BEFS News

The Climate Change (Emissions Reduction Targets) (Scotland) Bill passed its final stage in the Scottish Parliament yesterday, committing Scotland to becoming a net-zero society by 2045. Final amendments also adopted an ambitious new target to reduce emissions by 75% by 2030. While there is no published road map to reach this target, there will be implications for the role the built environment plays in reaching it. While new build will no doubt be required to reach higher standards it is the maintenance of existing stock that offers much to prevent the need for new construction and get us out of the cycle of build-decay-demolish-rebuild. Scott Abercrombie of John Gilbert Architects blogs in response to our Tenements Today, Tenements Tomorrow Conference on the need to make that strong connection between building maintenance and climate change, and the need for action now.

Climate change is already having an impact on the historic environment and as part of the Our Place in Time (OPIT) Climate Change Working Group, BEFS is delighted that the Climate Change Impacts Guide will be launched as part of Climate Week 2019 on October 8th. The guide is intended to provide information of the key hazards and impacts of climate change on the historic environment and open up conversations about climate change adaptation solutions that might help protect individual historic assets. Book here to attend the Glasgow launch.

The Future Planning – Designing Places in a Climate Emergency Conference is also taking place in Glasgow on 8th October. This is a unique and forward-thinking event that is bringing together the key professions involved in shaping the built environment. Through presentations, panel-led discussion and workshops, the conference will examine the following questions: 1) What does future-proofing mean, and what is the need for it? 2) What is the role of masterplanning in planning and designing future-proofed places? 3) How do we practically deliver on this? 4) How do we work together to better protect, adapt, evaluate and maintain what we deliver? This is an opportunity to help professions prepare for the COP26 climate conference (to be held in Glasgow in 2020). The Conference is a key event in ensuring that resilience, liveability, and sustainability become the essential building blocks of our towns and cities. Find out more and book your place.

Consultations

The role of Public Sector Bodies in tackling climate change
Opened 11 Sep 2019 and closes 4 Dec 2019.

Consultation on The Principles of a Local Discretionary Transient Visitor Levy or Tourist Tax
Opened 9 Sep 2019 and closes 2 Dec 2019.

Transforming Service Delivery at Falkirk Council
Reviewing how we can deliver services differently in order to make better use of our public buildings.
Opened 16 Sep 2019 and closes 31 Oct 2019.

The Deposit and Return Scheme for Scotland Regulations 2020: accompanying statement and proposed regulations
Opened 10 Sep 2019 and closes 10 Dec 2019.

Practical Fire Safety Guidance for existing Specialised Housing and other supported domestic accommodation
Closes 22 Oct 2019.

A Consultation on Scotland’s National Transport Strategy
Closes 23 Oct 2019.

Crown Estate Scotland draft 2020-23 Corporate Plan Consultation
Closes 25 Nov 2019.

Publications

Historic Environment Scotland Annual Report 2018-19 (HES 25/09/19)

Young People and their Local Urban Areas (SLC 24/09/19)

Land and Communities: Beyond the Echo Chambers (SLC 24/09/19)

Climate Ready Scotland: climate change adaptation programme 2019-2024 (SG 23/09/19)

Inspiring Creativity, Heritage & The Creative Industries (THA 17/09/19)

Local Housing Strategy: guidance 2019 (SG 15/09/19)

Scottish Secure and Short Scottish Secure Tenancies: guidance for social landlords (SG 12/09/19)

Land Focus: Common Good Land Briefing (SLC 12/09/19)

Delivering Greater Benefit from Common Good Land and Buildings (SLC 11/09/19)

Scottish household survey 2018: key findings (SG 10/09/19)

Scottish household survey 2018: annual report (SG 10/09/19)

The Value of Residential Development (HfS 09/19)

State of the Nation 2019: Connecting Infrastructure with Housing (ICE 09/19)

Archaeology in Development Management – Its Contribution in England, Scotland & Wales (ALGAO 06/09/19)

Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategies (LHEES): phase 1 pilots – social evaluation (SG 06/09/19)

Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategies (LHEES): phase 1 pilots – technical evaluation (SG 06/09/19)

Regeneration Capital Grant Fund 2020-2021: stage two application form (SG 06/09/19)

Resistance to moisture in buildings – Research & Analysis (MHCLG 06/19)

Scottish Government News Releases

Supply of new housing increases (SG 24/09/19)
Housing Minister Kevin Stewart has welcomed a 15% increase in Scotland’s supply of new housing but has warned that a ‘no deal’ Brexit could have a damaging effect on future growth.

Climate change adaptation (SG 23/09/19)
The Scottish Climate Change Adaptation Programme 2019-24 will help us identify the actions Scotland needs to take to adapt to a changing climate.

Better support for Gypsy/Travellers (SG 15/09/19)
The needs of Gypsy/Travellers will be better addressed under strengthened guidance for local authorities.

Empowering local communities (SG 09/09/19)
Members of the public, businesses and the tourism sector are being asked for their views on the design of a levy which would let local authorities, who deem it appropriate for their local circumstances, charge visitors a fee for staying overnight in their area.

School Estates Statistics (SG 09/09/19)
The proportion of schools reported as being in good or satisfactory condition has increased to 88.3% (86.6% in 2018). This is substantially higher than in April 2007 (61.1%).

Supporting Scotland’s tourism industry (SG 07/09/19)
Tourism Secretary Fiona Hyslop has outlined a multi-million-pound package of measures to help support Scotland’s world-class tourism industry.

Making homes more energy efficient (SG 07/09/19)
Funding of £450,000 to support local authorities decarbonise heat and improve energy efficiency has been made available by the Scottish Government.

News Releases

2019 SURF Awards Shortlist Announced (SURF 20/09/19)
SURF is pleased to announce the 2019 shortlist for our prestigious national awards scheme, which showcases success in responding to regeneration challenges in communities across Scotland.

The future of Common Good assets in Scotland (SLC 18/09/19)
Common Good assets in Scotland have the potential to deliver much greater public benefit than they do currently, according to work published by the Scottish Land Commission today Wednesday, 18 September 2019.

Wider value created by building the homes Scotland requires (HfS 18/09/19)
Marking Scottish Housing Day, the wider value of building the homes that Scotland needs is highlighted in a new report published today.

Calls for human rights to be at the heart of housing policy (CIH 18/09/19)
Housing must be a human right, according to a new report published to mark Scottish Housing Day.

Many high streets face a bleak future (Centre for Cities’ 12/09/19)
According to the latest research high street success is defined by those policies that create skills, jobs and quality office space for businesses rather than currently accepted interventions such as cultural initiatives, business rate reforms and online sales taxes.

CIfA comments on ALGAO’s Archaeology in Development Management report (CIfA 11/09/19)
Last week the Association of Local Government Archaeological Officers (ALGAO) published a report, Archaeology in Development Management, which presents evidence for the value of commercial and local authority planning archaeology.

Sustainable housing in Scotland: funding released for local strategies (GE 10/09/19)
The funding will go towards supporting pilots of Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategies (LHEES), which aim to test local solutions for reducing emissions from buildings and addressing issues of fuel poverty, in regions which have not yet developed pilot strategies.

National Planning Framework Team (SG 10/09/19)
We are pleased to announce that our National Planning Framework team is set up and early work is commencing on NPF4.

Society of Antiquaries of Scotland launches a free Digital Books platform (SoAoS 09/09/19)
We’ve launched a new online platform to make peer-reviewed academic books about Scottish archaeology and history freely available.

New Report – Archaeology in Development Management (ALGAO 06/09/19)
New research into the benefits of archaeology work undertaken under the control of Local Authorities across Britain has been published by the Association of Local Government Archaeological Officers (ALGAO) today.

RTPI Scotland welcomes government’s renewed focus on planning (RTPI 05/09/19)
RTPI Scotland has welcomed a commitment by the Scottish government to fully involve planners in its drive to deliver a zero carbon target by 2045.

Call for Entries (EN 09/19)
Applications for the European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards 2020 are now open.
The deadline is 1 October 2019 (date of sending).

Opinion & Comment

Can Common Good assets deliver greater public benefit? (SLC 18/09/19)

Housing as a human right – celebrating Scottish Housing Day 2019 (Kirsty Wells, Head of HouseMark Scotland 18/09/19)

People can’t afford to live in their own cities – it’s time to tackle housing inequality (Rhiannon Sims Oxfam Scotland 18/09/19)

Join our RetroFirst campaign to make retrofit the default choice (Emily Booth, Architects Journal 12/09/19)

Getting Spatial with Archaeological Data (HES 06/09/19)

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-25163: Alex Cole-Hamilton, Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats, Date Lodged: 05/09/2019
To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to extend the Empty Homes Partnership programme.

Question S5W-25208: Rachael Hamilton, Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 06/09/2019 R
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has undertaken of the potential impact of transient visitor levies on the tourism sector.

Question S5W-25209: Rachael Hamilton, Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 06/09/2019 R
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide details of any research that it has undertaken on the potential impact of a transient visitor levy on the income of local authorities that adopt one.

Question S5W-25207: Rachael Hamilton, Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 06/09/2019 R
To ask the Scottish Government whether it has undertaken an assessment of which local authorities are expected to introduce a transient visitor levy when they have the power to do so and, if so, which they are.

Question S5W-25253: Dean Lockhart, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 10/09/2019
To ask the Scottish Government what regulations are in place to ensure the appropriate maintenance of category (a) B and (b) C listed buildings.

Question S5W-25418: David Stewart, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 19/09/2019
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the commitment in its Programme for Government to “put in place more stringent fire safety provisions for external wall cladding systems”, what plans it has to stop the alternative route of (a) desktop studies and (b) BS 84814, which allows combustible materials onto the outside of buildings, and when it will release further details of its plans.

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-25377: Rhoda Grant, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 16/09/2019
To ask the Scottish Government how much each local authority has been allocated from the Town Centre Fund, also broken by how this has been spent.
Answered by Derek Mackay (19/09/2019)

Question S5W-25164: Alex Cole-Hamilton, Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats, Date Lodged: 05/09/2019
To ask the Scottish Government whether it plans to legislate for compulsory sale orders and, if so, when.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (12/09/2019)

Question S5W-25165: Alex Cole-Hamilton, Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats, Date Lodged: 05/09/2019
To ask the Scottish Government what alternatives to compulsory sale orders it has considered to ensure that local authorities have the power to purchase vacant properties.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (12/09/2019)

Question S5W-25200: Alexander Burnett, Aberdeenshire West, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 05/09/2019 R
To ask the Scottish Government what measures it is taking to improve the energy efficiency of listed buildings.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (17/09/2019)

Events

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

Community Consultation opportunity, Custom House, Leith 
Date & time: 28th September from 10am – 4pm.
Venue: Customs House, Leith.
Following the Scottish Historic Buildings Trust (SHBT) and the City of Edinburgh Council’s announcement in June to appoint Richard Murphy Architects to undertake a Feasibility Study, which will secure the long-term future Custom House, Leith, SHBT are seeking to consult with the local community about their ideas for this important building. Consultations will take place on Saturday 28th September, 10.00-16.00, as part of the Cockburn Association’s Edinburgh Doors Open Day programme. Opportunities for consultation will continue throughout the Feasibility Study process. SHBT looks forwards to welcoming you to Custom House, 65 Commercial Street, Leith to hear your views.

Research Study Day: Ahmedabad Walls: Patrick Geddes in India
Date & time: Wed, 2 October 2019; 09:30 – 16:00.
Venue: Patrick Geddes Centre, Riddle’s Court, 322 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2PD.
To celebrate the shared birthdays (2nd October) of Patrick Geddes and Mahatma Ghandi, this research study day will explore Geddes’ urban schemes of work in India. We are honoured to welcome Mumbai based architect and artist, Robert D Stephens, (Urbs Indis) who will present alongside Dr Dorian Wiszniewski from the University of Edinburgh’s School of Architecture, on their joint project ‘Ahmedabad Walls.’ We are also delighted to welcome archivist Elaine MacGillivray (Centre for Research Collections, University of Edinburgh) to hear about the findings of The Evergreen Project and its links to Geddes’ India based years.

OPIT Climate Change Impacts Guide: Launch Event
Date & time: 11 am on the 8th of October 2019.
Venue: City Chambers in Glasgow.
The Climate Change Impacts Guide is a commitment of the Our Place in Time (OPIT) Climate Change Working Group, and will be launched as part of Climate Week 2019. The Impacts Guide is the product of a collaborative sector approach and will detail climate change impacts on all aspects of the historic environment, the climate hazards they face, their vulnerability, and potential adaptation measures that can be applied. The guide is the first of its kind – it places Scotland’s historic environment at the heart of climate change action and aims to promote cooperation across all sectors of society.

The 2019 Marion Fraser Lecture – The place of Church buildings in our emotions
Date & time: 10th October 2019 at 7.00pm.
Venue: Palmerston Place Church, 10 Palmerston Place, Edinburgh EH12 5AA.
The Moderator Rev. Colin Sinclair will give the 2019 Marion Fraser Lecture.
Scotland’s Churches Trust is delighted that The Moderator is giving this year’s Lecture in his own Church. The Trustees of SCT are grateful to Rev Colin Sinclair, a Stirling University economics graduate, for finding the time in his very busy schedule to present this Lecture, named in honour of Lady Marion Fraser, a Trustee of SCT and great supporter before her sad death on Christmas Day 2016. Booking is not required but the Lecture is bound to attract a large audience with doors opening at 6.30pm. Please email office@scotlandschurchestrust.org.uk for further information. 0131 225 8644.

CIfA AGM, Scottish Group AGM, What’s going wrong with desk-based assessments?
Date & time: Tuesday, 15 October, 2019 10:00 – 16:00.
Venue: Edinburgh City Chambers.
CIfA is proud to be holding our Annual General Meeting in Edinburgh this year. Join us for CIfA’s AGM, our Scotland desk-based assessment workshop, and Scottish Group’s AGM. The workshops include a mix of presentations and collaborative discussion. Presentations will be heard from CIfA, local curators, contractors and consultants to encompass a wide range of viewpoints regarding the role and perception of DBAs across the sector. This will be followed by discussion and group work focusing on the current Standards and Guidance. Bookings close on 6 October, ensure you book your place!

50th Anniversary of Ian McHarg’s Design with Nature : A Celebration of Influence & Legacy
Date & time: 22nd of October, 5pm – 10pm.
Venue: Sculpture Court, Edinburgh School of Art.
Ian McHarg’s seminal text ‘Design with Nature’ had a huge impact on landscape architecture, shifting its focus from an aesthetic basis towards a large-scale ecological approach. It also had great influence on the wider associated professions of planning and ecology and led to the development of landscape urbanism. Through this exhibition, the LIS hope to raise awareness of McHarg, his worldwide influence and place within the wider narrative of the Scottish environmental tradition. It will also examine how subsequent students went on to continue to design with nature through current practice and inspire the profession into the twenty-first century.

Climate Heritage Network Global Launch
Date & time: Thu, Oct 24, 2019, 9:00 AM – Fri, Oct 25, 2019, 6:30 PM.
Venue: The Royal College of Physicians, 9 Queen Street, Edinburgh EH21JQ.
The Climate Heritage Network Global Launch is a two-day program devoted to urgently mobilizing the cultural heritage sector for climate action across the globe. The program will serve as a key catalyst for accelerating the ambition of arts, culture and heritage actors to help the communities they work in to deliver on ambitions of the Paris Agreement.

Queen Influencer – Anna of Denmark in Edinburgh 30.10.19
Date & time: Wed, 30 October 2019; 09:30 – 15:00.
Venue: Patrick Geddes Centre, Riddle’s Court, 322 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2PD.
Discover the influence of Queen Anna of Denmark against the backdrop of late 16th century Edinburgh with our specialised panel of experts. This heritage study day seeks to uncover her influence at court and the cultural impact she made in the years before the Union of the Crowns in 1603. We will also consider the backdrop of early modern Edinburgh, the people and places over which Anna ruled, and that formed the beating heart of the Jacobean realm.

HTN: Business Planning and Risk Management
Date & time: Monday 4th November 9.30am – 5pm.
Venue: Spectrum Centre, Inverness.
Join us in Inverness to network with organisations working with heritage all over Scotland and to receive training on two key areas of heritage regeneration. Douglas Westwater of Community Enterprise will deliver the training on Business Planning and Risk Management drawing on his wealth of experience in the area. Analyse what you have done to date, learn how to do it better and whether you should be taking the risk. We will also hear from two local heritage case studies, including Hannah MacSween from The Muir Hub in Muir of Ord and Alison Tanner, Project Officer at Inverness City Heritage Trust, whilst making sure that there is plenty of time for attendees to network, problem solve and share their news. Members and non-members welcome.

Sourcing a Digital Norm for Learning and Training: Tools and Technologies
Date & times: 6-7 November, 9:30-16:00.
Venue: To be held jointly with HES at the Engine Shed, Stirling.
COTAC will celebrate its 60th anniversary with a unique review of the future of heritage conservation by looking at Sourcing a Digital Norm for the Future of Heritage Conservation: Learning and Training, Tools and Technologies. This two-day conference will provide attendees with an opportunity to reflect on what we have achieved digitally, to share in the emerging experiences, perspectives and responses to current challenges whilst at the same time give thought to the direction that is being set for the future. The programme will address what this could mean for the conservation industry sector clients, its practitioners and its education and training providers- all of whom will benefit from attendance.

Heritage Transforming Neighbourhoods
Dates: 17th-19th November.
Venue: The Guildhall, Derry, Londonderry.
VITALITY, VIBRANCY & REVIVAL THROUGH HERITAGE
Join the Heritage Trust Network for our annual conference 2019, this year taking place in Northern Ireland! Our fantastic line up of speakers will focus on how to revive your High Street or Main Street, in both rural and urban areas across the UK, using a sustainable business model. There will be inspiring case studies, key guidance and interactive workshops to help your group succeed.

Training

Incorporating heritage Apprenticeships within your organisation
Date & times: October 14th, 2019 9:30am to 12:00pm.
Venue: Scotch Whisky Experience, The Royal Mile, 354 Castlehill, Edinburgh, EH1 2NE.
This half day workshop will provide an update on Apprenticeship schemes both in England and Scotland and explore how you can take advantage of these initiatives. Attendees will leave the workshop with a more informed idea of how to incorporate Apprenticeship within their organisation. Audience: Professional Heritage organisations who want to know more Apprenticeship frameworks available in England and Scotland.

Embedding workplace training
Date & time: October 14th, 2019 9:30am to 12:00pm.
Venue: Scotch Whisky Experience, The Royal Mile, 354 Castlehill, Edinburgh, EH1 2NE.
Application of staff training varies from workplace to workplace and sometimes the cost of providing this training can be considered as hard to justify within tight operational budgets. In more rural areas, physical access to training opportunities can also restrict staff or organisational training. This half day workshop is split into two parts. Part one will hear from practitioners who support the delivery of workplace training and who have handy tips on how to deliver training on all types of budget. Part two will be a round table discussion where attendees can compare individual training strategies, discuss the potential barriers to delivering staff training and offer solutions to bridge those barriers. Attendees will leave the workshop with new ideas on how to embed workplace training on a variety of budgets.

Retrofitting Traditional Buildings: Principles and Practice Masterclass
Date & time: 18 October 2019; 09.30 – 16.30.
Venue: Charlestown Workshops, Fife.
A one-day technical masterclass covering emerging research, best practice and case studies in the field of upgrading traditional and historic buildings.
•    How do we protect our traditional buildings but make them fit for the future?
•    What are the risks for small- and large-scale retrofit projects?
•    How can unintended consequences be addressed when upgrading solid-walled buildings?
•    The Whole Building Approach to retrofit
Addressing energy efficiency is fast becoming one of the most pressing issues for older, traditionally-constructed buildings. Upgrading traditional building fabric is notoriously complex. In this one-day masterclass, expert trainer examines current issues, solutions and emerging best practice in how to achieve ‘responsible retrofit’ – sustainable, low-energy traditional buildings with retained character, minimal risk to buildings and occupants and real benefits for all.

BEFS News

Join the Cross Party Group on Architecture and the Built Environment discussion on Housing and Liveable Cities. Following on from the meeting in March looking at the Scottish Government’s 2040 Vision for Housing programme and showcased opportunities for innovative and creative ways of delivering homes that can support our existing town centres and communities, this meeting will look further at housing’s contribution to liveable cities. The meeting will take place in Committee Room 2 on Wednesday 11th September 2019, 6pm to 8pm.

Have you booked your ticket for the Tenements Today | Tenements Tomorrow conference on 18th September at The Lighthouse in Glasgow? Hosted by the Scottish Civic Trust, in collaboration BEFS and Under One Roof, this national conference will discuss issues and challenges relating to tenements, including maintenance, energy efficiency, repairs and relations with neighbours and owners.The full agenda is now available on the Eventbrite page.

Does heritage have a role to play in the secret to happiness? This is your last chance to enter Historic Environment Scotland’s survey about how historic sites and heritage places affect our wellbeing, which closes tomorrow, Friday 6th September.

Scottish Archaeology Month in now underway with hundreds of events taking place all over Scotland. From the Shetland Islands to the Scottish Borders, there are free talks, tours, exhibitions, workshops and hands-on events to help you discover some of the amazing history, heritage and archaeology on your doorstep.

This year, Doors Open Days turns 30 with an incredible programme of events. Find out what is happening in your region.

It’s that time of the year again! #WikiLovesMonuments 2019 officially started on September 1st. Join the world’s largest photo competition, contribute to Wikipedia and compete for that €1500 grand prize. Last year Scotland uploaded 4411 pictures. Can we beat that number this year?

Consultations

Crown Estate Scotland draft 2020-23 Corporate Plan Consultation
Opened 31 Aug 2019 and closes 25 Nov 2019.

Are Scotland’s Roads Funded Properly? 
The deadline for submissions is 6 September 2019.

The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (Scotland) Regulations 2019
Closes 13 Sep 2019.

Committee investigates environmental impact of travel and tourism
Submissions should be made by 5pm on Friday 13 September.

Consultation on the Right to Buy Land to Further Sustainable Development
Closes 19 Sep 2019.

The Stone of Destiny
Closes 19 Sep 2019.

Practical Fire Safety Guidance for existing Specialised Housing and other supported domestic accommodation
Closes 22 Oct 2019.

A Consultation on Scotland’s National Transport Strategy
Closes 23 Oct 2019.

Publications

New 2019 Technical Building Standards Handbooks + Dissemination Events (SG 05/09/19)

Pathway to zero carbon homes by 2045: warm, climate friendly and affordable to heat (EHA 05/09/19)

Protecting Scotland’s Future: the Government’s Programme for Scotland 2019-2020 (SG 03/09/19)

12 immediate actions for Scotland’s response to the Climate Emergency (CE Response Group 08/19)

Financial Implications of Implementing the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 (RTPI Scotland 27/08/19)

The State of our Estates (Scape Group 23/08/19)

Value of arts and culture in place-shaping (Arts Council 21/08/19)

Scottish Government News Releases

Protecting Scotland’s Future (SG 03/09/19)
Ending Scotland’s contribution to climate change and securing a positive future for generations to come are the focus of this year’s Programme for Government, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced in Parliament.

South of Scotland Tourism Investment (SG 28/08/19)
A former coal mine turned visitor attraction is to benefit from £67,000 Scottish Government funding through the South of Scotland Economic Partnership.

Small Area Population Estimates (SG 22/08/19)
Figures published today by the National Records of Scotland provide the latest mid-2018 population estimates for the 6,976 small areas of Scotland, known as data zones.

News Releases

Government questioned over ‘abandoned’ empty homes pledge (SHN 05/09/19)
Speaking to the Scottish Parliament’s local government and communities committee yesterday, housing minister Kevin Stewart admitted a commitment to give councils more powers to force sales of empty buildings will not be met in this parliament.

Housing alliance calls for energy efficiency budget to double to tackle fuel poverty and climate change (SHN 05/09/19)
A report setting out a credible pathway to making all homes in Scotland zero carbon by 2045 has been published today by the Existing Homes Alliance Scotland.

£182,543 boost for Scottish heritage projects (HES 04/09/19)
We have awarded £182,543 to heritage projects across Scotland as part of the Historic Environment Support Fund.

Glasgow City Council makes steady progress on regeneration of derelict land (SHN 03/09/19)
A report carried out by Glasgow City Council has revealed that between 2017 and 2018, 66.4% of vacant and derelict land in the city has been developed for housing.

Glasgow firm’s unique energy data analysis tools enable clients to reduce emissions (Herald 30/08/19)
Climate change concerns are forcing city authorities around the world to start thinking more coherently about how they use and generate the energy for their citizens. To do this, new tools are needed to model the built environment that makes up a city.

Survey on the UK’s first Voluntary National Review of progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (DID 29/08/19)
We are inviting people and organisations to share their views on the UK’s Voluntary National Review process and gather ideas on future stakeholder engagement.

Call for nominations for empty homes champions awards (SHN 29/08/19)
Shelter Scotland is calling for nominations for an awards ceremony to recognise the work of people fighting to bring Scotland’s 39,000 privately-owned, long-term empty homes back into use.

Climate heritage hits the road (HES 29/08/19)
How can we adapt local heritage sites in the face of climate change? The Adapt Northern Heritage project team have been working with local communities to look at the changes that could be considered to protect historic places in Scotland and beyond.

Repair and maintenance of housing falls by £451m in Scotland as housing stock increases (SHN 28/08/09)
Scotland has seen a real term per property decrease in repair and maintenance work of £313 since 1997, according to new research by Scape Group.

Cost of Planning Act duties could reach £59M, RTPI Scotland finds (RTPI Scotland 27/08/19)
Planning departments across Scotland may need up to £59M over the next 10 years to undertake duties contained in the new Planning Act.

Poll: 88% back a legal right to adequate housing in Scottish law (CS 27/08/19)
Shelter Scotland have launched a new campaign to secure the legal right to a decent home, after a poll found 88 per cent of Scots back the idea.

Are Britain’s heritage attractions child-friendly? (Ecclesiastical 19/08/19)
Research commissioned by specialist heritage insurer, Ecclesiastical, has revealed many parents never visit art galleries, stately homes, theatres, castles or museums with their children.

How do you search for geospatial data? (OS 05/08/19)
Earlier this year the ‘Data Discoverability’ project took some really positive steps towards making it easier to find and access location-based information (or ‘geospatial’ data) on the web.

Opinion & Comment

Carbon targets need construction mindset shift (Herald 05/09/19)

Infrastructure levy a chance to clarify planning process (SHN 03/09/19)

Where are the architects who will put the environment first? (Guardian 31/08/19)

Breaking From Tradition – Why We Must Embrace The National Performance Framework (Anna Fowlie, Chief Executive, Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations 29/09/19)

A responsible approach to land reuse – Vacant and Derelict Land Taskforce (Hamish Trench, Chief Executive of Scottish Land Commission 28/08/19)

Place attachment – Connecting emotionally to your heritage (Yang Wang for EWH 23/08/19)

Must good, affordable housing depend on altruistic landowners? (RTPI 19/08/19)

We Need More Wheelchair Users to Become Architects (Arch Daily 16/08/19)

Parliamentary Question

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-24947: Rachael Hamilton, Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 26/08/2019
To ask the Scottish Government what progress it is making with the development of its culture strategy.

Question S5W-24943: Rachael Hamilton, Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 26/08/2019
To ask the Scottish Government when it plans to consider holding an inquiry into the 2018 fire at the Glasgow School of Art.

Question S5W-24858: Finlay Carson, Galloway and West Dumfries, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 22/08/2019
To ask the Scottish Government how much it has spent since September 2016 to make public sector buildings more energy efficient.

Question S5W-24859: Finlay Carson, Galloway and West Dumfries, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 22/08/2019
To ask the Scottish Government how much funding it has made available to local authorities to carry out SEEP (Scotland’s Energy Efficiency Programme) pilots since September 2016.

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-24612: Andy Wightman, Lothian, Scottish Green Party, Date Lodged: 02/08/2019
To ask the Scottish Government how it will work with tenancy deposit schemes to ensure that all tenants receive their deposits back on time, in light of the finding in the paper, Review of Tenancy Deposit Schemes in Scotland, that one-third did not.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (21/08/2019)

Question S5W-24610: Andy Wightman, Lothian, Scottish Green Party, Date Lodged: 02/08/2019
To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to address the findings in the paper, Review of Tenancy Deposit Schemes in Scotland, that nearly half of landlords did not know about letting agent registration or the letting agent code of practices, and that over 60% did not know about the First-Tier Tribunal for Scotland.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (21/08/2019)

Question S5W-24611: Andy Wightman, Lothian, Scottish Green Party, Date Lodged: 02/08/2019
To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to ensure that (a) tenants and (b) landlords are better informed about the rights of private-rented sector tenants.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (21/08/2019)

Events

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

Dunkeld Cathedral
Date: Thursday 3 October 2019
Cost: £18 Historic Scotland member. £20 Non-members.
Hear about the Cathedral’s past and current conservation works at Dunkeld Cathedral from a Historic Environment Scotland (HES) architect. Climb the scaffolding to see the masonry replacement works up close and learn more about how we have been adapting to climate change at Dunkeld Cathedral. The Engine Shed is part of HES.

Calton Hill and the Plans for Edinburgh’s Third New Town – Kirsten Carter Mckee
Date & time: Monday 7th October 2019 at 6.30pm.
Venue: St Andrew’s & St George’s West Church, 13 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PA.
Dr Kirsten Carter McKee, author of a recent book on Calton Hill, will show how the architectural expression of Calton Hill has been perceived, accepted and rejected as ideas surrounding cultural identity, governance and nationalism have changed over the last two hundred years.

Church of Scotland Annual Marion Fraser Lecture
Date & time: October 10th at 7pm.
Venue: Palmerston Place Church, Edinburgh.
The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland is to deliver the annual Marion Fraser Lecture in Edinburgh in October. The Rt Rev Colin Sinclair will deliver the lecture in his own church at Edinburgh: Palmerston Place. The lecture, named after Lady Marion Fraser, a former Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly and a committed member of the Church of Scotland was launched by Scotland’s Churches Trust in her memory following her death in December 2016.

Climate Change, Conservation and Conservative Repairs
Date: 29th October 2019, 1pm to 5pm.
Venue: The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling, FK8 1QZ
Cost: £24 Conservation Accredited / Practice Services Member/ £30 RIAS or Historic Scotland / HES Member / £42 non-members.
Bookings are now open for the RIAS Autumn Conservation seminar. Topics will include: climate change and the historic environment, fungal decay of historic timber, stained glass (what to look for in a quinquennial inspection & protective glazing) and building maintenance in a changing climate.
For programme, speakers’ details and to book please visit

Sublime Experience in the Hermitage Wilderness Garden, Dunkeld
Date & time: Monday 4th November 2019 at 6.30pm.
Venue: St Andrew’s & St George’s West Church, 13 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PA.
Shannon Fraser, a professional archaeologist, formerly of the National Trust for Scotland and now the National Trust’s Curator for Northern Ireland, directed a 15-year research programme at the Hermitage. Driven partly by a substantial building conservation project at Ossian’s Hall, an 18th-century garden pavilion, and partly by remedial works at the Hermitage following damage from a major flood in 2004, the results of this research have considerably expanded our understanding of the design philosophies of the Dukes of Atholl. This is our annual joint lecture with Scotland’s Garden and Landscape Heritage.

Sourcing a Digital Norm for Learning and Training: Tools and Technologies
Dates & times: 6-7 November, 9:30-16:00
Venue: To be held jointly with HES at the Engine Shed, Stirling.
COTAC will celebrate its 60th anniversary with a unique review of the future of heritage conservation. This two-day conference will take place in Historic Environment Scotland’s internationally renowned conservation centre, the Engine Shed in Stirling. The conference will provide attendees with an opportunity to reflect on what we have achieved digitally, to share in the emerging experiences, perspectives and responses to current challenges whilst at the same time give thought to the direction that is being set for the future. The programme will address what this could mean for the conservation industry sector clients, its practitioners and its education and training providers- all of whom will benefit from attendance.

Edinburgh, Lothians and Borders Archaeology Conference
Date & time: Saturday November 16, 2019; 9:00 – 16:45.
Venue: Queen Margaret University, Musselburgh
This annual conference is organised by City of Edinburgh Council, East Lothian Council and Scottish Borders Council. It provides an important opportunity to hear and discuss first-hand accounts of the archaeological fieldwork and research being undertaken in Edinburgh, East Lothian, Midlothian, and the Scottish Borders.

Building Surveying Conference, Scotland
Date & time: 7 November – 08:45AM – 16:30PM
Venue: Kimpton Charlotte Square Hotel, 38 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh, EH2 4HQ
Join us in Edinburgh on 07 November 2019 for RICS Building Surveying Conference, Scotland, providing you with the latest policy updates, market opportunities and future trends impacting the sector.

Heritage Transforming Neighbourhoods
Dates: 17th-19th November
Venue: The Guildhall, Derry, Londonderry
VITALITY, VIBRANCY & REVIVAL THROUGH HERITAGE
Join the Heritage Trust Network for our annual conference 2019, this year taking place in Northern Ireland! Our fantastic line up of speakers will focus on how to revive your High Street or Main Street, in both rural and urban areas across the UK, using a sustainable business model. There will be inspiring case studies, key guidance and interactive workshops to help your group succeed Early Bird Offer until 15th September – buy your tickets now!

22nd Annual Plenderleith Memorial Lecture: ‘After the dust has settled – rediscovering the spirit of the Mackintosh’ by Liz Davidson OBE
Date & time: 28th of November
Venue: The Lighthouse, 11 Mitchell Lane, Glasgow
So much of the fabric of the iconic Glasgow School of Art building was destroyed in the devastating fire of June 2018 – the building currently exists largely in the virtual world of recordings, drawings, scholarly essays and memories. Over a year later, the Mackintosh Building is slowly beginning to piece together its future again, a journey of making the intangible tangible. The philosophy behind achieving this is still being developed and challenged by the team responsible and by the wider community of interest. Icon Scotland Group is delighted to welcome Project Manager Liz Davidson who will explore the task of the reconstruction project for this year’s Harold Plenderleith Memorial Lecture.

Ernest Gimson: Arts & Crafts Designer and Architect
Date & time: Monday 2nd December 2019 at 6.30pm.
Venue: St Andrew’s & St George’s West Church, 13 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PA.
Ernest Gimson (1864 – 1919) was described by Pevsner as ‘the greatest of the artist-craftsmen’ and was a central figure in the British Arts & Crafts Movement. A new book on Gimson’s life and work by Annette Carruthers, Mary Greensted and Barley Roscoe will be published by Yale University Press in October 2019.  Some of the discoveries made during their recent research will be outlined in this talk.

Adapt Northern Heritage Conference 2020 – Call for Papers
Dates: Tuesday 5- 7 May 2020
Location: Edinburgh
Adapt Northern Heritage is a project supporting communities and local authorities to adapt northern cultural heritage to the environmental impacts of climate change and associated natural hazards through community engagement and informed conservation planning. Running from June 2017 to May 2020, the project involves four Project Partners and eleven Associated Partners from Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Russia, Scotland and Sweden and is supported by Iceland, Norway and the European Union through the Interreg programme for the Northern Periphery and Arctic. The Project Partners will develop a risk and vulnerability assessment method for historic places and associated guidance for their adaptation, trial and demonstrate this method in eleven case studies and initiate a community network for interdisciplinary learning, knowledge exchange and stakeholder networking. Abstracts to be submitted by 27th September 2019.

Training

Achieve your CPD goals with CPD Seminars
Date & time: All year round
Venue: Various locations
RICS have 100’s of topical 1 hour seminars available covering land, property and built environment. They take place in Edinburgh and Glasgow every month, held at convenient times to minimise the impact on your working day. Don’t worry if you can’t make it, you can also access the recordings on-demand online. View CPD Seminars in Scotland.

Be recognised for your skills in community engagement 
Date & time: Thursday 26 September 2018; 5.30pm-9.00pm.
Location: Glasgow.
Our community engagement skills training is for anyone who would like to enhance their skills and become recognised as a community engagement practitioner. It is a two-part process which verifies that participants are competent in using SP=EED® (our guide to effective community engagement). Part 1 is an interactive training workshop and Part 2 a written reflective-learning assessment based on a real engagement process. Previous participants have come from local authority planning departments, community planning partnerships, planning consultancies and more. The cost of the programme is £250 per person. Please email david@pas.org.uk for more information.

Vacancies

Publications Officer
The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland are looking for an excellent candidate to fill this exciting role as Publications Officer. As a charity (charity no SC010440) and an independent publisher of high-quality peer-reviewed books and journals about Scotland’s past we are offering a highly varied role that will provide experience in all aspects of academic publishing.
Closing date: midnight Sunday 15 September 

Traditional Skills Officer
Glasgow City Heritage Trust is seeking a Traditional Skills Officer to support the implementation of the Trust’s traditional skills and material programmes for the benefit of all people living and working in and visiting Glasgow.
The deadline for applications is 20 September 2019 at 12:00 noon.

Volunteer vacancy for CIfA Scottish Group
The Scottish group represents the interests of Scotland, and those working in Scotland to CIfA council and informs the CIfA’s work in this area.

BEFS News

Built Environment Forum Scotland are signatories of an open letter to Kevin Stewart, Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning, regarding the introduction of minimum standards for whole lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions for new buildings under Section 6 of the Scottish Building Standards. Read a draft of the letter here.

Wiki Loves Monuments starts on 1st September. The international photography competition aims to add openly-licensed pictures of listed buildings and scheduled monuments around the world to the Wikimedia Projects. Last year Scotland uploaded 4411 pictures. Can we beat that number this year?

This year, Doors Open Days turns 30 with an incredible programme of events, from swimming pools full of flowers to tours of Scotland’s finest buildings hosted by refugees. Find out what is happening in your region this September.

In our first blog this week, BEFS Policy and Strategy Manager reflects on the recent National Lottery Heritage Fund event and opportunities and challenges of the wellbeing agenda for heritage.

Laura MacDonald, Neighbourhoods and Communities programme at the University of Glasgow, shares the findings of her research, which maps the built environment in Scotland over the course of a year, in our second blog.

The built environment sector in Scotland is hosting an array of events, conferences and training this Autumn so do check out our events section to make sure you don’t miss out. You can also visit our online events calendar.

Consultations

The Stone of Destiny
Opened 15 Aug 2019 and closes 19 Sep 2019.

Call for Evidence on the Long-Term Financial Sustainability of Local Government
The closing date for receipt of submissions is Friday 23 August 2019.

Are Scotland’s Roads Funded Properly? 
The deadline for submissions is 6 September 2019.

The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (Scotland) Regulations 2019
Closes 13 Sep 2019.

Committee investigates environmental impact of travel and tourism
Submissions should be made by 5pm on Friday 13 September.

Consultation on the Right to Buy Land to Further Sustainable Development
Closes 19 Sep 2019.

Practical Fire Safety Guidance for existing Specialised Housing and other supported domestic accommodation
Closes 22 Oct 2019.

A Consultation on Scotland’s National Transport Strategy
Closes 23 Oct 2019.

Publications

Guide to Building Maintenance in a Changing Climate (EWH 22/08/19)

Transforming Towns: Delivering a Sustainable Future for Local Places (FSB 21/08/19)

Vacant and Derelict Land Task Force: Phase One Report (SLC 20/08/19)

Briefing: Overview of Evidence on Economic Impacts of EU Immigration (NIESR 19/08/19)

Backing the Bedrock – Five Heritage Fiscal & Funding Priorities 2019 (THA 08/19/)

Past Lives of Leith: Archaeological Work for Edinburgh Trams (Julie Franklin, Carmelita Troy, Kate Britton, Donald Wilson, John A. Lawson 03/2019

Scottish Government News Releases

Scotland’s population (SG 14/08/19)
Life expectancy in Scotland has increased over the past three decades, but has stalled in recent years, according to a report published today by National Records of Scotland.

Doubts over Erasmus+ after EU exit (SG 13/08/19)
The Scottish and Welsh Governments have raised serious concerns about the impact of a ‘no-deal’ Brexit on the popular Europe-wide international student exchange program Erasmus+.

News Releases

Adapt Northern Heritage Conference 2020 – Call for Contributions (ANH2020 22/08/19)
Climate change is threatening historic places across the world, especially in the world’s northern regions. The international Adapt Northern Heritage Conference 2020 will explore practices and research. Submit your abstract by 27 September 2019.

New guidance published to help protect Edinburgh’s buildings against Climate Change (EWH 22/08/19)
A new guide published today alerts property owners to the impact of climate change on traditional buildings in the capital, and provides practical advice on how to protect them against damage and decay.

Nine local closures a month must prompt Scottish town rethink (FSB 21/08/19)
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) revealed this figure as they published a new report calling for a slew of measures to boost Scotland’s 479 local towns.

£90m a year plea to revitalise Scotland’s rural towns (Herald 21/08/19)
Scotland’s rural towns are struggling to survive the mass closures of local services and governments must make a “generational commitment” to revitalise them, according to a report.

Tourists snub Scotland ‘because of Brexit fears’ (Herald 21/08/19)
BREXIT uncertainty has caused overseas visitors to stay away from Scotland this year, heaping pressure on one of the country’s most important industries.

‘National agency needed’ to enforce Scottish building standards (BBC Scotland 19/08/19)
Building standards in Scotland should be enforced by a national agency, according to environment group Greenpeace.

National focus needed to realise the opportunities of transforming derelict land, Taskforce says (SLC 19/08/19)
The Vacant and Derelict Land Taskforce is challenging all sectors in Scotland to help bring land back into productive use and prevent future sites from being abandoned

Voting Opens for the Great British High Street Awards 2019 (STP 12/08/19)
The Great British High Street Awards, run by The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) in partnership with Visa and backed by other partners, are recognising and celebrating the communities that are working to revive local high streets.

Help us make a zine about place! (PAS 09/08/19)
We are creating a town planning zine, under the title “An unofficial guide to involving young people in their place”.  We are seeking submission from our volunteers, young people and those with an interest in involving young people in community development, heritage and environmental issues, place plans and town planning generally on the theme of “Future Places”.

Material passports: finding value in rubble (AJ 08/08/19)
Repurposing a building starts with knowing all of its constituent parts. Isabella Kaminski looks at how material passports could change the industry.

Opinion & Comment

Time for action on making use of our land (SLC 21/08/19)

An Artistic Chapter in the Story of Historic Buildings (Wasps 20/08/19)

SPAB Scotland goes to Dublin (SPAB 07/08/19)

What’s in a name? What do Scotland’s street names tell us about our history and culture (HES 06/08/19)

Ways to meaningfully involve young people in heritage (NLHF 07/19)

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-24516: Alex Rowley, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 30/07/2019
To ask the Scottish Government what progress it is making with its £50 million town centre fund.
Answered by Derek Mackay (07/08/2019)

Question S5W-24515: Maurice Golden, West Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 29/07/2019
To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to ensure that councils comply with their statutory duty to keep a register of contaminated land.
Answered by Roseanna Cunningham (16/08/2019)

Events

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

HTN and SCT Event: Claim that Funding!
Date & time: Wed, 28 August 2019, 09:30 – 16:00.
Venue: The Acorn Centre, West High Street, Inverurie AB51 3SA.
Members often tell us that Full Cost Recovery (particularly for those embarking on a National Lottery Heritage Fund application) is one of their biggest challenges, along with evaluating and measuring the impact of their project. Pamela Redpath will be delivering training on both topics and will be available to answer questions throughout the day. We will also hear from local heritage case studies, including the team at the Garioch Heritage Centre, whilst making sure that there is plenty of time for attendees to network, problem solve and share their news. This is a joint event run by the Heritage Trust Network and the Scottish Civic Trust, attendance is free for members of both organisations. Not a member of HTN or SCT yet? You are welcome to join us for one free event before signing up.

Blooms with a View
Date & time: Friday 30 Aug – Sunday 1 September, 8.30am-6.00pm each day
Venue: Govanhill Baths, Glasgow
We’re filling Govanhill Baths in Glasgow full of flowers, to celebrate 30 years of Doors Open Days in Scotland. From snapdragons in the stalls to sunflowers in the skylights, we’re working with Floraboration to create a mind-blowing floral takeover of one of Glasgow’s best-loved spaces. Visit us on 30 August – 1 September to see for yourself. We’re planning a whole host of free events, including lectures, an autism hour and artist times, but booking is essential.

‘Monuments in Monuments’ Conference 
Date & time: 2nd – 4th September
Venue: The Engine Shed, Stirling
Monuments in Monuments 2019 will explore innovative and traditional approaches to stone conservation inside traditional buildings. Carved stones and objects inside buildings often present significant conservation challenges. Exposure to poor environmental conditions causes the decay and eventual loss of these monuments. Hear from specialists and experts in the field, and explore how traditional skills, emerging technology and conservation science are helping to overcome these challenges.

Masterplanning, Scalability and Complexity
Date & time: 3 September 2019; 16:00 – 20:00.
Venue: University of Dundee, Dalhousie Building, 75 Old Hawkhill, Dundee DD15EN.
It’s argued that modern planners are ?ghting a losing battle to impose order on complex systems because they fail to understand what it is they are dealing with. Cities can be planned but only if we work with, rather than against, the complex systems of urban growth. This is something that was well understood in the past but was lost in the post-war planning reforms. This timely event will include two presentations by leading international experts focusing on the impact and imprint of cumulative change on the physical and social urban fabric.

SPAB Scotland Autumn Pub Social _ West Brewery
Date: 4th September 2019, 17.30 onwards.
Location:  West Brewery, 15 Binnie Place, G40 1AW, Glasgow.
SPAB Scotland are coming to you!  SPAB in Glasgow is organising an informal get together for drinks and socialising.  On Wednesday 4th September we will be meeting at West Brewery, Templeton Building, Glasgow Green from 5:30pm onwards. This pub is situated overlooking Glasgow Green, and is housed in one of the most spectacular brick buildings in Scotland.All Built Heritage enthusiasts, builders, craftspeople, professionals and scholars cordially invited. Look out for a SPAB magazine on the table if you aren’t familiar with any other SPAB members. The event will be hosted by committee members Jamie McNamara, Tom Hay and Stephanie Weinraub; who will be happy to welcome all new faces! Booking is not required, but please email us if you would like further information or to let us know you will be there.

Innovations in Public Participation in Planning and Urban Design
Date & time: Tuesday, 10 September 2019 at 6:00PM – 8:00PM
Venue: 9 Bakehouse Close, 146 Canongate, Edinburgh, EH8 8DD
In the 50th anniversary year of the Skeffington Report, this seminar with RSA and A&DS explores opportunities and challenges of community engagement in planning and urban design. Dr Oliver Escobar (University of Edinburgh) presents recent research on ‘democratic innovations to counter the democratic recession’, using examples from Europe and North America. With the introduction of Local Place Plans in the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019, Julia Frost (PAS and RTPI Convenor) discusses recent experiences of charrettes for facilitating local place-planning. Irene Beautyman (Improvement Service) explores how the skills gap for planners and elected members can be overcome ensuring effective community engagement.

Scotland’s Garden and Landscape Heritage – Falkland Garden Study Day
Date & time: Saturday 14 September at 10.00 a.m.
Venue: The Stables, Falkland Estate, Falkland, KY15 7AF
Lectures by Marietta Crichton Stuart, trustee, estate and family historian and archivist, on evolution and change – the story of Falkland Estate’s gardens and landscape from 1820 to the present; Susan Thores, Head Gardener, on the Palace garden from Percy Cane’s re-design c1947 onwards; Peter Burman, Chairman of the Falkland Stewardship Trust, on how John Ruskin’s ideas about gardening and food are interpreted at Falkland. Landscape and garden walks led by Peter Burman and Susan Thores. Members £25 / Non-members £30. Cost includes lectures, guided walks, lunch and tea. Deadline for bookings: Friday 6th September 2019.

Tenements Today | Tenements Tomorrow Conference
Date & time: Wed, 18 September 2019; 09:30 – 16:30.
Location: The Lighthouse, 11 Mitchell Lane, Glasgow G1 3NU
Most urban Scots live in flats, and we’re all aware that these buildings can pose real challenges to residents when it comes to maintenance, energy efficiency, repairs and relations with neighbours and owners. The Scottish Civic Trust, in collaboration with Built Environment Forum Scotland and Under One Roof are hosting this national conference to discuss issues relating to tenements. Over the course of the day, we’ll be talking about sinking funds, owners’ associations and social investment, as well as looking at international best practice. Speakers including Kevin Stewart MSP, Annie Flint (Under One Roof), Niall Murphy (Glasgow City Heritage Trust), Graham Simpson MSP, John McKinney (Scottish Traditional Building Forum), Graham Boyack (Scottish Mediation Service), and Soraya Din (Pollokshields Owners Network), Mitch Miller and Euan Leitch (Built Environment Forum Scotland).

Renewable Heat Energy
Date & time: Wednesday, 25 September 2019 at 12:00PM – 1:30PM
Venue: The Usual Place, Academy St, Dumfries DG1 1BZ
Join us for lunch and networking from 12 noon. Euan Hutchison and Gavin Shirley from Natural Power will be giving a presentation from 12:30 on renewable heat energy. The presentation will include a policy overview, technical information and a case study of planning/permitting compliance management.

UN Sustainable Development Goals Workshop
Date & time: Thursday, 26 September 2019 at 6:00PM – 7:15PM
Venue: Aberdeenshire Council, Woodhill House (Members Building), Westburn Road, Aberdeen AB16 5GB
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) officially came into force on 1 January 2016. Over the next fifteen years these new goals aim to mobilize global efforts to end all forms of poverty, fight inequality and tackle climate change.
This workshop will involve short presentations and a ‘global café’ series of activities for delegates to participate in, providing an opportunity to discuss various aspects of SDG’s and how these relate to professional practice. This event will be led by Arup.

Edinburgh and East Lothian Doors Open Days 2019
Date: 28 -29th September 2019.
Doors Open Days offers you the chance to explore some of Edinburgh and East Lothian’s architecturally and culturally significant buildings – all for free. From heritage landmarks to the city’s newest architecture, Doors Open Day offers free access and often behind the scenes tours to properties that are either not usually open to the public or would normally charge an entry fee. Doors Open Days also includes a lecture series and a wide range of walks, events and demonstrations. For more information, watch out for the Doors Open Days brochure being published on 2nd September via www.cockburnassociation.org.uk as well as in print across the city.

Edinburgh Doors Open Day- Roofing Demo
Dates: 28-29th September, 10.00-16.00.
Location: Courtyard of the Cockburn Association, Trunks Close, 55 High Street, EH1 1SR Edinburgh.
For this year’s Doors Open Day, SPAB Scotland will be hosting SPAB Fellow 2016 Peter McCluskey who will be demonstrating roofing repairs. This event is completely free to attend and open to all, so please do pop by with your friends and family and learn a bit more about traditional roofing skills. Please note that you do not need to book a place or register for this event.

RTPI Scotland Annual Conference 2019 Changing Places – Collaborating to make a difference
Date & time: Tuesday, 01 October 2019 at 10:00AM – 5:00PM
Venue: Emirates Arena, 1000 London Road, Glasgow G40 3HG
The new Planning Act, Place Principle, Place Standard and community planning show public policy and planning practice in Scotland aiming to become more place-focused and collaborative. This conference takes a look at how place-based approaches are undertaken, how they impact on the ground, are coordinated and delivered and how stakeholders are engaged in their development. We’ll explore issues including economic growth, design, regeneration, health, travel and infrastructure. We’ll take a granular approach exploring in detail how this is being developed in Glasgow, especially in the East End through presentations and walking tours. We’ll also explore place-based, collaborative approaches taken in a range of settings across the UK and Ireland.

Creating Better Places for Scotland’s Gypsy/Traveller Community
Date: October 1st 2019.
Venue: Saracen House, Glasgow.
The Gypsy/Traveller community is deeply rooted in Scotland with its long history and culture. Despite this, Gypsy/Travellers are too often marginalised and excluded from decisions that affect them. This event is an ideal opportunity for Gypsy/Travellers, local and national government officers, elected representatives at local and national level, planners, community planning, community councillors, public health professionals, employers, infrastructure providers and all other relevant stakeholders to engage with other thought leaders and potential partners that can help forge solutions to the challenges faced by the community.

RIAS Convention & Doolan Award 2019: Climate of Opinion
Date: 4 – 5 October 2019
Venue: EICC, The Exchange, 150 Morrison Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8EE
The RIAS Annual conference for architecture & built environment professionals is now open for bookings! This year’s event combines the conference and Doolan Award for Best Building in Scotland. Climate of opinion takes place in Edinburgh with a full day of discussion, debate and celebration around designing for climate resilience, diversity and northern Europe. The Friday evening dinner will involve presentation of the Best Building in Scotland Award (presented by Cabinet Secretary Aileen Campbell) as well as a chance to relax with fellow delegates and convention speakers in the stunning surroundings of the National Museum of Scotland. The event will be rounded off on the Saturday morning with building visits and a city tour exploring some of Edinburgh’s award-winning architecture. View confirmed speakers so far here.

Charles Taylor Woodwork Workshop Visit
Date: 5th October 2019.
Location: Charles Taylor Woodwork & Design Ltd, West Church, EH22 1JD, DALKEITH
Price: £12. Booking is required, as space is limited.
This presentation by Charles Taylor Woodwork of Dalkeith and Hugh Garratt of Smith and Garratt Specialist Conservation Surveyors is designed to help professionals and enthusiasts understand the process of the conservation of historic woodwork.  They will present the conservation challenges of two recently completed projects. “The Oak Room” – The Charles Rennie Mackintosh Ingram Street tea room conserved and reconstructed as a major exhibit within the Scottish Design Gallery at the V&A Museum Dundee. Hugh Garrett will present a talk on his role in the Sotheby’s award winning restoration of the Palladian mansion Marchmont House, Greenlaw. There will also be the opportunity to view the workshop within the historic West Church, see the equipment and ask any questions you may have about the processes.

Mediation in Scottish Planning – what happens now?
Date & time: Tue, 22 October 2019; 09:30 – 16:00.
Venue: Edinburgh.
On 20 June 2019, the Scottish Parliament passed the Planning (Scotland) Bill, bringing in a range of reforms to the planning system. Notably, the new Bill introduces mediation into the planning system for the first time. As the Bill awaits Royal Assent over the summer, work now begins on defining how this will work in practice, considering where in the system and under which circumstances mediation can be most effective. PAS and Scottish Mediation are jointly hosting a one-day conference on 22 October to explore how mediation in planning will work, from a practitioner perspective (planners and mediators), a community perspective and what opportunities this will create for planning in all relevant sectors.

Training

Nanolime for the consolidation of stone, mortar, plaster and wall paintings
Date: 5th of September, morning session only
Venue: Stirling Castle – Green Room
The workshop is divided into 4 topics. The first two parts deal with the basic properties and characterization of nanolime (CaLoSiL) and the carbonisation process. In addition to application notes, strategies are also discussed to avoid remaining white haze. In the third part the combination of nanolime and silicic acid ester is discussed. This is followed by various application examples for the consolidation of stone, plaster, mortar and wall paintings as well as special application areas like anti moulding agent, realkalization of concrete, bone and wood conservation etc. Finally the possibility of modifying injection grouts and repair mortars, slurries and fillers is discussed.

5-day Practical Gilding Course
Date: 9th – 13th of September
Venue: Kelvin Hall Open Collection, 1445 Argyle Street, Glasgow.
The Course aims to familiarise participants with the materials, methods and techniques of both water and oil gilding. The course provides opportunities to learn a variety of skills relating to gilding, using traditional materials and techniques. Participants will be able to prepare and take away with them a gilded frame. This practical course will also cover information about gilding conservation, making it particularly useful to newly-qualified conservators. However, it is also suited to anyone with an interest in gilding – beginner, refresher or someone with experience. All tools and materials are included in the cost. The course will run from 10 – 4 each day.

Introduction to indigenous earth building traditions and techniques EB1
Date: 16 September 2019, 09.30 – 16.30.
Venue: Merryhill Training Centre, Fife
Cost: £165 + vat
This course complements our existing range of courses for the repair, conservation and maintenance of traditional buildings and bridges a knowledge and experience gap required for the effective repair, conservation and maintenance of earth constructed buildings which unknowingly abound our landscape in Scotland. Scotland has a rich but largely forgotten heritage of earth buildings which is slowly gaining recognition through recent projects and publications. There is also a global revival for earth and natural materials in eco-construction. Becky Little (Rebearth Ltd) has over 25 years’ of experience working with both earth here and abroad and will share her knowledge across a range of disciplines, including sourcing and testing materials, mixing and making samples, building and repairing structures. By the end of this workshop course attendees will be able to recognise earth and clay built structures and will gain an understanding of earth materials science, construction methods and the conservation requirements for their effective repair.

The Secret of Surfaces – Reflectance Transformation Imaging Training course
Date & time: 27th of September
Venue: Museums Galleries Scotland, Waverley Gate, 2-4 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh
RTI is a non-invasive imaging technique for documenting the surfaces of archaeological objects, intricately carved stonework, works of art or archive material. Combining the data from many images of the object, RTI produces files that show the object’s surface interactively in detail. A special RTI Viewer software enables us to manipulate the light source within the image – making us see the object lit from different angles. This creates a 3D effect of the virtual surface structure. The RTI training course will show the possibilities of documentation for a range of objects and materials – from the mapping of archaeological artefacts to monitoring flaking paint layers or the growth of mould on archival documents, to detecting fine details of wax seals. Marta Pilarska will take the attendees through the basic steps of taking RTI-compatible photographs, capturing and processing the images with the software to create interactive RTI image files.

Vacancies

Paid Internship
Interested in Community Ownership/Development and finance? Scottish Land Commission are looking for an intern to help with a project on innovative community funding models.
Deadline 13 September.

Consultancy Opportunity
Archaeology Scotland wishes to appoint a consultant(s) to provide advice and support for our business planning and organisational development process, including the development of a business plan, income generation and fundraising strategy, governance review, and audience engagement development plan.

Image © John Gilbert, Under One Roof

BEFS News

Most urban Scots live in flats, and we’re all aware that these buildings can pose real challenges to residents when it comes to maintenance, energy efficiency, repairs and relations with neighbours and owners. The Scottish Civic Trust, in collaboration with Built Environment Forum Scotland (BEFS) and Under One Roof are hosting this national conference to discuss issues relating to tenements. Book now for Tenements Today | Tenements Tomorrow on 18th September at The Lighthouse in Glasgow.

Check out the latest additions to our database of Historic Environment case studiesfor inspiration, knowledge exchange and potential contacts working on similar projects and initiatives as you.

Archaeology Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland and the Scottish Council on Archives are delighted to announce the call for contributions to Scotland’s Community Heritage Conference 2019. More details here.

The Scottish Land Commission are seeking the views of communities across Scotland about community engagement in decisions relating to land. Individual residents and community organisations in both urban and rural Scotland are being asked to complete a survey. They hope to find out how the way land or buildings are managed impacts communities, what opportunities people have to influence decisions made when land use changes and hear what type of support is needed to make engagement more effective. Complete the survey here.

Are you prepared for Scotland’s participation in September’s Wiki Loves Monuments– the international photography competition which aims to add openly-licensed pictures of listed buildings and scheduled monuments around the world to the Wikimedia Projects. Last year Scotland uploaded 4411 pictures. Can we beat that number this year?

Consultations

A Consultation on Scotland’s National Transport Strategy
Opened 31 Jul 2019 and closes 23 Oct 2019.

Practical Fire Safety Guidance for existing Specialised Housing and other supported domestic accommodation
Opened 31 Jul 2019 and closes 22 Oct 2019.

Consultation on the Enhanced Heating Regimes within the new definition of Fuel Poverty
Closes 16 Aug 2019.

Call for Evidence on the Long-Term Financial Sustainability of Local Government
The closing date for receipt of submissions is Friday 23 August 2019.

Are Scotland’s Roads Funded Properly?
The deadline for submissions is 6 September 2019.

The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (Scotland) Regulations 2019
Closes 13 Sep 2019.

Committee investigates environmental impact of travel and tourism
Submissions should be made by 5pm on Friday 13 September.

Consultation on the Right to Buy Land to Further Sustainable Development
Closes 19 Sep 2019.

Consultation Responses

The Culture, Tourism, Europe & External Affairs Committee has published written evidence to its External Affairs Inquiry. Written evidence has been submitted from various organisations, including from Highlands & Islands Enterprise, Historic Environment Scotland, the Scottish Funding Council and VisitScotland.

Publications

The Big Climate Conversation: community conversation pack (SG 07/08/19)

A Design Thinking Guide How to think about changes in historic places of worship (empowering design practices)

Facing the crisis: Rethinking economics for the age of environmental breakdown (IPPR 01/08/19)

Compulsory Purchase Orders: guidance for landowners (SG 31/07/19)

Practical fire safety guidance for existing specialised housing and other supported domestic accommodation (SG 31/07/19)

Current workstreams: Chief Planner letter July 2019 (SG 30/07/19)

Report on living standards for the Scottish Poverty & Inequality Commission (Resolution Foundation 30/07/19)

Compulsory purchase orders: register (SG 26/07/19)

Planning and Environmental Appeals division: annual review 2018-2019 (SG 25/07/19)

Scottish Government News Releases

European funding for low carbon and active travel (SG 29/07/19)
A third round for the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Low Carbon Travel and Transport Challenge Fund is now open and available for applications.

News Releases

£8 million nature boost for urban communities (SNH 07/08/19)
Almost £8 million of funding has been announced to help people and nature thrive in some of the most deprived parts of Scotland.

One in ten central Edinburgh homes advertised on Airbnb (The Times 06/08/19)
Lucrative Airbnb rentals are fuelling Edinburgh’s housing crisis, with more than one in ten city centre properties being promoted on the site.

More than 80% of Scots want taxes on holiday let landlords (STV 31/07/19)
The YouGov survey, carried out on behalf of campaigners 38 Degrees, shows 84% who expressed an opinion would support the introduction of more levies.

Minister visits proposed UNESCO site in Flow Country (SNH 30/07/19)
Minister for the Natural Environment, Mairi Gougeon, visited the Flow Country’s proposed UNESCO World Heritage Site today.

RIAS Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award 2019 (RIAS 29/07/19)
The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) has announced a shortlist of 7 projects for its celebrated RIAS Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award.

Local Place Plans (PAS 26/07/19)
Local Place Plans are a new type of plan giving people an opportunity to develop proposals for the development and use of land in the place where they live. We’ve put some thoughts together on how they might work.

Landscape Character Assessment – Updated! (SNH 24/07/19)
The Landscape Character Assessment for Scotland has been revised and is now available from SNH’s website. Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) is the process of identifying and describing variation in character of the landscape.  Scotland, which was the first country to achieve full coverage of LCA, now has a digital map based assessment.

Opinion & Comment

Flexible working options are key in making construction a more attractive and progressive career choice for female talent, according to an RICS poll (UK Construction 06/08/19)

Long-term vision for islands needs clarity (RTPI Scotland 30/07/19)

Edinburgh is now effectively run by tourist industry (Cliff Hague 30/07/19) 

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-24515: Maurice Golden, West Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 29/07/2019
To ask the Scottish Government what it is doing to ensure that councils comply with their statutory duty to keep a register of contaminated land.

Question S5W-24516: Alex Rowley, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 30/07/2019
To ask the Scottish Government what progress it is making with its £50 million town centre fund.

Question S5W-24611: Andy Wightman, Lothian, Scottish Green Party, Date Lodged: 02/08/2019
To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to ensure that (a) tenants and (b) landlords are better informed about the rights of private-rented sector tenants.

Question S5W-24610: Andy Wightman, Lothian, Scottish Green Party, Date Lodged: 02/08/2019
To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to address the findings in the paper, Review of Tenancy Deposit Schemes in Scotland, that nearly half of landlords did not know about letting agent registration or the letting agent code of practices, and that over 60% did not know about the First-Tier Tribunal for Scotland.

Question S5W-24612: Andy Wightman, Lothian, Scottish Green Party, Date Lodged: 02/08/2019
To ask the Scottish Government how it will work with tenancy deposit schemes to ensure that all tenants receive their deposits back on time, in light of the finding in the paper, Review of Tenancy Deposit Schemes in Scotland, that one-third did not.

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-24286: Graham Simpson, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 09/07/2019
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to all five pathfinder housing firstpilots reportedly being behind in meeting their June 2019 targets.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (05/08/2019)

Question S5W-24341: Michelle Ballantyne, South Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 15/07/2019
To ask the Scottish Government how the amount awarded from the next round of Coastal Communities Fund awards will compare with the previous levels.
Answered by Roseanna Cunningham (02/08/2019)

Question S5W-24358: Finlay Carson, Galloway and West Dumfries, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 16/07/2019 R
To ask the Scottish Government what measures it has taken to support the work of the Scottish Land Commission since September 2018.
Answered by Roseanna Cunningham (06/08/2019)

Events

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

Stone, Digital Documentation, and Energy Improvements
Date & time: Friday 9 August; 9.30am – 12.15pm.
Venue: The Engine Shed.
Hear from Historic Environment Scotland experts on how to source and select stone for repairs, improve energy efficiency in traditional buildings and receive an introduction to digital documentation. Run in conjunction with the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. This event is free, but booking is essential. The book your place, please visit our website.

Falkland Craft Symposium 2019
Dates: Fri. 23 Aug 2019 – Sat. 24 Aug 2019.
Location: Centre for Stewardship, The Stables, Falkland Estate, Falkland KY15 7AF.
Welcome to the fourth Craft Symposium hosted by the Centre for Stewardship on Falkland Estate. Friday’s programme is a day of lectures geared at professionals (for CPD) and anyone with a serious interest in the historic environment. Saturday’s programme celebrates the William Morris Craft Fellows and Scholars of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings and look to create a dialogue with a wide spectrum of heritage professionals in Scotland including and especially those who are working with Historic Environment Scotland, National Trust for Scotland, the team responsible for the recreation of the Glasgow School of Art and the several national, county or city heritage organisations of Scotland. We aim to create opportunities for dialogue using the historic environment of the Falkland Estate and of the Royal Burgh of Scotland as our theatre for discussion.

HTN and SCT Event: Claim that Funding!
Date & time: Wed, 28 August 2019, 09:30 – 16:00.
Venue: The Acorn Centre, West High Street, Inverurie AB51 3SA.
Members often tell us that Full Cost Recovery (particularly for those embarking on a National Lottery Heritage Fund application) is one of their biggest challenges, along with evaluating and measuring the impact of their project. Pamela Redpath will be delivering training on both topics and will be available to answer questions throughout the day. We will also hear from local heritage case studies, including the team at the Garioch Heritage Centre, whilst making sure that there is plenty of time for attendees to network, problem solve and share their news. This is a joint event run by the Heritage Trust Network and the Scottish Civic Trust, attendance is free for members of both organisations. Not a member of HTN or SCT yet? You are welcome to join us for one free event before signing up.

Monuments in Monuments 2019
Date & times: Monday 2 – Wednesday 4 September 2019; 10am – 4pm.
Venue: The Engine Shed
Full ticket: £300. Day tickets: £120
This conference explores the conservation challenges facing carved stones and objects inside historic buildings. Hear from specialists from all over the world about how traditional skills, emerging technology and conservation science are helping to overcome these challenges. You can buy full conference or individual day tickets. Student rates are available. For more information and to book, please visit our website.

Bridging the Old and the New: Casting New Light on North Bridge
Date: Thursday 5 September 2019; 3pm or 6pm.
Venue: Glenfiddich & Balvenie Suites at the Scotsman Hotel, 20 North Bridge.
As the conservation work to North Bridge approaches an important milestone, Adam Wilkinson, Director of Edinburgh World Heritage will give a new lecture on the background and significance of the original North Bridge, development and change in and around the bridge, and the radical reshaping of this part of the city at the close of the 19th century.  It will be a chance to learn more about the history of our city through the story of this important part of the World Heritage Site. The lecture will run in the afternoon and evening. Tickets are available for £6 (members) or £12 (general).

IPTW: Crafting the Future
Date: Thursday 5 – Saturday 7 September 2019
Venue: The Engine Shed
Full conference ticket: £280. Day ticket: £120. Additional conference dinner: £80.
We are delighted to be hosting the first International Preservation Trades Workshop (IPTW) held outside of the US, in partnership with The Preservation Trades Network (PTN). This unique event brings together practitioners of traditional trades to share skills, knowledge and best practice. Enjoy a packed programme with craft demonstrations from both the USA and the UK, lectures, tours and more. On Saturday 7 September, everyone from families to enthusiasts will be able to see traditional crafts up close at our free demonstrations. The event will close with a ceilidh and auction in the magnificent Great Hall at Stirling Castle. The proceeds from the renowned PTN auction are used to fund educational bursaries and specific projects.
We are looking for a variety of craft demonstrators with varying experience willing to showcase their skills. If you are interested, please fill out our application form accessible on our webpage here, and return to ian.walker@hes.scot or charles.jones@hes.scot.

Traditional Skills Festival
Dates & time: Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th September, 11am-4pm.
Venue: Cockenzie House & Gardens, Cockenzie, East Lothian, EH32 0HY
East Lothian Council and the Cockenzie Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme are hosting a two day skills festival, celebrating the skills of East Lothian and the built heritage of Cockenzie.  Visitors can have a go at activities from stone carving, salt making, woodworking and metal casting to sketching, stitching and stained glass making. Free. Drop-in event. Some workshops are pre-bookable on the day. Parking is limited please consider using public transport. The programme will vary slightly on each day. For more information email wmalkin@eastlothian.gov.uk or phone 07866 927 663.

Insight Tour: Dunkeld Cathedral 
Date: Thursday 3 October 2019
Costs: £18 Historic Environment Scotland member. £20 Non-members.
Dunkeld Cathedral is an ancient place, and was once a Pictish monastery before the cathedral was built. The construction of Dunkeld Cathedral took about 250 years, from the mid-1200s to the late 1400s. Today, the site remains in ecclesiastical use. Hear about the Cathedral’s past and current conservation works from a Historic Environment Scotland (HES) architect. Climb the scaffolding to see the masonry replacement works up close and learn more about how we have been adapting to climate change at Dunkeld Cathedral.

RIAS Convention 2019 – Climate of Opinion
Date: 4 – 5 October 2019
Venue: EICC, The Exchange, 150 Morrison Street, Edinburgh EH3 8EE
This year’s event combines the conference and Doolan Award for Best Building in Scotland. Climate of Opinion takes place in Edinburgh with a day of discussion, debate and celebration around designing for climate resilience, diversity and northern Europe. The A&DS and RIAS student awards ceremony will also take place and the students will exhibit their work. In the evening you can join our convention speakers, the Scottish Government and Doolan family in the stunning surroundings of the National Museum of Scotland to celebrate the Best Building in Scotland Award, presented by Cabinet Secretary Aileen Campbell. The event will be rounded off on the Saturday morning with building visits and a city tour exploring some of Edinburgh’s award winning architecture.

AHSS Lecture with Kirsten Carter McKee – Calton Hill and the Plans for Edinburgh’s Third New Town
Date & time: Monday 7th October 2019 at 6.30pm.
Venue: St Andrew’s and St George’s West Church, 13 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PA.
Admission: £5.00 (Students free). Non-members welcome.
Dr Kirsten Carter McKee, author of a recent book on Calton Hill, will show how the architectural expression of Calton Hill has been perceived, accepted and rejected as ideas surrounding cultural identity, governance and nationalism have changed over the last two hundred years.

Future Planning: Designing Places in a Climate Emergency
Date: Tuesday 8th October 2019
Venue: University of Strathclyde Technology & Innovation Centre, Glasgow.
Continuing trends towards urbanisation and the pressing realities of a climate emergency require us to urgently revaluate how we plan, design and build the ways we live in and move around our urban environments. For a future-proofed, long-term approach to planning and delivery, resilience, liveability, and sustainability must become the essential building blocks of our towns and cities. This is supported by concurrent changes to the Scottish Planning Bill, on-going public health reform work, the Vacant & Derelict Land Initiative, and changing population demographics. The conference is bringing together key stakeholders and agencies across the planning, housing and built environment sectors. This event counts towards CPD provision for planners and is part of the Planning Skills Series. For all enquiries, contact conference@ecosystemsknowledge.net. Organised by the Ecosystems Knowledge Network in partnership with Scottish Natural Heritage’s Green Infrastructure Fund.

Training

CPD: Micro-grouting as a technique to prevent water ingress in ashlar masonry
Date & time: Wed 28th August, 12-1:30pm
Venue: Glasgow City Heritage Trust, 54 Bell Street, Glasgow G1 1LQ.
Mortar grouting as a consolidation method was successfully trialled at the Robert Burns Monument in Alloway in 2018. Kinlay Laidlaw of Laidlaw Surveying will deliver an in-depth examination of the techniques, applications, and lessons learned, including technical demonstrations.

Weekend Workshop: Gilding and Gold Leaf
Date & time: Sat 31st August, 10am-4pm.
Venue: Glasgow City Heritage Trust, 54 Bell Street, Glasgow G1 1LQ.
For millennia, gilding has been the crowning enrichment of architectural decoration. From stone, to plasterwork, to glass, it has enduringly been the ultimate expression of luxury and opulence in buildings. Led by Frank Carty of Artisan Artworks, participants will learn the technique of gilding on different surfaces. The morning will be spent on stone and plasterwork, and after lunch the afternoon session will focus on glass-gilding, including constructing and inking letters in the style of traditional signwriting.

Live Build: Creating Victorian Mosaics
Date & time: Mon Sept 2nd-Wed Sept 4th all day
Venue: Glasgow City Heritage Trust, 54 Bell Street, Glasgow G1 1LQ.
Take place in an actual restoration project by cutting and assembling the High Street Victorian mosaics! Join us at our offices for a unique chance to learn by doing: After a sad loss of many original mosaic entryways along the High Street, they are now being rebuilt and reinstated – it’s all happening here, and we need your help to do it!

Drawing the City: A Sketching Workshop at the Necropolis and Cathedral
Date & time: Sun Sept 8th, 2-5pm
Venue: Glasgow City Heritage Trust, 54 Bell Street, Glasgow G1 1LQ.
Frank Boyle, former cartoonist for the Tribune and Edinburgh Evening News, will lead guided sketching instruction around Glasgow Cathedral precinct and Necropolis, with afternoon tea at the Cathedral House Hotel. Materials, seating, and afternoon tea all included.

Practical CPD: Stone Cleaning
Date & time: Wed. Sept 18th, 12-1:30pm
Venue: Glasgow City Heritage Trust, 54 Bell Street, Glasgow G1 1LQ.
We all enjoy a beautiful, clean building, but cleaning stone buildings can be a double-edged sword. Graeme Frame of the Stone Federation will lead a practical session on the appropriate and inappropriate applications of different stone cleaning methods. This session will be valuable to enthusiasts and homeowners as well as to professionals.

Vacancies

Learning Officer
Archaeology Scotland is the leading independent charity working to inspire communities, amateurs and professionals to discover, explore, care for and enjoy the past. We are the lead body for delivery of Aim 4 of Scotland’s Archaeology Strategy which is about encouraging greater engagement. An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the team as Learning Officer.
Closing Date for Applications: 5pm on Sunday 18th August 2019.

Skills Investment Plan Manager
The Skills Investment Plan Manager is a new role within Historic Environment Scotland’s Development & Partnership directorate. Candidates should have exceptional communication and facilitation skills, a methodical approach to capturing, analysing and presenting information, strong project management and planning skills, and proven experience of effective partnership working. They will be expected to work across HES and with key partners in the historic environment sector and beyond to support the implementation and monitoring of the SIP.
Closing Date: 21 August 2019 at midday.

Trustees
Glasgow City Heritage Trust is an independent charity and grant funder. Through our grant programmes we enable projects which promote the understanding, appreciation and conservation of Glasgow’s historic built environment. An opportunity has arisen for two Trustees to join the GCHT’s Board.

BEFS News

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has commissioned an evaluation of ‘Our Place in Time – The Historic Environment Strategy for Scotland’. This is an opportunity to provide feedback on the achievements of the strategy, future priorities, as well as identify any areas for improvement around structures and delivery arrangements. The deadline for responding to the survey is Friday 2nd August 2019.

This week is also the last chance to submit your project or initiative as a best practice case study for the OPiT performance report 2019 and BEFS online database.

In addition to the OPiT evaluation, HES is conducting a major survey about how historic sites and heritage places affect our wellbeing. HES is also seeking your views as part of an evaluation of the activities of the Engine Shed.

Save the date! Following the Scottish Parliament’s debate on the recommendations of the Working Group on Tenement Maintenance earlier this month, a date has been set for a Tenement Maintenance Conference on 18th September 2019 in Glasgow.

We are also delighted to see City of Edinburgh Council have put forward tenement maintenance for a CivTech® Challenge. Part of the Scottish Government’s Digital Directorate, CivTech® brings together public sector expertise and private sector creativity to solve real problems. Find out more about the challenge ‘How can we use technology to manage the property condition of communal areas in privately owned tenements?’ and how to apply, here.

Have you submitted your views on the Scottish Archaeological Research Framework (ScARF)? The survey seeks views from everyone who has used or contributed to ScARF and will close on the 31st of July.

Archaeology Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland and the Scottish Council on Archives are delighted to announce the call for contributions to Scotland’s Community Heritage Conference 2019. More details here.

As members of the steering group, BEFS is delighted to announce that booking is now open for ‘Future Planning: Designing Places in a Climate Emergency’ on 8 October 2019 in Glasgow.

Finally, check out BEFS suggestions for the Edinburgh International Book Festival, covering topics that have or may affect Scotland’s built environment.

As you will undoubtedly be aware, new UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has chosen the members of his cabinet, which includes Nicky Morgan MP as Culture Secretary, Alister Jack MP as Scottish Secretary and Robert Jenrick MP as Housing & Communities Secretary.

Consultations

Committee investigates environmental impact of travel and tourism
The Environmental Audit Committee launches an inquiry into sustainable tourism, looking at both the impacts of tourism and travel on the environment and how these can be reduced. Submissions should be made by 5pm on Friday 13 September.

Call for Evidence on the Long-Term Financial Sustainability of Local Government
The Scottish Parliament’s Local Government and Communities Committee has today, 2 July 2019, launched a call for written evidence on its pre-budget scrutiny into the long-term financial sustainability of local government. The closing date for receipt of submissions is Friday 23 August 2019.

Building a safer future: proposals for reform of the building safety regulatory system
Closes 31 July 2019.

Proposed Fair Rents (Scotland) Bill
Consultation closes on 6 August 2019.

Consultation on the Enhanced Heating Regimes within the new definition of Fuel Poverty
Closes 16 Aug 2019.

Are Scotland’s Roads Funded Properly? 
The deadline for submissions is 6 September 2019.

The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (Scotland) Regulations 2019
Closes 13 Sep 2019.

Consultation on the Right to Buy Land to Further Sustainable Development
Closes 19 Sep 2019.

Consultation Responses

Scottish climate change adaptation programme 2019-2024: analysis of responses to consultation (SG 12/07/19)

Publications

Perceived Authenticity on the Royal Mile – Research Summary (EWH 25/07/19)

Cultural Heritage Innovation – Opportunities for International Development (UK UNESCO 22/07/19)

Planning for a Smart Energy Future Report (RTPI 18/07/19)

Building regulations and fire safety: consultation response and connected issues (House of Commons
Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee 15/07/19)

Building standards technical handbook 2019: domestic buildings (SG 12/07/19)

Building standards technical handbook 2019: non-domestic buildings (SG 12/07/19)

Building standards technical handbooks 2019: summary of changes (SG 12/07/19)

Energy efficiency regulations in Scotland: warmer homes for private tenants (Shepherd+Wedderburn 12/07/19)

Heritage 2020 – Mapping collaborative interactions between Higher Education Institutions in the UK and the Heritage Sector (Newcastle University 05/19)

Industrial Districts: Rethinking Strategies for Adaptive Reuse (Detroit future city 04/19)

Detroit Industrial Adaptive Reuse Initiative: Trends and Case Studies in North America and Western Europe (Detroit Future city 03/19)

Scottish Government News Releases

Planning application decision times published (SG 23/07/19)
The average decision time for Local Development decisions in 2018-19 matched the quickest average decision time since 2012-13.

Strengthening fire safety and building standards (SG 12/07/19)
Fire safety is to be strengthened in new high rise buildings and facilities for people with disabilities improved in larger new buildings.

News Releases

New research highlights threats facing Edinburgh’s Royal Mile (EWH 25/07/19)
New research published today by Edinburgh World Heritage concerning the authenticity of the Royal Mile reveals the threats and opportunities facing the historic thoroughfare in the heart of the Old Town.

Cultural Heritage Innovation – Opportunities for International Development (UK UNESCO 22/07/19)
The UK’s National Commission for UNESCO (UKNC) report shows how the UK is world-leading in innovation in its cultural heritage sector.

Concern over lack of interest in new community land-buying powers (P&J 22/07/19)
New community land-buying powers have not been used at all since they were introduced more than a year ago, leading to claims the law is not “fit for purpose”.

Inquiry into future of the National Lottery launched (AP 19/07/19)
The DCMS Committee will consider what help funding distributors need to manage “changing trends” in returns to good causes.

Stirling prize 2019 shortlist (Guardian 18/07/19)
Energy efficiency is a priority this year as a railway station, visitor centre, social housing project and opera house vie for the RIBA award for British building of the year.

Planning out of sync with net zero-carbon future, RTPI report finds (RTPI 18/07/19)
Planning needs to change to support a smooth transition to a net zero-carbon future, says a new report published by the RTPI.

Three New Reports Explore Strategies for Reusing Vacant Industrial Properties & Revitalising their Neighbourhoods (Revitalisation 15/07/19)

New partnership for Orkney’s World Heritage Site (HES 11/07/19)
An ambitious new partnership to shape the future direction for Orkney’s World Heritage Site has been unveiled today.

Stone, Sea and Sky: Architects’ and Artist Briefs (SCT 11/07/19)
The Scottish Civic Trust is coordinating an ambitious place-making project across Scotland’s islands this summer supported by the LEADER programme. We’re looking for architects and artists to support us by delivering a range of activities from July-September.

How council housing changed lives in Scotland (BBC 03/07/19)
This year marks 100 years since a landmark piece of legislation paved the way for council housing. Local government correspondent Jamie McIvor looks at how it developed in Scotland.

Opinion & Comment

Do “the creative industries” really matter for city economies? (CityMetric 19/07/19)

How setting national climate budgets obscure the need to really tackle the climate emergency (Cliff Hague 17/07/19)

I’ve seen the future and it’s Norwich: the energy-saving, social housing revolution (Guardian 16/07/19)

Improving public health through planning is a no brainer (RTPI Scotland 15/07/19)

Should we build cities from scratch? (Guardian 10/07/19)

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-24358: Finlay Carson, Galloway and West Dumfries, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 16/07/2019 R
To ask the Scottish Government what measures it has taken to support the work of the Scottish Land Commission since September 2018.

Question S5W-24341: Michelle Ballantyne, South Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 15/07/2019
To ask the Scottish Government how the amount awarded from the next round of Coastal Communities Fund awards will compare with the previous levels.

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-23989: Alex Cole-Hamilton, Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats, Date Lodged: 24/06/2019
To ask the Scottish Government what progress it is making with its commitment to deliver 50,000 affordable homes in the current parliamentary session.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (15/07/2019)

Question S5W-24217: Alex Cole-Hamilton, Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats, Date Lodged: 03/07/2019
To ask the Scottish Government, of the 35,000 homes for social rent due to be delivered by the end of this parliamentary session, how many have (a) been completed and (b) started construction.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (15/07/2019)

Question S5W-24145: Alex Cole-Hamilton, Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats, Date Lodged: 02/07/2019
To ask the Scottish Government how many of the 50,000 affordable homes that it has committed to building in the current parliamentary session have started construction.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (15/07/2019)

Question S5W-24130: Alex Cole-Hamilton, Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats, Date Lodged: 02/07/2019
To ask the Scottish Government what percentage of social landlords currently meet its minimum site standards for Gypsy/Travellers, broken down by local authority.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (18/07/2019)

Events

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

Walter Scott’s Romantic Landscape: Abbotsford Gardens Study Day
Date & time: 27 July 2019, 11am – 4pm
Since 2014 Gardens Heritage Development Manager Pippa Coles has been overseeing the rehabilitation of the gardens and policies at Abbotsford. With Pippa as our guide for the day, we shall begin with a brief introduction, followed by an examination of the formal gardens and terraces surrounding the house. After lunch in the Ochiltrees Café, we shall explore the wider landscape created by Walter Scott as the setting for his romantic creation.  This will be an opportunity to see work in progress, and to discuss the challenges of managing this iconic landscape.
Cost: £20.00 SGLH Members, £30 Non-members
For further information or to book, please contact info@sglh.org.

Your Town: Clear, Green, Sustainable and Healthier
Date & time: Tuesday 27 August 2019 | 13:30-16:30
Venue: Tontine Building, 20 Trongate, Glasgow G1 5ES
Join Scotland’s Towns Partnership to discuss the importance of creating and promoting spaces for active and healthy communities; encouraging people to engage with the places they live in; and the potential for added-value for the local economy.
•    Key context speakers on national support and advice.
•    Practical planning toolkit exercise.
•    Town surgery sessions – seek out solutions and ideas for your town.
•    Exchange news and ideas with Scotland’s towns community of practitioners.
Attendance is free for STP members, and £50+VAT for non-members. Not a member? Join now and enjoy all-year-round access to free learning events; being part of a community of practitioners; and a range of toolkits and funding supports!

Scottish Living History Festival
Date & time: Saturday 31st August, 11:00am-5:00pm
Location: Callendar House and Park, Falkirk
As part of Archaeology Scotland’s 75th-anniversary celebrations, they are planning a special, family orientated, free event for the public to enjoy – the Scottish Living History Festival!
This interactive, fun-filled and educational event will take place on Saturday 31st August at the amazing Callendar House museum and outside in its wonderful designed landscape in Falkirk. Meet stars of TV, Professor Dame Sue Black and actress Georgia Hirst (Torvi) from the hit show Vikings!  Bring the kids to have a go at lots of different activities, re-enactments, talks and workshops. If you wish to support or sponsor this event, check out their Crowdfunder page for unique rewards and more information! To keep up to date with new announcements and giveaways be sure to click “Interested” or “Going” on their Facebook Event Page.

Creating Better Places for Scotland’s Gypsy/Traveller Community
Date: October 1st 2019.
Venue: Saracen House, Glasgow.
The Gypsy/Traveller community is deeply rooted in Scotland with its long history and culture. Despite this, Gypsy/Travellers are too often marginalised and excluded from decisions that affect them. This event is an ideal opportunity for Gypsy/Travellers, local and national government officers, elected representatives at local and national level, planners, community planning, community councillors, public health professionals, employers, infrastructure providers and all other relevant stakeholders to engage with other thought leaders and potential partners that can help forge solutions to the challenges faced by the community.

Future Planning: Designing Places in a Climate Emergency
Date: Tuesday 8th October 2019
Venue: University of Strathclyde Technology & Innovation Centre, Glasgow.
Continuing trends towards urbanisation and the pressing realities of a climate emergency require us to urgently revaluate how we plan, design and build the ways we live in and move around our urban environments. For a future-proofed, long-term approach to planning and delivery, resilience, liveability, and sustainability must become the essential building blocks of our towns and cities. This is supported by concurrent changes to the Scottish Planning Bill, on-going public health reform work, the Vacant & Derelict Land Initiative, and changing population demographics. The conference is bringing together key stakeholders and agencies across the planning, housing and built environment sectors. This event counts towards CPD provision for planners and is part of the Planning Skills Series. To find out more and book visit the website. For all enquiries, contact conference@ecosystemsknowledge.net. Organised by the Ecosystems Knowledge Network in partnership with Scottish Natural Heritage’s Green Infrastructure Fund.

22nd Annual Plenderleith Memorial Lecture
Date & time: 28 November 2019; 18:00 – 19:30.
Venue: The Lighthouse, 11 Mitchell Lane, Glasgow G1 3NU.
After the dust has settled – rediscovering the spirit of the Mackintosh. So much of the fabric of the iconic Glasgow School of Art building was destroyed in the devastating fire of June 2018 – the building currently exists largely in the virtual world of recordings, drawings, scholarly essays and memories. Over a year later, the Mackintosh Building is slowly beginning to piece together its future again, a journey of making the intangible tangible. The philosophy behind achieving this is still being developed and challenged by the team responsible and by the wider community of interest. Icon Scotland Group is delighted to welcome Project Manager Liz Davidson who will explore the task of the reconstruction project for this year’s Harold Plenderleith Memorial Lecture.

Training

ILM Leadership Course 
MGS, supported by the Social Enterprise Academy, are delivering a two stage ILM Leadership course programme in 2019/20. The first programme, Developing your Leadership is a six-day course split over three months. It will help you develop your knowledge and understanding of leadership roles, gain clarity about leadership concepts and behaviours and reflect on and gain confidence in your own leadership approach. The second programme, Leading Growth, is a five-day course split over three months that will further develop your listening, coaching and general leadership skills. On completion of both accredited courses delegates can choose to further their leadership learning and enrol in the Napier University BA in Business and Enterprise, leading to a degree qualification.
The Leadership programme offers complete flexibility. You can choose to undertake one course, two courses, or continue to degree level. Accreditation to ILM is optional however in order to progress to the next course you must achieve accreditation by passing the required criteria.
MGS is offering these courses at a discounted rate to those within the museums and galleries and third sectors. Places are limited and expected to sell out fast. To see full course details and book, visit the website. For more information please contact our Senior Skills Development Manager, John Campbell on 0131 550 4131 or johnc@museumsgalleriesscotland.org.uk.

Vacancies

Casework Officer
Historic Environment Scotland are seeking a casework officer to join their historic buildings casework team on a 12-month contract.
Closing Date: 14 August 2019 at midday.

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

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