BEFS News

The Digital, Culture, Media & Sport Committee has published its report on the impact of COVID-19 on the UK’s cultural infrastructure, institutions and workforce. The report highlights how small departmental budgets and staff numbers have hampered the sector’s ability to tackle the challenges created by the pandemic.

The £4 million Museums Resilience and Recovery Fund has been announced by Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop. The fund will provide vital support to the independent museums sector following the severe financial and organisational impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and will be administered by Museums Galleries Scotland (MGS).

The Scottish Government have published a consultation on proposals to clarify certain parts of the Scottish Planning Policy that relate to planning for housing. The proposals aim to provide greater clarity for all those involved in the planning system, addressing the presumption in favour of development that contributes to sustainable development and the five-year effective housing land supply. You can access and complete the consultation via the Scottish Government’s consultation page.

Section 40 of the new Planning Act requires the Scottish Ministers to issue guidance, by July 2021, on the promotion and use of mediation in planning. In advance of a Scottish Government consultation, Scottish Mediation and PAS have been progressing work on some outline proposals. They have published an interactive survey outlining some ideas and would be keen to hear the views of stakeholders. Completion of the survey is welcomed by Friday 21st August 2020, and you can access the survey here.

The Infrastructure Commission for Scotland has launched its Phase Two report into infrastructure development. It makes recommendations including creating an independent body to offer long-term strategic advice to the Scottish Government; enshrining the Place Principle in law to support sustainable development and ensure a “one public sector” approach to planning; and strengthening the relationship between the public sector and construction industry by creating a Construction Accord, which would include measures to support a diverse and capable workforce in the sector. It also recommends an increased focus on digital technology through the creation of a digital data co-ordination, standards and facilitation role.

Scotland’s Strategic Archaeology Committee are currently pulling material together for Celebrating Archaeology in Scotland 2020. It seeks to showcase the value Archaeology brings to Scotland and report on our progress delivering Scotland’s Archaeology Strategy. Send your submissions by 17th of August.

The 8th Edinburgh Traditional Building Festival will be running from 24-28 August. Normally a part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, this year Edinburgh Traditional Building Forum are taking the festival online for all to enjoy. They are excited by the opportunity to open their ‘doors’ to many more to attend in this virtual capacity and “Celebrate Edinburgh’s Traditional Buildings”.

Consultations

A consultation on the future of the Land Court and the Lands Tribunal
Opened 27 Jul 2020 and closes 19 Oct 2020.

Town Centre Action Plan Expert Review Group – call for evidence
The deadline for written evidence is Friday 21st August 2020 at 17:00.

Scottish Planning Policy and Housing: Technical Consultation on Proposed Policy Amendments
Opened 17 Jul 2020 and closes 9 Oct 2020.

Call for Evidence on impact of COVID-19 on the rural economy and connectivity in Scotland

The Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Affairs Committee has launched a call for views on the impact of COVID-19 on Scotland’s culture and tourism sectors.
There is currently no deadline for responding.

COVID-19: Economic recovery
Closes 31 Jul 2020.

The Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee (ECCLRC) call for views on UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Continuity) (Scotland) Bill.
The call for views will close on Friday 31 July 2020.

The Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee (ECCLRC) call for views on Green Recovery.
The call for views will be open until Friday 7 August 2020.

Publications

Just Transition Commission: Advice on a Green Recovery (SG 30/07/20)

Asset Transfer Requests: Evaluation of Part 5 of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 (SG 30/07/20

Warmer Homes Scotland Programme Annual Review 2018/19 (SG 30/07/20)

Coronavirus (COVID-19): events sector guidance (SG 27/07/20)

Managing Scotland’s parks and greenspaces during covid-19 (greenspace Scotland 27/07/20)

Phase 2: Delivery Findings Report A blueprint for Scotland (ICS 27/07/20)

Coronavirus (COVID-19): European Structural and Investment Funds (SG 24/07/20)

Building Back for the Better – a perspective from Carnegie UK Trust (CUKT 23/07/20)

Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for homeworking (SG 23/07/20)

Coronavirus (COVID-19): tourism and hospitality sector guidance (SG 23/07/20)

Impact of COVID-19 on DCMS sectors: First Report (UKP 23/07/20)

Getting the best from our land – a land use strategy 2016 to 2021: first annual progress report (SG 16/07/20)

Scottish Government News Releases

Further funding for tourism (SG 29/07/20)
Two new funding packages worth £15 million will support the tourism sector as it continues to feel the impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Supporting events (SG 26/07/20)
A funding package of £10 million has been established to help the events sector recover from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Vital support for museums and galleries (SG 25/07/20)
A new funding stream for the independent museums sector to help bolster resilience following the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has been announced by Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop.

£50 million for islands (SG 22/07/20)
The Outer Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland will benefit from investment of up to £50 million by the Scottish Government as part of the Islands Growth Deal.

£50 million for Falkirk (SG 20/07/20)
Investment of up to £50 million by the Scottish Government in the Falkirk area will drive inclusive and sustainable economic recovery and growth across the region as part of the Falkirk Growth Deal.

£100 million for employment support and training (SG 16/07/20)
People looking for work or those at risk of redundancy will benefit from additional assistance to move into work or retrain.

News Releases

RICS calls for offices to be converted to housing as commercial sector demand falls (SHN 29/07/20)
As the global pandemic continues to take its toll, RICS has said the Scottish Government should enable more offices to be converted to housing as commetcial sector demand falls.

Rise in illegal activity at historic sites during lockdown (SLN 29/07/20)
Illegal activity at historic sites in Scotland has increased during the lockdown, it has been reported. Instances of breaking into castles, illegal metal detecting and digging were among the alleged offences.

Open Call: A&DS and RIAS Scottish Student Awards for Architecture 2020 (RIAS 27/07/20)
The student awards are an annual highlight – marking the vigour of Scotland’s architectural schools and the tremendous talent of our student members. They are a mark of the continuing high standards of Scottish architectural education and ensure that both construction professionals and the public can enjoy the creativity and vision of Scotland’s future architects. The submission deadline is Monday 24th August 2020.

RE-imagining a NEW Outdoors – A Showcase of Design Ideas (LIS 24/07/20)
The Landscape Institute Scotland are proud to present this digital showcase from its members that focus on reclaiming the outdoors as we emerge from the effects of the Covid19  global pandemic. The followed on from the Reflections Series discussion between Senior Practitioners on the Impact of Covid 19 on the landscape profession in Scotland

Black Live Matter charter calls on heritage sector to turn words into action (MA 24/07/20)
A charter from the arts and education charity Culture& is calling on cutlure institutions to do more to “decolonise their relationship with the UK black community”. The charity, which promotes diversity in the workplace, has published a charter of recommendations to spur the sector to follow up on its pledges.

Edinburgh Tram archaeology excavation vlogs (CoEC 21/07/20)
City of Edinburgh Council are currently excavating part of South Leith Parish Church’s graveyard dating to c1300-1650 as part of the Edinburgh Tram Extension works. As part of the public engagement process are creating weekly vlogs on youtube and the Tram website each Thursday. Although principally of this graveyard excavation, it will include others from the rest of the site including the recording of a large public WWII air-raid shelter.

Scotland Loves Local Launches (STP 20/07/20)
Today (20th July) a new campaign launches calling on the public to support their local shops and businesses, while continuing to take care and follow public health guidelines.

Scotland’s churches forced to ‘go digital’ after huge financial losses due to Covid-19 (Herald 19/07/20)
A FORMER head of the Kirk has warned the coronavirus pandemic has shown that it has too many churches and needs to embrace a more digital future.

Showcasing Community Resilience (SURF 17/07/20)
Over a collectively challenging 15 week period SURF is delivering a series of special SURF e-bulletins showcasing positive examples written by organisations delivering services or providing support to communities across Scotland, whilst we navigate through the Covid crisis.

Opinion & Comment

Thoughts on Covid-19 Recovery (Ann Allen, Chair A&DS Board 07/20)

Just say no to demolition (RIBA 23/07/20)

A Response to ‘Putting land back into the economic model’ (SLC 22/07/20)

Cutting VAT on home improvement would create jobs and save the planet (Times 19/07/20)

Round table discussion: Covid, Community Engagement and the Planning System (PAS 16/07/20)

Parliamentary Questions & Answers

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

Question S5W-30307: Monica Lennon, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 29/06/2020
To ask the Scottish Government how it will engage the renewable energy industry in developing a green economic recovery to the COVID-19 public health emergency, and what discussions it has had with the sector during the pandemic.
Answered by Paul Wheelhouse (27/07/2020)

Question S5W-30306: Monica Lennon, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 29/06/2020 R
To ask the Scottish Government whether the climate emergency and the achievement of Scotland’s net-zero targets will be potential material considerations in any planning applications made prior to the National Planning Framework 4 coming into effect.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (14/07/2020)

Events

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

Land Ownership by Private Trusts  Charities
Date & time: Aug 18, 2020 02:00 PM.
Webinar.
Come and join us to learn more about our new Land Rights and Responsibilities protocols. The way land is owned and used affects the quality of life for everyone in Scotland. People and organisations that make decisions relating to land, in urban and rural Scotland, should recognise and act in line with their responsibilities, as well as their rights. The series of protocols set out how landowners, land managers land communities can work together to make better – and fairer – decisions about land use. This webinar will look at the Land Ownership by Private Trusts and Charities protocols. These protocols will help improve understanding and transparency about the way trusts and charities operate as land owners.

Unexpected Delights of North Glasgow
Date & time: Wednesday 19th August 2020, 6pm.
Online platform details: Zoom.
The city’s north has been revitalised in recent years to become an urban playground, a haven of wildlife, green space and a creative hub with strong community spirit and an important industrial heritage. We’ll continue to our tour of the city in lockdown with Paul Sweeney and Lisa Snedden, who’ll help us explore this often overlooked area of Glasgow.

Acknowledging the Past, Sharing the Future
Date & time: 21st August 2020, 10am-12pm.
Online platform details: GoToWebinar
Join us to explore ways that our projects can address racial inequality and injustice, and attract new audiences. We want to include people from minority ethnic backgrounds with our heritage projects, do it effectively, inclusively and without getting it wrong. This HTN event will help you understand how to approach different communities within your area and make them feel welcome and included in your project.

Diversification in Ownership and Negotiating Transfer of Land to Communities
Date & time: Aug 25, 2020 02:00 PM.6t
Webinar.
This webinar will look at the Diversification in Ownership and Tenure and Negotiating Transfer of Land to Communities protocols. This webinar sets out how landowners can help achieve a more diverse pattern of land ownership and tenure across Scotland. It explains the expectations we have for landowners in assessing the use and ownership of their current landholdings and in taking measures to maximise the opportunities for acquisition and use of land by a broad range of interested parties. It applies to all types of owners of both land and buildings in Scotland, including private estates, public bodies and community organisations.

SURF Annual Conference Session 1: A Sustainable Climate and Economy
Date & time: 27th August, 10am-11.30am
Online platform details: Zoom
A 90 minute session on the overarching challenge of climate change and necessary shifts in economic priorities and processes. Featuring input from Katherine Trebeck of WEALL.

Good Stewardship of Land Protocol
Date & time: Sep 1, 2020 02:00 PM.
Webinar.
This webinar will look at the Good Stewardship of Land Protocol which sets out how landowners can take account of their responsibilities to meet high standards of land ownership, management and use of both urban and rural land. This webinar promotes good stewardship and high standards of land management across Scotland. Decisions made about land can contribute to better and more productive economic, social, cultural and environmental outcomes. Decisions made with a focus on good stewardship are made with consideration for the needs of local communities and the delivery of public good in support of wider national outcomes.

SURF Annual Conference Session 2: Land and Transport in a Climate Emergency
Date & time: 3rd September, 10am-11.30am
Online platform details: Zoom
A 90 minute session on land use and ownership and transport investment and planning in relation to climate change and post-Covid economic and social wellbeing recovery. Featuring input from the Scottish Land Commission, Transport Scotland and Stantec.

SURF Annual Conference Session 3: Post Covid lessons for building back better
Date & time: 10th September, 10am-11.30am
Online platform details: Zoom
A 90 minute session on SURF’s Covid response key learning points and Scottish Government policy and investment plans post-Covid. Featuring input from Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Local Government, Aileen Campbell MSP.

Training

CPD: Glass in Traditional Buildings
Date & time: Wednesday 12th August 2020, 12.30-1.30pm.
Online platform details: Zoom.
Original, historic glass lends character to many buildings and can also influence the appearance of entire streetscapes. Join Conservation Consultant Darren McLean for this online technical CPD to discuss these questions and debunk some common myths about traditional and historic glass.

BEFS News

The Scottish Government has published new good practice guidelines for re-opening museums, galleries and heritage attractions during the coronavirus pandemic.

Historic Environment Scotland has published policy and guidance for the reopening of its historic properties. The COVID-19 Policy and Minimum Operating Standards outline the requirements that must be met before sites will be able to reopen in line with official government guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic. HES has also set out its approach to the reopening of their heritage sites across Scotland as COVID-19 restrictions are eased. More details can be found here.

The fifth and final initial workshop hosted by the COVID Historic Environment Resilience Forum (CHERF) took place last week and focused on the role of education and research in sector wide recovery. You can find out more about CHERF and read previous workshop reports here.

We have also updated our overview of COVID-19 funding advice and guidance for the heritage and built environment sector here.

Museums Galleries Scotland (MGS) are looking for an experienced professional to deliver a new project Surviving to Thriving: Supporting Sustainable Heritage Businesses which will run in 2020 – 2022. This is a project run by MGS in partnership with BEFS and greenspace Scotland and funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The Business Support Project Manager will be responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with heritage organisations and training providers across Scotland. More details can be found here.

The Prebble Trust has published 15 policy recommendations to support the sustainable renovation of our existing building stock which is timely given the talk of a Green Recovery for Scotland’s economy. Find the details here.

Consultations

COP26 expert database and survey (UK Parliament)

Call for Evidence on impact of COVID-19 on the rural economy and connectivity in Scotland

Scotinform Cultural Survey

The Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Affairs Committee has launched a call for views on the impact of COVID-19 on Scotland’s culture and tourism sectors.
There is currently no deadline for responding.

COVID-19: Economic recovery
Opened 3 Jul 2020 and closes 31 Jul 2020.

The Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee (ECCLRC) call for views on UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Continuity) (Scotland) Bill.
The call for views will close on Friday 31 July 2020.

The Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee (ECCLRC) call for views on Green Recovery.
The call for views will be open until Friday 7 August 2020.

Consultation Responses

National Planning Framework 4 Call for Ideas: Evidence now published

Publications

Impact of Covid-19 on Local Authority Archaeology Services (ALGAO 15/07/20)

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Phase 3: business and physical distancing guidance (SG 15/07/20)

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Phase 3: guidance for the safe use of places of worship (SG 14/07/20)

The Role of Land in Enabling New Housing Supply in Rural Scotland (SLC 14/07/20)

Coronavirus (COVID-19): building standards – special measures to enable the erection of temporary buildings for the recovery and renew phase: letter to local authorities (SG 14/07/20)

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Phase 3: staying safe and protecting others (SG 13/07/20)

Coronavirus (COVID-19): tourism and hospitality sector guidance (SG 10/07/20)

Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for retail, tourism and hospitality customers (SG 10/07/20)

Guidance on Assessing the Full Economic Benefits of the Productive Reuse of Land (SLC 09/07/20)

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Phase 3: Scotland’s route map update (SG 09/07/20)

Minimum Operating Standards for Property Management and Visitor Operations (HES 07/07/20)

A Green Stimulus for Housing – The macroeconomic impacts of a UK whole house retrofit programme (New Economics Foundation 07/07/20)

Archaeological Market Survey report (CIfA, HES & FAME 07/07/20)

Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for museums, galleries and heritage attractions (SG 06/07/20)

Coronavirus (COVID-19): events sector guidance (SG 03/07/20)

The virus and the climate: winning consent for Net Zero (Social Market Foundation 03/07/20)

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Phase 2: Scotland’s route map – physical distancing update (SG 02/07/20)

COVID-19 Advisory Group: physical distancing advice (SG 02/07/20)

Coronavirus (COVID-19): planning – use of outdoors spaces and ‘the ‘28-day rule’ (SG 02/07/20)

Lockdown living – Housing quality across the generations (Resolution Foundation 02/07/20)

Transforming the economy after Covid–19: A clean, fair and resilient recovery (IPPR 02/07/20)

The Green Recovery Act – A report produced by Common Wealth (CW 07/20)

Short-Term Lets – Homes First Survey Results Briefing Paper No. 6 (Andy Wightman 07/20)

10th annual report of the Scottish Empty Homes Partnership (SEHP 06/20)

A-B-C? Easy as EPC Improving Consumer Understanding of Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) (CAS 06/20)

Scottish Government News Releases

Tourism sector reopens (SG 15/07/20)
The majority of Scotland’s tourism sector can begin to restart from today (Wednesday 15 July) after lockdown restrictions were further eased.

Cultural venues start to re-open (SG 15/07/20)
Visitor attractions such as museums, galleries and heritage sites across Scotland can start to re-open to visitors from today.

Safe re-opening of places of worship (SG 14/07/20)
Guidance published following consultation with faith and belief communities.

Support for coastal communities (SG 11/07/20)
Coastal communities across Scotland will receive £9.7 million of revenue generated by the Scottish Crown Estate’s marine assets, providing vital support for responding to the impact of coronavirus.

Help for homebuyers and employment support (SG 09/07/20)
New initiatives to support homebuyers and help people into work or to re-train have been announced by Finance Secretary Kate Forbes.

Moving to Phase 3 of lockdown route map (SG 09/07/20)
Opening dates confirmed for places of worship, hairdressers, museums and galleries.

Lifeline support for Performing Arts Venues (SG 03/07/20)
A targeted £10 million fund to support Scotland’s performing arts venues has been announced by Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop.

Supporting outdoor hospitality (SG 06/07/20)
Pubs, restaurants and cafes in Scotland will have greater flexibility to make use of outside spaces. Regulations on planning are being temporarily relaxed to support the industry to safely restart as the country emerges from lockdown.

Promoting skills and employment (SG 03/07/20)
A group of industry experts have submitted an action plan to limit unemployment caused by the economic impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19).

Lifeline support for Performing Arts Venues (SG 03/07/20)
A targeted £10 million fund to support Scotland’s performing arts venues has been announced by Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop.

News Releases

New approach needed to deliver houses for rural Scotland (SLC 14/07/20)
Scotland needs to look at new models of bringing land forward to deliver the much-needed rural housing, according to a new report published today.

Historic houses and castles face mounting repairs backlog due to Covid-19 (Herald 13/07/20)
Scotland’s historic homes and castles face a mounting backlog of repairs amid a “catastrophic” fall in income during the coronavirus lockdown, it has been warned.

Scotland’s Garden and Landscape Heritage (SGLH 13/07/20)
The latest issue of the Scotland’s Garden and Landscape Heritage (SGLH) e-news has recently been issued, containing details of our recent conservation work, and other news.

Stealing our cities: land-use analysis (SP 11/07/20)
Land-use analysis of three sites in two Scottish cities shows that private cars are taking more than their fair share of the available space.

The value of land is more than pounds and pence (SLC 09/07/20)
Guidance published this week by the Scottish Land Commission places wellbeing as a central consideration when assessing the business case for developing vacant or derelict land.

Chancellor to unveil £3 billion retrofit funding (AJ 07/07/20)
Chancellor Rishi Sunak is committing £3 billion to retrofitting schools, hospitals, and privately owned homes to make them more energy-efficient.

Introducing Heritage Digital – free digital skills training for the sector (07/07/20)
The Heritage Alliance are delighted to launch the National Lottery Heritage Funded Heritage Digital project. Until the end of July 2021, free digital skills training will be available as part of this partnership project, producing a programme based around the themes of digital communications, digital marketing strategy, digital rights and digital technology.

Culture is a part of every community (Inspiring Scotland 07/20)
Creative Communities is a new programme that aims to support and empower communities to develop cultural activities. The programme will distribute up to £600,000 to support communities to develop new initiatives involving culture and creative arts for the period October 2020-June 2021.

£1.57 billion investment to protect Britain’s world-class cultural, arts and heritage institutions (DCMS 05/07/20)
Future of Britain’s museums, galleries, theatres, independent cinemas, heritage sites and music venues will be protected with emergency grants and loans. Funding will also be provided to restart construction work at cultural and heritage sites paused as a result of the pandemic.

We want to do more to eliminate racism and drive greater equality, diversity and inclusion in heritage (NLHF 23/06/20)
The National Lottery Heritage Fund is launching a wide-ranging review of its approach to diversity and inclusion.

Opinion & Comment

Why the Whiteness of Archaeology Is a Problem (Sapiens 07/07/20)

Parliamentary Questions

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

Question S5W-30652: Maurice Golden, West Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 10/07/2020
To ask the Scottish Government when it will provide details on how arts and culture in Scotland will be supported by the £97 million of extra funding announced by the UK Government.

Parliamentary Questions & Answers

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

Question S5W-30290: Finlay Carson, Galloway and West Dumfries, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 29/06/2020
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5W-29857 by Fiona Hyslop on 22 June 2020, what work it is doing to help the National Trust for Scotland and what assistance was requested.
Answered by Fiona Hyslop (13/07/2020)

Question S5W-30308: Monica Lennon, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 29/06/2020 R
To ask the Scottish Government what actions it is taking to ensure that public inquiries into planning applications that are being conducted via video during the COVID-19 crisis deliver fairness to all parties.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (08/07/2020)

Question S5W-30309: Monica Lennon, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 29/06/2020 R
To ask the Scottish Government when it plans to recommence physical public inquiries into planning applications, and how it plans to ensure that these are conducted safely.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (08/07/2020)

Events

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

Architecture and History Tour of Dean Village
Date & time: Saturday, 25 July 2020: 11:30 – 13:30
Venue: Dean Village, Edinburgh
Join an architect-guide as you stroll through the lush valley of the Water of Leith to discover the hidden treasures of Edinburgh’s Dean Village. During this guided tour, you will find visible signs of former industrial activity, identify which Scottish castle the Well Court design is based on, learn why Georgian orphanages resemble extravagant country mansions, and why the Lord Provost paid for the Dean Bridge out of his own pocket. All tours are COVID-19 considerate and all proceeds of this event will be donated to the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings in Scotland for building conservation efforts.

5th Annual Falkland Craft Symposium Day 1: The House of Falkland and the SPAB Approach
Date & time: 18 August 2020 – 14:00 – 16:00
Venue: Online via Zoom
A window into the world of Craftsmanship as expressed through a rural Estate in Fife committed to sustainability, and the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings. Join Falkland Estate Trust Chair Ninian Stuart and Matthew Slocombe, Director of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings for presentations on the importance of craftsmanship and sustainability in estate management and building conservation.

5th Annual Falkland Craft Symposium Day 2: Craftsmanship and Excellent Examples of Craftsmanship at House of Falkland
Date & time: 19 August 2020: 14:00 – 16:00
Venue: Online via Zoom
Join Marietta Crichton Stuart historian, archivist, Trustee of Falkland Stewardship Trust and Darren McLean, conservation joiner and craftsman, for an inside look at the history of craftsmanship at the House of Falkland and a first-hand account of applied skills and principles to the challenges of repairing the outstanding example of 1840s joinery craftsmanship at House of Falkland.

5th Annual Falkland Craft Symposium Day 3: Historic Plasterwork
Date & time: 20 August 2020: 14:00 – 16:00
Venue: Online via Zoom
William Napier of Adams Napier and Steven Blench of Chalk Plaster Design present on Tradesmen, Architects & Artists – changing patterns of production in 19th century plasterwork, the House of Falkland being a good example.

5th Annual Falkland Craft Symposium Day 4: The Conservation of Historic Building Materials
Date & time: 21 August 2020: 14:00 – 16:00
Venue: Online via Zoom
Current PhD researcher Tim Meek presents on the Evidence-based conservation of buildings constructed of traditional building materials followed by Stone Conservation Consultant and SPAB Scotland Guardian Nic Boyes on Temple of Decision on the Falkland Estate by Alexander Roos, rescuing it from the brink of complete collapse, the value of ‘curated ruins’.

8th Annual Edinburgh Traditional Building Festival
Date & time: 24 – 28 August 2020: 11:00am
Venue: Online via Zoom
The 8th Annual Traditional Building Festival, is pleased to announce it will be delivering it’s programme online through a series of online offerings throughout the week of 24th August. Kevin Stewart, Minister for Local Government and Planning will be delivering the opening address, followed by a curated selection of traditional building topics. Lectures will be given daily at 11:00 and 14:00. A detailed full programme is forthcoming but to obtain more information, please contact Tyler C. Lott, SPAB Scotland Officer on tyler.lott@spab.org.uk.

Vacancies

Business Support Project Manager
Museums Galleries Scotland (MGS) are looking for an experienced professional to deliver a new project Surviving to Thriving: Supporting Sustainable Heritage Businesses which will run in 2020 – 2022. This is a project run by MGS in partnership with BEFS and greenspace Scotland and funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. It is an 18-month capacity-building and leadership programme designed to support organisations from across Scotland’s heritage sector. The Business Support Project Manager will be responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with heritage organisations and training providers across Scotland.
Closing date for applications is Thursday 23rd July 2020 at 09.00 am.

Invitation to Tender: World Heritage UK Business Options Appraisal 
Contract: August 2020 – December 2020
Fee: up to £12,500 (including expenses, excluding VAT)
World Heritage UK (WH:UK) is seeking to appoint an experienced consultant to undertake a Business Options Appraisal as part of our NLHF-funded “Unlocking the Potential” Resilient Heritage project. Full details can be found in the Invitation to Tender document – which outlines the detailed requirements, tender process and timescales – on the World Heritage UK website.
Submission Deadline: Sunday August 2nd 2020.

BEFS News

Built Environment Forum Scotland (BEFS) is pleased to announce that led by Museums Galleries Scotland (MGS) and in partnership with greenspace scotland they have been awarded £497,300 from National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF), to support major investment in building the resilience of the heritage sector. Sector feedback has highlighted the immediate need for support and strategic investment to help heritage organisations to develop sustainable business models, improve their ways of working, and evidence the impact of their role within Scotland’s communities. The partnership will deliver an 18-month project that will provide Scotland’s heritage organisations and businesses with support through a programme of training that will build sustainability with immediate and long-term impacts on their organisations and the sector as a whole. More information and expression of interest form can be found here.

Four COVID Historic Environment Resilience Forum (CHERF) workshops have now taken place exploring medium to long-term strategies to support the built environment sector to recover and build sustainability following the COVID-19 pandemic. The latest workshop reports can be found here. There is still time to sign up for the fifth and last of the initial workshops, focusing on education and research next Wednesday, here.

We have updated our COVID-19 heritage funding and advice page and downloadable Pdf with the latest information here.

The Scottish Government has published guidance to assist businesses in the tourism and hospitality sector to reopen safely on Wednesday 15 July. The guidance sets out the public health measures which will need to be implemented to allow safe reopening, including establishing physical distancing, enhanced hand hygiene measures and cleaning practices. Meanwhile, the Scottish Tourism Recovery Taskforce met for the first time on 25th June, co-chaired by Fergus Ewing and Jamie Hepburn and made up of more than 30 businesses. The taskforce will meet regularly in the coming weeks to provide strategic advice on the COVID-19 recovery.

Museums Galleries Scotland have launched a new survey to understand museums & galleries readiness to reopen and what support is required. They are keen for people to respond as soon as possible as this information is vital to help them advocate on behalf of the sector.

Scottish Community Heritage Alliance are also keen to find out how many organisations are planning to open their heritage sites this year and have launched a short survey with 7 anonymous questions to gather some data on the overall picture.

In response to consultation feedback on the draft culture strategy, the Scottish Government has established a National Partnership for Culture (NPC) to provide a cross-sector, interdisciplinary voice which can both advise and influence Scottish Ministers on the delivery of the Culture Strategy for Scotland. The National Partnership for Culture will start meeting soon to consider how the culture sector can recover from the coronavirus crisis and build on the recommendations set made by the Advisory Group on Economic Recovery. The Partnership is led by Joanna Baker, a former managing director of the Edinburgh International Festival. Further details and a list of membership can now be found here.

The UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Continuity) (Scotland) Bill [2020] has been introduced. The Bill retains alignment with the four EU guiding principles on the environment and establishes a new Scottish public body, Environmental Standards Scotland. More details here.

BEFS responded to the Just Transition Commission’s call for evidence, focusing on the opportunities for skilled work that the built environment, and particularly a maintenance agenda, can provide across Scotland. BEFS submission also highlighted the asks made by the Built Heritage Investment Group, which outline the economic and social benefits in relation to our transition to net zero, as well as the work of the Infrastructure Commission and its recommendations.

A new group has been launched to rebuild town centres. Experts in town planning, public health, transport and business are being brought together to consider the views of local communities in revitalising town centres in the wake of COVID-19. More details here.

Scotland Digs with DigIt has gone digital this year with archaeologists and experts running online events and sharing the “before and after” side of excavations. Find out more here.

Finally, have you submitted your favourite historic environment project or initiative as a best practice case study for our database and the OPiT 2019-20 report? The deadline is now approaching on 24th July. More details.

Consultations

Scotinform Cultural Survey

The Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Affairs Committee has launched a call for views on the impact of COVID-19 on Scotland’s culture and tourism sectors. There is currently no deadline for responding.

Scotland Business Survey – Impact of COVID-19 

Consultation on proposed changes to the Energy Performance of Buildings (England and Wales) Regulations 2012
This consultation closes at 11:45pm on 14 July 2020.

The Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee (ECCLRC) call for views on UK Withdrawal from the European Union (Continuity) (Scotland) Bill.
The call for views will close on Friday 31 July 2020.

The Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee (ECCLRC) call for views on Green Recovery.
The call for views will be open until Friday 7 August 2020.

Publications

Coronavirus (COVID-19): note on application of building regulations to adaptations (SG 01/07/20)

Moving Forward from Lockdown: Some Perspectives from Scotland & Wales (Graeme Purves, UK2070 Commission 06/20)

Enabling Development and Heritage Assets: Historic Environment Good Practice Advice in Planning (HE 30/06/20)

Building Scotland’s Green Recovery (SCDI 30/06/20)

Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for retail, tourism and hospitality customers (SG 30/06/20)

Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for creative studios and shared workspaces (SG 03/06/20)

Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on safer public spaces – urban centres and green spaces (SG  29/06/20)

Coronavirus (COVID-19): UK Fiscal Path – A New Approach (SG 29/06/20)

Energy efficiency: advice and support for industry (SG 29/06/20)

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Phase 2: business and physical distancing guidance (SG 29/06/20)

Coronavirus (COVID-19): opening public and customer toilets (SG 27/06/20)

Planning and Environmental Appeals division: annual review 2019-2020 (SG 26/06/20)

Coronavirus (COVID-19): European Structural and Investment Funds (SG 26/06/20)

National Value of UNESCO to the United Kingdom (UNESCO 25/06/20)

Coronavirus (COVID-19): business support fund grant statistics (SG 25/06/20)

Coronavirus (COVID-19): returning to work safely (SG 24/06/20)

Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19) – Guidance for Heritage Locations (DCMS 24/06/20)

Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19) (DCMS 24/06/20)

Key Agencies Planning Group offer: green recovery (SG 23/06/20)

Report: Local government in Scotland Overview 2020 (Audit Scotland 23/06/20)

Towards a Robust, Resilient Wellbeing Economy for Scotland: Report of the Advisory Group on Economic Recovery (SG 22/06/20)

Coronavirus (COVID-19): construction sector guidance (SG 22/06/20)

Investigation into remediating dangerous cladding on high-rise buildings (National Audit Office 19/06/20)

Guidance for reopening your museum (GoIndustrial 19/06/20)

Coronavirus (COVID-19): tourism and hospitality sector guidance (SG 18/06/20)

New report: ‘Connected Recovery: Enabling the digital commute’ (Transform Scotland 18/06/20)

Written Submissions Received on the Impact of COVID-19 on Scotland’s Culture and Tourism Sectors (SP)

Scottish Government News Releases

Healthier, greener town centres (SG 01/07/02)
Diverse views from urban, town, rural and island communities must be heard if town centres are to be revitalised and renewed in the wake of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Blueprint for economic recovery (SG 29/06/20)
A UK-wide £80 billion stimulus package should be created to regenerate the economy and reduce inequalities following the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, a new Scottish Government report proposes.

New tourism taskforce (SG 25/06/20)
A new taskforce created to drive forward the recovery of Scotland’s vital tourism sector is to meet for the first time.

National Partnership for Culture (SG 24/06/20)
A new group formed to deliver Scotland’s culture strategy is to meet for the first time.

Working towards economic recovery (SG 22/06/20)
Economy Secretary Fiona Hyslop has welcomed the recommendations of the Advisory Group on Economic Recovery.

Restarting tourism safely (SG 20/06/20)
Guidance to support Scotland’s tourism and hospitality sector to reopen safely has been published.

News Releases

New Chief Executive starts today (NTS 01/07/06)
Philip Long OBE is proud to be part of the team protecting Scotland’s natural and national treasures.

SCDI Publish Green Recovery Plan (SCDI 30/06/20)
The Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI) has today published its plan for a Green Recovery from the COVID-19 crisis with a call for the Scottish and UK governments to deliver an ambitious ‘green stimulus’ to kick-start the economy, create new green jobs and fuel ‘clean growth’.

RIAS Elects Youngest Ever Candidate as President (RIAS 30/06/20)
At 33, Christina will be the youngest President in the Incorporation’s history and only the second female President (Dr Joyce Deans CBE was elected President from 1991 to 1993).

Partnership marks record-breaking decade of bringing empty homes back into use (SHN 29/06/20)
Scottish councils have been urged to make empty homes work a cornerstone of post-pandemic recovery after a record number of privately-owned vacant properties were brought back into use last year.

UNESCO sites lead the way on sustainable development and create value for communities across the UK (UNESCO 25/06/20)
Published today by the UK National Commission for UNESCO, new research shows UNESCO projects can help build a greener, more equal and more peaceful world, while also creating financial value.

New guidance for reopening of museums, galleries and the heritage sector (DCMS & HE 25/06/20)
The Prime Minister has announced that museums, galleries and heritage attractions will be able to open from 4 July.

COVID-19 can be an historic turning point in tackling the global climate crisis (CCC 25/06/20)
Ministers must seize the opportunity to turn the COVID-19 crisis into a defining moment in the fight against climate change, the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) says today.

CIfA response to Policy Exchange’s ‘Planning Anew’ and ‘Rethinking the Planning System for the 21st Century’ (CIfA 25/06/20)
Two recent publications from the think tank Policy Exchange, published in January[1] and June[2] 2020, respectively, have illustrated a renewed intent by some to promote reform which undermines the ability of the planning system to deliver sustainable development.

Entries to the A&DS and RIAS Scottish Student Awards for Architecture are now being invited (A&DS 23/06/20)
Now in their 19th year, the student awards are a mark of the continuing high standards of Scottish architectural education and ensure that both construction professionals and the public can enjoy the creativity and vision of Scotland’s future architects.

Advocacy update (CIfA 22/06/20)
CIfA is continuing to advocate on behalf of the archaeology sector and help inform UK governments of the impacts of the pandemic in archaeology.

Museums Galleries Scotland dedicates £332k to help sector reopen (Museums&Heritage 19/06/20)
As Scottish cultural institutions prepare to reopen when Phase 3 of the Government’s economic recovery plan begins, Museums Galleries Scotland is offering financial support to enable this to happen safely and promptly.

Opinion & Comment

Kevin Stewart MSP: What kind of Scotland do we want to see post-lockdown? (SG 26/06/20)

We are building grandiose venues while existing ones are collapsing (Times 26/06/20)

Planning for Scotland’s future – Fraser of Allander Institute Commentary (FAI 23/06/20)

How communities in Scotland are breaking up the old land monopolies (PN 22/06/20)

Planning for the Future – How flexible zoning will end the housing crisis (Centre for Cities 19/06/20)

Parliamentary Questions

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

Question S5W-30307: Monica Lennon, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 29/06/2020
To ask the Scottish Government how it will engage the renewable energy industry in developing a green economic recovery to the COVID-19 public health emergency, and what discussions it has had with the sector during the pandemic.

Question S5W-30309: Monica Lennon, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 29/06/2020 R
To ask the Scottish Government when it plans to recommence physical public inquiries into planning applications, and how it plans to ensure that these are conducted safely.

Question S5W-30308: Monica Lennon, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 29/06/2020 R
To ask the Scottish Government what actions it is taking to ensure that public inquiries into planning applications that are being conducted via video during the COVID-19 crisis deliver fairness to all parties.

Question S5W-30306: Monica Lennon, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 29/06/2020 R
To ask the Scottish Government whether the climate emergency and the achievement of Scotland’s net-zero targets will be potential material considerations in any planning applications made prior to the National Planning Framework 4 coming into effect.

Question S5W-30290: Finlay Carson, Galloway and West Dumfries, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 29/06/2020
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5W-29857 by Fiona Hyslop on 22 June 2020, what work it is doing to help the National Trust for Scotland and what assistance was requested.

Question S5W-30092: Miles Briggs, Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 19/06/2020
To ask the Scottish Government what funding has been allocated under the £20 million COVID-19 resilience fund.

Parliamentary Questions & Answers

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

Question S5W-29227: Claire Baker, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 20/05/2020
To ask the Scottish Government how many applications for support from the Creative, Tourism and Hospitality Enterprises Fund it has received; what the total value of funding requested was; how many applications were approved, and what the total value of the awards made was, also broken down by the (a) creative and cultural, (b) tourism and (c) hospitality sector.
Answered by Fiona Hyslop (09/06/2020)

Question S5W-29571: Alexander Stewart, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 02/06/2020
To ask the Scottish Government how many applications to the Creative, Tourism and Hospitality Enterprises Hardship fund have been (a) approved and (b) rejected, and how many payments have been made.
Answered by Fiona Hyslop (16/06/2020)

Question S5W-29591: Finlay Carson, Galloway and West Dumfries, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 03/06/2020
To ask the Scottish Government what mechanisms are in place to enable Historic Environment Scotland to progress current projects while staff are furloughed.
Answered by Fiona Hyslop (15/06/2020)

Question S5W-29767: Claire Baker, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 09/06/2020
To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it will provide to businesses and tourist attractions that are allowed to reopen at phase 3 of its COVID-19 route map.
Answered by Fergus Ewing (22/06/2020)

Question S5W-29760: Claire Baker, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 09/06/2020
To ask the Scottish Government which tourist attractions it considers will not be allowed to reopen at phase 3 of its COVID-19 route map.
Answered by Fergus Ewing (22/06/2020)

Question S5W-29674: Rachael Hamilton, Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 08/06/2020
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the performance of the land use strategy in contributing to meeting its climate change and biodiversity targets.
Answered by Roseanna Cunningham (18/06/2020)

Question S5W-29671: Rachael Hamilton, Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 08/06/2020
To ask the Scottish Government how the updated land use strategy will reflect changes in climate change policy, and what engagement it has had with stakeholders regarding this.
Answered by Roseanna Cunningham (18/06/2020)

Question S5W-29669: Rachael Hamilton, Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 08/06/2020
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the efficacy of the 2016-21 land use strategy, and what progress is being made with the preparations for the updated strategy.
Answered by Roseanna Cunningham (18/06/2020)

Question S5W-29858: Maurice Golden, West Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 11/06/2020
To ask the Scottish Government what immediate support it can provide to properties owned by the National Trust for Scotland that are unable to support social distancing regulations, while the talks over long-term assistance are ongoing.
Answered by Fiona Hyslop (22/06/2020)

Question S5W-29857: Maurice Golden, West Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 11/06/2020
To ask the Scottish Government what the timeline is for further talks between it, the National Trust for Scotland and Scottish Enterprise, following the meeting on 26 May 2020.
Answered by Fiona Hyslop (22/06/2020)

Other Parliamentary

Motion S5M-22069: Maurice Corry, West Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 17/06/2020
Scotland’s War Memorials
That the Parliament recognises the importance of Scotland’s war memorials in honouring the sacrifices made by servicemen and women; notes that these memorials, such as the Cross Monument located in Shandon, on the west coast, stand as confronting reminders of the human cost of war, past and present; agrees that their continued conservation and protection, which is often undertaken by community associations, is paramount in promoting both local and national remembrance; condemns therefore any attempt to desecrate or vandalise any of Scotland’s war memorials, such as the recent vandalism of the Boer War memorial in Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Park by demonstrators; understands that, in England, there is cross-party interest in bringing forward legislation against such desecration, and welcomes discussion on how war memorials and monuments across Scotland can be further protected to allow current and future generations to remember the impact of war and the people who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Supported by: Miles Briggs, Alexander Stewart, Gordon Lindhurst, Richard Lyle, Murdo Fraser, Bill Kidd, Kenneth Gibson, Edward Mountain, Donald Cameron, Margaret Mitchell, Clare Adamson, Jeremy Balfour, Alison Harris, David Torrance, Peter Chapman, Finlay Carson, Liam Kerr.

Events

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

Historians on Dundas and Slavery
Date & time: 7th July from 17.30 – 19.30.
Online.
Urgent discussions are taking place across the world about monuments and streets dedicated to Henry Dundas, mainly focused on his insertion of ‘gradual’ into the 1792 bill for the abolition of the slave trade. But Dundas’s connections to slavery were broader. Join historians with specialist knowledge of Dundas’s career for in-depth information and analysis of all aspects of Dundas’s relationship to slavery.

Alternative Models of Architecture Practice
Date & time: Wed, 8 July 2020 from 18:00 – 19:30.
Online.
Inspired by evidence of a growing innovative approach to practicing architecture, the EAA has curated a series of talks titled ‘Alternative Models of Architecture Practice’. Throughout this series we will hear from architects undertaking community engagement, becoming makers or developers, and taking back the term ‘Design & Build’. The EAA has invited three practices to our first talk. Akiko Kobayashi, Matt + Fiona, and John Kinsley Architects. Each of the practices will look at their own approach to architecture practice, explain what inspired them to take these alternative routes and some of the challenges and rewards they have experienced.

Urban History summer seminar series – ‘Questioning the consensus? ‘
Date & time: Fri, 17 July 2020; 11:00 – 12:00.
Online.
Over the next few months, this seminar series will showcase leading edge research in the field of urban history. Our second speaker, Dr James Lesh from the University of Melbourne, will be talking about his work on heritage conservation in 1990s Melbourne and Sydney.

Training

e-Learning with CIfA
Welcome to CIfA’s e-learning portal. Here we provide online learning courses to help you develop your knowledge and understanding regarding heritage and the historic environment. Our current courses are:
•    Professionalism in historic environment practice, an introduction
•    Making sense of the planning system: An introduction
•    Planning your career: understanding Personal Development Plans and Continuing Professional Development

BEFS News

The first two workshops of the COVID Historic Environment Resilience Forum (CHERF) focusing on Reopening Venues and on Conservation & Construction have now taken place, with participants from across the built environment sector in Scotland. The forum will inform the production of a route map of medium and longer-term actions to grow sector resilience, sustainability, and evidence the sector to be a beneficial participant in Scotland’s national recovery. More information on CHERF and future workshops can be found here. Outcomes and developments will also be made publicly available on this page.

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has published the findings of research into the impact of COVID-19 on Scotland’s heritage sector. Key findings from the report show nearly 80% of respondents have experienced either a loss or postponement of work and revenue due to the current pandemic, while over 70% reported having to cancel planned income generating events. Almost a quarter (22%) said they face a high risk of their business not surviving the current situation without major intervention, with sole traders or partnerships (32%) reporting the highest level of risk, citing cashflow and future orders as the main source of concern.

A £2 million Towns and BIDs Resilience and Recovery Fund was announced by the Scottish Government on 12th June 2020. The fund is intended to support localised response activities contributing to town centre and high street resilience and recovery.

BEFS responded to the Scottish Government’s Advisory Group on Economic Recovery call for evidence. BEFS response draws on arguments made previously in relation to the Circular Economy, the Built Heritage Investment Group, Housing to 2040, and the essential part the built environment plays in supporting a skilled workforce. Making sure that communities across Scotland can make their views heard in relation to their environments will ensure the current policy work can go further, and faster, with increased economic and social benefits.

We have updated our COVID-19 heritage funding and advice page and downloadable Pdf with the latest information.

Have you submitted your favourite historic environment project or initiative as a best practice case study for our database and the OPiT 2019-20 report? More details.

The Scottish Government has been asked and responded to a large number of heritage related parliamentary questions since the last bulletin (see below). Questions range from topics including the tourism and culture sector, the National Trust for Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland, to community ownership of land, the Supporting Communities Fund, and more.

Consultations

Review of the Lobbying Act (Scotland) 2016 – Call for written views
Opened 17 Jun 2020 and closes 14 Aug 2020.

European Heritage Green Paper Outline
Europa Nostra in cooperation with ICOMOS is seeking your feedback on the European Heritage Green Paper, a new project that focuses on cultural heritage and the European Green Deal (EGD).
Deadline extended to 22 June. 

Digital Attitudes and Skills for Heritage (DASH) survey
Deadline to sign up is 26 June. 

The Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Affairs Committee has launched a call for views on the impact of COVID-19 on Scotland’s culture and tourism sectors. There is currently no deadline for responding.

Impact of Covid-19 on DCMS sectors – call for evidence
Extended closing date Friday 19 June 2020.

Coronavirus and Scotland Inquiry
You can submit evidence until Tuesday 23 June 2020.

Shortage occupation list: call for evidence
This consultation closes at 11:45pm on 24 June 2020.

Just Transition Commission – call for evidence
Extended closing date 30 June 2020.

Energy Efficiency of Existing Homes Inquiry
You can submit evidence until Monday 13 July 2020.

Consultation on proposed changes to the Energy Performance of Buildings (England and Wales) Regulations 2012
This consultation closes at 11:45pm on 14 July 2020.

Consultation Responses

The role of public sector bodies in tackling climate change: consultation analysis

ScotLink Survey results on Circular Economy

Replacement for the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) Post-EU Exit in Scotland: consultation report

Publications

Coronavirus (COVID-19): letter from the Planning Minister about the role of certification (SG 17/06/20)

Coronavirus (COVID-19): letter from Building Standards Division about construction industry restart (SG 17/06/20)

Apply to the Low Carbon Energy Project Development Fund (SG 17/06/20)

Housing and regeneration outcomes framework: indicator updates (SG 16/06/20)

Third Sector Resilience Fund – summary of submissions (SPICe 06/20)

COVID-19 Sector Survey Report (HES 12/06/20)

Coronavirus (COVID-19): European Structural and Investment Funds (SG 12/06/20)

Land for Housing & Development – a briefing paper (SLC 11/06/20)

The Value of Early Engagement in Planning – Evidence of the benefits of early engagement in land use planning decisions (SLC 11/06/20)

An Investigation into Land Banking in Scotland (SLC 11/06/20)

Residential development land prices and house prices- A discussion paper (SLC 11/06/20)

Coronavirus (COVID-19): construction sector guidance (SG 11/06/20)

Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Affairs Committee Annual Report 2019-20 (SP 09/06/20)

Non domestic energy efficiency project support unit: 2020 to 2024 (SG 11/06/20)

Prospect highlights inaccuracy and hypocrisy in some responses to the use of furlough for Scottish heritage institutions (Prospect 04/06/20)

Cultural Renewal Taskforce and supporting Working Groups (UKG 06/20)

The World Remade by COVID-19: Scenarios for resilient leaders 3-5 years (Deloitte 04/20)

Help to Build: An emergency plan to support housing supply (CPS 06/20)

Scottish Government News Releases

Scottish research facing twin threats of COVID and Brexit (SG 12/06/20)
The double threat of coronavirus (COVID-19) and the potential loss of access to EU funding programmes could result in long-term damage to Scottish university research, unless the UK Government provides immediate financial support.

Support for tourism industry (SG 10/06/20)
Sector prepares for return to business. Further measures have been announced by Tourism Secretary Fergus Ewing to support Scotland’s vital tourism industry.

Community funding maps (SG 09/06/20)
A new collection of digital maps is to display the funding being given to support communities across Scotland affected by coronavirus (COVID-19).

News Releases

Government invests £78m to help construction sector return to work (SCN 17/06/20)
More than £78 million is to be invested into the construction sector as part of a new Return to Work package to help stimulate Scotland’s economy following the coronavirus pandemic.

Government must act over gaps in support during lockdown (UKP 15/06/20)
The Treasury Committee publishes a unanimously-agreed interim report as part of its inquiry into the Economic Impact of Coronavirus called Gaps in Support.

Historic Environment Scotland response to Black Lives Matter (HES 12/06/20)
Recent events have once again confronted us with the reality of racism and sparked renewed urgency to the Black Lives Matter movement for racial justice across the world. We have been using this time to listen to our Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities and reflect on our responsibilities as Scotland’s lead heritage body.

Call for Nominations for 7 Most Endangered 2021: Let’s save Europe’s endangered heritage sites together! (EN 12/06/20)
Many heritage treasures all over Europe are threatened due to a series of natural, human-related or climate change causes, particularly in these trying times.

Land for housing and development: time for change SLC 11/06/20)
Scotland’s reliance on the speculative private development model will not help to achieve the level of new homes needed or help build more affordable homes and the whole system requires fundamental reform, according to the Scottish Land Commission.

Our plans for re-opening properties (NTS 09/06/20)
Trust properties have been closed since March due to the coronavirus emergency. We’re sharing plans for re-opening over the coming weeks and months, in line with Scottish Government guidance.

Scottish Government ‘unable to take forward’ work on empty homes (SHN 09/06/20)
The Scottish Government’s work to tackle empty homes has been put on hold due to “changed priorities” and the implications of the coronavirus crisis, housing minister Kevin Stewart has admitted.

Take a Tour of Scotland in 3D (HES 08/06/20)
Immerse yourself in history from home by exploring our interactive 3D models of towers, tombs, brochs and standing stones!

Doors Open Days 2020 is going digital! (SCT 06/20)
Scotland’s biggest free festival of architecture will present its largest ever digital offering this September, as we celebrate Scotland’s buildings and stories online, through tours, lectures, DIY learning events and more.

2020 SURF Awards Open for Applications (SURF 04/06/20)
The prestigious national 2020 SURF Awards for Best Practice in Community Regeneration were launched online today (4/06/20) and is now open to applications.

Joint Heritage Sector Statement on Climate Change (HE 06/20)
Climate change is one of the most significant and fastest growing threats to people and their cultural heritage worldwide. Responding to climate change requires action but that does not need to be at the expense of our cultural heritage which can help society adapt to the dual challenges of new climates and a low carbon future.

Lottery funder sees record number of applicants for £200m government (NLHF 29/05/20)
A £200m government fund for smaller charities, run by the National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF), received a record-breaking number of applications when it opened last week.

Lords considers Covid-19 impact on museums and galleries (UKP 22/06/20)
Members of the Lords asked the government what steps it was taking to support museums, galleries, and historic buildings open to the public that are affected by the restrictions in place to address the Covid-19 pandemic.

Opinion & Comment

The Value of Early Engagement (SLC 15/06/20)

Coronavirus in Scotland: Put locals back at heart of city life, urges heritage boss (Times 15/06/20)

Land for Housing – Time for change? (SLC 11/06/20)

‘The crisis of crises’: Scotland’s heritage sector hit hard by coronavirus (FT 10/06/20)

The Removal of the Statue of Edward Colston, Bristol (HE 07/05/20)

Do you want beautiful, sustainable and safe tall buildings? Use wood (Guardian 06/06/20)

Planning for the long term public interest (SLC 03/06/20)

Parliamentary Questions

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

Question S5W-29857: Maurice Golden, West Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 11/06/2020
To ask the Scottish Government what the timeline is for further talks between it, the National Trust for Scotland and Scottish Enterprise, following the meeting on 26 May 2020.

Question S5W-29858: Maurice Golden, West Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 11/06/2020
To ask the Scottish Government what immediate support it can provide to properties owned by the National Trust for Scotland that are unable to support social distancing regulations, while the talks over long-term assistance are ongoing.

Question S5W-29669: Rachael Hamilton, Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 08/06/2020
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the efficacy of the 2016-21 land use strategy, and what progress is being made with the preparations for the updated strategy.

Question S5W-29671: Rachael Hamilton, Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 08/06/2020
To ask the Scottish Government how the updated land use strategy will reflect changes in climate change policy, and what engagement it has had with stakeholders regarding this.

Question S5W-29674: Rachael Hamilton, Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 08/06/2020
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the performance of the land use strategy in contributing to meeting its climate change and biodiversity targets.

Question S5W-29760: Claire Baker, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 09/06/2020
To ask the Scottish Government which tourist attractions it considers will not be allowed to reopen at phase 3 of its COVID-19 route map.

Question S5W-29767: Claire Baker, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 09/06/2020
To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it will provide to businesses and tourist attractions that are allowed to reopen at phase 3 of its COVID-19 route map.

Question S5W-29591: Finlay Carson, Galloway and West Dumfries, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 03/06/2020
To ask the Scottish Government what mechanisms are in place to enable Historic Environment Scotland to progress current projects while staff are furloughed.

Question S5W-29571: Alexander Stewart, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 02/06/2020
To ask the Scottish Government how many applications to the Creative, Tourism and Hospitality Enterprises Hardship fund have been (a) approved and (b) rejected, and how many payments have been made.

Parliamentary Questions & Answers

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

Question S5W-29005: Claire Baker, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 11/05/2020
To ask the Scottish Government what it estimates the financial loss will be to the arts, culture and tourism sectors as a result of COVID-19.
Answered by Fiona Hyslop (21/05/2020)

Question S5W-29004: Claire Baker, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 11/05/2020
To ask the Scottish Government what estimate it has made of the number of jobs lost in the arts, culture and tourism sectors as a result of COVID-19, also broken down by the number that it estimates could be lost in these sectors in 2020.
Answered by Fiona Hyslop (21/05/2020)

Question S5W-29003: Claire Baker, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 11/05/2020
To ask the Scottish Government how many fewer tourists have visited Scotland from January to May 2020 compared with the same period in 2019.
Answered by Fiona Hyslop (21/05/2020)

Question S5W-29002: Claire Baker, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 11/05/2020
To ask the Scottish Government what financial support it has made available to the arts, culture and tourism sectors as a result of COVID-19; how many grants have been awarded, and how many applications were rejected.
Answered by Fiona Hyslop (21/05/2020)

Question S5W-29147: Claire Baker, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 19/05/2020
To ask the Scottish Government what funding it will make available to the arts and culture sector to allow for adaptions to be implemented to allow social distancing to be observed in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Answered by Fiona Hyslop (29/05/2020)

Question S5W-29145: Claire Baker, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 19/05/2020
To ask the Scottish Government how much net income it estimates will be lost in the (a) arts and culture and (b) tourism sector in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and when it expects it to return to the 2019 level.
Answered by Fiona Hyslop (01/06/2020)

Question S5W-29148: Claire Baker, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 19/05/2020
To ask the Scottish Government what communications it has had with the National Trust of Scotland regarding potential redundancies in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and what action it is taking to help save these jobs.
Answered by Fiona Hyslop (01/06/2020)

Question S5W-29149: Claire Baker, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 19/05/2020
To ask the Scottish Government what financial support it has made available to the National Trust of Scotland in each of the last five years, and whether additional funding will be provided over the next 12 months in light of the COVID-19 pandemic to help protect (a) jobs and (b) venues.
Answered by Fiona Hyslop (01/06/2020)

Question S5W-29195: John Finnie, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Green Party, Date Lodged: 19/05/2020
To ask the Scottish Government, where it is the owner of land, how it ensures that there is no conflict of interest between its roles as asset holder and asset transfer manager when a community seeks transfer of that land to community ownership.
Answered by Aileen Campbell (04/06/2020)

Question S5W-29202: Pauline McNeill, Glasgow, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 19/05/2020
To ask the Scottish Government how many community organisations made applications to the Supporting Communities Fund, and when the application process will open for the next £10 million available.
Answered by Aileen Campbell (04/06/2020)

Question S5W-29201: Pauline McNeill, Glasgow, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 19/05/2020
To ask the Scottish Government what role SCVO has in allocating grants from the Supporting Communities Fund.
Answered by Aileen Campbell (04/06/2020)

Question S5W-29197: Pauline McNeill, Glasgow, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 19/05/2020
To ask the Scottish Government what criteria were used to allocate the first tranche of funding from the Supporting Communities Fund, and what criteria it will use to allocate the second tranche.
Answered by Aileen Campbell (04/06/2020)

Question S5W-29229: Claire Baker, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 20/05/2020
To ask the Scottish Government what COVID-19 funding support packages it has in place for people working in the cultural sector, and how many people have been supported to date.
Answered by Fiona Hyslop (01/06/2020)

Events

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

Parks and the City: Edinburgh and New York
Date & time: Tuesday 23rd June at 7.15pm
Online platform: Zoom.
Join Professor Cliff Hague, of the Cockburn Association, and Commissioner Mitchell Silver, of the New York City Dept of Parks and Recreation, in a live online discussion about the current challenges and future possibilities in planning and managing the greenspaces in these two unique global cities. This conversation builds from the public summit held by the Cockburn Association in January 2020, which captured increasing public concern of the impact to parks and gardens of Festivals and special events, especially those that restricted public access due to private promotion. Free, but donations welcome.

Fortnight Fringe | Sarajevo / Glasgow
Date & time: 23 June 2020; 17:30 – 18:30.
Online.
A photographic journey from the ruins of war-torn Sarajevo to the battleground of regeneration Glasgow. Award-winning photographer Chris Leslie takes us on a 24-year visual journey from the former Yugoslavia of 1996 to early 21st Century Scotland exploring how the urban environment is shaped by violence; from war to urban reorganisation. Presenting previously unseen imagery, we’ll travel back to many post-conflict towns and cities in Croatia and to Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia & Herzegovina. Later we’ll arrive into the urban shifts of regeneration Glasgow, to see the destruction and reconstruction of entire neighbourhoods as the 2014 Commonwealth Games looms.

Fortnight Fringe | PureBeamersTV
Date & time: Tue, 23 June 2020; 19:00 – 20:00.
Online.
“Rip It Up And Start Again: Running a Fiercely Independent Design Studio in 2020”. It is a time of deep reflection. The world has changed. Many of us are exploring our own accountability and expanding our responsibilities in thought and action. How might independent designers navigate the times ahead, as active participants in working towards a just and equitable future? For PureBeamersTV our host is Interior Designer JACO JUSTICE. Jaco is joined by Fashion Designer EMILY MILLICHIP and Graphic Designer EMLYN FIRTH to explore how running a fiercely independent design studio in 2020 responds to global happenings. Sharing their own histories, practices and experiences, the conversation will touch on business opportunities and the effect of COVID-19, collaborations and global outreach as well as diversity, social mobility, ethics and sustainability.

Love Local – Creating Effective Place-Based Communication Strategies 
Date & time: Tuesday 23rd June, 10.00am – 11.30am
Online platform: Zoom
As the country gradually phases out of lockdown, attracting both residents and visitors into town centres and high streets, and making them feel confident to do so, will be key to local economic recovery. Scotland’s Towns Partnership’s next learning event will focus on sharing expertise, tips and examples of effective communications and marketing strategies to promote your place and encourage the public to ‘love local’. A free event to all, you will hear from experts in campaign planning, media relations and from specific towns who are currently creating effective place campaigns. Join us on 23rd June for an opportunity to learn, be inspired and share your questions.

Community Engagement, Planning and Covid-19
Date & time: Thu 25 June, 10:00 – 11:00
Online platform: Zoom.
If you are a community group, local authority, or planning stakeholder join PAS for a roundtable discussion on issues relevant to community engagement in planning during Covid-19. There will be no presentations – rather this is an open forum to air your views and debate issues in a safe environment. At the session we will discuss how/if community councils are currently commenting on planning applications, engagement with local development plans and local place plans during these times, and how to ensure seldom heard groups continue to be heard.  This will be an opportunity to share your views, experiences and knowledge in a facilitated group setting. Participant numbers have been limited to help ensure active debate and dialogue.

Training

CPD on Traditional Roof Slating
Date & time: 25 June 2020 from 13.30 – 14.30.
Online platform: Zoom.
Delivered by Graeme Millar (NFRC) and hosted by Tyler C Lott, BA MSc, Scotland Officer, Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings. CPD touches on many topics relevant to the maintenance and upgrade of traditional Scottish slate roofs. Topics covered in the CPD include:
•    Scottish slate
•    Properties of – colour, size (random, thickness)
•    Supplies of Scottish slate
•    Alternative slates available
•    When to re-slate and when to repair
•    When to redress and reuse slate introducing minimum new slates
•    When to totally strip and re-slate
•    When re-roofing gives you an opportunity to retrofit insulation to roof voids
•    Comparisons of finished roofs with different slates (especially those on terraced/tenement properties where the new slate abuts a roof with Scottish slate, good and bad examples)
This will be an online event delivered through Zoom, the access code will be sent out via email nearer the time.

Vacancies

Microvolunteering Opp: Noting Scotland’s digital heritage
Do you have a bit of time to spare in lockdown? Fancy doing some volunteering from home for the Scottish Civic Trust? This is a flexible opportunity – whether it’s twenty minutes or three hours, we’d love your help at DoorsOpenDays.

Living Museums: Creating a Built Heritage Asset Management Information System (BMIS) to assist decision making in the Heritage Sector – PhD opportunity at Queen’s University Belfast.

BEFS News

The first meeting of the COVID Historic Environment Resilience Forum (CHERF) will take place on Friday, 12 June. This will be an introduction to the aims of the forum and an opportunity to look at re-opening sites and venues, itself a short-term challenge but with long term consequences. Book your place here.

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has published a six-month Action Plan in response to the impact COVID-19 has had on its business and across Scotland’s wider historic environment sector. HES has also published its aims for designations for 2020 onwards. You can see how they delivered their last plan in this report on work undertaken during the Designations Three Year Plan 2016-19.

The latest in a suite of legislative rights for communities looking to buy land, the new Right to Buy Land to Further Sustainable Development, came into force on the 26th April 2020. This new legislation gives communities, or nominated third parties, compulsory purchase powers over land in certain circumstances. You can see a webinar Community Land Scotland hosted with Dave Thomson of the Scottish Government Community Land Team, which provides an overview of the legislation, here. The Scottish Land Commission also has a useful blog on the subject.

Scotland’s Chief Planner has announced that the draft National Planning Framework 4 has been postponed until Autumn 2021.

Scottish Natural Heritage and Historic Environment Scotland have launched their survey Joint Planning System Customer Survey 2020. The findings will help SNH and HES to ensure their services which support the planning system are fit-for-purpose and meet the needs of stakeholders. There are also some questions about the Key Agencies, including on how well they have adapted to providing their services since the Covid-19 lockdown. Submit your response no later than 17th June 2020.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) have launched their Digital Attitudes and Skills for Heritage (DASH) survey, which is a free resource that allows heritage organisations to capture a summary of key digital skills and attitudes of their staff and volunteers, as well as reflect on what they do well and where there are opportunities for improvement. Deadline to sign up is 26 June and surveys need to be completed by 10 July. As part of the digital skills initiative, NLHF are also running a series of online events on digital topics, including online safety, accessibility and online learning. Details of the first webinar can be found on their digital skills homepage along with other free resources being developed

We have updated our COVID-19 Funding Advice page with recent developments

Finally, check out the range of online events coming up this month below.

Consultations

The Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Affairs Committee has launched a call for views on the impact of COVID-19 on Scotland’s culture and tourism sectors. There is currently no deadline for responding.

The role of evaluation and research in arts, cultural and heritage organisations 
Open until Sunday 14 June.

Scottish public authorities sharing data: consultation
Extended closing date 15 Jun 2020.

Scottish Natural Heritage & Historic Environment Scotland: Joint Planning System Customer Survey 2020
Submit your response no later than 17th June 2020.

Impact of Covid-19 on DCMS sectors – call for evidence
Extended closing date Friday 19 June 2020. 

Energy Efficiency of Existing Homes Inquiry
You can submit evidence until Monday 22 June 2020.

Coronavirus and Scotland Inquiry
You can submit evidence until Tuesday 23 June 2020.

Shortage occupation list: call for evidence
This consultation closes at 11:45pm on 24 June 2020.

Digital Attitudes and Skills for Heritage (DASH) survey
Deadline to sign up is 26 June.

Just Transition Commission – call for evidence
Extended closing date 30 June 2020. 

Consultation on proposed changes to the Energy Performance of Buildings (England and Wales) Regulations 2012
This consultation closes at 11:45pm on 14 July 2020.

Consultation Responses

Developing Scotland’s circular economy – proposals for legislation: analysis of responses

Publications

HES Action Plan 2020-21 (HES 29/05/20)

Coronavirus (COVID-19): planning procedures – Chief Planner letter May 2020 (SG 29/05/20)

Scottish Climate Change Adaptation Programme: progress report 2020 (SG 29/05/20)

Coronavirus (COVID-19): European Structural and Investment Funds (SG 29/05/20)

COVID19: concise support directory for Scotland’s towns, improvement districts and communities (STP 29/05/20)

Safe return and restart -Expanded Guideline to Underpin Construction: Scotland’s Safe Operating Guidance (CICVForum 28/05/20)

Faster, further, fairer: Putting people at the heart of tackling the climate and nature emergency (IPPR 27/05/20)

Designations 2020 Onwards (HES 26/05/20)

A Vision for High Street Regeneration Report (STP 25/05/20)

Retrofitting to decarbonise UK existing housing stock – RICS net zero policy position paper (RICS 19/05/20)

Scottish Government News Releases

Planning’s practical help with the COVID-19 crisis, our recovery – and beyond (SG 01/06/20)
The coronavirus pandemic has turned life upside down for us all and we thank colleagues and partners for their support at this time. We’re continuing our work to create a resilient, digitally driven planning system – in parallel to looking to the future.

Leading the way with digital pathfinders (SG 01/06/20)
To support the development of the digital strategy for Planning and help address the urgent requirement for digital ways of working, the Scottish Government has commissioned three Pathfinder explorations.

News Releases

Historic England Announces Covid-19 Emergency Grants to Help Recovery of Heritage Sector (HE 29/05/20)
Historic England has announced £1.8 million in grants for 70 projects to help tackle the impact of Coronavirus on the heritage sector. The grants range from social distancing guidance for archaeologists during digs, to supporting voluntary organisations and craft workers.

Environmental charities challenge politicians to meet 5 tests for a ‘green recovery’ (SEL 29/05/020)
Leading Scottish environmental charities have today jointly published five tests for politicians to meet when implementing a ‘green recovery’ from COVID-19.

New dates agreed for COP26 United Nations Climate Change Conference (DBEIS 28/05/20)
The COP26 UN climate conference will now take place between 1 and 12 November 2021 in Glasgow.

Museums Galleries Scotland provides emergency funding to over 30 sites (MGS 27/05/20)
Museums Galleries Scotland has confirmed the award of emergency funding to more than thirty cultural institutions across Scotland. The development body has also published a report examining the impacts of Covid-19 on the sector.

Recovery Plan (EC 27/05/20)
The European Commission has put forward its proposal for a major coronavirus recovery plan. It plans to create a new recovery instrument, Next Generation EU, to ensure the recovery is “sustainable, even, inclusive and fair” for all Member States. An adjusted Work Programme for 2020 has also been published.

Scottish route map good for construction but housing market fears remain (SCN 26/05/20)
RICS head of UK government relations and city strategy Hew Edgar urges the Scottish Government to raise more awareness of the six-phase return plan for construction and issue clearer guidance with regard to the housing market.

New Homes Quality Board – interim board launched (HFS 26/05/20)
Natalie Elphicke MP has been announced as the interim chair of the interim New Homes Quality Board, a new independent body that will have responsibility for the quality of new build homes and consumer redress.

New innovative technology launched to help care for Scotland’s traditional buildings (HES 25/05/20)
Innovative new technology which could transform how Scotland’s historic buildings are managed, maintained and repaired has been launched.

Retrofitting to decarbonise UK existing housing stock (RICS 19/05/20)
A new RICS paper calls on Government to make a step-change in policies for decarbonising existing UK housing stock, as people spend more time at home due to the Coronavirus lockdown.

Opinion & Comment

Planning for the long-term public interest (SLC 01/06/20)

England’s sites stayed open during lockdown and hundreds of construction workers died (The Developer 27/05/20)

Britain’s Historic Castles Face “Armageddon” as Coronavirus Torpedoes Tourist Season (VF 21/05/20)

Other Parliamentary Activity

The Scottish Parliament will continue to sit throughout the summer recess because of Covid-19.  Holyrood is expected to hold a mix of hybrid and virtual sessions in July to allow MSPs to continue to scrutinise the Government’s handling of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Events

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

Case study: Installing wireless services in an old home
Date & time: 04 June 2020; 14:00 – 14:45
Online platform details: Crowdcast
Brian Sayer, SPAB member and owner of a 16th century thatched cottage, joins us to take members through a case study of introducing wireless services into his historic home during repair works. Register to hear about Brian’s experience and join the discussion on use of these new technologies in a conservation context.

Beside the Sea: Exploring Seaside Vernaculars, Online Lecture
Date & time: 05 June 2020; 14:30
Online platform details: Crowdcast
Step into summer with architectural historian and seaside specialist Dr Kathryn Ferry on this virtual trip to the coast, to share her love of some of the smallest structures that give the seaside its distinctive sense of place. Join Kathryn’s excursion to find out more about promenade buildings including beach huts, shelters and seafood stalls.

Archaeological Research in Progress Conference 2020
Date & time: Saturday 6th June, 10:00am-3pm (videos and articles available from 10am)
Online platform details: Archaeology Scotland Private Facebook Event
Archaeological Research in Progress 2020, an online version of the annual conference which presents new research findings and best practice in archaeology covering all periods from across Scotland and beyond. It is organised in alternate years by Archaeology Scotland and the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, with support from Historic Environment Scotland. We will be posting links to video submissions and articles (hosted on the Dig It! website) in our private event group via Facebook. Q&A with the speakers will take place on Twitter and Facebook. Tickets can be reserved on Eventbrite.

Designing for a Changing Climate: Climate, Health & Place
Date & time: Tue, 9 June 2020; 10:50 – 12:30.
Online event.
Architecture and Design Scotland invites you to explore how to plan places to make a step change in responding to the climate crisis and meeting the national carbon reduction targets. Chaired by Ben Twist, Director of Creative Carbon Scotland, this online event will take a creative look at how we can use design and collaborative placemaking to shape places that are climate ready, healthier, happier and support low carbon lifestyles.

Fortnight Fringe | Post-Pandemic Cities
Date & time: Tue, 9 June 2020, 17:30 – 18:30.
Online event.
The cononavirus pandemic changes everything we think about cities. Or does it? Will we be diving straight back into the urban crowd post-lockdown, as if nothing has changed? Will we want to flee the city altogether? Are we discovering new cities we hadn’t seen or experienced before? Or will we be carefully redesigning what we have? A discussion about urban architecture, its history and future in the light of the virus with Suzanne Ewing (Professor of Architectural Criticism, University of Edinburgh), Christoph Lindner (Professor of Urban Studies, The Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London), and Richard J Williams (Professor of Contemporary Visual Cultures, University of Edinburgh).

Policy and Persuasion: Heritage Impact Assessment 
Date & time: 11 June 2020; 14:00
Online platform details: Crowdcast
This presentation from SPAB member and heritage consultant, Jhilmil Kishore, will explore key aspects of preparing heritage impact assessments and how to approach them as a successful persuasion tool.

Brochs: the amazing drystone towers of Iron-Age Scotland, Online Lecture
Date & time: 12 June 2020; 14:00 – 15:00
Online platform details: Crowdcast
The Iron-Age societies in Scotland managed to build towers in drystone masonry at an incredible scale and complexity. The brochs are scattered primarily across the NW Atlantic edge of Scotland, providing a variety of sheltered spaces within their volume that are worthy to be looked at in detail, together with some of the features that made them stand. Restored cases like the inspiring remains of Dun Telve show such achievements, but others like Gurness indicate the perils of misinterpreting the complex successive phases that often occurred in these monuments.

Planning Skills – The Value of Early Engagement in land use planning decisions with the Scottish Land Commission
Date & time: Wed, Jun 17, 2020 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
The Planning Skills programme are joined by Kathie Pollard from the Scottish Land Commission and Nick Wright from Nick Wright Planning to look at their recent research on the value of early public engagement. This is a chance to hear about one a series of papers by Scottish Land Commission on Land, Housing & Development. The intention was to explore exactly what developers, property agents, landowners and planners in the public and private sectors believe the benefits of early engagement are and the implications for land use decision-making more widely.

Sir Patrick Geddes Commemorative Lecture – Shaping the new normal with a wellbeing economy: The role for place and planning
Date & time: 18 June 2020 at 04:00 PM – 05:30 PM.
With momentum growing for us all to look at a new normal, many desire an economy that serves people, planet and equity. An end to growth in and of itself and a recognition that our economy is just one way to achieve the ultimate ends we seek: good lives on a healthy planet. Where does Place and the Planning Profession make its contribution? Katherine Trebeck takes on this theme explaining what is different about a Wellbeing Economy to our system, its links into Scotland’s National Outcomes and the role of Place and Planning moving forward.

Lessons learned from repairing historic properties
Date & time: 18 June 2020; 14:00
Online platform details: Crowdcast
SPAB member Martin Telling takes members through the joys and tribulations of owning and repairing two Grade II* listed properties, and through his current repair project to a village inn that has turned out to be one of the last unrecorded medieval buildings in Gloucestershire.

Introduction to technical drawing
Date & time: 25 June 2020; 14:00
Online platform details: Crowdcast
Introduction to Technical Drawing: Front, Side, Section and Plan Elevations and 3D Drawing – led by SPAB member Frank de Caires from On-Change. This interactive session will explore how to measure and create a layout and drawing of an object (and the same principles can be used for drawing a house, building or furniture). This can be useful when planning any building works, construction or designing objects. We will try out methods during the session together.

How grateful one is … John Betjeman & SPAB
Date & time: 26 June 2020; 14:00
Online platform details: Crowdcast
John Betjeman described himself as a “poet and a hack”. He was the nation’s teddy-bear and a devotee of unfashionable causes. Grottos, Victorian railway stations, the Metroland and churches were amongst the threatened icons of English culture that Betjeman sought to save. Betjeman was a life-long supporter of the SPAB. He helped with monumentally important campaigns when he was in his early-twenties, becoming a life-member of the Society aged just 25. He sat on the SPAB Committee from 1952 until his death in 1984. In this lecture, Rachel Morley will take a look back over Betjeman’s involvement with SPAB, highlighting his most influential conservation campaigning work and considering his legacy.

Understanding Wallpaper
Date & time: 07 July 2020; 13:00
Online platform details: Crowdcast
Join the SPAB and the William Morris Gallery for this online afternoon seminar focusing on historic wallpapers, coinciding with the gallery’s exhibition The Yellow Wallpaper – a series of portraits by American artist Kehinde Wiley, which frame contemporary London women in settings inspired by iconic Morris floral designs. Combining a concise history of wallpaper and examination of historic examples, their curation and conservation, with a curator’s introduction to the WMG’s current exhibition, this event will appeal both to general interest and professional audiences seeking to explore technical and social aspects of wallpaper as decoration.

Training

Online CPD: The SPAB Approach in Action: Townscape Heritage
Date & time: 09 June 2020; 12:30 – 13:30
Online platform details: Crowdcast
Jonathan will do a quick run through of the background to Townscape Heritage schemes; their intended outcomes; and their key stages. The focus will then be on the delivery stage and the role of the Townscape Heritage Officer in ensuring that repair and reinstatement works are implemented in accordance with best practice, using appropriate traditional materials, by competent conservation contractors. Community engagement programmes accompany capital works schemes and their contribution towards building an appreciation of old buildings and an understanding of appropriate repair and maintenance of them will be outlined.

BEFS News

On behalf of OPiT, BEFS is coordinating a long-term strategic response to COVID-19, articulating the main challenges identified by the historic environment sector and the role heritage can play in recovery. As an important first step, Historic Environment Scotland have published preliminary findings from their research into the impact of COVID-19 on the country’s heritage sector.

BEFS Director Euan Leitch was interviewed ahead of today’s Historic Environment Working Group meeting for an article on the future of Scotland’s historic sites. Read the full article here.

The Coronavirus (Scotland) (No.2) Bill passed at stage 3 last night, with various amendments. The legislation gives Scottish Ministers the power to temporarily manage care home services and legislative changes were made in relation to non-domestic rates, the criminal justice system and tax arrangements. A Discretionary Housing Payment will be made available through local authorities. Meanwhile, the First Minister will make her statement today on Scotland’s route map out of lockdown in the Scottish Parliament and will take questions from both party leaders and backbenchers.

A number of BEFS members submitted responses to the Scottish Government’s National Planning Framework 4 call for ideas, including the RTPI, Landscape Institute Scotland, CIfA and ALGAO. You can also find Historic Environment Scotland’s submission here.

We have once again updated our COVID-19 heritage funding and advice page with the latest information and links to resources from across the sector.

Consultations

COVID-19 Committee Call for Evidence
The closing date for submissions is Friday 29 May.

Call for Views: Advisory Group on Economic Recovery
Opened 18 May 2020 and closes on 31 May 2020.

Energy Efficiency of Existing Homes Inquiry
You can submit evidence until Monday 22 June 2020.

Coronavirus and Scotland Inquiry
You can submit evidence until Tuesday 23 June 2020.

The Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Affairs Committee has launched a call for views on the impact of COVID-19 on Scotland’s culture and tourism sectors.
There is currently no deadline for responding.

Shortage occupation list: call for evidence
This consultation closes at 11:45pm on 24 June 2020.

Consultation on proposed changes to the Energy Performance of Buildings (England and Wales) Regulations 2012
This consultation closes at 11:45pm on 14 July 2020.

The role of evaluation and research in arts, cultural and heritage organisations

Scotland Business Survey – Impact of COVID-19

Scottish public authorities sharing data: consultation
Extended closing date 15 Jun 2020.

Impact of Covid-19 on DCMS sectors – call for evidence
Extended closing date Friday 19 June 2020. 

Just Transition Commission – call for evidence
Extended closing date 30 June 2020.

Consultation Responses

Written Submissions Received on the Impact of COVID-19 on Scotland’s Culture and Tourism Sectors

Publications

Active travel mapping resource

Coronavirus (COVID-19): culture and creative sector support (SG 19/05/20)

Coronavirus (COVID-19): European Structural and Investment Funds (SG 15/05/20)

Coronavirus (COVID-19): letter from the Planning Minister about guidance on the verification of building work (SG 14/05/20)

Tourism and transport: Commission’s guidance on how to safely resume travel and reboot Europe’s tourism in 2020 and beyond* (European Commission 13/05/20)

Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19) – sector-specific guidance (DBIES 11/05/20)

Coronavirus (COVID-19): framework for decision making – supporting evidence (SG 07/05/20)

Coronavirus (COVID-19): European Structural and Investment Funds (SG 07/05/20)

Coronavirus (COVID-19): liquidity support for SME housebuilders (SG 07/05/20)

Construction Leadership Forum: Safe Operating Procedures and Site Report Repository (CLF 05/20)

Scottish Government News Releases

Extra funding to support tenants (SG 20/05/20)
Housing Minister Kevin Stewart has announced £5 million additional investment to support tenants under financial pressure during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Help for businesses (SG 20/05/20)
The Scottish Government’s Business Support Fund has been increased by £40 million to provide additional support for key sectors of the Scottish economy.

Extra support for charities (SG 12/05/20)
Properties occupied by charities can now apply for the £10,000 Small Business Grant Scheme to help with pressures caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Second Coronavirus (Scotland) Bill (SG 11/05/20)
Emergency measures to protect people facing financial hardship and allow public services to operate effectively have been introduced to Parliament in response to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic.

SME support doubles to £90m (SG 08/05/20)
A fund launched last week to provide grants for small and medium-sized businesses affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) is to be doubled from £45m to £90m.

Emergency loan fund for SME housebuilders (SG 07/05/20)
Housebuilders will be able to apply for short-term loans of up to £1 million from the Scottish Government to support them through the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

News Releases

RIAS announces Presidential Candidates (RIAS 20/05/20)
The RIAS has announced details of the candidates for the 2020 Presidential campaign and we’re delighted to introduce the following inspiring members.

Additional £58 million to help Scotland tackle coronavirus (SSS 16/05/20)
The UK Government has today announced an additional £58 million to help the devolved administration in Scotland respond to the challenge of the coronavirus.

RICS calls on Scottish Government for clarity on housing market (SHN 14/05/20)
RICS has called on the Scottish Government for clarity on when the house buying and selling process can restart as it suggested house prices will be 4% lower when the market reopens.

Calls for retrofit drive to spark post-Covid ‘green economic recovery’ (AJ 13/05/20)
The government should launch an ambitious retrofitting programme to spur the UK’s recovery from coronavirus, industry organisations have said.

News and Ideas Exchange 2020 Online Seminar Series – Get Involved (ICON Scotland 13/05/20)
The Icon Scotland Group is excited to be launching a new, online ideas sharing and networking event based on the successful format of the ‘Paper Conservators in Scotland: 5 Minute Presentations’ series. We are looking for volunteers, from all disciplines and locations, to contribute to these events.

Government announces roadmap taskforces (UKG 13/05/20)
New ministerial-led taskforces have been set up to plan how closed sectors can reopen safely including on recreation and leisure, tourism, culture & heritage, libraries, entertainment & sport (led by DCMS.

Applications for Self-Employment Income Support Scheme open early (UKG 13/05/20)
The government’s world-leading scheme to support the self-employed has today opened for claims – weeks ahead of schedule.

Trust confirms emergency measures (NTS 12/05/20)
The magnitude of this year’s expected income losses are of a level similar to the Trust’s current financial reserves and, without taking these actions, it would put the future and wellbeing of some of Scotland’s most iconic places, such as Culzean, Glencoe, Culloden and Mar Lodge Estate, in jeopardy.

Council confirm radical new economic model to drive region post Covid-19 (AC 06/05/20)
NORTH Ayrshire Council is set to outline radical long-term economic plans that will shape how they move forward post Covid-19. Their Community Wealth Building (CWB) approach – which will see the Council and other ‘anchor organisations’ working in partnership with communities and businesses – marks a fundamental change in how we tackle inequality and poverty to create a fairer and more resilient local economy.

Scotland’s Low Emission Zones paused (TS 07/05/20)
Plans to implement low emission zones across Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Dundee have been paused temporarily in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

European Heritage Awards/Europa Nostra Awards 2020 announced (EU 07/05/20)
The European Commission and Europa Nostra have announced the winners of the 2020 European Heritage Awards/Europa Nostra Awards, funded by the EU’s Creative Europe programme.

How to enjoy heritage from home (NLHF 05/20)
We’ve put together a list of heritage-inspired activities you can do from home – we’ll be updating the list, so keep checking back to find new things.

Opinion & Comment

We need a new body to protect Scotland’s heritage (James Simpson, The Times 19/05/20)

Coronavirus comment: Culture is central to who we are – now more than ever we must work to protect it (Fiona Hyslop in Herald 17/05/20)

Parliamentary Questions

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

Question S5W-29229: Claire Baker, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 20/05/2020
To ask the Scottish Government what COVID-19 funding support packages it has in place for people working in the cultural sector, and how many people have been supported to date.

Question S5W-29227: Claire Baker, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 20/05/2020
To ask the Scottish Government how many applications for support from the Creative, Tourism and Hospitality Enterprises Fund it has received; what the total value of funding requested was; how many applications were approved, and what the total value of the awards made was, also broken down by the (a) creative and cultural, (b) tourism and (c) hospitality sector.

Question S5W-29197: Pauline McNeill, Glasgow, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 19/05/2020
To ask the Scottish Government what criteria were used to allocate the first tranche of funding from the Supporting Communities Fund, and what criteria it will use to allocate the second tranche.

Question S5W-29201: Pauline McNeill, Glasgow, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 19/05/2020
To ask the Scottish Government what role SCVO has in allocating grants from the Supporting Communities Fund.

Question S5W-29202: Pauline McNeill, Glasgow, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 19/05/2020
To ask the Scottish Government how many community organisations made applications to the Supporting Communities Fund, and when the application process will open for the next £10 million available.

Question S5W-29195: John Finnie, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Green Party, Date Lodged: 19/05/2020
To ask the Scottish Government, where it is the owner of land, how it ensures that there is no conflict of interest between its roles as asset holder and asset transfer manager when a community seeks transfer of that land to community ownership.

Question S5W-29149: Claire Baker, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 19/05/2020
To ask the Scottish Government what financial support it has made available to the National Trust of Scotland in each of the last five years, and whether additional funding will be provided over the next 12 months in light of the COVID-19 pandemic to help protect (a) jobs and (b) venues.

Question S5W-29148: Claire Baker, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 19/05/2020
To ask the Scottish Government what communications it has had with the National Trust of Scotland regarding potential redundancies in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and what action it is taking to help save these jobs.

Question S5W-29145: Claire Baker, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 19/05/2020
To ask the Scottish Government how much net income it estimates will be lost in the (a) arts and culture and (b) tourism sector in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and when it expects it to return to the 2019 level.

Question S5W-29147: Claire Baker, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 19/05/2020
To ask the Scottish Government what funding it will make available to the arts and culture sector to allow for adaptions to be implemented to allow social distancing to be observed in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Question S5W-29002: Claire Baker, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 11/05/2020
To ask the Scottish Government what financial support it has made available to the arts, culture and tourism sectors as a result of COVID-19; how many grants have been awarded, and how many applications were rejected.

Question S5W-29003: Claire Baker, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 11/05/2020
To ask the Scottish Government how many fewer tourists have visited Scotland from January to May 2020 compared with the same period in 2019.

Question S5W-29004: Claire Baker, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 11/05/2020
To ask the Scottish Government what estimate it has made of the number of jobs lost in the arts, culture and tourism sectors as a result of COVID-19, also broken down by the number that it estimates could be lost in these sectors in 2020.

Question S5W-29005: Claire Baker, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 11/05/2020
To ask the Scottish Government what it estimates the financial loss will be to the arts, culture and tourism sectors as a result of COVID-19.

Parliamentary Questions & Answers

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

Question S5W-28557: Alex Cole-Hamilton, Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats, Date Lodged: 20/04/2020
To ask the Scottish Government by what date it will resume the work of the Sustainable Housing for Everyone (SHORE) standards, and for what reason it paused this workstream.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (27/04/2020)

Events

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

Making Decisions and Leading Through Crisis
Date & time: May 22, 2020 11:00am.
In partnership with HES and the Social Enterprise Academy we will be running the following webinar looking at Making Decisions and Leading Through Crisis. A crisis can cause a number of reactions within individuals and teams, all of which can impact decision making. Whether you notice decisions are currently speeding up, slowing down or not happening at all this session will support you to develop your understanding about what a good decision making process looks like for your organisation. This session is an opportunity for you to develop your confidence in making decisions during this uncertain and unpredictable period and gain an understanding of helpful tools and techniques that can support you and your teams to make effective decisions. The session will also offer an opportunity for you to connect with your peers and learn from each other’s successes and challenges during this period of crisis.

IHBC Virtual Conference OLD TOWNS | NEW FUTURES Heritage Reflections and Speculations from a Global Pandemic
Date & time: 19 June; morning & afternoon sessions
Current specialist takes on urban challenges from the global pandemic, with lead international experts including Carl Elefante, 94th President, American Institute of Architects; Cliff Hague, RTPI Past President; Carol Souter, former HLF CE, now Oxford; Prof, Plácido González Martínez, Tongji University; and more in IHBC’s ‘Virtual’ conference, 19 June, with wide-ranging expert talks, Q&A, polls, morning / afternoon options from only £15+VAT. Certified IHBC CPD.

Vacancies

Edinburgh World Heritage Director
Edinburgh World Heritage plays a central role in the management and protection of the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh, a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site. Our current Director is leaving us in June and the Board of Trustees is looking to appoint a Director who will build on our achievements and lead us in the next stage of our development. This exciting opportunity is one of the most important leadership roles in the heritage sector in Scotland, if not the UK.
Closing date Monday 15th June at 5pm.

President of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland
The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland is looking for candidates to replace the current President, Dr David Caldwell, when he steps down after two terms on 30 November 2020. This is an opportunity to lead a major independent charitable heritage organisation in Scotland with a global membership.
The deadline for applications is 12 midnight Tuesday 30 June 2020.