask the Scottish Government what financial support it has provided to housing developers in order to identify and remediate unsafe cladding.
Current status: Expected answers 22 November 2022

S6O-01547 Jamie Greene, West Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 09/11/2022
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on Historic Environment Scotland site closures.
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on 16 November 2022

Events

Edinburgh, Lothians and Borders Archaeology Conference
Date & Time: Saturday 19 November 2022; 9am-4:45pm
Location: Queen Margaret University, Musselburgh
This annual conference is organised by the City of Edinburgh Council, East Lothian Council and Scottish Borders Council.  For the 20th anniversary there will be an exciting programme of talks about recent discoveries and archaeological research in Edinburgh, East Lothian, Midlothian and the Scottish Borders.
Conference tickets are £30, with an optional buffet lunch priced at £10  (NB lunch must be pre-booked by 16 November). Conference tickets only will be available on the day. Book tickets here

RICS World Built Environment Forum – Natural solutions to human-induced problems: Is green infrastructure the answer?
Date & Time: Wednesday 23 November 2022; 4-5pm
Location: Online
Join the conversation as we explore what new and revised financing and governance frameworks are required to successfully up-scale nature-based solutions. How broadly could these solutions be implemented, and are policymakers rising to this legislative challenge?

ICON Scotland 25th Annual Plenderleith Memorial Lecture: Even on a Mountain, there is still a road: Reflections on Conservation in post-Conflict Afghanistan
Date & Time: Thursday 24 November 2022; 7-8:15pm
Location: City Art Centre, 2 Market Street, Edinburgh
Join Icon Scotland for their 25th annual lecture in memory of Dr Harold Plenderleith, one of the founders of modern conservation. This year’s speaker is Dr Richard Mulholland, Senior Lecturer on the Conservation of Fine Art MA programme at Northumbria University. A Paper Conservator and Technical Art Historian, Richard has been engaged in research on the conservation and safeguarding of cultural heritage collections at risk in conflict zones, particularly focused on Afghanistan. His lecture will consider what is being done to equip collections staff to respond to these crises and reflect on the future of culture in an increasingly polarised world.

Scotland’s Landscape Alliance – Managing Continuity and Change in Scotland’s Landscapes: Keeping Scotland aligned with Europe and alive to world challenges affecting our landscape
Date: Tuesday 29 November 2022
Location & Times: The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling FK8 1QZ (09:30am-2pm) and Online (10am-1pm)
Link to register In person
Link to register online
2022 marks the 22nd anniversary of the launch of the European Landscape Convention, and provides a reminder of the enthusiasm and energy that was invested in its inception. Scottish voices were very much part of this process, and the launch of the Scottish Landscape Charter in 2010 confirmed the drive for action from across the country.
Scotland’s Landscape Alliance invite you to review key achievements in bringing the principles of the ELC into daily life in Scotland, to explore landscape challenges and priorities facing us in the future and engage the landscape community in a discussion on ideas for its future implementation.

A&BS The (Income) Generation Game: In-person
Date & Time: Tuesday 29 November 2022; 4pm-6:15pm
Location: Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh
Link to register
A&BS The (Income) Generation Game: Online
Date & Time: Wednesday 30 November 2022; 4-6pm
Location: Online
Link to register
Chairs of heritage or mixed arts/heritage organisations are invited to network and learn from experts and peers in a mini-series called ‘The Heritage Chairs Network Exchange’.
The sessions focus on challenges chairs might be facing having come out of lockdown, and the wider context organisations need to respond to. The sessions will bring together chairs to allow participants to expand their peer networks and share experience. With unprecedented pressure on public funding, what are some of the ways organisations can respond to remain financially sustainable?
These in person and online sessions will look at the role of the board and chair in fundraising, and other income generation options available to heritage organisations and mixed heritage/arts organisations.

EWHT – Modernism and Conservation: The life and times of Sir Robert Matthew
Date & Time: Wednesday 30 November 2022; 6pm
Location: St Mark’s Unitarian Church, 7 Castle Terrace, Edinburgh EH1 2DP and Online
Join Prof Miles Glendinning to hear about one of Scotland’s most important architects and conservationists. Sir Robert Matthew was a man of contrasts. He designed cutting-edge modernist buildings such as the Royal Commonwealth Pool and David Hume Tower in Edinburgh, while also campaigning to conserve the historic New Town, protecting what was, in his words, ‘a national asset of world significance. Professor Miles Glendinning is the Personal Chair of Architectural Conservation at the Edinburgh College of Art. His fascinating talk will cover Matthew’s place in Scottish/British/International modernism in general, as well as touching more specifically on his involvement in conservation in the 60s/70s, and the ‘heritage significance’ of his work.

IHBC at 25
Date & Time: Thursday 1 December 2022; 4pm for AGM; presentations from 4:45-6pm; refreshments and networking from 6-7pm.
Location: Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1EL and Online via Zoom
Link to register
Since 1997 IHBC – The Institute of Historic Building Conservation –  has been supporting and accrediting built environment conservation professionals while promoting the public and charitable benefits of conservation. Marking a quarter century since conversion from the Association of Conservation Officers, IHBC Scotland branch will hold a hybrid meeting on 1 December at Augustine United Church, beginning with our AGM, followed by talks and refreshments and concluding at 7pm. Non-members and Supporters are welcome. Free to book via IHBC Scotland scotland@ihbc.org.uk
Notes re Covid-19: Augustine church is spacious and airy. If in doubt about your health please wear a mask or join via Zoom.

AHSS Dr Iain Gordon Brown – Auld Greekie: Edinburgh as the Athens of the North
Date & Time: Monday 12 December 2022; 6:30pm
Location: Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL (wheelchair accessible)
Note: Lectures will also be streamed online via Zoom
In the early nineteenth century, Edinburgh – ‘Auld Reekie’ – came to think of itself and to be widely regarded as something else: it became ‘Modern Athens’. 1822 was a crucial year. At this bicentenary moment the speaker will share ideas explored in his new book, Auld Greekie. He will discuss several events of that time, and interlink architectural, cultural and social developments.

 

Society of Antiquaries of Scotland December Lecture: The Viking boat-burial at Kiloran Bay, Colonsay – Professor James Graham-Campbell
Date & Time: Thursday 15 December; 6pm
Location: Hybrid format; in-person at Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh and livestreamed online via Zoom
The high-status Viking burial excavated at Kiloran Bay, Colonsay, in 1882 and 1884, is a well-furnished weapon grave, including scales, weights and harness-mounts, together with a boat, a horse and a possible human sacrifice, but also with two cross-marked stones. It is well documented for the period, in the archives of the Societies of Antiquaries of Scotland and of London, but much remains for discussion in relation to similar graves from Scandinavia, Britain and Iceland.

Training

A&BS Business Briefing: Data Protection and Marketing Update
Date & Time: Tuesday 22 November; 12-1pm
Location: Online via Zoom
The use of data has never been so valuable but the question of what you can and cannot do legally with contact data to market your goods and services is complex. In this session we will look at how data protection laws apply to the arts, heritage and culture sector and how it can use contact data to keep in touch with audiences and supporters. We will cover:
–    Marketing and data protection laws – the basics
–    Cookies, consent and the risks
–    The Data Reform Bill and changes which could assist the third sector

Scottish Lime Centre Trust – Climate Change – How to protect our buildings
Date & Time: Friday 2 December 2022; 9:30am-4:30pm
Location: Charlestown Workshops, Fife
Cost: £200 +VAT
What on earth we can do to protect our buildings? From more robust roof design, retro-fitting for pre and post 1919 buildings, bigger and better rain water goods, all about insulating plasters and render and we think mortar skew fillets have their days numbered.

Vacancies

Heritage Trust Network – Board Members
Salary: not remunerated; expenses covered
Heritage Trust Network is recruiting new members to its Board of Directors.
This is a unique opportunity to join the leadership of the fastest growing organisation in community-led heritage regeneration. You could help steer their ambitious strategy to strengthen the organisation and help their members succeed. New board members are being recruited to ensure continuity, bring in new experiences and perspectives, and diversify the board.
There are up to three board positions available. Download a recruitment pack and further information on being a trustee.
Closing date: 28 November 2022

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BEFS News

Policy Spotlight: BEFS Policy and Strategy Manager takes a look at the new bill, part of A Vision for Scottish Agriculture – and highlights the role of the historic environment as part of this. Views are being sought on a new Agriculture Bill which will underpin Scottish agricultural policy for years to come. Give your views by 21st of November to raise the profile of the historic environment at this early stage of the legislative process.

Following a survey of Scotland’s local civic trusts and heritage groups, the Scottish Civic Trust has developed a suite of resources, which includes a new local heritage resources hub and updated planning toolkit. They have also restarted the Scottish Civic Trust Forum on Facebook, providing a welcome space for groups to chat about all things heritage and communities in Scotland.

Huge congratulations go to BEFS Board Member, Fernanda Acosta Ballesteros, who has been shortlisted in the category of Early Career Archaeologist, as part of the Archaeological Achievement Awards. We wish her all the best for the final later this month.

BEFS, along with Members Under One Roof was pleased to attend and provide secretariat for the re-formed Working Group on Tenement Maintenance last week, hosted by Graham Simpson MSP. It was great to see a large turnout for the meeting, which provided an opportunity to take stock of progress over the past few years and discuss strategic action around maintaining Scotland’s tenements for the future.

BEFS does not have a Communications Manager in post at this time. BEFS will continue to get readers all the information that matters, particularly ensuring parliamentary activity is covered. And we’ll endeavour to include Events, Training and related Vacancies. These will be presented in the Bulletin as links (we will not be updating the website Events diary or Vacancy pages) until the team is back at full complement. Next Bulletin dates are 17 November and 1 December – BEFS Members should submit information for inclusion by the Monday prior to publication.

Consultations

Delivering our Vision for Scottish Agriculture. Proposals for a new Agriculture Bill
Scottish Government
Closes 21 November 2022

The Future of National Parks in Scotland
Scottish Government
Closes 30 November 2022

HES Responsible Tourism Framework
Historic Environment Scotland
Closes 30 November 2022

Developing a Scottish Tax to replace the UK Aggregates Levy
Scottish Government
Closes 4 December 2022

Scottish Civic Trust

Consultation Responses

New Build Heat Standards Part 2 (20/10/2022)

Land Reform in a Net Zero Nation (30/10/2022)

Publications

Scottish Government funding of voluntary organisations: A case study of voluntary sector intermediaries with insights from senior leaders (SCVO September 2022)

Guidance on Installing Heat Pumps in Historic Buildings (Historic England September 2022)

Strengthening Cultural Heritage Resilience for Climate Change (European Commission September 2022)

The Horizon Papers: Work Programme 2023-2024. Culture Creativity and Inclusive Society (European Commission October 2022)

Thinking about… Charity Reserves: Research Report into Charity Reserves Management in Scotland (IVAR October 2022)

The Place Commission for Glasgow: recommendations on how design can make a better Glasgow (Glasgow City Council October 2022)

Scottish & UK Government Publications

Joint Ministerial response to Scottish Affairs Committee regarding promoting Scotland internationally (UK Gov 6/10/2022)

Planning circular 3/2022: development management procedures (SG 21/10/2022)

Information about the regulation of short-term lets in Scotland (SG 24/10/2022)

Short-term lets: letter to housing conveners on commencement of short-term lets licensing scheme and letter to local authorities on updated licensing guidance (SG 24/10/2022)

Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee Meeting: Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill (ScotParl 25/10/2022)

Report tracking the work of the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee 2021-22 (ScotParl 26/10/2022)

Announcement of the establishment of a national public energy agency – Heat & Energy Efficiency Scotland (SG 26/10/2022)

Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero Energy and Transport, Michael Matheson, confirms establishment of national public energy agency to Net Zero Energy and Transport Committee (SG 26/10/2022)

Heat in Buildings Strategy: 2022 update (SG 31/10/2022)

Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee. Pre-Budget Scrutiny 2023-24: Funding for Culture Report (ScotParl 31/10/2022)

DCMS Committee: Reimagining where we live: cultural placemaking and the levelling up agenda (UK Gov 2/11/2022)

News Releases

Andrew Knight speaks with Daniel Mohamed as they discuss the application of data and technology by local authority planning departments (5/10/2022)

Applications are now invited for Europa Nostra’s 2023 European Heritage Awards – deadline for submissions is 25 November 2022 (12/10/2022)

The BES Scottish Policy Group co-hosted a ‘Pie and a Pint’ policy debate on National Parkswith CIEEM to discuss the Scottish Government’s agreement to establish at least one new National Park in Scotland (20/10/22)

The European Commission has published reports confirming that EU emissions remain 4% below pre-pandemic levels despite rebound after COVID recovery (26/10/022)

Charity chief is named as Moderator of the Church of Scotland 2023-24 General Assembly (28/10/2022)

Historic Religious Buildings Alliance release Summary of Survey Responses regarding rising energy costs for religious buildings in 2022 (27/10/2022)

Key findings from The BE-ST Fest 2022 Summit on zero carbon solutions for the built environment  (28/10/2022)

The National Churches Trust judges worked through almost 200 entries from churches across the whole of the UK for their inaugural awards and selected St Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall, Orkney, as Scottish winner of their ‘Open for Visitors’ Award (31/10/2022)

Opinion & Comment

HES confirms no rockfalls have been recorded from Edinburgh Castle for four years (Edinburgh Evening News 18/10/2022)

Scotland’s cultural and natural heritage at risk from perfect storm that could see prized assets lost forever (The Scotsman 23/10/2022)

Lachlan Goudie calls for the reconstruction of the Glasgow School of Art to be treated with the same urgency as work on Notre Dame (The Times 24/10/2022)

Better funding deal for Scottish culture long overdue (The Scotsman 25/10/2022)

Marks & Spencer can still be true to its brand and change course on Oxford Street’; the retailer should retrofit it, not raze it (Architects Journal 26/10/2022)

Scotland’s arts and culture on the edge amid a perfect storm of threats and risks (Sunday Post 30/10/2022)

Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum celebrates its 25th anniversary (BBC News 31/10/2022)

Data is an asset, not a burden, and is key to improving services says Audit Scotland (Future Scot 1/11/2022)

John Swinney confirms further cuts to spending plans (The Guardian 2/11/2022)

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”.

S6W-11289 Sharon Dowey, South Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 04/10/2022
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-07194 by Neil Gray on 16 March 2022, whether it will provide an update on the progress of protecting the properties in the care of Historic Environment Scotland that are reportedly being left to “gracefully die”.
Current status: Answered by Neil Gray 19/10/2022

S6W-11455 Alexander Burnett, Aberdeenshire West, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party R
Date lodged: 10/10/2022
To ask the Scottish Government for what reason planning permission is required for obtaining a short-term lets licence for flats, but not houses.
Current Status: Answered by Shona Robison 20/10/2022

S6W-11301 Liam McArthur, Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: 04/10/2022
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answers to questions S6W-10436 and S6W-10437 by Shona Robison on 21 September 2022, how many local authorities have indicated that they were not in a position to establish their short-term lets licensing scheme by 1 October 2022.
Current Status: Answered by Shona Robison 21/10/2022

S6W-11494 Donald Cameron, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 11/10/2022
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide a breakdown of how much funding it has invested in the sustainable development of Scotland’s historic estate in (a) 2021-22 and (b) 2022-23, in line with the Scottish National Party 2021 manifesto commitment.
Current status: Answered by Neil Gray 24/10/2022
 
S6W-11486 Donald Cameron, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 11/10/2022
To ask the Scottish Government whether it has introduced three-year funding settlements for Scottish Government core funded cultural organisations, in line with the Scottish National Party 2021 manifesto commitment.
Current Status: Answered by Neil Gray 25/10/2022
 
S6W-11323 Liam McArthur, Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: 04/10/2022
To ask the Scottish Government how many times the Green Heat Finance Taskforce has met since its creation, and whether a summary of the discussions and action points from these meetings has been published by the Scottish Government.
Current Status: Answered by Patrick Harvie 25/10/2022

S6W-11324 Liam McArthur, Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: 04/10/2022
To ask the Scottish Government when the final report of the Green Heat Finance Taskforce will be published.
Current Status: Answered by Patrick Harvie 25/10/2022

S6W-11502 Emma Roddick, Highlands and Islands, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 11/10/2022
To ask the Scottish Government whether environmental protections would be reduced in any Scottish investment zones.
Current status: Answered by John Swinney 28/10/2022

S6O-01448 Claire Baker, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Labour
Date Lodged: 19/10/2022
To ask the Scottish Government what steps are being taken to support the museum and gallery sector during the cost of living crisis.
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 26/10/2022

S6T-00915 Sarah Boyack, Lothian, Scottish Labour
Date Lodged: 24/10/2022
To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to address the reported “perfect storm” that the arts and culture sector is facing, in light of reports that organisations such as the Falkirk Town Hall, the Filmhouse in Edinburgh, the Belmont in Aberdeen and the Edinburgh International Film Festival recently entered into administration and the Modern Two art gallery in Edinburgh was forced to close for winter.
Current Status: Taken in the Chamber on 25/10/2022

Question from Matt Rodda Shadow Minister, Work and Pensions (UK Parl 24/10/2022)
To ask what steps the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, is taking to ensure local communities have the ability to preserve buildings and landmarks of local historical significance.
Current Status: Answered by Dehenna Davison, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 24/10/2022

Parliamentary Motions

S6M-06302 Emma Harper, South Scotland, Scottish National Party
Motion Transforming Scotland’s Vacant and Derelict Sites (27/10/2022)
That the Parliament notes with concern reports that Scotland has almost 9,500 hectares of vacant and derelict urban land, and that just over one quarter of Scotland’s 5.4 million population is estimated to live within 500 metres of a derelict site, with this percentage increasing in communities on the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD); believes that Scotland’s stock of vacant and derelict land is a legacy of the nation’s industrial past, with many of these sites, including across the South Scotland Region, such as the George Hotel in Stranraer, former Interfloor Factory in Dumfries, Central Hotel in Annan and N Peal Building in Hawick, being in their derelict condition for many years; notes research, including from the Scottish Land Commission, University of Glasgow and Green Space Scotland, which shows that vacant and derelict sites can harm the wellbeing of communities, with findings reportedly showing that these sites can contribute to poor mental health, feelings of a lack of safety, anxiety and a persistent low mood; further notes reported concerns from communities around the traceability of the ownership of vacant and derelict sites, which, it understands, are often owned by absentee landlords and corporations as part of property and financial portfolios; considers that Scotland has a huge potential to lead the UK in transforming these sites into useful community assets; notes the view that focussing on these sites as a vehicle for delivery could help to enhance policy coordination across civic Scotland by concentrating effort and resources where they are most needed to benefit communities; welcomes the Scottish Land Commissions report, Transforming Scotland’s Approach to Vacant and Derelict Land, Recommendations from the Vacant and Derelict Land Taskforce; notes calls on the Scottish Government to set out its progress towards implementing these recommendations, and to outline its engagement with the Scottish Land Commission’s joint Vacant and Derelict Land Taskforce; further notes what it sees as the role of communities, as, it understands, has been seen in Heathhall, Dumfries and Galloway, in calling on Dumfries and Galloway Council to address the former Interfloor Factory, and notes the view that communities across Scotland should become involved in taking transformative action to ensure these sites dealt with as a priority.

Events

RTPI James Attwood Lecture – November 2022. The challenges of decommissioning the Dounreay site and readying it for future use
Date & Time: Thursday 10 November 2022; 7-8:30pm
Location: Inverness Town House, Castle Wynd, Inverness
This event is part of a series of annual lectures presented by the Continuing Professional Development in Construction (Highland and Islands) group, in memory of one of its founding members, the late Professor James Attwood, OBE, FCIOB who gave the first lecture in 1988. The member institutions of the group take it in turn to organise the event and in 2022 it is RTPI’s turn. Adreain Gill – Head, Interim Endstate Delivery at Dounreay Site Restoration Limited, will provide background to the Dounreay Nuclear Research Establishment, before focussing on the challenges of decommissioning the site and readying it for future use. Following this there will be opportunity for delegates to ask questions.

RTPI Planning Law Update – Edinburgh
Date & Time: Thursday 10 November 2022; 6-8:30pm, followed by networking
Location: Shepherd and Wedderburn LLP, 1 Exchange Crescent Conference Square, Edinburgh
The annual planning update is back. Please join us for the latest legal update with networking afterwards.

Heritage Trust Network Conference 2022
Date & Time: Friday 11 November 10:30am-4:30pm
Location: Online via Zoom
Join the Heritage Trust’s online conference to hear presentations from community heritage practitioners and leading experts in the field, with opportunities for discussion and networking. This event is for anyone considering taking on a heritage building, or those already managing one, who wish to connect with others across the country. The 2022 event will have a particular focus on heritage activity in Wales.
Tickets: £15 (members) / £30 (non-members)

AHSS & SGLH Judy Riley – Ornaments and Obelisks: Changes at Tyninghame in the Early 19th Century
Date & Time: Monday 14 November 2022, 6:30pm
Location: Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL (wheelchair accessible)
Note: Lectures will also be streamed online via Zoom
With the help of previously unpublished archival material, Judy Riley explores the development of Tyninghame House and gardens, in East Lothian, around the first half of the nineteenth century, including William Burn’s work for the 9th Earl of Haddington.

Scotland’s Towns Conference
Date & Time: Wednesday 16 November 2022; 9am-5pm
Location: Kilmarnock
Scotland’s Towns Conference is our annual, flagship gathering of stakeholders from across sectors involved in supporting Scotland’s towns and improvement districts.
Please follow link to book tickets for Members and Non-Members

New National Park Commission – National Scotland Event
Date & Time: Thursday 17 November, 2022; 3-5pm
Location: Online via Teams
Scottish Ministers are committed to establishing at least one new National Park by the end of this Parliament in early 2026.  As part of this process, NatureScot has been commissioned by Scottish Government to provide advice on the role and approach to National Parks and how areas for new National Parks could be selected. As part of the consultation process, they have organised an online event for organisations and groups to come together to learn more about the consultation and discuss the issues and opportunities it raises.

AHSS Geoff Bailey – The Architecture of  Matthew Steele
Date & Time: Thursday 17 November 2022; 7:30pm
Location: Renfield Centre, 260 Bath Street, Glasgow
Note: Lectures will also be streamed online via Zoom
Geoff Bailey of the Falkirk Local History Society [Heritage Engagement Officer Falkirk Community Trust] will talk about the unique style of the provincial architect Matthew Steele who gave the town of Bo’ness near Falkirk much of its present character.  Working in the period 1910-1940 he adopted and adapted the latest designs and materials adding a Nordic twist to provide his own flavour.

Society of Antiquaries of Scotland Lecture: “Hunter-Gatherer Ireland”
Date and time: Thursday 17 November 2022; 6–7pm
Location: Hybrid format; in-person at Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh and livestreamed online via Zoom
This lecture from Professor Graeme Warren provides an overview of the hunter-gatherer settlement of Ireland – mainly, the archaeology of the Mesolithic period drawing on his recent book Hunter-Gatherer Ireland: making connections in an island world (Oxbow, 2022). It will show the dynamism and complexity of the Mesolithic period in Ireland and its connections to the Mesolithic in Britain and Europe.

RTPI Investing in Place
Date & Time: Thursday 17 November 2022; 4–5pm
Location: Online via Big Marker webinar platform (more details on registration)
Scottish Enterprise commissioned consultants (Iglu Consulting, Steven Tolson and Nick Wright) to look at how to apply the Place Principle to investing in place. Their report will not be finalised until after NPF4 is published but they have kindly agreed to discuss their findings. They explore how to best deliver mixed use development and focus on where there is a need for public sector intervention. They lay out a case for change built on evidence and outline a framework for delivering and designing mixed-use development that will contribute to a greener, fairer and healthier Scotland. The event will be of interest to anyone concerned with how to deliver better places.

Edinburgh, Lothians and Borders Archaeology Conference
Date & Time: Saturday 19 November 2022; 9am-4:45pm
Location: Queen Margaret University, Musselburgh
This annual conference is organised by the City of Edinburgh Council, East Lothian Council and Scottish Borders Council.  For the 20th anniversary there will be an exciting programme of talks about recent discoveries and archaeological research in Edinburgh, East Lothian, Midlothian and the Scottish Borders.
Conference tickets are £30, with an optional buffet lunch priced at £10  (NB lunch must be pre-booked by 16 November). Conference tickets only will be available on the day. Book tickets here

RICS World Built Environment Forum – Natural solutions to human-induced problems: Is green infrastructure the answer?
Date & Time: Wednesday 23 November 2022; 4-5pm
Location: Online
Join the conversation as we explore what new and revised financing and governance frameworks are required to successfully up-scale nature-based solutions. How broadly could these solutions be implemented, and are policymakers rising to this legislative challenge?

ICON Scotland 25th Annual Plenderleith Memorial Lecture: Even on a Mountain, there is still a road: Reflections on Conservation in post-Conflict Afghanistan
Date & Time: Thursday 24 November 2022; 7-8:15pm
Location: City Art Centre, 2 Market Street, Edinburgh
Join Icon Scotland for their 25th annual lecture in memory of Dr Harold Plenderleith, one of the founders of modern conservation. This year’s speaker is Dr Richard Mulholland, Senior Lecturer on the Conservation of Fine Art MA programme at Northumbria University. A Paper Conservator and Technical Art Historian, Richard has been engaged in research on the conservation and safeguarding of cultural heritage collections at risk in conflict zones, particularly focused on Afghanistan. His lecture will consider what is being done to equip collections staff to respond to these crises and reflect on the future of culture in an increasingly polarised world.

A&BS The (Income) Generation Game: In-person
Date & Time: Tuesday 29 November 2022; 4pm-6:15pm
Location: Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh
Link to register
A&BS The (Income) Generation Game: Online
Date & Time: Wednesday 30 November 2022; 4-6pm
Location: Online
Link to register
Chairs of heritage or mixed arts/heritage organisations are invited to network and learn from experts and peers in a mini-series called ‘The Heritage Chairs Network Exchange’.
The sessions focus on challenges chairs might be facing having come out of lockdown, and the wider context organisations need to respond to. The sessions will bring together chairs to allow participants to expand their peer networks and share experience. With unprecedented pressure on public funding, what are some of the ways organisations can respond to remain financially sustainable?
These in person and online sessions will look at the role of the board and chair in fundraising, and other income generation options available to heritage organisations and mixed heritage/arts organisations.

Richard Rodger – Happy Homes: Cooperation, Community and the Edinburgh Colonies
Date & Time: Monday 12 December 2022; 6:30pm
Location: Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL (wheelchair accessible)
Note: Lectures will also be streamed online via Zoom
Edinburgh and Leith colony housing represents a very distinctive, immediately recognisable built form. Or so you might think. In fact there is considerable divergence in design, in prices (rents) and in the occupants. In this talk, Richard Rodger dissects the background to the housing, their owners, occupants, and other characteristics to reveal a new perspective on this housing type.

Training

GCHT CPD: The Risk of Fire in Historic Buildings
Date & Time: Monday 14 November 2022; 12:30-1:30pm
Location: GCHT Office, 54 Bell Street, Glasgow; Online via Zoom
Every year, historic properties are lost to fire across the UK: in the last five years Belfast, Glasgow, and Liverpool have all suffered the loss of irreplaceable buildings. In this CPD Conservation Architect Peter Drummond will provide an overview of the special risks which are found on historic buildings, how designers can assess these risks, and the development of a holistic approach which protects buildings and their occupants.

A&BS Business Briefing: Introduction to being a Board Member Course
Date & Time: Tuesday 15 – Wednesday 16 November; 10:00am-1:00pm
Location: Online via Zoom
Do you have new trustees who have joined you in recent months, or perhaps you have taken on a trustee role for the first time yourself? Covering everything you need to get you launched on your board career – and still useful if you would like a refresher – over the two sessions the course will include:
–    Duties of charitable trustees/board members
–    The different roles and responsibilities of board members and staff
–    Meeting management and decision making
–    Advocacy and fundraising
–    Your role in strategic planning
–    Understanding the finances

CIfA – Practising Ethical Competence in Archaeology
Date & Time: Wednesday 16 November 2022; 2-5pm
Location: Online
This CPD workshop is for accredited professionals and those that need to demonstrate ethical abilities as part of their application for accreditation.

A&BS Business Briefing: Data Protection and Marketing Update
Date & Time: Tuesday 22 November; 12-1pm
Location: Online via Zoom
The use of data has never been so valuable but the question of what you can and cannot do legally with contact data to market your goods and services is complex. In this session we will look at how data protection laws apply to the arts, heritage and culture sector and how it can use contact data to keep in touch with audiences and supporters. We will cover:
–    Marketing and data protection laws – the basics
–    Cookies, consent and the risks
–    The Data Reform Bill and changes which could assist the third sector

Scottish Lime Centre Trust – Climate Change – How to protect our buildings
Date & Time: Friday 2 December 2022; 9:30am-4:30pm
Location: Charlestown Workshops, Fife
Cost: £200 +VAT
What on earth we can do to protect our buildings? From more robust roof design, retro-fitting for pre and post 1919 buildings, bigger and better rain water goods, all about insulating plasters and render and we think mortar skew fillets have their days numbered.

Vacancies

SURF – Facilitator, Alliance for Action Programme
Salary: £33,000 pro rata
Status: Part-time, 17.5h per week
Location: Peterhead, Aberdeenshire
SURF is seeking a part-time Facilitator to support its new Alliance for Action programme site in Peterhead. The successful applicant will be responsible for helping to build on local progress towards the regeneration of Peterhead town centre, supporting collaboration and project delivery in response to community demand.
Closing date: Monday 14 November 2022

BACK

BEFS News

With the close closing date, we’re putting this up-front in the Bulletin this week. UK Government Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy BEIS) have a survey out, following the UK government’s Energy Relief Bill Scheme announcement, when the government committed to finding out more about the needs of specific sectors. It is technical and demands standard industry classification codes for completion. But we appreciate that information gathered here could have genuine impact in relation to Energy Relief for the future.

We’re also delighted that BEFS Members, GCHT have launched a new and refreshed grants programme. GCHT Historic Environment Grants are available to property owners, commercial businesses and community groups in Glasgow who want to look after or celebrate Glasgow’s unique historic environment.  You can find all new guidance materials and instructions here.

Staying with funding, but with a very different focus – the Centre for Cultural Value’s second round of the Collaborate fund is now open to the cultural sector. The fund supports innovative new research partnerships between cultural sector practitioners and academics that ask new questions about the difference culture makes to people’s lives.

We’re always interested in the topic of maintenance and wanted to draw attention to a couple of news items in this regard. Firstly, that built environment professional bodies (including BEFS Members, RICS) have joined forces to align the data standards that are used to manage costing, carbon and building and facilities maintenance, in a bid to clear up confusion and shift the digital focus from new build to whole life building performance. And, that RICS has collaborated with Historic England and the PCA to produce a Joint Position Statement – Investigation of moisture and its effects on traditional buildings: Principles and competencies. The document has been additionally supported by Historic Environment Scotland, Cadw, Historic Environment Division Northern Ireland, SPAB and IHBC.

Culture and Heritage are interlinked and BEFS wants to draw attention to discussions had at the Scottish Parliament Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee on both 29th September and 6th October. In the first instance the cultural-heritage sector made representations to the committee, including evidence from Lucy Casot (Museums Galleries Scotland), Sir John Leighton (National Galleries of Scotland), and Alex Paterson (Historic Environment Scotland). At the second, pre-budget scrutiny in relation to culture took place.

Whilst all representatives across the sector are at pains to demonstrate the benefits and positive outcomes of our cultural heritage, the mood music remains deeply concerning as cost of living and energy crises impact the sector deeply. The recent news about both the Film Festival, and the Modern 2 – National Gallery, illustrate this all too keenly.

Thinking globally, and looking at the bigger picture, BEFS draws attention to the Global culture declaration from MONDIACULT, held in Mexico in September 2022. Reminding us all, at global scale, of the protections necessary, and cultural importance of all our places.

Late addition to BEFS news, Museums Galleries Scotland have just released their draft strategy and accompanying consultation – survey closes 1st November!

And finally – The New Library, Magdalene College, at Cambridge University has been crowned as the 26th Stirling Prize winner by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). We congratulate all those shortlisted.

BEFS does not have a Communications Manager in post at this time. BEFS will continue to get readers all the information that matters, particularly ensuring parliamentary activity is covered. And we’ll endeavour to include Events, Training and related Vacancies. These will be presented in the Bulletin as links (we will not be updating the website Events diary or Vacancy pages) until the team is back at full complement. Next Bulletin dates are 3  & 17 November – BEFS Members should submit information for inclusion by the Monday prior to publication.

Consultations

Land Reform in a Net Zero Nation
Scottish Government
Closes 30 October 2022 

Battlefields: Planning Best Practice 
Historic Environment Scotland
Closes 3 November 2022

Delivering our Vision for Scottish Agriculture. Proposals for a new Agriculture Bill
Scottish Government
Closes 21 November 2022

The Future of National Parks in Scotland
Scottish Government
** NEW Closes 30 November 2022**

HES Responsible Tourism Framework
Historic Environment Scotland
Closes 30 November 2022

Developing a Scottish Tax to replace the UK Aggregates Levy
Scottish Government
Closes 4 December 2022

Consultation Responses

None at this time.

Publications

Testing our Resilience: Report examining the impact of the cost of living crisis on volunteering and volunteers (Volunteer Scotland 27/09/2022)

Arts Professional: Pulse Report on an Arts Pay Survey to gauge the realities of earnings in the sector (Arts Professional 13/10/2022)

Scottish & UK Government Publications

Tenant Protection Bill (SG 06/10/2022)

Just Transition Fund Awards (SG 10/10/2022)

Regional Land Use Partnerships: phase 1 process evaluation – final report (SG 12/10/2022)

Climate change – loss and damage: First Minister’s speech (SG 11/10/2022)

Chief Planner Letter: stakeholder update (SG 11/10/2022)

Legislative consent memorandum on the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill (ScotParl 11/10/2022)

Michael Matheson, Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport’s response on Forestry Grant Schemes, Highly Protected Marine Areas, Public consultation on ‘Land Reform in a Net Zero Nation’, Circular Economy Bill Procurement Requirements, Criminalisation of Ecocide and The Community Bus Fund (SG 13/10/2022)

Michael Matheson, Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport’s response on the role of local government and its cross-sectoral partners in financing and delivering a net-zero Scotland (SG 13/10/2022)

Scoping Culture and Heritage Capital Report (UK Gov 17/10/2022)

Building a New Scotland: A stronger economy with independence (SG 17/10/2022)

Chancellor brings forward further Medium-Term Fiscal Plan measures (UK Gov 17/10/2022)

News Releases

The UK National Commission for UNESCO has been awarded £250,000 by The National Lottery Heritage Fund (UNESCO 05/10/2022)

You can now download and connect to GIS spatial data on Historic England’s open data hub (Historic England 13/10/2022)

The BBC and Historic Environment Scotland have jointly selected the buildings, landscapes, and places that have defined the broadcaster’s 100-year history. They have produced an interactive map to showcase the buildings and places they believe have shaped the BBC (HES 13/10/2022)

Modern Two Gallery will close this winter amid rising energy costs (STV 18/10/2022)

Opinion & Comment

Donelan: DCMS will prioritise economic growth (Arts Professional 04/10/2022)

What does Community Wealth Building mean at a community level? (Jocelyn Cunliffe; SURF bulletin 06/10/2022)

We are mere custodians of Scotland’s beauty. We should not decry the ‘outsiders’ who enjoy it (The Herald 06/10/2022)

How to Recycle a 14-Story Office Tower (The New York Times 06/10/2022)

‘Perfect storm’ warning for Scottish arts sector amid fears of ‘significant’ funding cuts (The Scotsman 06/10/2022)

Galleries are fighting ‘just to keep the doors open’ (The Times 08/10/2022)

National Trust urges Liz Truss not to ‘rip up critical nature protections’ (The National 09/10/2022)

Glacier grief: how funerals and rituals can help us mourn the loss of nature (The Guardian 10/10/2022)

Need to build affordable homes could be relaxed in planning reforms (The Times 11/10/2022)

‘Drastic’: Warning over budget cut threat to Scotland’s threatened wildlife and iconic landscape (The Herald 14/10/2022)

Conserving cultural heritage is vital for climate adaptation (The Hill 15/10/2022)

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”.

S6W-11181 Miles Briggs, Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 23/09/2022
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide any reskilling or training initiatives to train workers to install net zero heating mechanisms such as heat pumps.
Current status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 6 October 2022

S6W-11182 Miles Briggs, Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 23/09/2022
To ask the Scottish Government what support it is providing to housebuilding organisations in order to build net zero housing.
Current status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 6 October 2022

S6W-11494 Donald Cameron, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 11/10/2022
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide a breakdown of how much funding it has invested in the sustainable development of Scotland’s historic estate in (a) 2021-22 and (b) 2022-23, in line with the Scottish National Party 2021 manifesto commitment.
Current status: Answer expected on 8 November 2022

S6W-11502 Emma Roddick, Highlands and Islands, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 11/10/2022
To ask the Scottish Government whether environmental protections would be reduced in any Scottish investment zones.
Current status: Answer expected on 8 November 2022

S6W-11485 Donald Cameron, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 11/10/2022
To ask the Scottish Government what action it has taken to introduce the Scottish National Party 2021 manifesto commitment for a Percentage for the Arts scheme.
Current status: Answer expected on 8 November 2022

S6W-11537 Mark Griffin, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 13/10/2022
To ask the Scottish Government what the status is of each (a) single building assessment and (b) single building assessment application it has received under the grant-based approach.
Current status: Answer expected on 10 November 2022

Debate on the Energy Prices Bill (UK Parl 17/10/2022) question from Rosie Winterton MP, Doncaster Central, Labour concerning tenement buildings and new clause 1—Impact assessment on VAT zero rating insulation works for tenement buildings in Scotland—Within six months of the date of Royal Assent to this Act, the Secretary of State must carry out an assessment of the impact of zero rating value added tax on work.

S6W-11584 Donald Cameron, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 18/10/022
To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with Historic Environment Scotland regarding the flexibility to use its reserves, and whether it has plans to extend any such flexibility to other organisations.
Current status: Answer expected on 15 November 2022

Events

ICON ECRN: Building a Salvage Network for Scotland
Date & Time: Thursday 27 October 2022; 9:30am–4pm
Location: The Engine Shed, Stirling
Edinburgh Collections Response Network is hosting a day of knowledge and skills sharing open to anyone involved in disaster recovery work from the GLAM sector in Scotland. ECRN is a voluntary group of conservators, curators, archivists and others based in and around Edinburgh who form a disaster recovery coalition that spans many organisations from national to local. The group is keen to foster closer connections with the wider Scottish heritage sector, and share the knowledge and lessons they have learned from collaborating. Event run in partnership with Icon Scotland, SCA and HES.

AHSS & SGLH Judy Riley – Ornaments and Obelisks: Changes at Tyninghame in the Early 19th Century
Date & Time: Monday 14 November 2022, 6:30pm
Location: Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL (wheelchair accessible)
Note: Lectures will also be streamed online via Zoom
With the help of previously unpublished archival material, Judy Riley explores the development of Tyninghame House and gardens, in East Lothian, around the first half of the nineteenth century, including William Burn’s work for the 9th Earl of Haddington.

Scotland’s Towns Conference
Date & Time: Wednesday 16 November 2022; 9am-5pm
Location: Kilmarnock
Scotland’s Towns Conference is our annual, flagship gathering of stakeholders from across sectors involved in supporting Scotland’s towns and improvement districts.
Please follow link to book tickets for Members and Non-Members

AHSS Geoff Bailey – The Architecture of  Matthew Steele
Date & Time: Thursday 17 November 2022; 7:30pm
Location: Renfield Centre, 260 Bath Street, Glasgow
Note: Lectures will also be streamed online via Zoom
Geoff Bailey of the Falkirk Local History Society [Heritage Engagement Officer Falkirk Community Trust] will talk about the unique style of the provincial architect Matthew Steele who gave the town of Bo’ness near Falkirk much of its present character.  Working in the period 1910-1940 he adopted and adapted the latest designs and materials adding a Nordic twist to provide his own flavour.

Edinburgh, Lothians and Borders Archaeology Conference
Date & Time: Saturday 19 November 2022; 9am-4:45pm
Location: Queen Margaret University, Musselburgh
This annual conference is organised by the City of Edinburgh Council, East Lothian Council and Scottish Borders Council.  For the 20th anniversary there will be an exciting programme of talks about recent discoveries and archaeological research in Edinburgh, East Lothian, Midlothian and the Scottish Borders.
Conference tickets are £30, with an optional buffet lunch priced at £10  (NB lunch must be pre-booked by 16 November). Conference tickets only will be available on the day. Book tickets here

Richard Rodger – Happy Homes: Cooperation, Community and the Edinburgh Colonies
Date & Time: Monday 12 December 2022; 6:30pm
Location: Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL (wheelchair accessible)
Note: Lectures will also be streamed online via Zoom
Edinburgh and Leith colony housing represents a very distinctive, immediately recognisable built form. Or so you might think. In fact there is considerable divergence in design, in prices (rents) and in the occupants. In this talk, Richard Rodger dissects the background to the housing, their owners, occupants, and other characteristics to reveal a new perspective on this housing type.

Training 

Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust – Architectural Conservation CPD 2022 Programme
Date & Time: Saturday 26 October & Wednesday 30 November 2022
Location: Online
The Perth and Kinross annual series of Architectural Conservation CPDs is underway. The programme continues with sessions on conservation techniques for historical sculptures and retrofit of traditional buildings.

RIAS Conservation Committee: Helping you care for buildings – Conservation CPD
Date & Time: Thursday 27 October 2022; 1pm onwards
Location: Online
The RIAS Conservation Committee are hosting a virtual CPD session, for any parties interested in saving and re-using historic buildings, including those considering conservation accreditation, architects, planners, and people working in the heritage sector.
The price of this CPD is £80 (+ VAT)

CIfA – Practising Ethical Competence in Archaeology
Date & Time: Wednesday 16 November 2022; 2-5pm
Location: Online
This CPD workshop is for accredited professionals and those that need to demonstrate ethical abilities as part of their application for accreditation.

Vacancies

SURF – Facilitator, Alliance for Action Programme
Salary: £33,000 pro rata
Status: Part-time, 17.5h per week
Location: Peterhead, Aberdeenshire
SURF is seeking a part-time Facilitator to support its new Alliance for Action programme site in Peterhead. The successful applicant will be responsible for helping to build on local progress towards the regeneration of Peterhead town centre, supporting collaboration and project delivery in response to community demand.
Closing date: Monday 14 November 2022

Cupar Development Trust – Projects & Administration Officer
Salary: £30,000 pro rata
Status: Part-time, 12.5h per week
Cupar Development Trust is seeking a highly motivated individual for the post of Projects & Administration Officer. You will provide professional support to CDT’s Board, Sub-Committees, Staff, and Volunteers, and work with other organisations with which CDT is collaborating in pursuit of key activities across Cupar & District. The successful applicant will have excellent communication and organisational skills and the ability to work with wider community groups. In addition, they will be able to set and achieve realistic targets and manage own workload, along with sound computer skills.
Closing date: Friday 4 November 2022

BACK

BEFS News

BEFS are proud to be supporting Members of the Climate Heritage Network, and wish to draw attention to the launch of a new Action Plan 2022-2024. We too believe that: Heritage has the power to help people imagine and realise low carbon, just, climate resilient futures.

Looking to the future, now is the time to give your views on HES’ new Responsible Tourism Framework, where the focus is on how Scotland’s tourism sector has a key role to play in tackling the climate crisis and achieving net-zero while contributing significantly to the Scottish economy.

And if you’re thinking of travelling – Europa Nostra 2022 European Heritage Awards winners have just been announced: read all about the fantastic projects here. We’d also draw attention to the Prague Manifesto – “For a Value-based and Culture-driven Europe”.

A little closer to home, BEFS were delighted to be at the Engine Shed in Stirling to work with AHSS and HES to host the Conservation Areas Seminar. This sold-out event enabled practitioners and professionals across the sector to hear more about policy development, good practice, and the challenges of working in and managing conservation areas. Thank you to all who made it possible! For those within a Local/Planning Authority with responsibility for conservation areas – and not already connected – you can become part of the Conservation Officers Group (COG).

In other policy news, Robbie Calvert RTPI Policy, Practice and Research Officer gave Evidence on the Levelling Up Bill for Scotland to the Net Zero Committee. You can read their written response here.

Considering the state of the sector – the latest UK Heritage Pulse Survey has been published. This iteration was designed in response to what the heritage sector told NLHF was most important; it focused on organisational resilience, recruitment and staffing, and environmental sustainability. We recommend that organisations (particularly within Scotland) who want to be part of future surveys sign-up to be part of the process, helping to inform future strategy and policy for the sector.

And, when examining those very topics: MGS with BEFS and greenspace scotland are holding focus group sessions to assist the co-design of the Business Support Programme (NLHF funded) 2023 extension. Book here to be part of the focus groups.

Congratulations are due across the sector:
Jackie Bird has become the new NTS president, after being endorsed at the charity’s AGM. Her nomination information can be found here.

Well done to HTN for a successful bid to NLHF for the start of their Essential Networks project. We look forward to seeing the project develop.

We appreciate all the work, and volunteering across the sector that produces the Festival of Traditional Buildings, and were delighted to see this work, and the importance of the topic, highlighted in a parliamentary motion to celebrate and support the Festival’s 10^th Year.

And finally, whilst we bring the news that The Egyptian Halls working group, led by the Scottish Civic Trust, has secured funding from Glasgow City Heritage Trust and the Architectural Heritage Fund to develop a business plan for the restoration of this site. We also congratulate Susan O’Connor, current Director of the SCT who is moving to take on a role integral to sector sustainability, Head of Grants at HES. If you want to continue her great work with SCT, and The Egyptian Halls (as well as many other projects), please see details of the role available here.

BEFS does not have a Communications Manager in post at this time. BEFS will continue to get readers all the information that matters, particularly ensuring parliamentary activity is covered. And we’ll endeavour to include Events, Training and related Vacancies. These will be presented in the Bulletin as links (we will not be updating the website Events diary or Vacancy pages) until the team is back at full complement. Next Bulletin dates are: 20^th of October and 3^rd November – BEFS Members should submit information for inclusion by the Monday prior to publication.

Consultations

New Build Heat Standard: consultation – part two
Scottish Government
Closes 20 October 2022

Land Reform in a Net Zero Nation
Scottish Government
Closes 30 October 2022 

Battlefields: Planning Best Practice 
Historic Environment Scotland
Closes 3 November 2022

Delivering our Vision for Scottish Agriculture. Proposals for a new Agriculture Bill
Scottish Government
Closes 21 November 2022

HES Responsible Tourism Framework
Historic Environment Scotland
** NEW Closes 30 November 2022**

Developing a Scottish Tax to replace the UK Aggregates Levy
Scottish Government
** NEW Closes 4 December 2022**

Consultation Responses

None at this time.

Publications

Is heating homes with hydrogen all but a pipe dream? (Jan Rosenow Sept. 2022)
A significant evidence review of papers relating to hydrogen heating for domestic homes.

SAIR 100: The excavation of a prehistoric settlement at Lower Slackbuie, Inverness (SoAoS 26/09/2022)

Climate Heritage Network Action Plan 2022-2024 (CHN 28/09/2022)

Interim Strategic Plan (Environmental Standards Scotland Sept. 2022)

Prague Manifesto “For a Value-based and Culture-driven Europe” (Europa Nostra Sept. 2022)

RICS Sustainability Report 2022 (RICS Sept. 2022)
Based on the sentiment of 4000 real estate and construction professionals from across over 30 countries.

Construction Innovation Hub – Value Toolkit Resource Library (Oct. 2022)

BE~ST Annual Impact Report 2021-22 (BE~ST 03/10/2022)

Addressing overheating risk in existing UK homes (Arup CCC 4/10/2022)
The Climate Change Committee (CCC) commissioned Arup to appraise the current and future risks posed by summertime overheating to the UK housing stock at scale.

Scottish & UK Government Publications

Fiscal Statement (UK Govt 23/09/2022) Note some polices may have changed since time of publication.

Community Ownership in Scotland 2021 – Annual publication showing the extent of community ownership in Scotland. (SG 27/09/2022)

National Partnership for Culture recommendations: Scottish Government response (SG 27/09/2022)

Environmental impact of mini-budget and Retained EU Law Bill: letter to UK Government (SG 29/09/2022)

Report on the National Performance Framework: Ambitions into Action (ScotParl 03/10/2022)

Emergency Protections for tenants (SG 03/10/2022)

News Releases

Europa Nostra 2022 European Heritage Awards winners announced (26/09/2022)

Edinburgh Council agrees powers to regulate short-term lets. (BBC 29/09/2022)
and Scottish Housing News (30/09/2022)

Funding Secured to help save Glasgow’s at-risk Egyptian Halls (26/09/2022)
The Egyptian Halls working group, led by the Scottish Civic Trust, has secured funding from Glasgow City Heritage Trust and the Architectural Heritage Fund to develop a business plan for the restoration of Glasgow’s A-listed Egyptian Halls. 

Fife pupils get a taste of traditional construction skills (Project Scotland 30/09/2022)

And finally …not just any old iron (Scottish Construction Now 30/09/2022)
The underwater discovery of a distinctive wrought iron anchor found by ScottishPower Renewables at the bottom of the southern North Sea has been hailed as an “incredibly rare” find.

UK Heritage Pulse Survey Second Wave results (NLHF 05/10/2022)

Opinion & Comment

Older buildings could have vital role to play in meeting net zero targets (Project Scot 13/09/2022)

Emergency budget: what it means for arts and culture sector (Arts Professional 23/09/2022)

Scottish and UK ministers hold ‘constructive’ discussions on investment zones (Herald 04/10/2022)

Investment zones could be allowed in England’s national parks (Guardian 03/10/2022)

 

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”.

S6W-10632 Liam Kerr, North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 26/08/2022
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-10006 by Michael Matheson on 23 August 2022, in light of it stating that it has not yet assessed the cost of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045 and not providing a suggestion of a figure, whether it has at least assessed the cost of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045 within an approximate range or figure, or whether it has no estimate of the cost of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045.
Current status: Answered by Michael Matheson on 23 September 2022

S6W-10745 Stephen Kerr, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 01/09/2022
To ask the Scottish Government how many times ministers have called in planning applications from planning committees in each of the last 10 years.
Current status: Answered by Tom Arthur on 27 September 2022

S6W-11154 Sarah Boyack, Lothian, Scottish Labour
Date Lodged: 27/09/2022
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on when it will publish its refreshed Culture Strategy Action Plan.
Current Status: Expected Answer date 25/10/2022

S6W-11264 Emma Roddick, Highlands and Islands, Scottish National Party,
Date Lodged: 30/09/2022
To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to fulfil its commitments to protect nature in Scotland and maintain or exceed EU environmental standards, in light of the reported plans by the UK Government to dismantle laws protecting nature.
Current Status: Expected Answer date 28/10/2022

S6W-11289 Sharon Dowey, South Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date Lodged: 04/10/2022
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-07194 by Neil Gray on 16 March 2022, whether it will provide an update on the progress of protecting the properties in the care of Historic Environment Scotland that are reportedly being left to “gracefully die”.
Current Status: Expected Answer date 01/11/2022

 

Parliamentary Motions

10th Festival of Traditional Buildings

Submitted by: Gordon MacDonald, Edinburgh Pentlands, Scottish National Party.
Date lodged: Tuesday, October 4, 2022

Supported by: Jeremy Balfour, Colin Beattie, Miles Briggs, Stephanie Callaghan, Foysol Choudhury, Bob Doris, Jackie Dunbar, Annabelle Ewing, Christine Grahame, Bill Kidd, Monica Lennon, Fulton MacGregor, Paul McLennan, Stuart McMillan, Audrey Nicoll, Alex Rowley, Collette Stevenson, Kaukab Stewart, Paul Sweeney, David Torrance, Elena Whitham

That the Parliament congratulates the Edinburgh Traditional Building Forum on delivering the 10th Festival of Traditional Buildings in August 2022 and the welcomed return to it being delivered in person; notes that the event focussed on sustainability of traditional buildings; recognises the efforts of the forum to celebrate Edinburgh’s traditional buildings, bringing together experts with the wider public, in order to demonstrate knowledge and skills across a whole spectrum of traditional construction skills; understands that the festival was a collaboration between the National Federation of Roofing Contractors, Historic Environment Scotland, the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, the Built Environment Forum Scotland, the Stone Federation Great Britain, the British Geological Survey, GLM Chartered Surveyors, Bannockburn House, Scottish Lime Centre Trust, David Fisher & Sons Plastering, Nevin Decorators, Developing the Young Workforce, and City of Edinburgh Council; believes that this collaborative approach plays a vital role in widening the public’s understanding of the importance of maintaining Scotland’s traditional buildings with the right knowledge and skills, and thanks each of the organisations for their ongoing efforts to protect and maintain Scotland’s historic built environment.

Events

AHSS Dr Alistair Fair – Building a Modern Scotland: The New Towns, 1947–76
Date & Time: Monday 10 October 2022, 6.30pm
Location: Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL (wheelchair accessible) Note: Lectures will also be streamed online via Zoom
Between the late 1940s and the early 1970s, six new towns were begun across Scotland, inspired by the ideals of the earlier Garden City Movement. For policymakers, they reflected an ambition to build a new Scotland; for architects and designers, they were an opportunity to create new kinds of urban environments. In this talk, Dr Alistair Fair surveys what was planned, some of the key buildings, and what happened subsequently.

SoAoS October Lecture – Mary of Guelders and the Architecture of Queenship in Fifteenth Century Scotland
Date & Time: Thursday 20 October, 6pm
Location: Hybrid (in-person at Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1EL) and live streamed online via Zoom
During her widowhood, Mary of Guelders, Queen of Scots, pursued an energetic programme of architectural patronage, including renovations to Falkland Palace in Fife, and the commissioning of Ravenscraig Castle (Fife) and Trinity Collegiate Kirk and hospital outside Edinburgh. Recent dendrochronology at St Giles’ Kirk in Edinburgh also suggests that her patronage was more extensive than previously thought. In this lecture, Dr Rachel Delman will explore how Mary’s building projects articulated messages regarding her gender, piety, power, and status during her son’s minority.

AHSS Dr Diane Watters – Scotland’s Post-War New Towns: Plan, Lives and Legacy
Date & Time: Thursday 20 October 2022, 7.30pm
Location: Renfield Centre, 260 Bath Street, Glasgow  Note: Lectures also be streamed online via Zoom
Dr Diane Watters, architectural historian, will provide a brief introduction to the inter-disciplinary Leverhulme-funded research project on New Towns led by the universities of Edinburgh and Glasgow. In the face of ongoing condemnations, such as the ‘Plook on a plinth’ award, the project aims to uncover the original vision, plans, reception, and their legacy. She will focus on Cumbernauld (the speaker’s hometown) and Livingston.

ICON ECRN: Building a salvage network for Scotland
Date & Time: Thursday 27 October, 9.30am – 4pm
Location: The Engine Shed, Stirling
Edinburgh Collections Response Network is hosting a day of knowledge and skills sharing open to anyone involved in disaster recovery work from the GLAM sector in Scotland. ECRN is a voluntary group of conservators, curators, archivists and others based in and around Edinburgh who form a disaster recovery coalition that spans many organisations from national to local. The group is keen to foster closer connections with the wider Scottish heritage sector, and share the knowledge and lessons they have learned from collaborating. Event run in partnership with Icon Scotland, SCA and HES.

RTPI Scotland – The Point by Dandara site visit
Date & Time: Thursday 3 November 2022, 5.30pm
Location: The Point, Aberdeen
The Point by Dandara development has developed a vacant derelict brownfield site in Aberdeen and brought housing back into the city centre. In addition to this, its development has also enabled refurbishment of the Category C listed Spire that sits in the heart of the site. Join RTPI Scotland for a tour of the development lead by Dandara’s Austin McGuire.

AHSS & SGLH Judy Riley – Ornaments and Obelisks: Changes at Tyninghame in the Early 19th Century
Date & Time: Monday 14 November 2022, 6.30pm
Location: Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL (wheelchair accessible)
Note: Lectures will also be streamed online via Zoom
With the help of previously unpublished archival material, Judy Riley explores the development of Tyninghame House and gardens, in East Lothian, around the first half of the nineteenth century, including William Burn’s work for the 9th Earl of Haddington. 

Scotland’s Towns Conference
Date & Time: Wednesday 16 November 2022
Location: Kilmarnock
Scotland’s Towns Conference is our annual, flagship gathering of stakeholders from across sectors involved in supporting Scotland’s towns and improvement districts. 
Links here for Member and Non-Member Booking

AHSS Geoff Bailey – The Architecture of  Matthew Steele
Date & Time:Thursday 17 November 2022, 7.30pm
Location: Renfield Centre, 260 Bath Street, Glasgow (barring any new Covid 19 restrictions) 
Note: Lectures will also be streamed online via Zoom
Geoff Bailey of the Falkirk Local History Society [Heritage Engagement Officer Falkirk Community Trust] will talk about the unique style of the provincial architect Matthew Steele who gave the town of Bo’ness near Falkirk much of its present character.  Working in the period 1910-1940 he adopted and adapted the latest designs and materials adding a Nordic twist to provide his own flavour.  

Training 

PAS SP=EED Community Engagement Skills training 
Date & Time: Thursday 13 October, 10am – 3pm
Location: Online – Zoom
Looking to sharpen your community engagement skills? Join our next live ‘SP=EED’ training, Thursday 13 October 2022. SP=EED is a unique development programme designed to develop your skills and confidence in designing, delivering and evaluating effective community engagement

SPAB – Repair of Old Buildings Course
Date & Time: 17 to 21 October 2022
Location: Online
The Repair of Old Buildings course delivers an extensive programme of lectures and recorded site visits demonstrating building repair projects, accompanied by a series of live online Q&A sessions with speakers and site hosts. Presented by leading building conservation professionals, the Repair Course considers British and international approaches to the conservation of old buildings.  The SPAB philosophy of repair and maintenance – established by William Morris in 1877 – underpins the course programme of case studies, presentations and site visits.
The SPAB has a small fund to allow it to award bursaries to individuals who might not otherwise be able to afford a place on the Repair Course.

RICS Explore the potential impact of Commercial Real Estate within the UK Government’s Levelling-up agenda
Date & Time: Tuesday 18 October, 4pm
Location: Online
Hear first-hand, the opportunities and challenges for Commercial Real Estate in driving and enabling levelling-up across the United Kingdom.
In this webinar session we will explore the latest prospects and headwinds, as well as what actions can be undertaken to drive Commercial Real Estate forward.

Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust – Architectural Conservation CPD 2022 Programme
Date & Time: Saturday 26 October & Wednesday 30 November 2022
Location: Online
The Perth and Kinross annual series of Architectural Conservation CPDs is underway. The programme continues with sessions on conservation techniques for historical sculptures and retrofit of traditional buildings.

RIAS Conservation Committee: Helping you care for buildings – Conservation CPD
Date & Time: Thursday 27 October, 1pm onwards
Location: Online
The topics will be of interest to all who are interested in saving and re-using historic buildings, including those considering conservation accreditation, architects, planners, and people working in the heritage sector. The price of this CPD is £80 (+ VAT).

CIfA – Practising ethical competence in archaeology
Date & Time: Wednesday 16 November, 2-5pm
Location: Online
This CPD workshop is for accredited professionals and those that need to demonstrate ethical abilities as part of their application for accreditation.

Vacancies

The Auchindrain Trust Conservation and Maintenance Supervisor/ Urras Achadh an Droighinn
Salary: £27,300
Status: Full time, permanent
Location: Auchindrain Historic Township, Argyll
As a result of the retirement of a long-serving member of staff, the Trust are seeking to recruit a suitably-skilled and experienced person as Conservation & Maintenance Supervisor for the museum at Auchindrain Historic Township in Argyll. The post represents a rare opportunity for someone who would like to develop a career in the care, conservation and management of Scotland’s historic environment, with a strong emphasis on the use of traditional building skills in the modern world. 
Closing date: 12 noon, Friday 7 October 2022 

Director of the Scottish Civic Trust
Salary: £45-50k
Status: 35h per week
Location: Glasgow office and home working combined
Scottish Civic Trust are currently recruiting for a talented and dynamic individual to become their new Director, their most senior position. You will be responsible for enhancing the charity’s reputation and influence, acting as an advocate for the heritage sector, developing effective partnerships, inspiring greater support including generating income, developing thematic work, running the business and reporting to and working closely with Trustees. 
Closing date: Wednesday 19 October 2022

BACK

BEFS News

In this time of great flux, with a new Monarch, a new Prime Minister, and a new UK fiscal statement since the last Bulletin, this is a bumper issue. 
 
The Scottish Government Programme for Government was released in early September. There are stark warnings about inflation, and the expressed limited scope of the Scottish Government for financial flexibility. Balance at a time of volatility appear to be the watchwords. The Scottish Government are also expressing strong support for the commitment to meeting net zero as “part of the solution” (p4) – whilst simultaneously not embracing the opportunity of our existing built environment. The potential and protection of the natural environment is rightly present, the same could be hoped for, but is not made explicit, in relation to our built environment. There is great emphasis placed within the document on the National Strategy for Economic Transformation (March 2022).
 
In relation to planned Bills to be introduced in 2022-23 BEFS will keep a close eye on the Budget, Circular Economy, Housing (2), and Local Visitor Levy. It seems note worthy that NPF4 is not mentioned within the document.
 
In a world of continually stretched budgets and expanding challenges, advocacy and relevance (across portfolios) will be of increasing importance. BEFS Director noted that the pickings for the existing built environment and cultural-heritage were slim in 2021-2022, and in 2022 it feels that finding the expressed value and importance of cultural-heritage within the current Programme for Government is even more challenging. For more thoughts from the Third Sector in relation to the Programme for Government, please see the response from SCVO.
 
Today’s (23^rd September 2022) UK fiscal statement or Growth Plan throws many of the usual cards in the air, and only further reflection will help to understand where they might land. The Emergency Budget Review within Scotland (stated to be within two weeks of the UK fiscal statement) will be eagerly examined in coming weeks.
 
Other reactions to activity within the UK Parliament this week include the deep concern expressed by the Scottish Government to the Retained EU Law Bill  – where the UK Government seeks to revoke over 2,400 pieces of EU legislation by the end of 2023.
 
In related fiscal news:
MGS – have an important update regarding their grants programme which they have decided to pause while reviewing the needs of the sector. They recognise that this creates uncertainty for those of you who were planning applications and encourage you to contact the MGS Grants team with any questions or concerns.
 
Following the UK Government’s announcement that it will be introducing the Energy Bill Relief Scheme to fix wholesale gas and electricity prices for businesses for six months from 1 October 2022, the Scottish Tourism Alliance (STA) has launched a snapshot survey to gauge the impact of the scheme for tourism businesses here.

It’s been a very busy few weeks, but BEFS would like to thank the sector for a huge amount of engagement in relation to the ongoing Our Place in Time refresh. BEFS Engagement Report in relation to all sessions run by BEFS can be found, here.

We’re also grateful for the continued engagement from those working in a conservation related role within local and planning authorities. It was a great CPD session in Stirling this week, and BEFS, HES and AHSS look forward to seeing so many from across the sector at next week’s Conservation Areas day.
 
BEFS would like readers to note that BEFS does not have a Communications Manager in post at this time. BEFS will continue to get readers all the information that matters, particularly ensuring parliamentary activity is covered. And, as ever, we’ll endeavour to include Events, Training and related Vacancies. These will be presented in the Bulletin as links (we will not be updating the website Events diary or Vacancy pages) until the team is back at full complement. Next Bulletin dates: 6^thand 20^th of October.
 
And finally, those who are subscribers to the AHSS Magazine, may also have seen BEFS Director writing about her favourite building in the Autumn edition.

Consultations

New Build Heat Standard: consultation – part two
Scottish Government
Closes 20 October 2022

Land Reform in a Net Zero Nation
Scottish Government
Closes 30 October 2022 – date extended

Battlefields: Planning Best Practice 
Historic Environment Scotland
Closes 3 November 2022

Delivering our Vision for Scottish Agriculture. Proposals for a new Agriculture Bill
Scottish Government 
Closes 21 November 2022

Consultation Responses

BEFS response to the call for evidence from the Committee for Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture (19/09/2022)
Culture Counts response can be found here.

Publications

Understanding Scotland (Diffley Partnership August 2022)
Understanding Scotland is a new quarterly survey tool measuring the most important facets of our lives and decision-making in Scotland: our society, economy, and environment. 

HES Funding announcement (HES 01/09/2022)
A total of £98,988 has been awarded to nine heritage projects as part of the Historic Environment Support Fund, administered by HES. The projects will benefit communities in the Highlands, Angus, Falkirk, Edinburgh, East Lothian, the Borders and Dumfries and Galloway.

Scottish & UK Government Publications

Programme for Government (Scottish Government 06/09/2022)

The Affordable Homes Programme since 2015 Department for Levelling up, Housing & Communities (UK Govt 08/09/2022)
 
The Role of Local Government and its Cross-Sectoral Partners in Financing and Delivering a Net-Zero Scotland – COSLA Submission (Sept 2022)

SPICe Briefing for Citizen Participation and Public Petitions – on Petition 1959 (Scottish Parliament Sept 2022)

The Town and Country Planning (Pre-Application Consultation) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2021 (legislation.gov.uk) (The PAC Regulations)

The Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 (Commencement No. 9 and Saving and Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2022 (legislation.gov.uk) (The Commencement Regulations)

VAT refund scheme for museums and galleries reopens ( UK Govt – Sept 2022)

English Planning Data gets new portal (September 2022)

Scottish Government deep concerned at Retained EU Law Bill (Scottish Government 22/09/2022)

News Releases

Crichton Project Shortlist (RIAS 20/09/2022) 
RIAS Consultancy – the competitions and procurement arm of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland – has revealed the five shortlisted teams for a competition to design The Crichton Project – a £15 million new cultural building in Dumfries and Galloway.

New Stonemasonry Apprentices carve the path to net-zero (HES 22/09/2022)
The organisation has recently significantly increased its capacity for traditional skills training with the opening of a new larger facility in Stirling, building on the successful delivery of Modern Apprenticeships in Stonemasonry for over 10 years in the city, and for over 20 years in Elgin.

SURF releases shortlist for their awards for best practice in community regeneration (SURF 23/09/2022)

Opinion & Comment

Development planned for Calgary’s Stephen Avenue fuels debate about protecting city’s heritage buildings (Globe and Mail 02/09/2022)

Edinburgh could be first UK city to introduce tourist levy (Evening Standard 06/09/2022)

SCVO response to Programme for Government (SCVO 07/09/2022)

Now the facts – an extended rent freeze would savage Net Zero investment (Scottish Housing News 08/09/2022)

Retrofit Radicals: Housing can be energy efficient and beautiful (FT 11/09/2022)

Let’s level the financial playing field, not Scotland’s Built Environment (Holyrood 12/09/2022)

Our crumbling housing stock is helping Vladimir Putin blackmail Britain (The Telegraph 13/09/2022)

Net zero: Copenhagen’s failure to meet its 2025 target casts doubt on other major climate plans
(The Conversation 13/09/2022)

Refurbs are for wimps, what commercial developers really think about retrofirst (AJ 14/09/2022)

Net Zero A Very British Problem: HEAT (BBC RADIO4)

Scottish Landlords threaten to sue over Sturgeons rent freeze (The Times 20/09/2022)
 

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”.

S6W-10408: Jackie Baillie, Dumbarton, Scottish Labour Date Lodged: 18 August 2022
To ask the Scottish Government how many applications for a Home Energy Scotland Loan were (a) accepted and (b) rejected in (i) 2020-21 and (ii) 2021-22.
Answered 5 September 2022

S6W-10429 Alex Rowley, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Labour Date lodged: 18 August 2022
To ask the Scottish Government how much agricultural land has been lost in Scotland to house building developments in the last decade.
Answered 6 September 2022

S6W-10193 Mark Griffin, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour Date lodged: 5 August 2022
To ask the Scottish Government how the single building assessment is designed to take account of any risk of electric vehicle fires, whether any specific assessment protocols are included in the assessment to respond to any such risks and, if this is the case, whether it will provide the details of any such protocols.
Answered 6 September 2022

S6W-10516: Oliver Mundell, Dumfriesshire, Scottish Conservative and UnionistParty Date Lodged: 24 August 2022
To ask the Scottish Government what support is in place to cover any financial costs and loss of earnings of community representatives who take part in planning enquiries.
Answered 20 September 2022

S6W-10630: Liam McArthur, Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats Date Lodged: 26 August 2022
To ask the Scottish Government how much funding it has allocated to improve the energy efficiency of (a) business buildings, (b) local authority buildings (excluding housing), (c) social housing and (d) domestic housing in each year from 2020 to 2022.
Answered 20 September 2022

S6W-10918: Liam Kerr, North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 07/09/2022
To ask the Scottish Government what its assessment is of the comparable costs of running an air source heat pump in a non-retrofitted, non-fabric refitted average property, compared with a gas boiler.
Answered 21 September 2022

S6W-10950: Sarah Boyack, Lothian, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 08/09/2022
To ask the Scottish Government when it plans to publish its proposed Local Visitor Levy Bill.
Answered 22 September 2022

S6W-10951: Sarah Boyack, Lothian, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 08/09/2022
To ask the Scottish Government what it expects the earliest date will be for local authorities to implement a Local Visitor Levy, subject to parliamentary approval of its proposed Local Visitor Levy Bill.
Answered 22 September 2022
 

Events

Scottish Archaeology Month 2022
Date & Time: September to early October 2022
Location: Various across Scotland
Heritage-themed events are being held all across Scotland, as part of the annual celebration of the nation’s past coordinated by Archaeology Scotland.

Doors Open Days 2022
Date & Time: Weekends in September 2022
Location: Various across Scotland
The 2022 Doors Open Days programme is now live!

A&DS Climate Week Designing for a changing climate
Date & Time: 27/9/2022 at 12:30 – 14:00 PM
Location: Online
Scotland’s climate is changing and to adapt to these changes we all need to work together. Across Scotland, initiatives are moving beyond cities to consider what can be done in Scotland’s towns and villages.
This event will tell the story of three projects which have been exploring place-based collaborative approaches to climate action in Scotland, covering over 20 places from Alness in the north to Annan in the south.  

GCHT – What Next for Glasgow’s City Centre?
Date & Time: Wednesday 28 September 2022 7pm
Location: The Merchants House, Glasgow
Panelists will look at the challenges currently affecting the city centre such as the legacy of the Covid 19 pandemic, the high number of vacant buildings and the decline in shopfront retail, as well as how solutions to these challenges can help tackle the climate crisis. It will also open it up for questions and discussion about how to shape a city centre that maintains its historic character and is accessible, safe and functional for Glasgow’s people and visitors.
The event will be chaired by Bailie Christy Mearns, Depute Lord Provost of Glasgow.

RIAS Convention – Value of Architecture
Date & Time: Main event Friday 30^th September from 0900. Fringe events on Thursday and Saturday
Location: Eden Court, Inverness
The RIAS annual convention is the leading architectural event in Scotland. Bringing together every aspect of the built environment to talk, think and collaborate. 
This year’s theme is VALUE. This wide topic will allow us to cover the value of Architecture, the value of collaboration, and perceived value, alongside exploring and debating what value in architecture means.

RTPI Scotland – Annual Conference 2022: Target Net Zero – Planning our Renewables, Buildings and Places
Date & Time: Thursday 6 October 2022 10am-6pm
Location: Park Inn by Radisson, Aberdeen
It is a pivotal time for planning in Scotland. We await the publication of the 4th National Planning Framework which undoubtedly will have a key ambition to tackle climate change and deliver net zero. But how exactly can planners, planning and the planning system help to achieve these aspirations? This ‘must attend’ conference will explore this through assessing the opportunities, challenges and needs of planning for renewable energy, of how we build our homes and buildings and how we design our places. It will be done through a mix of presentations, interactive debate and examination of good practice examples on the ground.

AHSS Dr Alistair Fair – Building a Modern Scotland: The New Towns, 1947–76
Date & Time: Monday 10th October 2022 6.30pm
Location: Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL (wheelchair accessible) Note: Lectures will also be streamed online via Zoom
Between the late 1940s and the early 1970s, six new towns were begun across Scotland, inspired by the ideals of the earlier Garden City Movement. For policymakers, they reflected an ambition to build a new Scotland; for architects and designers, they were an opportunity to create new kinds of urban environments. In this talk, Dr Alistair Fair surveys what was planned, some of the key buildings, and what happened subsequently.

SoAoS October Lecture – Mary of Guelders and the Architecture of Queenship in Fifteenth Century Scotland
Date & Time: Thursday 20^th October 6pm
Location: Hybrid (in-person at Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1EL) and live streamed online via Zoom
During her widowhood, Mary of Guelders, Queen of Scots, pursued an energetic programme of architectural patronage, including renovations to Falkland Palace in Fife, and the commissioning of Ravenscraig Castle (Fife) and Trinity Collegiate Kirk and hospital outside Edinburgh. Recent dendrochronology at St Giles’ Kirk in Edinburgh also suggests that her patronage was more extensive than previously thought. In this lecture, Dr Rachel Delman will explore how Mary’s building projects articulated messages regarding her gender, piety, power, and status during her son’s minority.

ICON ECRN: Building a salvage network for Scotland
Date & Time: Thursday October 27^th, 9:30-16:00
Location: The Engine Shed, Stirling
Edinburgh Collections Response Network is hosting a day of knowledge and skills sharing open to anyone involved in disaster recovery work from the GLAM sector in Scotland. ECRN is a voluntary group of conservators, curators, archivists and others based in and around Edinburgh who form a disaster recovery coalition that spans many organisations from national to local. The group is keen to foster closer connections with the wider Scottish heritage sector, and share the knowledge and lessons they have learned from collaborating. Event run in partnership with Icon Scotland, SCA and HES.
 
RTPI Scotland – The Point by Dandara site visit
Date & Time: Thursday 3 November 2022 5.30-6.30pm
Location: The Point, Aberdeen
The Point by Dandara development has developed a vacant derelict brownfield site in Aberdeen and brought housing back into the city centre. In addition to this, its development has also enabled refurbishment of the Category C listed Spire that sits in the heart of the site. Join RTPI Scotland for a tour of the development lead by Dandara’s Austin McGuire.

Training

HES/AHSS/BEFS Conservation Areas Seminar
Date & Time: Thursday 29 September 2022 10am-4:30pm
Location: Engine Shed, Stirling
Historic Environment Scotland (HES), the Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland (AHSS) and BEFS will host a day of discussions focussing on Conservation Areas, their management, designation, and exploring their role in creating good places. This event is aimed at anyone with a role in decision making within a Conservation Area, Local Authority officers and policy makers.
 
Developing Inclusive Archaeology Projects’ mentoring programme. York Archaeological Trust
Deadline for applications is midnight on Sunday the 2^nd of October.
Are you interested in attracting new and more diverse audiences to your archaeology or heritage project/organisation? Have you ever had an idea for an inclusive engagement project but not had the time, ability or confidence to plan it properly? Then this new programme might be for you.
Wessex Archaeology, York Archaeology and MOLA (Museum of London Archaeology) have joined forces to offer an 8-part online mentoring scheme starting in October 2022. Our three-month digital programme is for anyone involved in archaeology or heritage who wants to work with new audiences but isn’t sure where to start. 

STBA-SPAB Annual Conference: Sustaining Buildings 2022

Date & Time: 12 October 2022 9.30am-5pm
Location: Dovecot Studios, Edinburgh
The popular STBA / SPAB annual conference returns in-person this autumn for a full day of presentations and Q&A sessions by UK experts in the field. With retrofit and the green agenda firmly in the eye of the public, SPAB Scotland and STBA bring you a selection of speakers who will dive deeper into these topics and provide expert analysis of WUFI, embodied carbon analysis, training opportunities, and much more. 
 

PAS SP=EED Community Engagement Skills training 
Date & Time: Thursday 13 October, 10am – 3pm
Location: Online – Zoom
Looking to sharpen your community engagement skills? Join our next live ‘SP=EED’ training, Thursday 13 October 2022. SP=EED is a unique development programme designed to develop your skills and confidence in designing, delivering and evaluating effective community engagement.
 

SPAB – Repair of Old Buildings Course
Date & Time: 17 to 21 October 2022
Location: Online
The Repair of Old Buildings course delivers an extensive programme of lectures and recorded site visits demonstrating building repair projects, accompanied by a series of live online Q&A sessions with speakers and site hosts. Presented by leading building conservation professionals, the Repair Course considers British and international approaches to the conservation of old buildings.  The SPAB philosophy of repair and maintenance – established by William Morris in 1877 – underpins the course programme of case studies, presentations and site visits.
The SPAB has a small fund to allow it to award bursaries to individuals who might not otherwise be able to afford a place on the Repair Course.

Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust – Architectural Conservation CPD 2022 Programme
Date & Time: Saturday 26 October & Wednesday 30 November 2022
Location: Online
The Perth and Kinross annual series of Architectural Conservation CPDs is underway. The programme continues with sessions on conservation techniques for historical sculptures and retrofit of traditional buildings.

CIfA – Practising ethical competence in archaeology

Date & Time: Wednesday 16 November 2022 2-5pm
Location: Online
This CPD workshop is for accredited professionals and those that need to demonstrate ethical abilities as part of their application for accreditation

Vacancies

The Auchindrain Trust Conservation and Maintenance Supervisor/ Urras Achadh an Droighinn
Salary: £27,300
Status: Full time, permanent
Location: Auchindrain Historic Township, Argyll
As a result of the retirement of a long-serving member of staff, the Trust are seeking to recruit a suitably-skilled and experienced person as Conservation & Maintenance Supervisor for the museum at Auchindrain Historic Township in Argyll. The post represents a rare opportunity for someone who would like to develop a career in the care, conservation and management of Scotland’s historic environment, with a strong emphasis on the use of traditional building skills in the modern world. 
Closing date: 12 noon, Friday 7 October 2022 

BACK

BEFS News

BEFS Director was delighted to attend a recent celebration to mark the conclusion of the National Lottery Heritage Fund Business Support Programme, ‘Surviving to Thriving’, with Business Support Programme participants and partners. The programme was jointly developed by Museum Galleries Scotland, Greenspace Scotland and BEFS. Following the success of the 2021-22 programme, it has been announced that additional funding has been awarded to support the heritage sector in Scotland through a one-year programme extension during 2023. Watch this space for more details!

In other funding news, Round 3 of Steps to Sustainability, again a National Lottery Heritage Fund programme, recently opened. Delivered by the Social Enterprise Academy, heritage organisations across the UK are encouraged to apply for funding, which will provide a pathway of support and help organisations to be ambitious, forward-thinking and deliver exciting new projects. Sign up for the information session on 6th September to find out more.

BEFS Members, Scotland’s Towns Partnership, have reflected on their recent event in Inverness, highlighting the success of local initiatives including the Castlehill project. This event formed part of an ongoing series looking at how to secure a strong future for Highland town centres.

And again looking to the future, BEFS Members, Glasgow City Heritage Trust ask, “What Next for Glasgow’s City Centre?” It will be an in-person event on 28th September and looks to be a lively and illuminating discussion.

And finally:
Last call (almost!) for The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s second UK Heritage Pulse survey. Sharing your views will help to support and inform policy, recovery and reinvention post-Covid for the heritage sector, and ensure vital coverage for Scotland. The survey questions have been designed in response to what the sector says is currently most important: organisational resilience, environmental sustainability, recruitment and staffing. Do take the chance to complete it before it closes on 9th September.

Consultations

Dialogue Challenge: Energy and Just Transition Plan
Scottish Government
*new* Closes 5 September 2022

Heritage Fund Strategy Refresh
National Lottery Heritage Fund
Closes 5 September 2022

Land Reform in a Net Zero Nation
Scottish Government
Closes 25 September 2022

New Build Heat Standard: consultation – part two
Scottish Government
Closes 20 October 2022

Battlefields: Planning Best Practice 
Historic Environment Scotland
Closes 3 November 2022

Consultation Responses

BEFS response to the review of permitted development rights phase 2
BEFS

BEFS response to the Circular Economy Route Map & Delivering Scotland’s Circular Economy
BEFS

RTPI Scotland’s response to Delivering Scotland’s Circular Economy
RTPI Scotland

Heat in Buildings Strategy: Domestic EPC Reform Consultation: Analysis Summary Report
Scottish Government

Publications

Infrastructure Investment Plan for Scotland (Scottish Futures Trust August 2022)
Guidance to support the Scottish Government’s Infrastructure Investment Plan to ensure public sector organisations are familiar with this new common framework and how they might approach its application when undertaking strategic planning of their property assets.

What is a 20 minute neighbourhood? (Architecture Design Scotland August 2022)
Blog exploring what a 20 minute neighbourhood means, highlighting its importance, and sharing examples of this concept through ongoing projects.

Survey of Community Councils Report (Planning Democracy August 2022)
Report of survey, based on responses from 175 community council areas, analysing community councillors’ experiences and knowledge of the planning system in Scotland.

Scottish Government Publications

Heat in Buildings Delivery Report: 2019-2020 (August 2022)
Seventh annual summary report of the HIBs (formerly HEEPS) programme which includes the outcomes achieved from the 2019-2020 programme and an overview of cumulative progress since 2013.

Government Expenditure & Revenue Scotland (GERS) 2021-22 (August 2022)
Report estimating the revenue raised in Scotland and the cost of public services provided for Scotland.

Planning performance statistics 2021-2022: annual (August 2022)
Statistics on planning application decision-making timescales for 2021-2022.

Planning enforcement notice appeals: form and guidance (August 2022)
Appeal form and guidance notes for a planning enforcement notice appeal.

News Releases

New strategic plan for Holyrood Park (17/08/22)
HES news highlighting that a long-term Plan for Edinburgh’s Holyrood Park will be ready for consultation towards the end of 2022.

AJ architecture awards shortlist revealed for housing, heritage, refurb and projects under £500k (18/08/22)
The AJ reveal the AJ Architecture Awards 2022 shortlists in the Housing, Heritage and Project under £500,000 categories. The Heritage category includes Glasgow’s Burrell Collection by John McAslan + Partners.

Medieval heart of Scottish Highland town could lose conservation status (19/08/22)
The medieval quarter of Thurso could lose its conservation area status.

Public appointments: Members appointed to the board of National Museums Scotland (19/08/22)
Scottish Government announcement on the appointment of Professor Monojit Chatterji, Stephen Dando, Dr Bridget McConnell and Beth McKillop as Members of the Board of National Museums Scotland.

Cost of living causing consumers to think again about retrofitting report finds (22/08/22)
New research from RICS and YouGov has revealed that consumers are now concerned about paying for the cost of living above upgrading their homes.

Federation of Master Builders backs national retrofit plan for homes (23/08/22)
The Federation of Master Builders is calling on UK politicians to introduce long-term plans to improve the energy efficiency of homes.

Calls to improve protections of Aberdeenshire’s historic battlefields as north-east residents asked to weigh in (25/08/22)
Links to HES’ report and current consultation on Battlefield Planning Best Practice.

Glasgow City Council The Place Fund 2022/23 Call For Applications (26/08/22)
SURF news item highlighting that The Place Fund (TPF) is now open for applications for capital projects.

Opinion & Comment

Should tourism be taxed? (14/08/22)

‘Demolition is an act of violence’: the architects reworking buildings instead of tearing them down  (16/08/22)

Sustainable Scotland: How wooden pod kits could help turn old buildings into climate proof workspaces of the future (18/08/22)

Skills development will be key to improving the energy efficiency of our homes (19/08/22)

Doors open day 2022 – top venues to visit across Scotland (19/08/22)

Decarbonising the nation’s housing – the role of lenders (22/08/22)

Glasgow is turning into London – just look and you’ll see (27/08/22)

Councils will face tough decisions in balancing preserving historic buildings with being eco-friendly (30/08/22)

Parliamentary Questions

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”.

S6W-10408: Jackie Baillie, Dumbarton, Scottish Labour Date Lodged: 18 August 2022
To ask the Scottish Government how many applications for a Home Energy Scotland Loan were (a) accepted and (b) rejected in (i) 2020-21 and (ii) 2021-22.
Answer expected 15 September 2022

S6W-10516: Oliver Mundell, Dumfriesshire, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party Date Lodged: 24 August 2022
To ask the Scottish Government what support is in place to cover any financial costs and loss of earnings of community representatives who take part in planning enquiries.
Answer expected 22 September 2022

S6W-10630: Liam McArthur, Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date Lodged: 26 August 2022
To ask the Scottish Government how much funding it has allocated to improve the energy efficiency of (a) business buildings, (b) local authority buildings (excluding housing), (c) social housing and (d) domestic housing in each year from 2020 to 2022.
Answer expected 26 September 2022

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”.

S6W-10119: Liam Kerr, North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party Date Lodged: 1 August 2022
To ask the Scottish Government how many homes have benefitted from the Social Housing Net Zero Heat Fund as of 30 July 2022, and what the average cost per property is. Answered on 25 August 2022

S6W-10165: Mark Griffin, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour Date Lodged: 3 August 2022
To ask the Scottish Government, whether it will prepare a medium-rise inventory, in light of the Building (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2022, which ban combustible cladding on buildings with any storey at a height of more than 11 metres above the ground.
Answered on 19 August 2022

S6W-10798: Bob Doris, Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn, Scottish National Party Date Lodged: 3 August 2022 (?)
To ask the Scottish Government what actions it will take to ensure that the skills delivery landscape is set up to deliver the ambitions for skills in Scotland’s National Strategy for Economic Transformation.
Answered on 31 August 2022

S6W-10199: Mark Griffin, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour Date Lodged: 5 August 2022
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-09252 by Shona Robison on 21 July 2022, whether these sums of money are included in the Single Building Assessment programme: spending information, which was released on 12 May 2022, and how much has been spent on contractors (a) prior to July 2021 and (b) in July and August 2022. Answered on 19 August 2022

Events

For the full list of BEFS Members’ upcoming events see our events calendar.

Scottish Archaeology Month 2022
Date & Time: September to early October 2022
Location: Various across Scotland
Heritage-themed events are being held all across Scotland, as part of the annual celebration of the nation’s past coordinated by Archaeology Scotland.

Doors Open Days 2022
Date & Time: Weekends in September 2022
Location: Various across Scotland
The 2022 Doors Open Days programme is now live!

Building Limes Forum – Annual Conference and Gathering
Date & Time: 2-4 September 2022
Location: Queen’s University, Belfast
This event will include the presentation of papers on the use of building limes by a variety of speakers including practitioners, specifiers, academics and historians. Site visits and tours will also be organised. On Friday evening the Great Hall designed by Charles Lanyon will be the location of the Baker Memorial Lecture by Dawson Stelfox MBE, Conservation Architect.

Heritage Trust Network – Growing Your Community; Carluke High Mill
Date & Time: Tuesday 6 September 2022 9.30am-2.30pm
Location: Carluke High Mill, Carluke
Hear from a fantastic team who have made huge progress in connecting with their community, whilst progressing towards a major heritage regeneration project. There will also be plenty of time to get to know other attendees, hear from projects across the country and chat with funders.

Scotland’s Towns Partnership – TCAP2 Roadshows
Date & Time: 7 & 14 September 2022
Location: Various across Scotland
The TCAP2 Roadshow Series continues, illustrating how a place-based holistic approach can help revitalise towns across Scotland. Ambition, collaboration and leadership are key to aligning and delivering on TCAP2.  The series aims to encourage stakeholders to embrace and commit to the place agenda and to understand their roles in the approach to regenerating places. The events share policy context and exemplars based around TCAP2 themes, including planning, town centre first principle, town centre living, digital, enterprising communities and vibrant local economies and climate action.

GCHT – Architecture and Health in Historic Buildings
Date & Time: Thursday 8 September 2022 12.30-1.30pm
Location: Online
Dr Richard Hobday will discuss what historic buildings can teach us about managing airborne infections through a mix of passive ventilation, material characteristics, and quality of internal space. He will also look at how retaining these characteristics is key when refurbishing historic buildings, and demonstrate how past approaches to combatting infection in buildings remain relevant for creating healthy internal environments.

AHSS – Miller, Marbles and MacRae: Walking Tour of Craigentinny and Restalrig
Date & Time: Thursday 8 September 2022 6pm
Location: Craigentinny and Restalrig
On this walk, Steven Robb, Deputy Head of Historic Buildings at Historic Environment Scotland, explores the early history of two of Edinburgh’s north-eastern suburbs, represented by Restalrig Parish Church, Craigentinny House and the Miller family. Along the way he looks at the considerable interventions made by the City Council in the area in the 1930s, including schools, the Craigentinny housing estate, and the use of Craigentinny House as, arguably, Scotland’s first community centre.

Nesta – Future gazing: homes in 2050
Date & Time: Thursday 8 September 2022 12-1pm
Location: Online
Dr Rosenow will share his expert insights on how we can decarbonise homes, drawing from extensive experience in the energy sector, his research at the Environmental Change Institute and his role advising the House of Commons. He’ll be discussing the flexibility of our energy systems and alternative methods for better heating homes; from heat pumps, to retrofitting and hydrogen.

A&BS – The power of creative partnerships in Edinburgh and the Lothians: sharing and networking event
Date & Time: 15 September 2022 6.30-8pm
Location: Edinburgh, Princes Exchange
Arts & Business Scotland are hosting a reception for business/public sector professionals in Edinburgh and the Lothians to share some exciting news, as we present a new service we’re developing: the Culture & Business Marketplace. The Marketplace is the result of research, looking at the changing needs of the business and public sectors. It will be a unique online platform, providing creative solutions to challenges.

RTPI Scotland – Sir Patrick Geddes Commemorative Lecture
Date & Time: Tuesday 20 September 2022 12:30-1:30pm
Location: Online
RTPI Scotland holds an annual lecture to advance Geddesian thinking. This year’s lecture is by Susan Murray, Director of the David Hume Institute who uses her position to discuss how Geddes’ ideas fit current placemaking and planning in Scotland.
As Director of the David Hume Institute, Susan leads on a growth in focus on people and the economy at the Edinburgh based think tank, which specialises in delivering research and thought-provoking events. Recent work includes ‘A Scotland of Better Places’ and ‘Understanding Scotland, an analysis of perceptions of Scotland’s economy’.

RTPI Scotland – Tour of Cowden Japanese Garden
Date & Time: Thursday 22 September 2022 5-7pm
Location: Cowden Japanese Garden, Dollar
A guided tour of the restored Japanese Garden by Sara Stewart, Chairwoman of The Japanese Garden at Cowden & Grant Baxter, Principal Placemaking Officer, Clackmannanshire Council. The tour will cover the origins of the garden and the people who created it, and the project to restore it so far and open it to the public as a visitor attraction. The garden is subject of a bid for City Region Deal Funding for the next stages of development. The tour will also cover some of the planning, heritage and environmental issues around the restoration and creation of a tourist attraction in rural Clackmannanshire.

GCHT – What Next for Glasgow’s City Centre?
Date & Time: Wednesday 28 September 2022 7pm
Location: The Merchants House, Glasgow
Join GCHT for an in-person panel discussion that asks the question, “What Next for Glasgow’s City Centre?”
Panelists will look at the challenges currently affecting the city centre such as the legacy of the Covid 19 pandemic, the high number of vacant buildings and the decline in shopfront retail, as well as how solutions to these challenges can help tackle the climate crisis. It will also open it up for questions and discussion about how to shape a city centre that maintains its historic character and is accessible, safe and functional for Glasgow’s people and visitors.
The event will be chaired by Bailie Christy Mearns, Depute Lord Provost of Glasgow.

RTPI Scotland – Annual Conference 2022: Target Net Zero – Planning our Renewables, Buildings and Places
Date & Time: Thursday 6 October 2022 10am-6pm
Location: Park Inn by Radisson, Aberdeen
It is a pivotal time for planning in Scotland. We await the publication of the 4th National Planning Framework which undoubtedly will have a key ambition to tackle climate change and deliver net zero. But how exactly can planners, planning and the planning system help to achieve these aspirations? This ‘must attend’ conference will explore this through assessing the opportunities, challenges and needs of planning for renewable energy, of how we build our homes and buildings and how we design our places. It will be done through a mix of presentations, interactive debate and examination of good practice examples on the ground.

RTPI Scotland – The Point by Dandara site visit
Date & Time: Thursday 3 November 2022 5.30-6.30pm
Location: The Point, Aberdeen
The Point by Dandara development has developed a vacant derelict brownfield site in Aberdeen and brought housing back into the city centre. In addition to this, its development has also enabled refurbishment of the Category C listed Spire that sits in the heart of the site. Join RTPI Scotland for a tour of the development lead by Dandara’s Austin McGuire.

Training

A&B Scotland – Introduction to Fundraising
Date & Time: Monday 5 & Monday 12 September 2022 10am-1pm
Location: Online
Are you new to fundraising or need a refresher? This course is designed to kickstart your fundraising knowledge & skills whether you are a volunteer, staff or Board Member. The course will consist of case studies, presentations and discussions to cover all aspects of fundraising – from understanding the Scottish Funding Landscape post-covid and what your organisation needs to have in place to three fundraising models, different sources of fundraising and how to develop relationships with your funders and supporters.

RTPI – CPD: Heritage and Conservation
Date & Time: Wednesday 7 September & Thursday 6 October 2022
Location: Online
This Masterclass will be delivered over an eight-week period, with two interactive webinars. Learning objectives include:

• Learn how to apply the central elements of UK legislation and policy governing the historic planned environment
• Gain insight into what designated and undesignated heritage assets are and how they are assessed
• Understand analysis and reporting tools including Heritage Statements and Heritage Impact Assessments

Heritage Trust Network- Dealing with Rising Energy Costs
Date & Time: Wednesday 14 September 2022 10.30-11.30am
Location: Online
Is your historic building or site being affected by rising energy costs? Are you worried about the predicted rises in Winter? Join Paul Clark from Heritage Trust Network partner member Citrus Energy for insight and advice on this worrying topic.

Heritage Trust Network – Saving buildings, while saving the climate
Date & Time: Wednesday 14 September 2022 2-3.30pm
Location: Online
Hear from speakers on how to environmentally manage old and listed buildings and learn how to make them more self-sustainable and eco. Also, you will hear new facts and figures on why reusing buildings are more environmentally and sustainability friendly.

PAS – SP=EED Community Engagement Skills training
Date & Time: Thursday 15 September 2022 10am-3pm
Location: Online
Want to brush up on your community engagement skills? Join PAS next live ‘SP=EED’ training. SP=EED is a unique development programme designed to develop your skills and confidence in designing, delivering and evaluating effective community engagement.  
 
HES/AHSS/BEFS – Conservation Areas Seminar
Date & Time: Thursday 29 September 2022 10am-4:30pm
Location: Engine Shed, Stirling
Historic Environment Scotland (HES), the Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland (AHSS) and BEFS will host a day of discussions focussing on Conservation Areas, their management, designation, and exploring their role in creating good places. This event is aimed at anyone with a role in decision making within a Conservation Area, Local Authority officers and policy makers.
 
STBA and SPAB – Annual Conference – Sustaining Buildings 2022
Date & Time: 12 October 2022 9.30am-5pm
Location: Dovecot Studios, Edinburgh
The popular STBA / SPAB annual conference returns in-person this autumn for a full day of presentations and Q&A sessions by UK experts in the field. With retrofit and the green agenda firmly in the eye of the public, SPAB Scotland and STBA bring you a selection of speakers who will dive deeper into these topics and provide expert analysis of WUFI, embodied carbon analysis, training opportunities, and much more. 

SPAB – Repair of Old Buildings Course
Date & Time: 17 to 21 October 2022
Location: Online
The Repair of Old Buildings course delivers an extensive programme of lectures and recorded site visits demonstrating building repair projects, accompanied by a series of live online Q&A sessions with speakers and site hosts. Presented by leading building conservation professionals, the Repair Course considers British and international approaches to the conservation of old buildings.  The SPAB philosophy of repair and maintenance – established by William Morris in 1877 – underpins the course programme of case studies, presentations and site visits.
The SPAB has a small fund to allow it to award bursaries to individuals who might not otherwise be able to afford a place on the Repair Course.

Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust – Architectural Conservation CPD 2022 Programme
Date & Time: Saturday 26 October & Wednesday 30 November 2022
Location: Online
The Perth and Kinross annual series of Architectural Conservation CPDs is underway. The programme continues with sessions on conservation techniques for historical sculptures and retrofit of traditional buildings.

CIfA – Practising ethical competence in archaeology
Date & Time: Wednesday 16 November 2022 2-5pm
Location: Online
This CPD workshop is for accredited professionals and those that need to demonstrate ethical abilities as part of their application for accreditation.

Vacancies

NTS Project Director: Hill House Conservation Project
Salary: £43,050-£47,667
Status: Full time, permanent
Location: Flexible within South & West Region
The National Trust for Scotland is now seeking an exceptional individual to lead the Hill House Conservation Project on behalf of the Trust.  The Hill House Conservation Project will embrace all heritage assets contained by the Hill House site in Helensburgh.  You will have a relevant degree and experience of managing similar multi-heritage projects at large scale.  You will be a confident leader with the highest of standards.  A collaborator and a consummate communicator able to take on a wide-ranging challenge and deliver excellence.
The Conservation of the fabric of the House is at the heart of the Project but restoring the garden, conserving the collection and interiors, interpretation, research and providing the best visitor experience are all key to success.  Fundraising will be required and outreach and engagement will be vital pillars of the Project, as will engaging with the many and varied stakeholder groups will be essential to success.
Closing date: Wednesday 7 September 2022

NTS Conservation Maintenance Surveyor
Salary: £36,523-£40,238
Status: Full time, permanent
Location: North East Scotland 
The National Trust for Scotland is looking for strong team players who are committed to conserving and sharing Scotland’s heritage.  Join the NTS Building Surveying Team and you will work with Scotland’s largest and most diverse portfolio of historic buildings and structures. This is a new role and you will be instrumental in shaping the way the Trust manages the conservation maintenance of its buildings, helping to build maintenance plans for each building and dealing with backlog maintenance projects.  
Closing date: 10am, Friday 9 September 2022

SPAB Head of Operations
Salary: £45,000-50,000
Status: Full time, permanent
Location: SPAB HQ, London, E1, with scope for flexible working
The Head of Operations will bring senior-level support for financial management and operational resilience, so as to enable the SPAB to fulfil its charitable purpose effectively. While the role will incorporate oversight of existing financial and related operational work, it is a newly created post and will take on business oversight of new income-generating ventures resulting from recent significant bequests to the charity.  The post holder will be a key member of the Society’s leadership team and will manage a small team of staff.  One of the principal duties will be to review and expand performance targets within the charity – both as business KPIs and for staff and teams – and to establish with the Director and Trustees new processes for monitoring, reporting on and improving outcomes.
Closing date: Sunday 11 September 2022

Arts & Business Scotland Chair
Salary: Non-remunerated
A&B Scotland are seeking a dynamic business leader to be their new Chair to build on legacy, drive forward strategy and lead on strengthening visibility and impact within the business community. ?This is an exciting opportunity for an exceptional individual who has previous experience as a Trustee or Board member and a passion for the culture sector.
Closing date: Wednesday 14 September 2022

CABN – Catalyst for Sustainability & Catalyst for Engagement
Salary: £26,400 (£33,000 at 0.8FTE pro rata)
Status: 12 months contract, freelance
Location: Scottish Borders
The Scottish Borders Place Partnership are seeking to recruit two exceptional individuals to act as Catalysts and guide the transition of CABN (Creative Arts Business Network) from its current position in Live Borders to a sustainable, independent sector led model over the course of a 12 month period. The two Catalysts will work collaboratively, with the Catalyst for Sustainability focused on the development of the new model, and the Catalyst for Engagement focused on network engagement and communications. Both will be a point of contact and will provide support and advice for creative individuals and organisations in the Scottish Borders.
CABN are looking for two people with experience and knowledge of working in the creative sector, who may have their own creative business or practice and who understand the dynamics, challenges and opportunities of working in a rural context.  Ideally they will be based in the Scottish Borders or with experience of living and working in the region.
Closing date: 9am, Monday 19 September 2022

Salary: £27,300
Status: Full time, permanent
Location: Auchindrain Historic Township, Argyll
As a result of the retirement of a long-serving member of staff, the Trust are seeking to recruit a suitably-skilled and experienced person as Conservation & Maintenance Supervisor for the museum at Auchindrain Historic Township in Argyll. The post represents a rare opportunity for someone who would like to develop a career in the care, conservation and management of Scotland’s historic environment, with a strong emphasis on the use of traditional building skills in the modern world. Over time, the post-holder could expect to develop into being one of the quite small group of specialists and experts who give a lead to the traditional building skills sector in Scotland.
Closing date: 12 noon, Friday 7 October 2022 

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