Laura MacDonald, Neighbourhoods and Communities programme, University of Glasgow, shares what happened to the built environment in Scotland in one year.
First published on the University of Glasgow website on 2nd August 2019.
Our neighbourhood environments change and evolve often; some changes are minor, while others involve major transformation. Change can take various forms; green space created or removed, existing housing or amenities demolished, new housing estates built, new motorways created, or existing transport infrastructure modified or extended. Change may affect neighbourhood residents’ physical or mental health, or health-related behaviours, to their benefit or to their detriment. To study how change in our neighbourhoods might affect our health we need robust information but data showing how our neighbourhoods are changing, at a fine geographic scale, for the whole of Scotland, did not exist – until now. This is why we created the atlas and an interactive mapping application.
Background
The UK has some of the best longitudinal data (that is, where repeated observations of the same subjects are collected at various points over time to study change), about people’s lives and their health in the world. This information has proved incredibly useful in understanding health, including how differences in the health of the most and least deprived have developed over time, and how changes in peoples’ individual circumstances can affect their chances of good health.
In order to understand the role of neighbourhood in protecting or harming health, we also need longitudinal data on environment which we could join to these data on individuals. Some environmental characteristics, such as air pollution, are quite well captured over time but there is a particular gap in data about the built and natural environment. The built environment refers to man-made surroundings that provide settings for human activity; scales ranging from buildings to parks. There are various changes in the built and natural environment that happen and are recorded locally. However, there is not much data of this kind available at a national level. Existing available data includes static maps (see figure 1) where change is not quantified, or research where change is shown in small areas only (see figure 2).
What did we do?
Figure 1. OML data overlaid by grid
OS Open Map Local data (OML) were downloaded from EDINA Digimap for Scotland for 2016 and 2017. OML is a free, detailed, street-level data mapping product (see figure 1). A Geographic Information System (GIS) was used to create small comparable units, called grids, for the whole of Scotland containing 500m by 500m grid cells. We calculated change in features over time within each grid cell. For 2016 and for 2017, buildings, roads, and woodland, were spatially joined to grid cells. For each cell we calculated:
- number of buildings
- sum of length of road section
- sum of area of woodland
- building, road and woodland change between time points
We then calculated the proportion of cells with changes in buildings, roads or woodland for Scotland as a whole, and by Council Area.
What did we find?
There were a number of changes within grid cell areas across Scotland:
- 11.6% of cells lost/gained buildings
- 12.2% lost/gained roads
- 20.2% lost/gained woodland
For the majority of cells, changes were small; most cells lost/gained <10 buildings, <1000m of road, or <1000m² of woodland. An example of extensive change in all three features can be seen in the Google Earth images in figure 2. Between 2016 and 2017 a new estate, identified through our atlas, was built in this area in South Lanarkshire. Our method provides a way to highlight this type of new development that, until now, was difficult to find unless enquiring locally. There appeared to be a great deal of change within one year, it has therefore been valuable for us to develop this robust methodology to measure and quantify it.
Figure 2. 2016-2017 change in buildings, roads and woodland (Google Earth, 2019)
What were the challenges?
In the atlas we reported on what appeared to be physical change but we cannot see from the information provided whether changes are physically real on the ground, are data errors, or due to features being re-categorised without physically changing (e.g. some paths in public parks were re-categorised as roads between 2016 and 2017). Figure 2 shows change in one area; it’s beyond the scope of this project to validate all changes. However, we have created the first large scale and comparable small scale dataset that pinpoints change in the environment, and the extent of that change across Scotland.
What’s next?
We hope to include additional environmental features, and look at change over a longer period of time. We will then join this information on change to health and health-related behaviour data, asking questions about the extent to which they have been affected. We can use our data to understand how, and which, specific changes within peoples’ neighbourhoods may disadvantage or benefit their health and behaviours, e.g. mental health, morbidity rates, death rates, road traffic accidents and active commuting etc.
Are you interested in learning more about this research?
If you have any questions about this research please contact laura.macdonald@glasgow.ac.uk
Download the atlas in PDF format. An accompanying interactive mapping tool is available on the CRESH website.
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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)
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)
Current workstreams: Chief Planner letter July 2019 (SG 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
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.
Get the latest built environment news, commentary, publications, policy development, parliamentary questions, vacancies and more.
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
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 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)
Industrial Districts: Rethinking Strategies for Adaptive Reuse (Detroit future city 04/19)
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.
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)
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.
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Check out the built environment related events taking place at the Edinburgh International Book Festival this August.
NEXT STEPS TO SAVING THE PLANET
From Carbon’s Casualties to Climate Solutions
Sun 11 Aug 19:30 – 21:00
Since 2015, Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times photographer Josh Haner has documented the realities of climate change across the globe. His photo series Carbon’s Casualties explores the many consequences of a warming world, offering the space to consider solutions. Join us for a special discussion with Haner, acclaimed Australian novelist and campaigner Tim Winton and Laura Watts, whose Energy at the End of World offers a way forward through Orkney’s role as a centre for energy innovation. In collaboration with Beyond Borders.
Siân Reynolds & Sara Sheridan
Mon 12 Aug 10:30 – 11:30
Meet two women on a feminist mission. Former Stirling University professor Siân Reynolds is one of the editors of The New Biographical Dictionary of Scottish Women. Join her in conversation with local author Sara Sheridan whose guidebook Where Are The Women? is a radical reimagining of Scottish heritage and landscape to include the women who were there all along. Chaired by Susan Stewart.
Michael Anderson
Tue 13 Aug 11:00 – 12:00
Distinguished academic Michael Anderson – a stalwart at the University of Edinburgh for 40 years who has been honoured with an OBE – discusses the change in Scotland’s population since the 1850s. Exploring issues such as rural settlement, migration, deprivation and industrial investment, Anderson offers a comparison between Scotland’s population shifts and those in the rest of Europe.
Alan Powers
Sat 17 Aug 17:30 – 18:30
In its centenary year, the Bauhaus art school’s legacy continues to gather momentum. Art curator and journalist Alan Powers adds to the discussion with Bauhaus Goes West, which looks at how the movement landed in Britain and America following the closure of the original school by the Nazis in 1933. Through this event, Powers seeks to re-evaluate the influence of Bauhaus on modern art and design.
Murray Pittock
Sun 18 Aug 10:30 – 11:30
Professor of English Literature at Glasgow University, Murray Pittock’s work focuses on Edinburgh and its civic development across the 17th and 18th centuries. Some of the main drivers of national cultural change, including newspapers, gentry politics and coffee house culture, were based in the city but what was the real reason for Edinburgh’s Enlightenment? Find out as Pittock discusses his fascinating study with John Gordon.
THE CLEARANCES AND THE SCOTTISH PEOPLE
Tom Devine
Sun 18 Aug 18:45 – 19:45
The Clearances of the 18th and 19th centuries helped shape the nation we know today, but historians have struggled to define what happened. Scotland’s leading historian, Sir Tom Devine, brings us The Scottish Clearances, his authoritative, readable and even-handed account. Today, he sets the record straight, conjuring the voices of the dispossessed and exploding myths about this defining period for Scotland and its people.
Philip Long & Joanna Norman
Mon 19 Aug 10:00 – 11:00
Philip Long is director of the V&A Dundee and co-editor of The Story of Scottish Design. Together with Joanna Norman, curator of the museum’s Scottish Design Galleries, Long presents a broad survey of 500 years of great Scottish design and pioneering designers, from textiles to technology, furniture to video games. Long and Norman discuss the importance of design (and a certain new building).
Tracey Thorn
Mon 19 Aug 20:30 – 21:30
Returning to our roots can be tough, revealing and, as Tracey Thorn discovers in Another Planet, inspiring. The singer-songwriter behind Everything But The Girl follows up her bestselling Bedsit Disco Queen with a wonderfully witty walk through the maligned suburbia of her youth. Today, Thorn shares hilarious recollections of the physical and emotional cul-de-sacs of her Green Belt upbringing and its lasting impact.
Miles Glendinning, Stefan Muthesius & Stefi Orazi
Tue 20 Aug 12:30 – 13:30
Britain faces a housing crisis: what can the nation’s last major building scheme teach us? Architectural historians Miles Glendinning and Stefan Muthesius analyse the high-rise revolution in Towers for the Welfare State. Stefi Orazi widens the perspective with Modernist Estates — Europe, exploring some of the continent’s housing schemes with input from residents. Today they debate the social impact of what we build.
Ellie Harrison & Jemma Neville
Tue 20 Aug 14:00 – 15:00
Meet two activists who dig beneath the stereotypes to real lived experience. Jemma Neville campaigned for human rights law, and in Constitution Street explores global rights issues through the stories of the residents of one road in Leith. ‘Think Global, Act Local’ is the inspiration for artist-activist Ellie Harrison, and in her new book The Glasgow Effect she sheds light on the inequality and disconnection of people in Glasgow communities, putting forward a new vision for sustainable living. The two authors discuss their ideas with fellow writer and social historian Daniel Gray.
Finlay McKichan
Wed 21 Aug 11:00 – 12:00
Francis Humberston Mackenzie was a complex man: a profoundly deaf Scot who became Governor of Barbados; a benevolent Highland landowner during the Clearances who went on to own a slave plantation – and fight for slaves rights. Historian Finlay McKichan’s study Lord Seaforth, discussed today, reassesses his story, the connections between Highland and Caribbean communities, and the end of the imperial slave trade.
Iain Sinclair
Wed 21 Aug 11:45 – 12:45
Among our finest voices on the significance of place, Welsh writer and filmmaker Iain Sinclair health checks our relationships with buildings across the world in Living with Buildings and Walking with Ghosts. From Marseille to Mexico, inner London to the Outer Hebrides, Sinclair wonders whether buildings might be affecting our health. Today he shares discoveries on why we project hopes and fears onto structures.
Who Owns Scotland’s Land?
Fri 23 Aug 10:00 – 11:00
Land ownership has been a contentious source of conflict throughout Scotland’s history. Public access and a belief in sharing the landscape has clashed with the economic power and influence held within the land. We explore these issues and the feasibility of land tax with our panel, which includes Andrew Thin, Chair of the Scottish Land Commission, author of Soil and Soul: People versus Corporate Power Alastair McIntosh and publisher and former member of the Scottish Land Review Agnes Rennie. In partnership with Quakers in Scotland.
Mike Berners-Lee
Sun 25 Aug 14:00 – 15:00
Warnings of looming environmental catastrophe rain down on us with increasing frequency, and only the most ardent climate change sceptics deny we live at a crucial point for the Earth’s future. Join sustainability expert Mike Berners-Lee in conversation with WWF’s Tanya Steele, as he cuts through the noise with practical advice on how we can avoid calamity, drawn from his book There is No Planet B, a ‘Handbook for the Make or Break Years’.
For the full programme visit the Edinburgh International Book Festival website.
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Archaeology Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland and the Scottish Council on Archives call for contributions to Scotland’s Community Heritage Conference 2019.
Making Places, Connecting People’ – Call for Papers, Speakers, Displays and Contributions
Date: Saturday 9th November 2019
Venue: Birnam Arts and Conference Centre, Dunkeld and Birnam
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. Returning for its eighth year, the Conference provides a vibrant stage for volunteers, community groups and professionals to network and share experiences, inspiring one another and unlocking the tools that lead to successful projects and fruitful working partnerships.
The conference theme this year is Making Places, Connecting People. Your very involvement in local heritage plays a vital role in defining and celebrating your community, your place. Moreover, by involving your friends and neighbours, you are building and strengthening connections that bring benefits far beyond the aims of individual projects. These are also priorities for government – to help communities discover, cherish and protect the richness that is our heritage, right across Scotland. So we invite you to join us to share your experiences, thoughts and plans in the annual celebration that is Scotland’s Community Heritage Conference!
This year we will be returning to the Birnam Arts and Conference Centre in Perthshire (https://www.birnamarts.com/). Conveniently sited close to the A9 and just a five-minute walk from the railway station, this marvellous building offers an exciting range of spaces for the conference and is fully accessible to those with disabilities. With your help, we will be creating a memorable day of talks, workshops and exhibitions, hearing from you about your involvement with community heritage. As usual, volunteers and members of community groups have priority in the main plenary sessions, but there are also plenty of opportunities for the professional sector to add their skills and energy to the event.
We want to hear from you!
If you would like to be involved, please use the form to tick the option that best suits your proposal, using the boxes to outline your ideas (or to suggest an alternative), and send it to chcscot@gmail.com. Please pass on this invitation to others who might be interested in sharing their experiences – we are sure there are many people, many groups, many communities we haven’t yet reached who could have a huge positive impact on the conference, so help us find them!
Any questions – don’t hesitate to get in touch with the organising team on chcscot@gmail.com.
Closing date for submissions: Sunday 18th August (if you miss it, contact us anyway: no promises, but we’ll see what we can do!).
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Get The Latest Built Environment News, Events, Vacancies, Consultations And Publications In Our News Bulletin.
BEFS News
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has commissioned DC Research to carry out an evaluation of ‘Our Place in Time – The Historic Environment Strategy for Scotland’. This is a mid-term evaluation which seeks to understand and identify what has been achieved so far, as well as looking at priorities for the future, and potential areas for improvement. As part of the evaluation a survey is taking place – please take the time to respond. It should only take 10-12 minutes to complete, and HES are keen to receive responses from a wide range of organisations and individuals. It gives you the 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 is Friday 2nd August 2019.
HES has also launched a major survey about how historic sites and heritage places affect our wellbeing. The research will explore how people use the historic environment across Scotland and the contribution it makes to their lives. The findings will be used to understand how people benefit from Scotland’s historic environment, and to guide the organisation’s work over the next few years. The survey is being carried out by Progressive Partnership and will run until 25 August 2019.
HES would also be grateful if you would complete an evaluation survey about the Engine Shed. This survey is being conducted by Jura Consultants, to inform an evaluation of the delivery of services and activities to date and to take views from the sector and the public on priorities for the future.
Launched in 2012, it is now seven years since the national Scottish Archaeological Research Framework (ScARF) was created and published online. If you have used or been involved in the creation of any of the ScARF resources since then, please take a few moments to complete a short survey. The survey seeks views from everyone who has used or contributed to ScARF and will close on the 31st of July. Please share your views to help plan for the future development of the framework!
The Sustainable Development Goals report ‘On Target for 2030?’ has now been published and is available via the UWS-Oxfam Partnership website here. BEFS contribution to the recent consultation is included in the publication.
Readers may also be interested in Housing to 2040, which sets out the Scottish Government’s draft vision and principles for 2040. It now includes references to existing housing stock and to maintenance which were absent in the initial discussion paper.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed The Big Climate Conversation, which will run nationwide to discuss action to tackle the global climate emergency, will take place in Scotland this summer. The first six engagement events have been scheduled.
Have you signed the latest UK parliamentary petition, Zero-rate VAT on deep retrofit/eco-refurbishment building works on all homes, to cut VAT on ‘energy-saving measures’?
Don’t miss the opportunity to promote your activities! Submit your project as a best practice case study for our historic environment database and the next Our Place in Time (OPiT) performance report. Deadline for submissions is 26th July.
Watch this space for the launch of the full Doors Open Days 2019 – 30th anniversary programme.
Consultations
Are Scotland’s Roads Funded Properly?
The Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee is looking for views from a wide range of road users on the effectiveness of the current approach to road maintenance in Scotland and whether current funding levels are sufficient. The deadline for submissions is 6 September 2019.
Strengthening Fire Safety for High Rise Domestic Buildings
Closes 17 Jul 2019.
Short-Term Lets: Consultation
Closes 19 Jul 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.
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 charity law: consultation analysis (SG 02/07/19)
Publications
Climate Change and Older Buildings – Key Sources (IHBC 07/19)
Rebuilding Trust Research Finding Summary (Grosvenor 10/07/19)
Rebuilding Trust Discussion Paper (Grosvenor 10/07/19)
Local Government Finance: Facts and Figures 2013-14 to 2019-20 (SG 02/07/19)
Future of Our Pasts: Engaging Cultural Heritage in Climate Action Report (ICOMOS 02/07/19)
Warmer Homes Scotland: annual review 2017 to 2018 (SG 28/06/19)
Urban Built Heritage – Research Summary (NT 07/19)
Scottish Government News Releases
Charity law consultation responses published (SG 03/07/19)
A majority of responses to the Scottish charity law consultation support changes to increase transparency and accountability.
Improved energy efficiency standards reducing bills (SG 27/06/19)
Low income households are saving on their fuel bills as a result of improved energy efficiency measures in their homes.
News Releases
The country needs more homes but it has never been harder – Rebuilding Trust Research (Grosvenor 10/0719)
Grosvenor Britain & Ireland (GBI) has conducted the largest ever canvassing of public trust in placemaking in the UK.
Make “places not just homes” and transform retail parks into thriving communities, says Commission (MHCLG 09/07/19)
Building Better, Building Beautiful Commission publishes interim report.
Welsh government demands 50% affordable housing on new developments (IH 09/07/19)
Wales’ housing minister is calling on planning departments across the country to demand that at least 50% of housing on development sites be affordable.
Sir Mark Jones named as new NTS Chair (NTS 04/07/19)
Sir Mark Jones will take over as National Trust for Scotland Chairman, when Sir Moir Lockhead steps down in August 2019.
Edinburgh Traditional Building Festival prepares for seventh annual outing (SHN 04/07/19)
Sponsored by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and forming part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, this year’s event will focus on the need to repair and maintain traditional buildings which follows the findings of the Tenement Working Group in the Scottish Parliament.
“Future of Our Pasts” report to increase engagement of cultural heritage in climate action (ICOMOS 02/06/19)
Putting forward a multi-disciplinary approach to cultural heritage, the report is intended for site managers, scientists, researchers, but also to climate activists and policy-makers.
Orkney world heritage sites threatened by climate change (BBC 02/07/19)
The world heritage status of Orkney’s archaeological treasures is threatened by climate change, a report has warned.
Orkney Report submitted to World Heritage Committee (HES 02/07/19)
A report outlining how climate change prevention methods will be trialled in Orkney is launched during the UNESCO World Heritage Committee meeting on Tuesday 2 July.
RICS consultation on Home Survey Standard (IHBC 01/07/19)
RICS has launched a consultation on a new mandatory RICS Home Survey Standard, which closes on 29 July.
Scottish Living History Festival (AS 06/19)
Archaeology Scotland are working hard to make their 75th anniversary celebration of Scotland’s history, heritage, & archaeology incredible and free of charge. They have set up this crowdfunding campaign to help make it happen!
Project to use space technology to protect Scotland’s historic environment (HES 28/06/19)
A new partnership to harness space and satellite technology to protect Scotland’s historic sites from climate change has been launched.
Local Place Plans: communities call for greater support to create success (PAS 28/06/19)
Earlier this year, PAS ran a short survey to gather views on what support communities would like to see, what barriers they believe may prevent them from taking part in a Local Place Plan and how these barriers might be overcome. 350 people responded to the survey.
Tourism: Sector Deal (DCMS 28/06/19)
The Tourism Sector Deal sets out how the government and industry will work in partnership to boost productivity, develop the skills of the UK workforce and support destinations to enhance their visitor offer.
Braw Buildings 2019 (SCT 28/06/19)
Scottish Civic Trust are delighted to deliver the Braw Buildings Project, a part of Doors Open Days 2019, in partnership with Hostelling Scotland.
RIBA announces National Award winners (RIBA 27/06/19)
The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has announced the 54 winners of 2019 RIBA National Awards for architecture. The awards recognise the UK’s best new construction projects and provide an insight into the UK’s design and economic trends.
The European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage (EN 25/06/19)
Europa Nostra Awards is Europe’s top honour in the heritage field. It recognises the best achievements in conservation, research, dedicated service as well as education, training and awareness-raising. In 2020 and 2021 two new ILUCIDARE Special Prizes will be awarded in cultural heritage-led innovation and diplomacy. Deadline: 1 October 2019.
Opinion & Comment
Here’s how we can end Scotland’s housing crisis (Tammy Swift-Adams in The Scotsman 09/07/19)
Planning (Scotland) Bill – Collaborate to Move Forward (HOPS 05/07/19)
Design can’t solve all our problems, so stop pretending it can (dezeen 02/07/19)
Understanding the ugly building, with Timothy Hyde (Prospect Magazine 27/06/19)
City or Symbol? Dundee and perils of regeneration (Christopher Silver 24/06/19)
What is the future of Urban Heritage? (NT 21/06/19)
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-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 first pilots reportedly being behind in meeting their June 2019 targets.
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.
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.
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.
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-23544: John Finnie, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Green Party, Date Lodged: 30/05/2019
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of it declaring a climate emergency and committing to review all its policies, how long it expects this assessment to take and for action to be taken to ensure that coastal communities in the Western Isles are adequately protected.
Answered by Roseanna Cunningham (07/06/2019)
Events
For the latest information about BEFS Members’ events see our events calendar.
Monuments in Monuments 2019
Date & time: Mon. 2 – Wed.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.
IPTW: Crafting the Future
Dates: Thursday 5 – Saturday 7 September 2019.
Venue: The Engine Shed.
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.
Interested in taking part? Have knowledge or expertise you want to share? Participating in an IPTW is a great way to connect with the traditional trades. You’ll have the opportunity to network with the wider industry. 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.
Scottish Land Commission Conference – Scotland’s Land & Economy
Date & time: Wed, 2 October 2019; 09:30 – 16:30.
Venue: Dynamic Earth, Holyrood Road, Edinburgh EH8 8AS.
Join us at the Scottish Land Commission’s conference to look at the role of land reform in achieving Scotland’s agenda for sustainable and inclusive economic growth. Land ownership and use are central to increasing productivity, reducing inequalities, creating a fair and prosperous Scotland. We will explore these themes through a number of key note speakers and panel discussions.
The conference will explore:
- Land reform and it’s role in growing Scotland’s economy
- Productive land ownership – what it means and how it can be achieved
- What can we learn from international experience
- Learning from other sectors
Training
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 Damp in Buildings Masterclass
Date & time: 6 September 2019; 09.30 – 16.30.
Venue: Charlestown Workshops, Fife
Cost: £190 + vat …… Remember if you are a BLF, IHBC, RIBA or RIAS member you are eligible for 20% discount on this seminar. Please just give us a call with your member number.
We are pleased to welcome back Mike Parrett, one of the world’s leading building pathologists and co-author of the RICS’ bestselling book ‘Diagnosing Damp’, recognised as the primary reference work on dampness in buildings.
Vacancies
Engagement Manager
The National Lottery Heritage Fund is recruiting for a full time Engagement Manager on a permanent contract based in Scotland.
The closing date for applications is Midnight 12 July 2019.
Project Officer (Journal Editor)
Archaeology Scotland is seeking a Project Officer for its Discovery and Excavation in Scotland journal.
Closing Date for Applications: Sunday 14th July at 12 midnight.
Traditional Buildings Inspector
Stirling City Heritage Trust are looking for a new inspector to join our Traditional Buildings Health Check team.
The closing date is Monday 15 July 2019.
Parks Endowment Communication Manager
greenspace scotland is looking for an experienced communications and marketing manager (employed or freelance role) to lead the public facing phase of our exciting programme to develop an Endowment Fund for Scotland’s parks.
Closing date: Mon 29 July.
Green Health Programme Manager (Lothians)
greenspace scotland is recruiting a Programme Manager to lead and support delivery of the Lothians Green Health Strategy.
Closing date: 29 July 2019.
Scottish Land Commission Internship
Scottish Land Commission are looking for an intern to research and develop at least two innovative community funding models for the Scottish context.
Deadline for applications: 29 July 2019.
Get The Latest Built Environment News, Events, Vacancies, Consultations And Publications In Our News Bulletin.
BEFS News
The final vote on the Planning (Scotland) Bill took place on 20th June 2019 after 3 days of vigorous debate. The Bill passed 78:26, supported by the SNP and Conservative MSPs, with Labour, Liberal and Green Party members voting against. All Amendments, with the decisions made in each case, can be found in the document, here. One week on, BEFS Director Euan Leitch, reflects on responses to the Bill.
Prior to the debates, BEFS issued a Stage 3 briefing for MSPs, based on previous work by the Planning Taskforce and comments in relation to refreshed and new topics of interest to BEFS Membership.
The Scottish Parliament debated a motion on the recommendations of the Working Group on Tenement Maintenance yesterday. MSPs recognised that the issue needs addressed and Kevin Stewart, Minister for Local Government, Planning and Housing, has committed to a substantive response from the Scottish Government to the recommendations in the autumn. The consensual, non-partisan nature of the working group was recognised by all side in the Chamber and appreciation of the hard work of the stakeholders acknowledged. Watch the full debate here or read the transcript.
BEFS responded to the Scottish Government’s Energy Efficient Scotland consultation. The response highlights the importance of accurate EPC ratings for all buildings, the necessary time needed for the skills-supply chain to be in place, and the necessity for education around behaviour change. It also highlights the need for mandatory adaptations to truly enable holistic, substantial and significant change. BEFS sits on the Short Life Working Group in relation to this area.
BEFS also responded to Historic Environment Scotland’s Climate Change & Environmental Action Plan Consultation. BEFS response was in the form of a workshop report compiled after a recent Historic Environment Working Group (HEWG) meeting, which explored the questions raised with BEFS Members. The ‘actions’ in the current plan were thought to tend more towards achievable than ambitious goals. Respondents raised whether this was enough given the declared climate crisis.
Have you submitted your project as a best practice case study for our data base and the next Our Place in Time (OPiT) performance report? Deadline for submissions is 26th July.
RTPI President Ian Tant shares his impressions of his recent visit to Scotland in this week’s blog: Awards, beliefs & communities in Scottish planning.
Save the date! The Climate Heritage Network Global Launch is taking place in Edinburgh in October. Find out more about the aims of the network and the launch event here.
Finally, don’t miss Edinburgh Traditional Building Forum (ETBF) and partners at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The 11 events in August range from traditional building skills demonstrations to maintenance and energy efficiency seminars.
Consultations
Consultation on the Right to Buy Land to Further Sustainable Development
Opened 26 Jun 2019 and closes 19 Sep 2019.
Consultation on the Enhanced Heating Regimes within the new definition of Fuel Poverty
Opened 24 Jun 2019 and closes 16 Aug 2019.
The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (Scotland) Regulations 2019
Opened 17 Jun 2019 and closes 13 Sep 2019.
Forestry and Land Scotland Corporate Plan – Consultation
Closes 5 Jul 2019.
Consultation on adding new categories to the definition of a House in Multiple Occupation
Closes 8 Jul 2019.
Strengthening Fire Safety for High Rise Domestic Buildings
Closes 17 Jul 2019.
Short-Term Lets: Consultation
Closes 19 Jul 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 Responses
Publications
TThe Practice of Kindness: Learning from the Kindness Innovation Network and North Ayrshire (Carnegie UK Trust 25/06/19)
Planning (Scotland) Bill [AS PASSED] (SP 20/16/19)
Backing the Bedrock – Five Heritage Fiscal & Funding Priorities 2019 (THA 20/06/19)
Referendums (Scotland) Bill – SPICe Briefing (SPICe 19/06/19)
The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (Scotland) Regulations 2019: guidance (SG 17/06/19)
Rent affordability in the affordable housing sector: literature review (SG 17/06/19)
Game of Homes: The rise of multiple property ownership in Great Britain (RF 15/06/19)
Update on current workstreams: Chief Planner letter (SG 14/06/19)
Marshalled List of Amendments selected for Stage 3 – Planning (Scotland) Bill (SP 13/06/19)
Scottish Government News Releases
Tackling climate change (SG 24/06/19)
The Scottish Government has committed significant funding to help repair and restore Scotland’s peatland areas, which store around 1600 million tonnes of carbon.
Culture to strengthen Scotland’s global links (SG 23/06/19)
The unifying power of culture will be used to emphasise Scotland’s global connections in the face of Brexit.
Communities given more say in planning (SG 20/06/19)
Communities will have more say in shaping the future development of their areas in a radical shake-up of planning laws.
The Big Climate Conversation (SG 19/06/19)
A nationwide conversation to discuss action to tackle the global climate emergency will take place in Scotland this summer, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has confirmed.
Household numbers continue to rise (SG 18/06/19)
The number of households in Scotland has continued to increase to 2.48 million in 2018, according to figures published today by National Records of Scotland (NRS).
Young people and families helped to buy their own homes (SG 18/06/19)
More than 30,000 households have been helped to buy their home through Scottish Government support schemes since 2007.
International Creative Ambition Programme (SG 14/06/19)
Scotland’s cultural links around the world will be strengthened thanks to Scottish Government investment of £150,000.
News Releases
Public asked which significant Scots should be recognised (HES 25/06/19)
Nominations have opened for this year’s national Commemorative Plaque scheme, it was announced today (25 June 2019).
Edinburgh’s tourism industry urged to act to avoid ‘backlash’ (Scotsman 25/06/19)
An official report on the future of tourism in Edinburgh has urged industry leaders to encourage visitors to leave the city to help ease the impact of its “growing pains” amid warnings it is running the risk of a “backlash” from residents
Toads, Romans, Railways and Inverkeithing (Herald 25/06/19)
Toads, railways and a museum dedicated to Roman history in Scotland have received more than £3m from the National Lottery.
Thousands of long-term empty homes brought back to life under Scottish scheme (Herald, 24/06/19)
Hundreds of empty homes are now being brought back into use in an effort to breathe fresh life into fragile and rural communities.
Scotland set for ‘more inclusive and collaborative’ planning system as MSPs back ‘radical’ reforms (SHN 21/06/19)
Planning minister Kevin Stewart said communities will have more say in shaping the future development of their areas after MSPs agreed to a “radical shake-up” of planning laws.
British Council & Heritage Alliance Travel Grant Scheme (THA 20/06/19)
The Heritage Alliance, in partnership with the British Council, is offering a second round of travel grants for heritage professionals to develop mutually beneficial international projects and partnerships for their organisations.
Public Choice Award (EN 20/06/19)
Vote for the 2019 European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards.
Launch of £100 million Heritage Horizon Awards (NLHF 19/06/19)
The Heritage Horizon Awards will invest £100million over the next three years in ambitious, innovative and transformational projects that will revolutionise UK heritage.
Paris Wants to Grow ‘Urban Forests’ at Famous Landmarks (CityLab 19/06/19)
The city plans to fill some small but treasured sites with trees—a climate strategy that may also change the way Paris frames its architectural heritage.
7 Most Endangered programme 2020 (EN 19/06/19)
If you know of an important heritage site in Europe that is endangered – such as a historic monument or archaeological site, a place of worship, an industrial complex, a historic park, a museum or a movable heritage asset, nominate it for the 7 Most Endangered programme 2020.
FutureTown Design 2019: Open for Applications! (STP 19/06/19)
What changes would you like to see in your town or city neighbourhood? Share your vision in this innovative national competition!
National Trust and National Lottery team up for Future Parks initiative (NLHF 17/06/19)
Eight towns and cities have been selected to take part in Future Parks, an £11million initiative that aims to secure the future of our urban parks and green spaces.
Europa Nostra and the Global Heritage Fund join forces through a transformational partnership (EN 14/06/19)
Europa Nostra and the Global Heritage Fund (based in San Francisco) are joining forces to support the communities protecting endangered cultural heritage, initially in Europe, and eventually around the world.
Scottish Government appoints Indigo House to research short-term lets (SHN 13/06/19)
The Scottish Government has commissioned consultancy firm Indigo House to undertake research into the positive and negative impacts of short-term lets.
National Trust awarded Independent Research Organisation status (NT 06/06/19)
The National Trust has been awarded Independent Research Organisation (IRO) status enabling it to collaborate further with researchers across culture, history and the natural environment.
Opinion & Comment
Scotland’s Planning Bill – who will “frontloading” work for? (Cliff Hague, 21/06/19)
Democracy Versus the Climate? (RSA 21/06/19)
Introduction of statutory Chief Planning Officers welcomed by RTPI Scotland (RTPI Scotland 20/06/19)
What’s Wrong With Modern Buildings? Everything, Starting With How They’re Made (Bloomberg 19/06/19)
Planning (Scotland) Bill Stage 3 (Tammy Swift-Adams, Homes for Scotland 18/06/19)
‘Historic’ opportunity for planning reform but more funding needed (RTPI Scotland 18/06/19)
Architects Declare is a remarkable call-to-arms on climate change (Hattie Hartman, AJ 30/05/19)
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-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.
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-23544: John Finnie, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Green Party, Date Lodged: 30/05/2019
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of it declaring a climate emergency and committing to review all its policies, how long it expects this assessment to take and for action to be taken to ensure that coastal communities in the Western Isles are adequately protected.
Answered by Roseanna Cunningham (07/06/2019)
Motions
Motion S5M-17892: Kevin Stewart, Aberdeen Central, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 24/06/2019
Working Group on Tenement Maintenance
That the Parliament appreciates the work of the Working Group on Maintenance of Tenement Scheme Property and the publication of its Final Recommendations Report; acknowledges that the group had cross-party representation and has gathered views from across the Parliament and that of the housing sector; notes that the report acknowledges the important action that has already been taken to improve the condition of Scottish tenements; recognises the challenges that must be met to ensure that Scotland’s housing stock can continue to provide safe and sustainable homes for the future, and believes that the group’s recommendations merit serious and careful consideration.
Supported by: Andy Wightman, Aileen Campbell, Graham Simpson, John Mason.
Read the full debate in Chamber on 26/06/2019.
Events
For the latest information about BEFS Members’ events see our events calendar.
Scotland 2030: A Sustainable Future for Urban Scotland
Date & time: Wednesday 26 June, 6pm to 8pm.
Venue: The Scottish Parliament.
Life in Scotland’s towns and cities is forecast to change significantly in the coming decades. Cities are set to continue to grow, facing the challenge of providing housing and services for new populations, while the role and place of towns in Scotland remains uncertain as traditional high streets disappear and services are increasingly centralised. Join an expert panel to consider how we can build a sustainable future for urban Scotland, putting communities at the heart of regeneration.
Meet the Makers – Traditional Craftsmanship in the Modern World
Date& time: 2nd July 6pm.
Venue: 54 Bell Street.
Think masters, journeymen, and travelling apprentices in ancient crafts are a thing of the past? Welcome to the world of the French Compagnons, an ancient traditional still very much alive… And we’ve brought them to Glasgow! Traditional travelling apprenticeships are still very much alive, with thousands of craftspeople travelling around Europe every year honing and sharing their skills. In France they are called compagnons, an ancient tradition that still produces master craftspeople who make art, furniture, and buildings we use and cherish. Glasgow City Heritage Trust is pleased to welcome three traditional craftspeople in the French compagnon tradition, who will speak to us about craft, tradition, and the unbelievable journey taken in the pursuit of craft mastery. This event, for enthusiasts as well as students and craftspeople, aims to inspire enthusiasm for studying and honing traditional building crafts.
End of the Line: Photographs of Glasgow by John R Hume
Date & time: Friday June 28th, 6pm-8pm.
Venue: GCHT, 54 Bell St, Glasgow, G1 1LQ.
John R Hume first started documenting Glasgow’s industrial buildings in 1964. Wandering the city by bicycle, he was determined to get images of as many of the city’s decaying industrial buildings as possible before they disappeared. He was just in time. The photographs in End of the Line represent the enormity of the loss of Glasgow’s industrial heritage since the 1960s and 1970s. They shed a light on Glasgow’s industrial decline as the buildings fell in to gradual disuse and were demolished.
Training
Practical CPD: Stone Cleaning
Date & time: 24th July 12:30-1:30
Venue: CBC Stone 119 Whitefield Rd, Glasgow.
Cleaning stone buildings can be a double-edged sword: It can bring beauty and elegance to facades and streetscapes, but it also can have disastrous unintended consequences if the wrong materials or techniques are used. Graeme Frame, director of CBC Stone and member of the national Stone Federation, will cover the appropriate and inappropriate applications of different stone cleaning methods. At CBC Stone’s premises near Govan, participants will learn through a combination of lecture and hands-on activity, testing and trying different methods out in the stone yard. This session will be valuable to enthusiasts and homeowners, as well as to professionals. Please note: This practical CPD session will take place off-site, at 119 Whitehill Rd. Light lunch and all PPE will be provided. Please wear close-toed shoes. All GCHT CPD sessions are recognised by the IHBC, and attendees can obtain a CPD certificate upon completion. £20 per person /£15 for students, including light lunch and PPE
Claim that funding!
Date & time: Wednesday 28th August, 9.30am – 4pm
Venue: The Acorn Centre, Inverurie.
Full Cost Recovery and Measuring Impact – two of the most challenging areas of a built heritage project. Join us for training in both topics from Pamela Redpath and come armed with any queries that you would like answered! 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.
Vacancies
Traditional Buildings Inspector
Stirling City Heritage Trust are looking for a new inspector to join our Traditional Buildings Health Check team.
The closing date is Monday 15 July 2019.
Post-Brexit environmental governance in Scotland
LINK is currently seeking an individual (or organisation) to undertake a research project, on post-Brexit environmental governance in Scotland.
Deadline for tenders: 29 June 2019.
Professional Development (PD) Officer
The Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC) is seeking a Professional Development (PD) Officer to operate across all their UK-based branches.
Closing Date: Monday 8 July 2019.
Scottish Land Commission Internship
Scottish Land Commission are looking for an intern to research and develop at least two innovative community funding models for the Scottish context.
Deadline for applications: 29 July 2019.
BEFS Director, Euan Leitch, reflects on responses to the Planning (Scotland) Bill since it was passed.
It has been a week since the Planning (Scotland) Bill was passed, after 3½ years of intensive activity across professional organisations, third sector groups and communities. When the “root and branch” review of the planning system was announced for the Scottish Government’s programme in 2015 it had the following aims:
- Ensure that planning realises its full potential, unlocking land and sites, supporting more quality housing across all tenures and delivering the infrastructure required to support development.
- Streamline, simplify and improve current systems and remove unnecessary blockages in the decision-making process.
- Ensure that communities are more engaged in the process.
- Continue to meet our statutory and international obligations in protecting and enhancing Scotland’s nature and environment.
Has the Bill achieved those aims? On the evidence of the Bill alone, it seems doubtful and most commentators await secondary legislation.
There have been very few press releases to date (or at least published) and most positive comments are in response to individual aspects of the Bill. RTPI Scotland welcome the introduction of Chief Planning Officers and retention of regional spatial strategies but question the availability of funding new aspects – Local Place Plans and Mediation? Calum Macleod of Community Land Scotland welcomes parts of the Bill that address rural repopulation. The BBC provided a summary of the Bill, as did CommonSpace and Lesley Riddoch covered aspects in a podcast, but complained that no national newspaper was interested enough in planning to publish a piece on it. Cliff Hague has offered perhaps the most detailed analysis and comment. Neil Collar of Brodies’ summation concludes that while not a reforming piece of legislation, “useful conversations have been started”.
Anderson Strathearn held a breakfast seminar yesterday primarily attended by the development industry with presentations from Lichfields, Gladman Land and Playfair Scotland. The consensus was relief at not totally losing regional spatial strategies, fears about losing influence in the gatecheck process for local development plans and further relief that land value capture had not been fully introduced. There was no strong conviction that it would result in the delivery of more housing or that local place plans or the introduction of mediation would satisfy community needs. While this sounds downbeat, it was more of a ‘phew’ that no new obstacles had been introduced, and the defeat of third party right of appeal, described as a “victory” for industry, with that being attributed to the successful lobbying of the Scottish Property Federation. One industry representative was more positive, citing the housing target being in the National Planning Framework as of benefit, but followed that by encouraging developers to “pretend to trust” planning authorities when engaging with them.
It is perhaps telling that there is little comment on the Bill as a whole, just praise for individual aspects reflecting a particular interest or disappointment that certain amendments were voted down. What is notably absent is any community group recognising greatly improved engagement as a result.
Perhaps the blueprint for a streamlined and more engaging process will be revealed in secondary legislation, although as observed by Alastair Mckie yesterday, they may well be mutually exclusive goals. Secondary legislation was the answer to many questions as the Bill proceeded though committees at Stage 2 – will it be jam tomorrow?
Postscript: commentary has subsequently been published by Planning Democracy, Scottish Green Infrastructure Forum and Heads of Planning Scotland. 09 July 2019
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RTPI President Ian Tant shares his impressions of his recent visit to Scotland.
Originally publish on the RTPI website on 25 June 2019
On a sunny midsummer morning, there are few more dramatic sights than that of approaching Stirling with the Castle sparkling above and the Highlands gleaming in the background. The view from Dumyat Path in the Ochil Hills is equally stirring, stretching across the city from the Highlands in the west to the Forth and Grangemouth in the east.
Stirling Enhanced Landscape Mitigation Project
It’s into this spectacular landscape that Scottish Power Energy Networks had the task of inserting a major power line on 604 high towers. How to mitigate its impact on the landscape? The identified solution was a progressive programme of engagement with the nine local communities.
Ideas were drawn up with each of the community groups, leading to tree and woodland planting in some areas and improved access in others, such as new paths and cycleways and footpath improvements. Connecting places and improving accessibility were seen as a key priority in all the communities.
At Dumyat Path, the project has involved a new car park, rebuilding several kilometres of dry stone wall, and footpath enhancements on the hillside. It’s little wonder then that the Stirling Enhanced Landscape Mitigation Project won this year’s RTPI award for Excellence in Planning for the Natural Environment.
Dargavel Village – excellence in large housing delivery
Equally impressive is Dargavel Village, winner of the Large Housing category at the Awards. Occupying 964 hectares of a former Royal Ordnance Factory on the edge of Bishopton, the village is developed according to a masterplan and design guides produced through partnership working between the owners, BAe Systems, Renfrewshire Council and the local community. The result is a truly high quality development that makes a major contribution to meeting housing needs of the area and regenerating a major derelict site.
But it has also taken perseverance in the face of challenging economic circumstances and serious contamination issues for the scheme to be delivered.
Over 1,000 of the 4,000 homes have been built and a new village centre is nearing completion close to Bishopton railway station, one of the key links between the existing and new villages.
Innovation is playing its part too. Taylor Wimpey have chosen Dargavel for the company’s Project 2020 scheme – new architect-designed homes meeting a brief set by customer survey and incorporating modern methods of construction, flexible interior layouts and low-carbon energy systems that look ahead to the zero net carbon target.
My visit to the Scottish Parliament coincided with the chance to witness the passing of the new Planning Bill, a major reform of the Scottish Planning System.
Containing many positive provisions including the statutory requirement for Chief Planning Officers, the Bill has proven controversial with the passion behind the debates highlighting the importance of planning to the politicians and communities of Scotland.
Excellence in planning for health and well being
Communities lie at the heart of the Cuningar Loop Woodland Park, winner of the RTPI Planning Excellence Award for Health and Wellbeing. Here, the Clyde Gateway Urban Regeneration Company has worked closely with South Lanarkshire District and Glasgow City Councils, the Forestry Commission and local communities to deliver a country park right alongside the East End of Glasgow.
The park stands on what was wasteland – literally, in that the ground is filled with rubble (and worse) overspilling from the city. Masonry blocks come to the surface and are reused as sculptural features. A new footbridge over the Clyde links the former Commonwealth Games athletes village, now converted to homes for the local community, to the footpaths, riverside boardwalks and open spaces of the park.
Whilst holding firm to a vision of a place that could improve health and wellbeing, Clyde Gateway planners have shown that adaptivity is an important part of the planners’ toolkit. The park continues to develop, with new features planned and exploration for ground-source heat underway in a corner of the site.
Dundee Waterfront
Finally, all credit for the award-winning Dundee Waterfront development lies firmly with the planners and councillors of the City Council, who have worked hard to instil belief and confidence in the reshaping of this former industrial area. The use of digital technology has been at the heart of public engagement over the masterplan and proposals.
The exciting new building of the V&A Dundee provides an inspiring centrepiece to new public realm and there is huge optimism that new hotels and offices are on their way to complete this important regeneration project.
Planning lies front and centre in each of the impressive RTPI award-winning schemes, demonstrating yet again the vision, leadership, community engagement, determination and adaptability of our important profession.
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BEFS Policy Lead provides a brief and concise overview of Stage 3 amendments to the Planning (Scotland) Bill.
It is now confirmed that Stage 3 debates on the Bill will take place in the Scottish Parliament on 18, 19 June with the final decision potentially being made on 20 June 2019. All documentation can be found on the Bill’s page.
Stage 3 has proven to be as complex and ‘guddle’ making as Stage 2. The below is the very briefest of overviews – highlighting only a few of the changes which had previously been discussed by the BEFS Planning Taskforce. A full document of Stage 3 Amendments is linked here, and details of past work can be found on BEFS Planning page.
Many changes have been made along the way – with new roles suggested for Planning Improvement Coordinator and a person to assess Planning Authority/Authorities performance, but no further detail provided on the Chief Planning Officer role.
A purpose for planning has been reduced somewhat, and perhaps points more at the pragmatic housing delivery need expressed than the wider aspiration for planning (such as the UN-SDGs of New Urban Agenda).
The National Planning Framework has been through two iterations at Stage 3 alone, with multiple amendments expanding the reach in terms of policies referred to, and consultees needed. The second iteration added the need to meet any targets relating the reduction of emissions of greenhouse gases – which given the declared climate emergency feels like a step in an appropriate direction.
Strategic Development Plans have been removed (again) and replaced with Regional Spatial Strategies.
The Local Development Plan has also been through multiple changes. The formation of such plans no-longer includes children and young people, community engagement requirements appear to have been reduced in relations to responsibilities placed upon planning authorities, cultural zones have been removed and the agent of change principle remains in flux as Stage 3 amendments both remove, and return it in various forms.
What has been removed for LDPs, also seem to apply in part to the Local Place Plans – where there is no duty to provide assistance to communities in forming a LPP. There is also the addition of the community to ‘identify land and buildings that the community body considers to be of particular significance to the local area’. Perhaps giving the opportunity to form a sort ‘local list’.
Land Value Capture has morphed into the potential for Land Value Sharing. (Recent Scottish Land Commission recommendations can be found here.)
Rights of Appeal, on which BEFS did not take a stance, have several variations at Stage 3.
Training for Planning Authorities has been put back in at Stage 3.
New topics have also come to the fore:
- Mediation
- Annual Reporting for Planning Authorities (as well as the new roles mentioned previously)
- Forestry/Ramsar and Biodiversity Amendments – as well as renewable energy, cycling facilities and small scale renewables.
BEFS will be preparing a briefing for MSPs based on previous work, and new comments from the Planning Taskforce and looks forward to what may well be a lively few days of debate.
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