BEFS NEWS

After the recent announcement of the general election (UK) it has been announced that the Programme for Government (PFG) is now expected to take place in its ‘usual September slot’. The PFG team have confirmed they are returning to the original schedule planned prior to the change in First Minister, with proposals to be shared with relevant Scottish Government teams in June.  A slimmed down Programme is anticipated, framed around the four themes shared by John Swinney when setting out his government priorities in Parliament, namely eradicating child poverty; growing the economy; tackling the climate emergency; and improving public services.
A date for the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) has not yet been confirmed.

More on politics, Culture Counts has sent correspondence to the new First Minister and Cabinet Secretary querying the decision to remove the role of Minister for Culture, Europe, and International Development.

And on a final political note, The Heritage Alliance have issued a call in advance of the general election, encouraging all heritage organisations to consider action! The Heritage Manifesto 2024 published earlier this year is now more relevant than ever.

BEFS are pleased to see that the Social Value Toolkit (launched in 2021), which provides guidance on assessing and working with the social value of heritage places, is now seeking user feedback. Researchers at the University of Stirling are inviting input on how the Toolkit is being used and what further resources might be helpful. Whether you are a regular user or hearing about it for the first time, please share your thoughts via their short online survey.

BEFS congratulates all those nominated and the winners of the 2024 RIAS Awards, which were revealed this week. The eleven winning projects demonstrate outstanding new architecture across Scotland, including homes, workplaces, community, and cultural buildings. The winners of the RIAS Awards will now form the longlist for the prestigious RIAS Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award. The Doolan Award shortlist will be announced in July, with the winner revealed in November. More details on the 2024 RIAS Award winners can be found on the RIAS website.

And finally, Planning for Doors Open Days 2024, Scotland’s largest free festival celebrating places and stories, is underway. Find out more about this year’s September dates across Scotland and how to get involved. But if you can’t wait until September, there’s a bumper summer crop of events to explore in this edition of BEFS Bulletin!

CONSULTATIONS

National Performance Framework: Inquiry into proposed National Outcomes
Scottish Parliament
The Scottish Government must, by law, review the National Outcomes for Scotland at least every five years. The Scottish Parliament must be consulted on proposed National Outcomes and considers the consultation the Government has carried out. The Scottish Government’s Report on proposed National Outcomes and its consultation was published on 2 May 2024. The Finance and Public Administration Committee is leading in considering the proposed National Outcomes, although some other Committees will wish to consider evidence in their areas of interest. There is one consultation for all Committees which seeks your views on the Government’s proposed National Outcomes.
Closes 28 June 2024

Inventory of Historic Battlefields – Revisions to Selection Guidance
Historic Environment Scotland (HES)
HES is proposing revisions to the battlefields selection guidance in response to recommendations made by Lichfields UK in a report that was commissioned in 2021 to inform best practice in the designation and management of inventory battlefields in the planning system. Many organisations and individuals play an important role in looking after Scotland’s historic battlefields, and their views are being requested to help HES to shape the changes being made to guidance to be applied when designating inventory battlefields.
*New* Closes 2 July 2024

Time limits for enforcement action for unauthorised Environmental Impact Assessment development
Scottish Government
Comments are invited on proposals to disapply Section 124 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 (‘the 1997 Act’) concerning the time limits for taking enforcement action on unauthorised development which requires an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). This follows a case of unauthorised development in Northern Ireland for which an EIA was required, but not undertaken. The need for EIA was only identified after the time limit for enforcement had expired and the development was immune from enforcement action. As the Scottish planning system is like the system in Northern Ireland, the Scottish Government considers it is possible, although unlikely, that a similar situation could arise in Scotland.
Closes 11 July 2024

Review of charity regulation
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government ran a consultation in 2019 about proposals the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) had made on improvements to the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005. In response to that consultation, it was noted that some respondents wanted a wider review of charity regulation. This consultation aims to understand if people still feel that way and if so, what they think should be the purpose and parameters for a review.
Closes 22 July 2024

Tenement law: compulsory owners’ associations
Scottish Law Commission
In March 2018, a Scottish Parliament Working Group was convened to explore what actions could be taken to improve the condition of Scotland’s tenements. The Scottish Law Commission’s project follows from a reference under the Law Commissions Act 1965 received on 10 January 2022 from the (then) Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Housing and Local Government (Shona Robison MSP). The reference asks for recommendations to be made to implement the Working Group’s recommendation that all tenements should have an owners’ association. Consultation is critical in all law reform projects to ensure that the final recommendations would, if implemented, result in law which is just, principled, responsive, and easy to understand.
Closes 1 August 2024

Flood resilience strategy
Scottish Government
Scotland’s climate has changed significantly and will continue to change for decades to come, resulting in the need to learn to live with and adapt to flooding in Scotland. The Flood Resilience Strategy will set out what needs to be done in the long term to create a flood resilient Scotland. The consultation paper sets out the principles guiding the strategy and the three key themes of people, places, and processes. These have been developed following a series of workshops and engagement with communities, practitioners, and researchers in 2023. The consultation paper contains full background information.
*New* Closes 13 August 2024

Compulsory Purchase Reform
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government have committed to reform and modernise compulsory purchase legislation. As a first step, they have established an advisory group to help support the reform programme. The group, to be co-chaired by the Chief Planner and Roseanna Cunningham, brings together several expert practitioners with first-hand experience of the compulsory purchase process. They recognise, however, that a range of organisations have an interest in this area and are consulting broadly and are keen to hear from a wide range of voices as the work moves forward.
Please get in touch at CPO.Reform@gov.scot

Strategic Plan Survey
Scottish Civic Trust
The Scottish Civic Trust are refreshing their Strategic Plan. To inform their future activities they are surveying people across Scotland about key themes related to their work. All input will help them better empower Scotland’s communities to act for shared spaces and places. All survey results are anonymous and will be stored on a Google Drive to which only Scottish Civic Trust has access. Analysed and summarised survey results will be shared in reports to Scottish Civic Trust’s funders and may appear in their annual reports.

NEWS RELEASES

Scotland’s Landscape Charter Review: workshop summary April 2024 (Scotland’s Landscape Alliance 03/05/2024)

Amid difficult landscape, 43 churches are saved for the future (National Churches Trust 10/05/2024)

What are local heat and energy efficiency strategies [LHEES]? (The Engine Shed 17/05/2024)

Homeownership for young adults has recovered to its 2010 level (Institute for Fiscal Studies 29/05/2024)

2024 Winners of Europe’s top heritage awards announced by the European Commission and Europa Nostra (Europa Nostra 30/05/2024)

General Election 2024: Scottish Civic Trust Manifesto (Scottish Civic Trust 03/06/2024)

COSLA has published its ‘Significant Seven’ asks for the incoming UK Government ahead of the general election. (COSLA 04/06/2024)

Scotland’s national architecture awards – RIAS Awards winners revealed (RIAS 04/06/2024)

PUBLICATIONS

The Heritage Manifesto 2024 (The Heritage Alliance April 2024)

Spotlight on: Low-income households (UK Heritage Pulse April 2024)

Third Sector Tracker and key stats on the size and shape of the Scottish voluntary sector (SCVO May 2024)

Focusing on the Skills Construction Needs (Construction Skills Network Scotland May 2024)

Labour market intelligence Report Scotland 2024-2028 (CITB 15/05/2024)

Report on rural and coastal housing crisis identifies ‘ghost enclaves’ of low-use homes and calls for action on second homes and short lets (abrdn Financial Fairness Trust 15/05/2024)

Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategies: Historic and Traditional Buildings (HES 16/05/2024)

Letters to the new First Minister and Cabinet Secretary (Culture Counts 28/05/2024)

Reality and Delivery: Achieving Net Zero in Scotland’s Homes (Our Scottish Future 30/05/2024)

SCOTTISH & UK: GOVERNMENTAL & PARLIAMENTARY PUBLICATIONS

Correspondence between the Levelling Up, Housing & Communities Committee to the Department for Education regarding their lack of engagement on the committee’s inquiry on children, young people and the built environment (UK Parl 15/04/2024)

Correspondence between the Finance and Public Administration Committee and committee conveners regarding its scrutiny of the proposed national outcomes arising from the Scottish Government’s recent review (Scot Parl 03/05/2024)

New levelling up powers to fill empty shops across England (UK Gov 14/05/2024)

Cladding Remediation Bill passed (Scot Gov 14/05/2024)

Correspondence between Mairi Gougeon and the Net Zero, Energy and Transport on issues related to the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill (Scot Gov 14/05/2024)

Delegated powers in the Housing (Cladding Remediation) (Scotland) Bill, as amended at Stage 2 (Scot Parl 14/05/2024)

Submission from the Climate Emergency Response Group to the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee on the NPF4 annual review (Scot Parl 14/05/2024)

Community Energy Generation Growth Fund (Scot Gov 15/05/2024)

Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill as amended at Stage 2 (Scot Parl 15/05/2024)

The Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Short-term Lets) (Amendment) Order 2024 Impact Assessments (Scot Gov 16/05/2024)

Working together to realise Scotland’s economic potential (Scot Gov 17/05/2024)

Official statistics: forthcoming publications (Scot Gov 17/05/2024)

Scottish local government finance statistics (SLGFS) 2022-23: workbooks (Scot Gov 17/05/2024)

Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee: National Planning Framework 4 annual review (Scot Parl 21/05/2024)

Scotland’s Carbon Footprint: 1998-2020 (Scot Gov 21/05/2024)

Community action to reach net zero (Scot Gov 21/05/2024)

Priorities for Scotland: First Minister’s statement (Scot Gov 22/05/2024)

Single Building Assessment programme: spending information (Scot Gov 22/05/2024)

Planning and environmental appeals: guidance for reporters (Scot Gov 22/05/2024)

Short Term Lets Licensing Statistics, to 31 December 2023 (Scot Gov 23/05/2024)

Planning: core documents library (23/05/2024)

Scottish Climate Change Adaptation Programme: Progress Report 2023-2024 (Scot Gov 23/05/2024)

Correspondence between the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee and Mairi Gougeon asking for clarification surrounding the government’s planned amendments to the Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill in relation to the rural support plan (Scot Parl 23/05/2024)

Levelling Up Partnership funding confirmed (UK Gov 24/05/2024)

Long-Term Plan for Towns: Long-Term Plan guidance (UK Gov 24/05/2024)

£5 million for Scotland’s island communities (Scot Gov 24/05/2024)

Visitor Levy Bill passed (Scot Gov 28/05/2024)

Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill – stage 3 debate: Investment Minister statement (Scot Gov 28/05/2024)

Climate change monitoring report 2024 (Scot Gov 28/05/2024)

Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee Official Report & Minutes (Scot Parl 28/05/2024)

Planning circular 1/2024: householder permitted development rights (Scot Gov 28/05/2024)

Planning circular 2/2024: non-domestic permitted development rights (Scot Gov 28/05/2024)

Correspondence between The Open University and the Economy and Fair Work Committee expressing disappointment about funding cuts for upskilling and reskilling (Scot Parl 28/05/2024)

Local government finance circular 6/2024: council tax on second and long-term unoccupied homes guidance (Scot Gov 29/05/2024)

Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC): Cross Sector Working Group minutes – March 2024 (Scot Gov 29/05/2024)

Circular Economy (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 29/05/2024)

The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (Scotland) regulations 2020: EQIA (Scot Gov 29/05/2024)

Scottish Building Standards Hub – May 2024 Update (Scot Gov 29/05/2024)

Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee Annual Report 2023-24 (Scot Parl 30/05/2024)

Public appointment: Members appointed to the Board of Highlands and Islands Enterprise (Scot Gov 30/05/2024)

List of special advisers who provide advice across all portfolio areas in the Scottish Government (Scot Gov 31/05/2024)

BICS weighted Scotland estimates: data to wave 108 (Scot Gov 31/05/2024)

Infrastructure levy for Scotland: discussion paper (Scot Gov 03/06/2024)

Planning permission appeals: housing development statistics (Scot Gov 04/06/2024)

Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee Meeting (Scot Parl 04/06/2024)

OPINION & COMMENT

RIAS Quarterly: The Secret Lives of Buildings (Fraser/Livingstone Architects 01/04/2024)

Aviemore’s Earth House Wins BBC Scotland’s Home of the Year Award (BBC 10/05/2024)

Kate Forbes takes on key Minister for Culture responsibilities (The Herald 15/05/2024)

Championing improvement in Scotland’s planning system (Local Government Information Unit 15/05/2024)

Retrofit experts highlight critical actions required to reach net zero targets (Scottish Housing News 15/05/2024)

The beauty of concrete (Works in Progress 17/05/2024)

Mackintosh building restoration should be taken out of Glasgow art school’s hands, say experts (The Guardian 23/05/2024)

Culture Minister Lucy Frazer struggles to name any ‘at risk’ arts organisations (Arts Professional 23/05/2024)

Scotland’s net zero climate targets ‘never possible’ admits McAllan (The Herald 28/05/2024)

Heat pumps clarity would help our obligations on route to net zero (The Herald 28/05/2024)

New commission set up to protect built heritage in Glasgow (Glasgow Times 29/05/2024)

Scottish Empty Homes Partnership welcomes new national manager (Scottish Housing News 29/05/2024)

High-skilled apprenticeships have high returns – but funding via a ‘crackdown’ on higher education courses is challenging (IPPR 30/05/2024)

Scottish Borders Council declares housing emergency (BBC News 30/05/2024)

Global tourism is booming. These people would rather it wasn’t (BBC News 31/05/2024)

Retrofit work overshadows new builds at 2024 RIAS Awards (Urban Realm 4/06/2024)

MOTIONS

S6M-13197
Submitted by: Mark Griffin, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour.
Date lodged: 13/05/2024
That the Parliament believes that Scotland is in a housing emergency and that the housing emergency is more acutely felt in some parts of the country than others; acknowledges that the current situation is due to a combination of factors including those out with the Scottish Government’s powers, including a decade of UK Government austerity, soaring inflation and an increasing cost of living, labour shortages linked to Brexit, and a freeze to local housing allowance (LHA) rates; calls on the UK Government to reverse the near 9% cut in Scotland’s capital funding settlement, commit to ensuring that LHA rates will permanently meet at least the 30th percentile of local rents, and provide adequate support to local authorities impacted by the increase in asylum support cessations; recognises the Scottish Government’s record on delivering affordable homes and action taken on rent rises; notes that in 2024-25, despite the UK Government imposing a cut to its capital budget, the Scottish Government will invest nearly £600 million in affordable housing and over £90 million for discretionary housing payments; welcomes the actions in the Housing (Scotland) Bill to tackle rising rent levels and the continued focus on the target of delivering 110,000 high-quality, energy efficient affordable homes; agrees that the Scottish Government, UK Government and local authorities must work together to deliver a housing system that meets the needs of the people of Scotland; notes that there are a record number of people in Scotland experiencing homelessness with almost 10,000 children stuck in temporary accommodation and 45 children becoming homeless in Scotland every day; calls on the Scottish Ministers to bring forward an urgent housing emergency action plan to tackle the issues raised by the Scottish Government’s own expert Homelessness Prevention Task and Finish Group, including actions that will reduce the number of children stuck in temporary accommodation by the end of this parliamentary session; recognises the need to improve capacity in local government to prevent more local homelessness services falling into systemic failure, and the need to improve delivery for those with specific supported living needs, and calls on the Scottish Ministers to review how national government, local authorities and third sector partners are working together on the shared ambition to end homelessness.

S6M-13174
Submitted by: Graham Simpson, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party.
Date lodged: 13/05/2024
That the Parliament welcomes the publication of the Scottish Law Commission’s discussion paper on the proposed scheme for tenement owners’ associations; recognises that this discussion paper follows the work of the Tenement Maintenance Working Group, convened at the Scottish Parliament in March 2018, which was established to explore actions that could be taken to improve the condition of Scotland’s tenements, including those in the Central Scotland region; acknowledges that the Scottish Law Commission’s project responds to the Tenement Maintenance Working Group’s recommendation that every tenement building in Scotland should have an owners’ association to coordinate work to the building, and a corresponding reference received from the Scottish Government to that effect in January 2022; notes the discussion paper’s proposals concerning the functions, powers and duties of a tenement owners’ association, including the role of an association manager, decision-making procedures, liability of owners for costs and the implementation of an annual budgeting system, and further notes the encouragement for those with an interest in the issues raised in the discussion paper to respond to its proposals before 1 August 2024, in order to shape the recommendations made in the Scottish Law Commission’s final report.

S6M-13349
Submitted by: Tom Arthur, Renfrewshire South, Scottish National Party.
Date lodged: 22/05/2024
That the Parliament agrees that the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill be passed.

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Link to Parliamentary Questions and Answers

DPEA – Planning Appeals Training for Communities
Date & Time: Wednesday 12 June 2024; 6-7:30pm
Location: Online
The Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals (DPEA) is part of the Scottish Government, dealing with planning appeals and a range of casework including wind farm proposals and electricity infrastructure. Join this event to hear about DPEA’s role, how it works and how communities can get involved. Open to all Community Councils and community groups. Planning Aid Scotland and DPEA reporters will introduce the key themes, followed by a panel discussion on questions from the audience. If you have any questions, please send an email by 31 May 2024. Make sure you use the subject heading ‘Planning Appeals Training’ so it reaches the right person. Please click here to book your place and joining instructions will be sent to you via email.

C&BS – Philanthropy Matters: Activating Legacy Giving
Date & Time: Tuesday 18 June & Tuesday 25 June 2024; 9:30am-12:30pm
Location: Online
This live classroom online course, led by Marina Jones, gives you the best possible foundations for activating and running legacy campaigns. Using a mix of presentation, small group discussion, real world practical case studies and academic research, you will learn how to raise more money from legacies. By the end of the course, you’ll have a strong understanding of the potential and joy of legacy fundraising and a plan for your legacy campaign. You’ll also feel more confident in how to approach legacy marketing with your Board, your staff and your audience.

RIAS – Retrofit, home design and ethics in Architecture
Date & Time: Tuesday 18 June 2024; 2-5pm
Location: Online
The RIAS are pleased to welcome Dr Heba Sarhan, Research Fellow – Architecture, University of Strathclyde and Michael Dougall, Director at O’Donnell Brown, for an insightful event exploring ethical approaches to housing design. This session will look at: home design as a tool for supporting access to experiencing ‘home’ and alleviating barriers of social inequality, research on how home design affects well-being and examples and case studies for achieving accessible, adaptable home design in practice.

Scottish Lime Centre Trust – Introduction to Stonemasonry
Date & Time: Tuesday 25 & Wednesday 26 June 2024; 9:30am-4:30pm
Location: Merryhill Training Centre, Charlestown, Dunfermline KY12 3DR
Taught by a time-served Stonemason, this course is suitable for all abilities and covers an introduction to tools, techniques, and uses of basic stonemasonry. The course is designed for individuals with little or no experience in cutting and dressing natural stone; building contractors working on traditional stone buildings and structures who just want to learn the basic masonry skills for cutting and dressing sandstone; or a semi-skilled operative who needs to add to his skills set and be able to produce stone masonry units to plumb, level and plane with traditional tooling finishes.

BEFS NEWS

First Minister John Swinney recently announced his new cabinet and ministerial team. The reshuffle presents a range of changes, most notably the loss of a Minister with responsibility for Culture. However, it is the changes in language that BEFS considers most significant; you can read more on those changes, and the potential alterations to the National Performance Framework, in BEFS Director’s most recent blog.

Last week also saw the Tenement Maintenance Working Group have an event at the Scottish Parliament to promote the consultation related to the long-awaited Scottish Law Commission discussion paper on Owner’s Associations. We commend the work done to this point and hope that all those with an interest in this area will respond to the consultation paper.

BEFS was delighted to collaborate with a wide range of partners on the CIOB-led report Meeting Scotland’s Retrofit Challenge: Solutions from the Industry.  Co-designed to highlight the unique challenges associated with the widescale uptake of retrofit, the report identifies opportunities and ways to mitigate barriers. The document encourages government action through key policy recommendations, including establishing a Ministerial Oversight Group on Retrofit and developing a long-term Retrofit Delivery Plan with a joined-up approach to funding, regulating, and incentivising retrofit work across Scotland.

When it comes to meeting challenges, we also want to draw readers’ attention to the publication from The Heritage Alliance: On The Brink: Heritage in the Cost-of-Living Crisis- Heritage Alliance Insight Report. This report sets out the critical effects of the ongoing cost of living crisis on heritage. Following 18 months of data gathering, the research highlights how new challenges have deepened cracks in the foundations of our sector.

Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP) and Historic Environment Scotland (HES) have announced a new strategic partnership to promote and protect Scotland’s historic environment. The collaboration will raise awareness of HES funding programmes and the new Historic Environment sector strategy, with a focus on what they mean for towns. STP Chief Officer Kimberley Guthrie emphasised the partnership’s potential to support communities in preserving and enhancing their cultural assets and historic town centre buildings. At the same time, Alison Turnbull from HES highlighted the opportunity to advocate for heritage as a key element of successful placemaking.

The Glasgow School of Art (GSA) and the Landmark Trust are both embarking on significant projects to save and restore iconic historic buildings in Scotland. While the Landmark Trust has secured funding worth £5.3 million from the National Heritage Memorial Fund to acquire and stabilize Mavisbank House, the GSA is updating its business case for the faithful reinstatement of the fire-damaged Mackintosh Building, alongside arbitration proceedings with insurers. Both projects highlight the role of cultural heritage in regenerating local areas.

And finally, CIfA has announced the appointment of a new CEO Nathan Baker, who will join in early June. Nathan replaces Peter Hinton, who is retiring from the role after more than 25 years. We extend our sincere appreciation to Pete for his extensive and well-informed involvement with BEFS over the years and wish him the best in his retirement.

CONSULTATIONS

Housing (Scotland) Bill Call for Views
Scottish Parliament
The Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee and Social Justice and Social Security Committee are seeking views on the Housing (Scotland) Bill. The Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee is the lead committee for the Bill, but the Social Justice and Social Security Committee will consider Part 5 (making provision about homelessness prevention) and Part 6 (insofar as it relates to fuel poverty) as these matters fall within its remit.
Closes 17 May 2024

Call for Views on the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill
Scottish Parliament
The Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee is seeking your views on the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill. The Bill was introduced by the Scottish Government on 13 March and covers land reform – there are various provisions imposing requirements in relation to owners of larger estates and the transfer of larger estates; lease for environmental purposes – the Bill requires the Scottish Government to publish a model lease for environmental purposes; and small landholdings and agricultural tenancies – there are various provisions in the Bill which the Scottish Government says are to modernise the law. Find out more about the Bill and read its accompanying documents
Closes 21 May 2024

Masterplan Consent Area Regulations
Scottish Government
The Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 introduced MCAs – which will enable planning authorities to take a place leadership role, by proactively consenting the type and quality of development they wish to see in their areas. The Masterplan consent area regulations consultation covers the type of development which can be authorised, potential locations for MCAs and the procedures for making a scheme. It includes two sets of regulations: covering the main process for making MCA schemes and relating to EIA of MCA schemes. The separate consultation on ‘Investing in Planning’ also includes proposals for recouping costs of preparing MCA schemes.
Closes 22 May 2024

Development plan amendment regulations
Scottish Government
With the move to National Planning Framework (NPF) and Local Development Plans (LDPs) having a review period of 10 years, the 2019 Act introduced the provision for them to be amended between full review cycles. This enables the planning system to respond where newly emerging matters arise.
The development plan amendment regulations consultation covers proposals for the regulations. The aim is for procedures to amend both NPF and LDP to be proportionate and to provide a process that is more responsive and streamlined, whilst balancing the need for robust justification, engagement, and scrutiny. This will ultimately give decision makers some flexibility of process, based on the scale and significance of the amendments.
Closes 22 May 2024

Investing in Planning
Scottish Government
This consultation on resourcing Scotland’s planning system is in response to current resourcing challenges. It builds on ideas generated in a stakeholder workshop held in November 2023 and sets out a series of proposals which aim to improve capacity and build resilience particularly within planning authorities.  In addition to inviting stakeholder views on the proposals outlined, the consultation encourages stakeholders to suggest further ideas on alternative ways to support delivery and build resilience.
Closes 31 May 2024

National Performance Framework: Inquiry into proposed National Outcomes
Scottish Parliament
The Scottish Government must, by law, review the National Outcomes for Scotland at least every five years. The Scottish Parliament must be consulted on proposed National Outcomes and considers the consultation the Government has carried out. The Scottish Government’s Report on proposed National Outcomes and its consultation was published on 2 May 2024. The Finance and Public Administration Committee is leading in considering the proposed National Outcomes, although some other Committees will wish to consider evidence in their areas of interest. There is one consultation for all Committees which seeks your views on the Government’s proposed National Outcomes.
*NEW* Closes 28 June 2024

Time limits for enforcement action for unauthorised Environmental Impact Assessment development
Scottish Government
Comments are invited on proposals to disapply Section 124 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 (‘the 1997 Act’) concerning the time limits for taking enforcement action on unauthorised development which requires an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). This follows a case of unauthorised development in Northern Ireland for which an EIA was required, but not undertaken. The need for EIA was only identified after the time limit for enforcement had expired and the development was immune from enforcement action. As the Scottish planning system is like the system in Northern Ireland, the Scottish Government considers it is possible, although unlikely, that a similar situation could arise in Scotland.
Closes 11 July 2024

Review of charity regulation
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government ran a consultation in 2019 about proposals the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) had made on improvements to the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005. In response to that consultation, it was noted that some respondents wanted a wider review of charity regulation. This consultation aims to understand if people still feel that way and if so, what they think should be the purpose and parameters for a review.
*NEW* Closes 22 July 2024

Tenement law: compulsory owners’ associations
Scottish Law Commission
In March 2018, a Scottish Parliament Working Group was convened to explore what actions could be taken to improve the condition of Scotland’s tenements. The Scottish Law Commission’s project follows from a reference under the Law Commissions Act 1965 received on 10 January 2022 from the (then) Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Housing and Local Government (Shona Robison MSP). The reference asks for recommendations to be made to implement the Working Group’s recommendation that all tenements should have an owners’ association. Consultation is critical in all law reform projects to ensure that the final recommendations would, if implemented, result in law which is just, principled, responsive, and easy to understand.
*NEW* Closes 1 August 2024

Compulsory Purchase Reform
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government have committed to reform and modernise compulsory purchase legislation. As a first step, they have established an advisory group to help support the reform programme. The group, to be co-chaired by the Chief Planner and Roseanna Cunningham, brings together several expert practitioners with first-hand experience of the compulsory purchase process. They recognise, however, that a range of organisations have an interest in this area and are consulting broadly and are keen to hear from a wide range of voices as the work moves forward.
Please get in touch at CPO.Reform@gov.scot

Strategic Plan Survey – Scottish Civic Trust
The Scottish Civic Trust are refreshing their Strategic Plan. To inform their future activities they are surveying people across Scotland about key themes related to their work. All input will help them better empower Scotland’s communities to act for shared spaces and places. All survey results are anonymous and will be stored on a Google Drive to which only Scottish Civic Trust has access. Analysed and summarised survey results will be shared in reports to Scottish Civic Trust’s funders and may appear in their annual reports.

CONSULTATION RESPONSES

Parliamentary Report: Consultation with Parliament in connection with the Review of National Outcomes (Scot Parl 01/05/2024)

NEWS RELEASES

New guide on how to create 20-minute neighbourhood launched (University of Dundee 19/04/2024)

Scotland’s Towns Partnership joins forces with Historic Environment Scotland (STP 07/05/2024)

Polling shows strong UK public support for deposit return scheme roll out (Tomra/Diffley Partnership 08/05/2024)

Mavisbank House saved for the nation (National Heritage Memorial Fund 10/05/2024)

Glasgow School of Art in arbitration proceedings over Macintosh Building (Glasgow School of Art 10/05/2024)

7 Most Endangered programme 2025: Call for Nominations (Europa Nostra 14/05/2024)

PUBLICATIONS

UK Cities Intelligence – Issue 3: Retrofit at Scale (ARUP April 2024)

Understanding the 20-Minute Neighbourhood: Making opportunities for people to live well locally (University of Dundee April 2024)

Championing natural materials to de-risk retrofit (Sustainable Development Foundation 09/04/2024)

The impact of climate change on cultural heritage (European Parliament Think Tank 18/04/2024)

Scotland Visitor Survey 2023: Summary (Visit Scotland 07/05/2024)

Is the city planned and built for me? (Journal of Accessibility and Design for All 11/05/2024)
Citizens’ experiences of inclusion, exclusion and (un)equal living conditions in the built environment.

The Macroeconomic Policy Outlook Q2 2024 (The Resolution Foundation 13/05/2024)

Meeting Scotland’s Retrofit Challenge: solutions from the industry (CIOB and partners 15/05/2024)

On The Brink: Heritage in the Cost-of-Living Crisis- Heritage Alliance Insight Report (The Heritage Alliance 15/05/2024)

SCOTTISH & UK: GOVERNMENTAL & PARLIAMENTARY PUBLICATIONS

Heat networks regulation – consumer protection (UK Gov April 2024)

Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee [Draft] minutes (Scot Parl 16/04/2024)

Correspondence between the Regulatory Review Group and the Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity, about the forthcoming Circular Economy Bill (Scot Gov 30/04/2024)

Planning and environmental appeals: guidance for reporters (Scot Gov 30/04/2024)

National Infrastructure Planning Guidance Portal (UK Gov 30/04/2024)

Circular Economy (Scotland) Bill – Stage 2 Marshalled List and Revised Groupings of Amendments (Scot Parl 02/05/2024)

Correspondence between The Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee and Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee regarding EU tracker reports and future decarbonised heat in buildings (Scot Parl 02/05/2024)

Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill – Fairer Scotland Duty Assessment (Scot Gov 03/05/2024)

Planning permission appeals: housing development statistics (Scot Gov 07/05/2024)

Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee Official Report (Scot Parl 07/05/2024)

Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee, 14^th meeting 2024 (Scot Parl 07/05/2024)

Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee [Draft] minutes (Scot Parl 07/05/2024)

Scottish Budget 2022 to 2023: final outturn report (Scot Gov 08/05/2024)

Planning and environmental appeals: guidance for reporters (Scot Gov 08/05/2024)

Housing (Cladding Remediation) (Scotland) Bill – Stage 3 Marshalled List and Revised Groupings of Amendments, revised explanatory notes, supplementary financial memorandum and a supplementary delegated powers memorandum (Scot Parl 08/05/2024)

Scottish Government: Cabinet and Ministers (Scot Gov 10/05/2024)

4th Islands Forum opens up collaboration on housing for islands (UK Gov 11/05/2024)

Management of burial grounds, application for burial, exhumation, private burial and restoration of lairs – regulation: consultation analysis (Scot Gov 13/05/2024)

National Planning Framework 4 annual review – clerks note (Scot Parl 14/05/2024)

OPINION & COMMENT

Why has the ‘15-minute city’ taken off in Paris but become a controversial idea in the UK? (The Guardian 06/04/2024)

The story of Glasgow’s built heritage that’s been left to rot (Glasgow Evening Time 01/05/2024)

RAAC concrete house was meant to be our forever home (BBC News 03/05/2024)

Neon, kilts, cricket bats: artisans gather to shine a light on Britain’s endangered crafts (The Guardian 04/05/2024)

Peter Reekie keeps net zero at front of Scottish Futures Trust’s agenda (Scottish Construction Now 07/05/2024)

Interpretation of National Planning Framework 4 – the Miller Homes, Tesco Stores and Wildcat Haven cases (Brodies LLP 07/05/2024)

‘We’d be losing part of ourselves’ – saving stained glass in Scotland (The Herald 11/05/2024)

MOTIONS

S6M-13008
Submitted by: Maurice Golden, Northeast Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party.
Date Lodged: 29/04/2024.
That the Parliament considers that tackling climate change is one of the greatest challenges that the world faces and that Scotland set world-leading targets; is disappointed at reports that the Scottish Government has no credible pathway to meet the interim 2030 target, described as too stretching with just six years left to reach it; understands that the Scottish Government has failed to meet eight of its last 12 emissions targets; notes the belief that a draft climate change plan must be introduced with the utmost urgency; further notes the view that transformational policies must be introduced to tackle, mitigate and adapt to climate change, in line with just transition principles, and considers that this process, as part of the journey to a more circular economy, will have benefits for Scotland, including communities in the North East Scotland region, as well as contribute to the global effort in tackling climate change.

S6M-13085
Submitted by: Colin Beattie, Midlothian North and Musselburgh, Scottish National Party.
Date Lodged: 07/05/2024.
That the Parliament congratulates Archaeology Scotland’s Energy Through Time project, based in Midlothian, on receiving a share in funding from the Scottish Power Foundation; understands that Archaeology Scotland, formerly known as the Council for Scottish Archaeology, is a membership organisation that seeks to promote the understanding of archaeology in Scotland; notes that the group works with lay people and academia to help care for the great history of Scotland’s archaeological heritage; understands that the project will work with teachers, children and young people from the most deprived quintile to co-design inclusive and engaging enquiry-based learning activities and challenging skills development through levels two and three of the Employability Pipeline; believes that the funding will allow the group to continue what it sees as the valuable support that it provides, and thanks the group for its ongoing work and commitment to the community.

S6M-13197
Submitted by: Mark Griffin, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour.
Date lodged: 13/05/2024.
The Parliament believes that Scotland is in a housing emergency.

S6M-13190
Submitted by: Paul McLennan, East Lothian, Scottish National Party.
Date lodged: 13/05/2024.
The Parliament agrees that the Housing (Cladding Remediation) (Scotland) Bill be passed.

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Link to Parliamentary Questions and Answers

BEFS NEWS

In light of the current changes within the Scottish Government, and the leadership change to come; BEFS would like to stress to all those elected members within the Scottish parliament that clarity of vision, certainty of targets, and consistency of messaging around progress towards net zero is essential to ensuring our existing built environment can support a just transition towards a green economy; whilst growing local skilled employment; and supporting all of our places for the future.

BEFS continues to support sustainable solutions for our existing built environment, noting the Infrastructure Commission’s proposals to prioritise making the most of existing infrastructure (including homes) ahead of building new assets. In Scotland, around 20% of our housing stock is pre-1919 (over 50% is pre-1964). This demonstrates the scale of potential for the climate, and social good, that could be affected by policies incentivising, supporting, and ensuring well maintained and appropriately retrofitted homes and public buildings. Action for our existing building stock is essential to meeting net zero. We will not be able to build our way out of the climate and biodiversity crisis.

Scotland’s existing built and historic environment remains an agent of economic recovery. Our built and historic environment deserves to be protected, cared for, and enhanced – it has sheltered us economically and socially for over a century, and we need to enable investment to ensure its ability to do so for the future.

Historic Environment Scotland have published their Annual Operating Plan 2024-25 setting out their priorities to support delivery of activities for public benefit, in light of current economic developments. The plan sets out HES’s key objectives and strategies for the upcoming financial year, focusing on maintaining and enhancing Scotland’s historic environment while adapting to the challenges posed by the current economic climate.

The Scottish Government has released finalised guidance on Local Living and 20 Minute Neighbourhoods. The guidance aims to support the delivery of local living, ensuring daily needs can be met within a place, by introducing a Local Living Framework and complementing existing placemaking tools. It also presents a structured approach to implementation and features case studies showcasing local living across various contexts, with more examples to be added as good practice emerges.

The Shaping Places for Wellbeing Programme, a partnership between the Improvement Service and Public Health Scotland, aims to improve Scotland’s wellbeing and reduce inequalities by changing collective approaches to the places where people live, work, and play. Funded by The Health Foundation, Scottish Government, and COSLA, the programme enables partnership-based action at a local level while addressing the health of our planet. It has been supporting place-based work in seven project towns, and resources covering various topics can be found on the Shaping Places for Wellbeing Knowledge Hub.

CONSULTATIONS

A Biodiversity Metric for Scotland’s Planning System – Key Issues consultation
NatureScot
Nature Scot have published a Key Issues paper to inform work developing a biodiversity metric for Scotland’s planning system. Commissioned by the Scottish Government, in support of National Planning Framework 4 policy 3(b), the paper alerts stakeholders and anyone interested in the development of a biodiversity metric for planning to the scope of the work that is to be undertaken. The paper can be viewed on the NatureScot website.
Closes 10 May 2024

Enabling powers for Scotland’s Environmental Impact Assessment regimes & Habitats Regulations
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government are seeking views on proposed enabling powers that would better allow for future amendments to Scotland’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regimes and Habitats Regulations. These are key legislative frameworks which underpin environmental protection and assessment processes. The proposed enabling powers would help replace powers lost because of the UK’s exit from the European Union (EU) and would help ensure the relevant legislation can remain fit for purpose in future.
Closes 13 May 2024

Housing (Scotland) Bill Call for Views
Scottish Parliament
The Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee and Social Justice and Social Security Committee are seeking views on the Housing (Scotland) Bill. The Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee is the lead committee for the Bill, but the Social Justice and Social Security Committee will consider Part 5 (making provision about homelessness prevention) and Part 6 (insofar as it relates to fuel poverty) as these matters fall within its remit.
*New* Closes 17 May 2024

Call for Views on the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill
Scottish Parliament
The Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee is seeking your views on the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill. The Bill was introduced by the Scottish Government on 13 March and covers land reform – there are various provisions imposing requirements in relation to owners of larger estates and the transfer of larger estates; lease for environmental purposes – the Bill requires the Scottish Government to publish a model lease for environmental purposes; and small landholdings and agricultural tenancies – there are various provisions in the Bill which the Scottish Government says are to modernise the law. Find out more about the Bill and read its accompanying documents.
Closes 21 May 2024

Masterplan Consent Area Regulations
Scottish Government
The Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 introduced MCAs – which will enable planning authorities to take a place leadership role, by proactively consenting the type and quality of development they wish to see in their areas. The Masterplan consent area regulations consultation covers the type of development which can be authorised, potential locations for MCAs and the procedures for making a scheme. It includes two sets of regulations: covering the main process for making MCA schemes and relating to EIA of MCA schemes. The separate consultation on ‘Investing in Planning’ also includes proposals for recouping costs of preparing MCA schemes.
Closes 22 May 2024

Development plan amendment regulations
Scottish Government
With the move to National Planning Framework (NPF) and Local Development Plans (LDPs) having a review period of 10 years, the 2019 Act introduced the provision for them to be amended between full review cycles. This enables the planning system to respond where newly emerging matters arise.
The development plan amendment regulations consultation covers proposals for the regulations. The aim is for procedures to amend both NPF and LDP to be proportionate and to provide a process that is more responsive and streamlined, whilst balancing the need for robust justification, engagement, and scrutiny. This will ultimately give decision makers some flexibility of process, based on the scale and significance of the amendments.
Closes 22 May 2024

Investing in Planning
Scottish Government
This consultation on resourcing Scotland’s planning system is in response to current resourcing challenges. It builds on ideas generated in a stakeholder workshop held in November 2023 and sets out a series of proposals which aim to improve capacity and build resilience particularly within planning authorities.  In addition to inviting stakeholder views on the proposals outlined, the consultation encourages stakeholders to suggest further ideas on alternative ways to support delivery and build resilience.
Closes 31 May 2024

Time limits for enforcement action for unauthorised Environmental Impact Assessment development
Scottish Government
Comments are invited on proposals to disapply Section 124 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 (‘the 1997 Act’) concerning the time limits for taking enforcement action on unauthorised development which requires an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). This follows a case of unauthorised development in Northern Ireland for which an EIA was required, but not undertaken. The need for EIA was only identified after the time limit for enforcement had expired and the development was immune from enforcement action. As the Scottish planning system is similar to the system in Northern Ireland, the Scottish Government considers it is possible, although unlikely, that a similar situation could arise in Scotland.
*NEW* Closes 11 July 2024

Compulsory Purchase Reform
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government have committed to reform and modernise compulsory purchase legislation. As a first step, they have established an advisory group to help support the reform programme. The group, to be co-chaired by the Chief Planner and Roseanna Cunningham, brings together several expert practitioners with first-hand experience of the compulsory purchase process. They recognise, however, that a range of organisations have an interest in this area and are consulting broadly and are keen to hear from a wide range of voices as the work moves forward.
Please get in touch at CPO.Reform@gov.scot

Strategic Plan Survey – Scottish Civic Trust
The Scottish Civic Trust are refreshing their Strategic Plan. To inform their future activities they are surveying people across Scotland about key themes related to their work. All input will help them better empower Scotland’s communities to act for shared spaces and places. All survey results are anonymous and will be stored on a Google Drive to which only Scottish Civic Trust has access. Analysed and summarised survey results will be shared in reports to Scottish Civic Trust’s funders and may appear in their annual reports.

CONSULTATION RESPONSES

Local Living and 20 Minute Neighbourhoods
The Scottish Government has published finalised guidance on Local Living and 20 Minute Neighbourhoods, following a consultation on the draft in summer 2023. The guidance aims to support the delivery of local living, ensuring daily needs can be met within a place. It introduces a Local Living Framework, complements existing placemaking tools, and presents a structured approach to implementation. The guidance also features case studies showcasing local living across various contexts, with more examples to be added as good practice emerges.

NEWS RELEASES

Project Announcement: HAZEL, a pilot generative artificial intelligence (AI) guidance assistant (Historic England 23/04/2024)

Committee brands Government answers on adapting to heatwaves a “missed opportunity” (Environmental Audit Committee 30/04/2024)

PUBLICATIONS

Our Creative Future – The Manifesto (Creative UK April 2024)
Manifesto for Cultural and Creative Industries to deliver their full potential, generating social and economic prosperity across our nation

Historic Environment Scotland Annual Operating Plan 2024-25 (HES 16/04/2024)

Kick the Dust programme evaluation: empowering young people in heritage (National Lottery Heritage Fund 25/04/2024)

SCOTTISH & UK: GOVERNMENTAL & PARLIAMENTARY PUBLICATIONS

Draft regulations: amendments to the VAT (Refund of Tax to Museums and Galleries) Order 2001 (UK Gov 25/03/2024)

Finance Committee approves Aggregates and Devolved Taxes (Administration) (Scotland) Bill at Stage 1 (Scot Gov 29/04/2024)

‘Place and Wellbeing: integrating land use planning and public health in Scotland’ briefing paper to reflect changes brought about by NPF4 (Public Health Scotland April 2024)

Local Government, Housing and Planning: Official Report and Minutes (Scot Parl 16/04/2024)

Climate Change Committee Scotland report – next steps: Net Zero Secretary statement  (Scot Gov 18/04/2024)

Climate change action: policy package (Scot Gov 18/04/2024)

Correspondence between Màiri McAllan and the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee regarding the climate change policy actions announced in parliament on Thursday 18 April (Scot Gov 18/04/2024)

Debate: Impact of Environmental Regulations on Development (Built Environment Committee Report) (House of Lords 19/04/2024)

A changing climate? The Scottish Government’s newly announced policy package (Scot Parl 19/04/2024)

Powers secured to introduce building safety levy (Scot Gov 19/04/2024)

Correspondence between Paul McLennan and the Convener for the  Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee regarding short-term lets (Scot Gov 22/04/2024)

Local Government, Housing and Planning: Official Report and Minutes  (Scot Parl 23/04/2024)

Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 23/04/2024)

Housing (Cladding Remediation) (Scotland) Bill Stage 2 Amendments (Scot Parl 23/04/2024)

Clean heating and energy efficiency grants to get to Net Zero (Scot Gov 24/04/2024)

Scottish Parliament: Portfolio Question Time: Historic Environment Scotland (Reopening of Sites) (Scot Parl 24/04/2024)

Place Directors: fact sheet (Scot Gov 24/04/2024)

New powers to strengthen council planning (UK Gov 25/04/2024)

High Streets (Designation, Review and Improvement Plan) Bill 2^nd Reading HL Bill 69 (UK Parl 29/04/2024)

Amendments to the Agricultural and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 29/04/2024)

Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee 13^th Meeting 2024 (Scot Parl 30/04/2024)

OPINION & COMMENT

‘Community capital’: ownerless Scottish properties to be offered to local schemes (The Guardian 23/02/2024)

Blog: Our support for the Skills Investment Plan (Museums Galleries Scotland 17/04/2024)

Industry leaders issue rally cry for government to introduce Heat in Buildings Bill (Scottish Housing News 18/04/2024)

Podcast: Housing Bill part 1: Rent controls and tenants’ rights with Dr John Boyle (Scottish Housing News 24/04/2024)

Scotland’s new heat standard ups the zero carbon ante (The RIBA Journal 24/04/2024)

Safety inspections at Scotland’s historic sites ‘90 per cent completed’ (The Scotsman 24/04/2024)

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Link to Parliamentary Questions and Answers

BEFS NEWS 

The Skills Investment Plan (SIP) for Scotland’s Historic Environment has been reviewed and refreshed (originally released 2019) following consultation, to ensure it can support the delivery of Our Past, Our Future, the strategy for Scotland’s historic environment; whilst also growing the skills needed to deliver its priorities. The SIP is a collective framework for collaborations and will work towards three priorities over the next five years: growing provision and building capacity, attracting future talent and improving access, and fostering innovation.

In the spirit of reviewing and refreshing, BEFS website has recently been updated with the latest historic environment statistics, including updates from Our Past Our Future (2023) and the Scottish Household Condition Survey (2021).

UK Heritage Pulse have published the results of their survey concerning sector health and local authority funding cuts. This was conducted in March 2024, highlighting a decrease in organisational confidence and increased challenges for the heritage sector. Core running costs and community activities are most likely to be impacted by these cuts, affecting vulnerable groups such as older people and families with young children.

Living near a high concentration of historic and cultural sites could boost your wellbeing, according to ground-breaking research from Historic England. The study found a positive relationship between the density of heritage assets, such as listed buildings and monuments, within 1km of a person’s home and their self-reported life satisfaction.

Given the interest in the Sustainable Investment Tool we were fascinated to see the work on Why Heritage being done in Victoria, Australia. There’s plenty of reading within this, so worth getting a cuppa for this one.

And finally, BEFS Bulletin is moving days. From the 1^st of May BEFS Bulletin will be released on the first and third Wednesdays of each month.

CONSULTATIONS 

Scottish National Adaptation Plan (2024-2029)
Scottish Government
The effects of climate change are already being felt by people in Scotland. That is why, as well as taking action to reduce emissions, we must also take steps to adapt to climate change. This consultation seeks your views on the Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-29. The final Adaptation Plan will only be effective if it is informed by Scots’ local and lived experience of climate change. During the public consultation period on this draft Adaptation Plan a formal public consultation will be opened on the Scottish Government’s ‘Citizen Space.’ Alongside this the Scottish Government will run a series of events tailored to both delivery partners and the public, to gather a wide range of views on the policy proposals in this draft Adaptation Plan.
Closes 24 April 2024

A Biodiversity Metric for Scotland’s Planning System – Key Issues consultation
NatureScot
Nature Scot have published a Key Issues paper to inform work developing a biodiversity metric for Scotland’s planning system. Commissioned by the Scottish Government, in support of National Planning Framework 4 policy 3(b), the paper alerts stakeholders and anyone interested in the development of a biodiversity metric for planning to the scope of the work that is to be undertaken. The paper can be viewed on the NatureScot website.
*NEW* Closes 10 May 2024

Enabling powers for Scotland’s Environmental Impact Assessment regimes & Habitats Regulations
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government are seeking views on proposed enabling powers that would better allow for future amendments to Scotland’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regimes and Habitats Regulations. These are key legislative frameworks which underpin environmental protection and assessment processes. The proposed enabling powers would help replace powers lost because of the UK’s exit from the European Union (EU) and would help ensure the relevant legislation can remain fit for purpose in future.
Closes 13 May 2024

Call for Views on the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill
Scottish Parliament
The Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee is seeking your views on the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill. The Bill was introduced by the Scottish Government on 13 March and covers land reform, lease for environmental purposes, and small landholdings and agricultural tenancies. The Bill introduces various provisions such as requirements on estate owners, publishing of a model lease for environmental purposes, and modernising the law. Find out more about the Bill and read its accompanying documents.
*NEW* Closes 21 May 2024

Masterplan Consent Area Regulations
Scottish Government
The Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 introduced MCAs – which will enable planning authorities to take a place leadership role, by proactively consenting the type and quality of development they wish to see in their areas. The Masterplan consent area regulations consultation covers the type of development which can be authorised, potential locations for MCAs and the procedures for making a scheme. It includes two sets of regulations: covering the main process for making MCA schemes and relating to EIA of MCA schemes. The separate consultation on ‘Investing in Planning’ also includes proposals for recouping costs of preparing MCA schemes.
Closes 22 May 2024

Development plan amendment regulations
Scottish Government
With the move to National Planning Framework (NPF) and Local Development Plans (LDPs) having a review period of 10 years, the 2019 Act introduced the provision for them to be amended between full review cycles. This enables the planning system to respond where newly emerging matters arise.
The development plan amendment regulations consultation covers proposals for the regulations. The aim is for procedures to amend both NPF and LDP to be proportionate and to provide a process that is more responsive and streamlined, whilst balancing the need for robust justification, engagement, and scrutiny. This will ultimately give decision makers some flexibility of process, based on the scale and significance of the amendments.
Closes 22 May 2024

Investing in Planning
Scottish Government
This consultation on resourcing Scotland’s planning system is in response to current resourcing challenges. It builds on ideas generated in a stakeholder workshop held in November 2023 and sets out a series of proposals which aim to improve capacity and build resilience particularly within planning authorities.  In addition to inviting stakeholder views on the proposals outlined, the consultation encourages stakeholders to suggest further ideas on alternative ways to support delivery and build resilience.
Closes 31 May 2024

Compulsory Purchase Reform
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government have committed to reform and modernise compulsory purchase legislation. As a first step, they have established an advisory group to help support the reform programme. The group, to be co-chaired by the Chief Planner and Roseanna Cunningham, brings together several expert practitioners with first-hand experience of the compulsory purchase process. They recognise, however, that a range of organisations have an interest in this area and are consulting broadly and are keen to hear from a wide range of voices as the work moves forward.
Please get in touch at CPO.Reform@gov.scot

Strategic Plan Survey
Scottish Civic Trust
The Scottish Civic Trust are refreshing their Strategic Plan. To inform their future activities they are surveying people across Scotland about key themes related to their work. All input will help them better empower Scotland’s communities to act for shared spaces and places. All survey results are anonymous and will be stored on a Google Drive to which only Scottish Civic Trust has access. Analysed and summarised survey results will be shared in reports to Scottish Civic Trust’s funders and may appear in their annual reports.

CONSULTATION RESPONSES 

Planning system – mandatory training for elected members: consultation analysis & published responses (Scot Gov 04/04/2024)

Proposals for a Heat in Buildings Bill: Consultation Response (Under One Roof 11/04/2024)

NEWS RELEASES 

Creating a future space to explore the past (Scotland’s Heritage Hub Project April 2024)

European citizens support religious heritage (Future for Religious Heritage 03/04/2024)

Charity creates new roles to help drive decarbonisation of Scotland’s homes (Changeworks 09/04/2024)

Europa Nostra and EIB Institute announce Europe’s 7 Most Endangered Heritage Sites 2024 (Europa Nostra 17/04/2024)

PUBLICATIONS 

Partnerships for People and Place Programme – Evaluation Report for DLUHC (Grant Thornton/IPSOS March 2024)

Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete Guidance on Listed Buildings (Purcell March 2024)

Valuing Victoria’s Heritage (Heritage Council Victoria April 2024)
3 reports considering the economic, social and environmental value of heritage in Australia.

Cultural Heritage Capital and Wellbeing: Examining the relationship between heritage density and life satisfaction (Historic England 14/03/2024)

Sector health check and local authority funding cuts (UK Heritage Pulse April 2024)

Skills Investment Plan (SIP) for Scotland’s Historic Environment (HES 01/04/2024)

Beyond the comfort zone: How can planning reform boost housing supply and affordability? (Social Market Foundation 16/04/2024)

Regional Retrofit Skills Taskforce Checklist (National Retrofit Hub 17/04/2024)

SCOTTISH & UK: GOVERNMENTAL & PARLIAMENTARY PUBLICATIONS  

Correspondence between the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee and the Climate Emergency Response Group about the committee’s scrutiny of local government’s role in delivery a net zero Scotland (Scot Parl 26/03/2024)

Scottish Parliament People’s Panel reviewing the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 (Scot Parl April 2024)

Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill – revised explanatory notes (Scot Parl April 2024)

Housing (Cladding Remediation) (Scotland) Bill stage 2 amendments repository (Scot Parl April 2024)

Circular Economy (Scotland) Bill stage 2 amendments repository (Scot Parl April 2024)

Community right to buy – Company Limited by Guarantee: model template and guidance (Scot Gov 03/04/2024)

Spring Budget Revision 2023-2024 guide: finance update for the FPAC (Scot Gov 08/04/2024)

Development plan examinations: list (Scot Gov 09/04/2024)

Climate Engagement Fund Reopens (Scot Gov 09/04/2024)

Planning permission appeals: housing development statistics (Scot Gov 09/04/2024)

Correspondence between Paul McLennan and the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee regarding building safety and maintenance and housing to 2040 (Scot Gov 09/04/2024)

Correspondence from a group of 17 non-governmental organisations to the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee regarding a carbon footprint reduction target to be included in the Circular Economy Bill (Scot Parl 11/04/2024)

Council tax frozen across Scotland (Scot Gov 15/04/2024)

COP28: outcomes, achievements, and costs (Scot Gov 16/04/2024)

Council Tax Reduction: local authority tables and charts – April 2013 to February 2024 (Scot Gov 16/04/2024)

High streets in towns and small cities – oral evidence (UK Parl 16/04/2024)

OPINION & COMMENT 

How to buy one of England’s one million abandoned homes (The Times 17/09/2023)

Cultural strategies: Layers of place and policy (Arts Professional 21/03/2024)

Robbie Calvert: The importance of Chief Planning Officers in Local Authorities (RTPI 10/04/2024)

Paul Sweeney: ‘It is demoralising and infuriating to witness decline of Glasgow’s built heritage’ (Glasgow Times 11/04/2024)

We have a housing disaster. Here’s how to fix it (The Times 14/04/2024)

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS & ANSWERS 

Link to Parliamentary Questions and Answers

MOTIONS 

S6M-12849
Submitted by: Annie Wells, Glasgow, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 15 April 2024
That the Parliament congratulates Glasgow Life on receiving £350,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for planning and development work for the cultural revitalisation of Sauchiehall Street; understands that this work will support and inform further significant future investment by the National Lottery Heritage Fund in Sauchiehall Street and its communities; further understands that the initial award is the outcome of collaborative working between Glasgow Life, Glasgow City Council, and the National Lottery Heritage Fund during 2023 to explore how what it sees as the internationally important heritage and culture of Sauchiehall Street can be protected and celebrated, and how local communities and stakeholders can be empowered through this work; notes that the £350,000 award will fund 18 months of work to ensure that local communities and stakeholders can play an active part in exploring their heritage and planning for the future of Sauchiehall Street, and acknowledges that the funding will help to provide a culture and heritage community grants scheme to empower local people and businesses, and that it will support research and planning to inform the next phase of work to revitalise Sauchiehall Street, including the creation of a geo-spatial map of the culture and heritage of the area.

S6M-12845
Submitted by: Angus Robertson, Edinburgh Central, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 15 April 2024
That the Parliament welcomes the publication on 28 March 2024 of Inspiring Connections: Scotland’s International Culture Strategy; recognises the central importance of international engagement, collaboration and exchange to Scotland’s culture and creative sector, cultural innovation and financial health; further recognises that the impacts of Brexit and inflation pressures driven by UK Government decisions have had a detrimental impact on the sector’s international activity; acknowledges that COVID-19 has also exacerbated these impacts; notes the strong starting position for this strategy, with Scotland’s culture and creative sector’s global reputation and existing connections; further notes that this strategy recognises the challenges posed by the importance of international cultural activity and the need to achieve net zero by 2045; recognises the role that the culture and creative sector can play in addressing Scotland’s role in colonialism and slavery, and agrees that this strategic approach to supporting international connections can play an important role in the sector’s long-term development.

S6M-12876
Submitted by: George Adam, Paisley, Scottish National Party.
Date lodged: 16 April 2024
That the Parliament agrees that the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee be designated as the lead committee, and that the Social Justice and Social Security Committee be designated as a secondary committee, in consideration of the Housing (Scotland) Bill at stage 1.

EVENTS 

RTPI – Scottish Young Planners Conference
Date & Time: Thursday 25 April 2024; 9am-5pm
Location: Technology & Innovation Building, 99 George Street, Glasgow G1 1RD
Planning in Scotland is during exciting changes. Young planners are crucial for delivering on future aspirations for the planning system and the profession. This year’s conference seeks to reflect on the importance of young planning professionals and highlight the opportunities available to them to shape the future of the profession. This is a fantastic opportunity to build important networks with other young professionals and develop the critical skills needed to support young planners in their career.

Under One Roof – Private Rented Sector Webinar
Date & Time: Wednesday 1 May 2024; 2-4pm
Location: Online
In partnership with Renfrewshire Council and Landlord Accreditation Scotland, Under One Roof is hosting a free webinar for private landlords to bring them up to date with what is happening in the private rented sector both locally and nationally. Topics to be covered at the event will include the new Repairing Standard obligations, managing common repairs, energy efficiency standards in the private rented sector and Renfrewshire Council will present on future investment programmes involving private landlords.

Mill of Benholm Working Party 
Date & Time: Saturday 4 May 2024; 10-4pm
Location: Benholm, Montrose, DD10 0HT
The Mill of Benholm has been dormant for over a decade. Join SPAB Scotland on Saturday 4 May to help change that! They’ll be clearing vegetation from the lade and returning the much-needed water supply to the mill. They will also be joined by 2022 SPAB Millwright Fellow Owen Bushell who will give an introduction to the mill machinery and how it works.

Archaeology Scotland – Archaeological Research in Progress Conference 2024
Date & Time: Saturday 25 May 2024; 9am-5.30pm
Location: Soutar Theatre, AK Bell Library, 2-8 York Place, Perth PH2 8EP
The annual ARP Conference is Scotland’s premier event in archaeological research. This year’s conference, hosted by Archaeology Scotland in collaboration with the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, will provide insights into ongoing archaeological projects from various periods across Scotland. Participate either in person or online. The conference will be recorded and later available on our YouTube channel for those unable to attend.

Historic Environment Scotland – Documenting Scotland’s Historic Environment
Date & Time: Wednesday 29 May 2024; 9.30am-4pm & 10am-12.30pm
Location: The Engine Shed, Stirling
Three morning talks at the Engine Shed will review a wide range of site recording techniques, from traditional survey methods to the latest innovations in digital documentation such as laser scanning, Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and photogrammetry. Explore how certain methods should be selected to obtain particular data from a site or meet the specific needs of a conservation project. A networking lunch will provide you with the opportunity to continue discussions and explore the Engine Shed. In the afternoon, the speakers will lead a hands-on demonstration of some of the innovative digital documentation in the Engine Shed’s main hall.

SURF Awards – Shared Learning Workshops
Shared learning workshops with contributions from the winner and highly commended projects in the Removing Barriers to Employability, Housing and Regeneration, Improving Scotland’s Places and Community Led Regeneration, and Creative Regeneration categories in the 2023 SURF Awards.
Removing barriers to employability: SURF Awards Shared Learning Workshop
Date & Time: Thursday 2 May 2024; 10am-1.30pm
Location: Glasgow Women’s Library, 23 Landressy St, Bridgeton, Glasgow G40 1BP
Effective approaches to housing led regeneration – SURF Award Shared Learning Event
Date & Time: Thursday 9 May 2024; 10am-1.30pm
Location: Grassmarket Centre, 86 Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh EH1 2QA
Delivering place-based regeneration initiatives: SURF Awards Shared Learning Workshop
Date & Time: Thursday 16 May 2024; 10am-1.30pm
Location: Kinning Park Complex, 43 Cornwall St, Glasgow G41 1BA
Using creativity in regeneration: SURF Awards Shared Learning Workshop
Date & Time: Thursday 23 May 2024; 10am-1.30pm
Location: Civic House, 26 Civic St, Glasgow G4 9RH

IHBC Annual School 2024 – #IHBC Reading 2024
Date & Time:  Wednesday 12 – Saturday 15 June 2024
Location: Online and in-person: Reading Town Hall
The IHBC is delighted to welcome Gerard Lemos, Chair of English Heritage as the opening speaker for the IHBC Annual School 2024, Reading – Place & Building Care: Finance, policy & people in conservation practice. Join in person or online for an enriching experience diving into the world of heritage conservation. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn, network, and explore heritage conservation and planning challenges in managing buildings, property and places together. Insights, learning and engagement for all disciplines and interests. Flexible, low-cost online delegate engagement options and bursaries available.
Booking open now

TRAINING 

SPAB – An Introduction to Plain Lime Plastering
Date & Time: Friday 26 & Saturday 27 April 2024
Location: Heritage & Rural Skills Centre, Buscot and Coleshill Estate, Swindon SN6 7PT
Join SPAB for a practical course covering the mixing and application of lime plaster to lath, masonry, and modern substrates, including pricking up and base coats, float coats and setting coats. You will also get a brief introduction to running a cornice in-situ. This course is suitable for people with practical plastering skills. Experienced plasterers used to work in gypsum will particularly benefit from the course.

Scottish Lime Centre Trust – Masterclass on Conservative Repair of Modern Reinforced Concrete
Date & Time: Friday 26 April 2024; 9.30am-4pm
Location: Charlestown Workshops, Fife KY11 3EN
This master class delves into the principles and methodologies of conservation repairs for modern reinforced concrete structures, providing in-depth knowledge essential for engineers, architects, and construction professionals involved in the maintenance and preservation of concrete infrastructure. As modern concrete structures age, they often face deterioration due to various factors such as environmental exposure, chemical attacks, and structural loading. Conservative repair techniques aim to address these challenges while preserving the integrity and original design intent of the structure.

C&BS –  Introduction to being a Board Member
Date & Time: Tuesday 28 May & Tuesday 4 June 2024; 4-7pm
Location: Online
Do you have new trustees on your Board, or have you taken on a trustee role yourself? If so, this is an essential course for launching or refreshing your Board career. C&BS Head of Board Development, Catriona Reynolds, takes new trustees and Board members through their paces in two information-packed, hands-on sessions.

C&BS – Fundraising Matters: Getting Data Protection Right
Date & Time: Wednesday 29 May 2024; 9.30am-12.30pm
Location: Online
Obtaining personal data is highly valuable for marketing goods and services. However, the question of what you can and cannot legally do with this data remains complex. As more of us are keeping in touch with our audiences, supporters, and followers online than ever before, it’s essential to ensure your practices are lawful, as well as to provide privacy, security and transparency to maintain the trust of your audiences. Expert Laura Irvine, Partner at Davidson Chalmers Stewart LLP, dives deep into the subject and gives practical tips and advice.

SPAB – Photographing Old Buildings Online Workshop
Date & Time: dates from Wednesday 8 May to Wednesday 19 June
Location: Online
Whether you photograph old buildings for work or as a hobby, join SPAB on this always-popular four-step workshop with experienced professional photographer Ralph Hodgson. You’ll receive guidance on techniques and composition to develop your appreciation of the space and light of old buildings and to boost your confidence in photographing their textures, details, and features. Spaces on this workshop are limited to allow for small group discussion. You’ll need some familiarity with DSLRs or mirrorless cameras and a few photography basics.

SPAB – Repair of Old Buildings Course
Date & Time: Monday 20 to Friday 24 May 2024; 9am-5pm
Location: Museum of the Home, Kingsland Road London E2 8EA
This popular short course has been presented by the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings since the 1950s. Run over five days, this course delivers an intensive programme of lectures and visits to building repair projects. Presented by leading building conservation professionals, the Repair Course considers British and international approaches to the conservation of old buildings.

VACANCIES 

The Heritage Trust Network – Heritage Trainee (Scotland)
Salary:  Pro rata of £23,400 p.a. (Real Living Wage)
Status: Full-time (37.5 hours p/w); 12 months fixed term
Location: Working from home or from an agreed shared workspace anywhere in Scotland.
The Heritage Trust Network is recruiting for the post of Heritage Trainee (Scotland). This exciting opportunity continues the Network’s focus on welcoming new people to the sector, already evident through the Network’s Youth Forum and involvement with the Make Your Mark campaign. The post has been designed to help the successful applicant develop on-the-job skills, knowledge, and networks to help them gain early-career access to the heritage sector. The role is funded by Historic Environment Scotland and National Trust for Scotland. More information and application details here.
Closing date: 10pm on Monday 6 May 2024

The Heritage Trust Network – Volunteering opportunities
Youth Forum
The Heritage Trust Network is seeking young people aged 18-30 who are interested in the rescue, restoration and management of historic buildings, structures and places who want their voice heard in the heritage sector. Volunteers will be involved in shaping the new Youth Forum; creating recommendations and advice to help members involve young people in heritage in a democratic way; co-designing, leading, and taking part in online and in-person events; and creating online content including social media posts, blogs, or vlogs.
If you are interested in joining, please fill out a short application form here

Digital Heroes Project Volunteer
Are you digitally skilled, interested in helping heritage organisations and available to volunteer? The Heritage Trust Network are seeking people based in Scotland to join their Digital Heroes project which matches up digitally skilled young people with one of their member organisations to help them undertake a digital project. Examples include doing social media posts, digitising an archive, or creating a digital marketing plan. If you are interested in volunteering as a digital hero, please fill out a short application form here

BEFS NEWS 

Whether it’s the time of year (financial year end for many), or just coincidence, this edition of the Bulletin seems to be delightfully publications and planning heavy.

Firstly, the Digital Skills Portal was launched this month by the Scottish Government and the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Scotland. The project is part of the Scottish Government’s Digital Planning Programme, and will provide planners with a hub for information about digital planning tools, training, and skills.

Several years after official adoption many aspects of NPF4 are now being implemented, or consulted upon. The guidance is out for implementing Chief Planning Officers; and there are three consultations (due end of May) looking at both Masterplan Consent Area, and Development Plan amendment regulations; as well as the essential issue of Investing in Planning.

The responses for Permitted Development Rights Phase 3 consultation have also been released, and Architecture and Design Scotland (A&DS) have released their Climate Action Towns resource. You can read more about that in a blog, here.

We’d recommend taking a look at the plentiful Scottish Government publications released over the past few weeks (March is always a busy time of year for those).

BEFS is always interested to see new toolkits released and this month we’ve been having a look at  both the Purcell/City of London Heritage Building Retrofit Toolkit, and the UK Architects Declare, The Building Blocks Manifesto.

The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) has announced the shortlist for the 2024 RIAS Awards, celebrating the best of Scottish architecture. The 17 projects showcase a diverse range of innovative designs from across the country – winners will be revealed later this year.

And finally, BEFS is pleased to announce the launch of our latest resource- BEFS Policy Map for Scotland’s Existing Built Environment, Spring 2024. This resource provides an overview of bills, strategies, tools, and publications – empowering stakeholders to navigate the complexities of the existing built environment.

CONSULTATIONS 

Managing the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site
The City of Edinburgh Council
The Old and New Towns of Edinburgh were given World Heritage Status in 1995, recognising the striking contrast and quality in architecture between the medieval Old Town and the Georgian New Town. A Management Plan identifies issues and opportunities within the World Heritage Site and sets out priority areas for action to preserve and enhance the site. While the management plan covers a ten-year period, an action plan is developed alongside it focusing on a two-year period. The City of Edinburgh Council would like to hear your views on the new plan, specifically whether you feel they are doing enough to protect and enhance the Site, and any other ideas or suggestions which you may have.
Closes 8 April 2024

Conservation Management Plan for Greyfriars Kirkyard in Edinburgh
Edinburgh World Heritage & City of Edinburgh Council
Greyfriars Kirkyard is one of Edinburgh’s most iconic spaces. However, managing the site has become increasingly complex. Recognising the need for a new strategy, Edinburgh World Heritage and the City of Edinburgh Council have commissioned Kirkyard Consulting to develop a new graveyard Conservation Management Plan. This short survey will allow you to have your say about your experiences of Greyfriars and how you would like to see it managed in the future.
Closes 15 April 2024

Scottish National Adaptation Plan (2024-2029)
Scottish Government
The effects of climate change are already being felt by people in Scotland. That is why, as well as taking action to reduce emissions, we must also take steps to adapt to climate change. This consultation seeks your views on the Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-29. The final Adaptation Plan will only be effective if it is informed by Scots’ local and lived experience of climate change. During the public consultation period on this draft Adaptation Plan a formal public consultation will be opened on the Scottish Government’s ‘Citizen Space.’ Alongside this the Scottish Government will run a series of events tailored to both delivery partners and the public, to gather a wide range of views on the policy proposals in this draft Adaptation Plan.
Closes 24 April 2024

Enabling powers for Scotland’s Environmental Impact Assessment regimes & Habitats Regulations
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government are seeking views on proposed enabling powers that would better allow for future amendments to Scotland’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regimes and Habitats Regulations. These are key legislative frameworks which underpin environmental protection and assessment processes. The proposed enabling powers would help replace powers lost because of the UK’s exit from the European Union (EU) and would help ensure the relevant legislation can remain fit for purpose in future.
Closes 13 May 2024

Masterplan Consent Area Regulations
Scottish Government
The Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 introduced MCAs – which will enable planning authorities to take a place leadership role, by proactively consenting the type and quality of development they wish to see in their areas. The Masterplan consent area regulations consultation covers the type of development which can be authorised, potential locations for MCAs and the procedures for making a scheme. It includes two sets of regulations: covering the main process for making MCA schemes and relating to EIA of MCA schemes. The separate consultation on ‘Investing in Planning’ also includes proposals for recouping costs of preparing MCA schemes.
Closes 22 May 2024

Development plan amendment regulations
Scottish Government
With the move to National Planning Framework (NPF) and Local Development Plans (LDPs) having a review period of 10 years, the 2019 Act introduced the provision for them to be amended between full review cycles. This enables the planning system to respond where newly emerging matters arise.
The development plan amendment regulations consultation covers proposals for the regulations. The aim is for procedures to amend both NPF and LDP to be proportionate and to provide a process that is more responsive and streamlined, whilst balancing the need for robust justification, engagement, and scrutiny. This will ultimately give decision makers some flexibility of process, based on the scale and significance of the amendments.
Closes 22 May 2024

Investing in Planning
Scottish Government
This consultation on resourcing Scotland’s planning system is in response to current resourcing challenges. It builds on ideas generated in a stakeholder workshop held in November 2023 and sets out a series of proposals which aim to improve capacity and build resilience particularly within planning authorities.  In addition to inviting stakeholder views on the proposals outlined, the consultation encourages stakeholders to suggest further ideas on alternative ways to support delivery and build resilience.
Closes 31 May 2024

Compulsory Purchase Reform
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government have committed to reform and modernise compulsory purchase legislation. As a first step, they have established an advisory group to help support the reform programme. The group, to be co-chaired by the Chief Planner and Roseanna Cunningham, brings together several expert practitioners with first-hand experience of the compulsory purchase process. They recognise, however, that a range of organisations have an interest in this area and are consulting broadly and are keen to hear from a wide range of voices as the work moves forward.
Please get in touch at CPO.Reform@gov.scot

Strategic Plan Survey
Scottish Civic Trust
The Scottish Civic Trust are refreshing their Strategic Plan. To inform their future activities they are surveying people across Scotland about key themes related to their work. All input will help them better empower Scotland’s communities to act for shared spaces and places. All survey results are anonymous and will be stored on a Google Drive to which only Scottish Civic Trust has access. Analysed and summarised survey results will be shared in reports to Scottish Civic Trust’s funders and may appear in their annual reports.

CONSULTATION RESPONSES 

Home Energy Model: replacement for the Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) – Consultation (BEFS 27/03/2024)

Permitted Development Rights review – phase 3: consultation analysis (Scot Gov 28/03/2024)

Guidance on Inclusive Design for Town Centres and Busy Streets (BEFS 29/03/2024)

NEWS RELEASES 

The CO2mpare Database (Ramboll 06/03/2024)

Heritage Manifesto Refreshed for 2024 (The Heritage Alliance 14/03/2024)

Winners of the Costa Carras European Citizens Awards for the Safeguard of Endangered Heritage 2024 announced (Europa Nostra 21/03/2024)

City launches guidance for reducing carbon in historic buildings (Building Design 25/03/2024)

PUBLICATIONS 

A Community-Led Study into the impact of NPF4 biodiversity policies (Planning Democracy February 2024)

The Heritage Manifesto 2024 (The Heritage Alliance February 2024)

The Building Blocks Manifesto (UK Architects Declare March 2024)

Digital Skills Portal (RTPI/Scottish Government 21/03/2024)

Housing Outlook Q1 2024 (Resolution Foundation 25/03/2024)

The running cost of domestic heat pumps in the UK (UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence 25/03/2024)

Heritage Building Retrofit Toolkit (Purcell/City of London Corporation 25/03/2024)

SCOTTISH & UK: GOVERNMENTAL & PARLIAMENTARY PUBLICATIONS  

Correspondence between Lorna Slater and the Finance and Public Administration Committee regarding the Financial Memorandum for the Circular Economy (Scotland) Bill (Scot Gov 14/03/2024)

Correspondence between Mairi Gougeon and the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee regarding an issue found in the publication of the strategic environmental assessment screening for the Agricultural and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill (Scot Gov 19/03/2024)

Correspondence between the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee and Màiri McAllan on corrections made to Annexe J (Affordable Housing) of the Budget 2024-25 (Scot Parl 20/03/2024)

Housing statistics: Stock by tenure (Scot Gov 21/03/2024)

Local planning projects recognised (Scot Gov 21/03/2024)

Government saves over 80 community spaces from closure (UK Gov 23/03/2024)

Housing Statistics for Scotland Quarterly Update (Scot Gov 26/03/2024)

Housing Scotland Bill (Scot Gov 26/03/2024)

Correspondence between the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee and the Finance and Public Administration Committee regarding detail of the collaborative scrutiny of the review of National Outcomes (Scot Parl 26/03/2024)

Agriculture and Rural Communities Bill (Scot Gov 27/03/2024)

Environment Strategy: progress report – March 2024 (Scot Gov 28/03/2024)

Heat Network Projects: quarterly report – March 2024 (Scot Gov 28/03/2024)

Inspiring Connections: Scotland’s International Culture Strategy (Scot Gov 28/03/2024)

The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Scotland) Amendment Order 2024 (Scot Parl 28/03/2024)

Correspondence between Audit Scotland and the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee regarding climate change governance (Scot Parl 28/03/2024)

Calls for second staircases in all new tall residential buildings (UK Gov 29/03/2024)

Council tax on second homes (Scot Gov 31/03/2024)

Building standards: procedural handbook – third edition version 1.7 (Scot Gov 02/04/2024)

Chief Planning Officers: guidance (Scot Gov 02/04/2024)

Planning permission appeals: housing development statistics (Scot Gov 02/04/2024)

Correspondence between the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee and Màiri McAllan on corrections made to Annex J (Affordable Housing) of the Budget 2024-25 (Scot Parl 02/04/2024)

OPINION & COMMENT 

Blog: New Year’s Revolutions: talking about resourcing and improving performance in Scotland (RTPI 28/02/2024)

What would a regenerative cultural sector look like? (Arts Professional 19/03/2024)

Why ‘fabric-first’ may be the wrong approach for retrofitting (Scottish Housing News 22/03/2024)

Video: Professor Mary Beard addresses ‘Who owns the past?’ (The National Trust 22/03/2024)

‘We’re barely hanging on’: England’s cultural jewels fall into the red (The Observer 24/03/2024)

George Square: how I changed my mind on its future (The Herald 25/03/2024)

New Compliance Plan Early Adopters Scheme for buildings classified as High Risk Buildings (The Building Standards Division 02/04/2024)

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS & ANSWERS 

Link to Parliamentary Questions and Answers

EVENTS 

AHSS Lecture – Facile Princeps: The Country Houses of David Bryce
Date & Time: Monday 8 April 2024; 6.30-8pm
Location: Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL (wheelchair accessible). Also streamed online via Zoom.
David Bryce (1803–1876) was one of Victorian Britain’s most prolific architects, whose opulent, richly modelled architecture left a lasting impression on Scotland, where he led the revival of the Scottish baronial style. In this talk, Dr Ralph St Clair Wade, lecturer in the History of Art at Cambridge University, provides an introduction to Bryce’s country house practice and offers new insights into the architect’s work, drawn from his doctoral research. Tickets available from Eventbrite or on the door: £5 / students £2 /

RIAS/PHT Workshop – How can we deliver a Scottish Passivhaus Equivalent?
Date & Time: Tuesday 16 April 2024; 2.30-5pm
Location: Online
Join the RIAS/PHT Workshop to prepare for the launch of the Scottish Passivhaus Equivalent legislation in December 2024. The workshop features an expert panel representing clients, trainers, contractors, policy makers, and architects. Attendees will gain insights from case studies, engage in technical discussions, and participate in breakout sessions while networking with professionals across various fields.

Heritage Trust Network – A Future for Your Church
Date & Time: Thursday 18 April 2024; 10-11.30am
Location: Online
Are you a community group thinking about taking ownership of your local church? Are you already managing your church for the benefit of the community? This free online event is for you. Heritage Trust Network and Historic Churches Scotland are joining forces to host the next event in this series for any group contemplating the future of their church building. This event will explore future uses and financial models for three churches in Fife.

RTPI – Scottish Young Planners Conference
Date & Time: Thursday 25 April 2024; 9am-5pm
Location: Technology & Innovation Building, 99 George Street, Glasgow G1 1RD
Planning in Scotland is in the midst of exciting changes. Young planners are crucial for delivering on future aspirations for the planning system and the profession. This year’s conference seeks to reflect on the importance of young planning professionals and highlight the opportunities available to them to shape the future of the profession. This is a fantastic opportunity to build important networks with other young professionals and develop the critical skills needed to support young planners in their career.

Mill of Benholm Working Party 
Date & Time: Saturday 4 May 2024; 10-4pm
Location: Benholm, Montrose, DD10 0HT
The Mill of Benholm has been dormant for over a decade. Join SPAB Scotland on Saturday 4 May to help change that! They’ll be clearing vegetation from the lade and returning the much-needed water supply to the mill. They will also be joined by 2022 SPAB Millwright Fellow Owen Bushell who will give an introduction to the mill machinery and how it works.

SURF Awards – Shared Learning Workshops
Shared learning workshops with contributions from the winner and highly commended projects in the Removing Barriers to Employability, Housing and Regeneration, Improving Scotland’s Places and Community Led Regeneration, and Creative Regeneration categories in the 2023 SURF Awards.
Removing barriers to employability: SURF Awards Shared Learning Workshop
Date & Time: Thursday 2 May 2024; 10am-1.30pm
Location: Glasgow Women’s Library, 23 Landressy St, Bridgeton, Glasgow G40 1BP
Effective approaches to housing led regeneration – SURF Award Shared Learning Event
Date & Time: Thursday 9 May 2024; 10am-1.30pm
Location: Grassmarket Centre, 86 Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh EH1 2QA
Delivering place-based regeneration initiatives: SURF Awards Shared Learning Workshop
Date & Time: Thursday 16 May 2024; 10am-1.30pm
Location: Kinning Park Complex, 43 Cornwall St, Glasgow G41 1BA
Using creativity in regeneration: SURF Awards Shared Learning Workshop
Date & Time: Thursday 23 May 2024; 10am-1.30pm
Location: Civic House, 26 Civic St, Glasgow G4 9RH

IHBC – Summer School 2024
Date & Time:  Wednesday 12 – Saturday 15 June 2024
Location: Reading Town Hall
Join the Institute of Historic Building Conservation in Reading (or online) for their annual school, exploring heritage conservation and planning challenges in managing buildings, property and places together. Discover new insights and old lessons when working with finance, policy and people; and examine sustainable management and conservation issues and opportunities, for areas, buildings, estates and fabric. Learn from expert practitioners and leading advisers and enjoy extensive networking opportunities either in person or online. Flexible, low-cost online delegate engagement options and bursaries available.
Booking open now

TRAINING 

SPAB – An Introduction to Plain Lime Plastering
Date & Time: Friday 26 & Saturday 27 April 2024
Location: Heritage & Rural Skills Centre, Buscot and Coleshill Estate, Swindon SN6 7PT
Join SPAB for a practical course covering the mixing and application of lime plaster to lath, masonry, and modern substrates, including pricking up and base coats, float coats and setting coats. You will also get a brief introduction to running a cornice in-situ. This course is suitable for people with practical plastering skills. Experienced plasterers used to work in gypsum will particularly benefit from the course.

Scottish Lime Centre Trust – Masterclass on Conservative Repair of Modern Reinforced Concrete
Date & Time: Friday 26 April 2024; 9.30am-4pm
Location: Charlestown Workshops, Fife KY11 3EN
This master class delves into the principles and methodologies of conservation repairs for modern reinforced concrete structures, providing in-depth knowledge essential for engineers, architects, and construction professionals involved in the maintenance and preservation of concrete infrastructure.
As modern concrete structures age, they often face deterioration due to various factors such as environmental exposure, chemical attacks, and structural loading. Conservative repair techniques aim to address these challenges while preserving the integrity and original design intent of the structure.

SPAB – Photographing Old Buildings Online Workshop
Date & Time: dates from Wednesday 8 May to Wednesday 19 June
Location: Online
Whether you photograph old buildings for work or as a hobby, join SPAB on this always-popular four-step workshop with experienced professional photographer Ralph Hodgson. You’ll receive guidance on techniques and composition to develop your appreciation of the space and light of old buildings and to boost your confidence in photographing their textures, details and features. Spaces on this workshop are limited to allow for small group discussion. You’ll need some familiarity with DSLRs or mirrorless cameras and a few photography basics.

VACANCIES 

The Heritage Trust Network – Volunteering opportunities
Youth Forum
The Heritage Trust Network is seeking young people aged 18-30 who are interested in the rescue, restoration and management of historic buildings, structures and places who want their voice heard in the heritage sector. Volunteers will be involved in shaping the new Youth Forum; creating recommendations and advice to help members involve young people in heritage in a democratic way; co-designing, leading, and taking part in online and in-person events; and creating online content including social media posts, blogs, or vlogs.
If you are interested in joining, please fill out a short application form here

Digital Heroes Project Volunteer
Are you digitally skilled, interested in helping heritage organisations and available to volunteer? The Heritage Trust Network are seeking people based in Scotland to join their Digital Heroes project which matches up digitally skilled young people with one of their member organisations to help them undertake a digital project. Examples include doing social media posts, digitising an archive, or creating a digital marketing plan. If you are interested in volunteering as a digital hero, please fill out a short application form here

BEFS NEWS

Fresh from the Parliamentary chamber: on Wednesday 20^th March 2024 the Circular Economy (Scotland) Bill, Stage 1 was debated in the Scottish Parliament. During which, Ben Macpherson MSP proposed an amendment at the next stage, addressing construction waste (link has the full debate); this suggestion was encouragingly referred to by the Minister in her closing remarks. BEFS look forward to seeing progress within this area having lobbied for construction waste to be part of the circular economy for many years. This debate, and the matters raised across the chamber seem ever more pertinent in light of the Climate Change Committee’s damning report in relation to Scotland’s progress against reducing emissions.

As readers will be aware – Scotland’s Historic Environment Forum (SHEF) took place in Stirling last month, bringing the existing historic environment and other relevant sectors together to take stock, discuss emerging and future issues, and set the strategic direction for the coming years. You can now watch a recording of the event and read the findings in the post-event report.

In more technical matters, as part of a wider programme to strengthen the building standards system in Scotland, the Scottish Government, in partnership with LABSS and Fife Council, will be launching the Scottish Building Standards Hub from May 2024 following a successful two year pilot phase.

Additionally, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) have published their new professional standard providing a framework for Residential retrofit standards. The standards, effective from 31 October 2024, sets out mandatory requirements and best practice guidance covering the retrofit process from initial assessment through design, installation, and evaluation.

Considering wider place based programmes, Scotland’s Improvement Districts (SIDs) has appointed Rebecca Mather as its new National Programme Manager. Rebecca has previously worked as part of the wider SIDs and Scotland’s Towns Partnership team. Her appointment comes as work continues to develop existing improvement districts and grow the pipeline of potential new ones in communities across the country.

Apart from our usual collection of government and sector consultations, we’d like to draw readers’ attention to an opportunity to inform Scottish Civic Trust’s future activities. Your input will help them better empower Scotland’s communities to take action for our shared spaces and places. You can also read more about the fantastic recent My Place award winners here.

BEFS are delighted to see Member, Archaeology Scotland celebrate their 80th anniversary. This month commemorates their founding in 1944, alongside the Council for British Archaeology (CBA). You can read more about their history in this blog by their Director, Gavin MacGregor.

At a time of increasing community ownership for our places of worship it’s great to see the Historic Environment Scotland’s blog on How To Take a Kirk Into Community Ownership. This draws on the experience of Kilmaronock Old Kirk Trust, providing top tips for community groups thinking about taking on a historic place of worship.

We recently brought Scotland’s Churches Trust’s work on mapping changes to the Church of Scotland estate to readers’ notice. There’s now a request from SCT for assistance in filling in any missing information (or new updates) on the Scotland’s Closing Churches map. Please contact SCT directly with any information.

And finally, BEFS are pleased to welcome our newest Associate, Dundee Historic Environment Trust. We look forward to introducing them to those not already familiar with their work in a blog in the coming months. Meanwhile, you can read about their activities here.

CONSULTATIONS

Guidance on inclusive design for town centres and busy streets
Scottish Government
When the design of town centres and busy street environments does not fully consider the needs of all members of the community, people may become excluded from these areas and the essential functions that they provide. Potential barriers to access should be removed and not included in any scheme. This draft guidance was developed in response to research which identified that street design should consider the needs of everyone and should consider all Protected Characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. Views are being invited to ensure that all members of Scotland’s communities irrespective of age, ability or gender can access these areas safely and confidently without obstruction.
Closes 29 March 2024

Managing the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site
The City of Edinburgh Council
The Old and New Towns of Edinburgh were given World Heritage Status in 1995, recognising the striking contrast and quality in architecture between the medieval Old Town and the Georgian New Town. A Management Plan identifies issues and opportunities within the World Heritage Site and sets out priority areas for action to preserve and enhance the site. While the management plan covers a ten-year period, an action plan is developed alongside it focusing on a two-year period. The City of Edinburgh Council would like to hear your views on the new plan, specifically whether you feel they are doing enough to protect and enhance the Site, and any other ideas or suggestions which you may have.
Closes 8 April 2024

Conservation Management Plan for Greyfriars Kirkyard in Edinburgh
Edinburgh World Heritage & City of Edinburgh Council
Greyfriars Kirkyard is one of Edinburgh’s most iconic spaces. However, managing the site has become increasingly complex. Recognising the need for a new strategy, Edinburgh World Heritage and the City of Edinburgh Council have commissioned Kirkyard Consulting to develop a new graveyard Conservation Management Plan. This short survey will allow you to have your say about your experiences of Greyfriars and how you would like to see it managed in the future.
*NEW* Closes 15 April 2024

Scottish National Adaptation Plan (2024-2029)
Scottish Government
The effects of climate change are already being felt by people in Scotland. That is why, as well as taking action to reduce emissions, we must also take steps to adapt to climate change. This consultation seeks your views on the Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-29. The final Adaptation Plan will only be effective if it is informed by Scots’ local and lived experience of climate change. During the public consultation period on this draft Adaptation Plan a formal public consultation will be opened on the Scottish Government’s ‘Citizen Space.’ Alongside this the Scottish Government will run a series of events tailored to both delivery partners and the public, to gather a wide range of views on the policy proposals in this draft Adaptation Plan.
Closes 24 April 2024

Enabling powers for Scotland’s Environmental Impact Assessment regimes & Habitats Regulations
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government are seeking views on proposed enabling powers that would better allow for future amendments to Scotland’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regimes and Habitats Regulations. These are key legislative frameworks which underpin environmental protection and assessment processes. The proposed enabling powers would help replace powers lost because of the UK’s exit from the European Union (EU) and would help ensure the relevant legislation can remain fit for purpose in future.
*NEW* Closes 13 May 2024

Masterplan Consent Area Regulations
Scottish Government
The Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 introduced MCAs – which will enable planning authorities to take a place leadership role, by proactively consenting the type and quality of development they wish to see in their areas. The Masterplan consent area regulations consultation covers the type of development which can be authorised, potential locations for MCAs and the procedures for making a scheme. It includes two sets of regulations: covering the main process for making MCA schemes and relating to EIA of MCA schemes. The separate consultation on ‘Investing in Planning’ also includes proposals for recouping costs of preparing MCA schemes.
Closes 22 May 2024

Development plan amendment regulations
Scottish Government
With the move to National Planning Framework (NPF) and Local Development Plans (LDPs) having a review period of 10 years, the 2019 Act introduced the provision for them to be amended between full review cycles. This enables the planning system to respond where newly emerging matters arise.
The development plan amendment regulations consultation covers proposals for the regulations. The aim is for procedures to amend both NPF and LDP to be proportionate and to provide a process that is more responsive and streamlined, whilst balancing the need for robust justification, engagement, and scrutiny. This will ultimately give decision makers some flexibility of process, based on the scale and significance of the amendments.
Closes 22 May 2024

Investing in Planning
Scottish Government
This consultation on resourcing Scotland’s planning system is in response to current resourcing challenges. It builds on ideas generated in a stakeholder workshop held in November 2023 and sets out a series of proposals which aim to improve capacity and build resilience particularly within planning authorities.  In addition to inviting stakeholder views on the proposals outlined, the consultation encourages stakeholders to suggest further ideas on alternative ways to support delivery and build resilience.
Closes 31 May 2024

Compulsory Purchase Reform
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government have committed to reform and modernise compulsory purchase legislation. As a first step, they have established an advisory group to help support the reform programme. The group, to be co-chaired by the Chief Planner and Roseanna Cunningham, brings together several expert practitioners with first-hand experience of the compulsory purchase process. They recognise, however, that a range of organisations have an interest in this area and are consulting broadly and are keen to hear from a wide range of voices as the work moves forward.
Please get in touch at CPO.Reform@gov.scot

Strategic Plan Survey
Scottish Civic Trust
The Scottish Civic Trust are refreshing their Strategic Plan. To inform their future activities they are surveying people across Scotland about key themes related to their work. All input will help them better empower Scotland’s communities to act for shared spaces and places. All survey results are anonymous and will be stored on a Google Drive to which only Scottish Civic Trust has access. Analysed and summarised survey results will be shared in reports to Scottish Civic Trust’s funders and may appear in their annual reports.

CONSULTATION RESPONSES

Rented sector reform: landlord and tenant engagement questionnaire – analysis report (Scot Gov 08/03/2024)

Agricultural tenancies, small landholdings and land management tenancy proposals – strategic environmental assessment: consultation analysis (Scot Gov 14/03/2024)

PETITIONS

Submission regarding PE2063: Increase funding for local authorities to enable better management and protection of conservation areas. (Scot Gov 06/03/2024)

Submission regarding PE1864: Increase the ability of communities to influence planning decisions for onshore windfarms. (Scot Gov 15/03/2024)

NEWS RELEASES

Climate Change Needs Joint Action (Our Scottish Future 15/03/2024)

Innovate UK funded project to Transform the retrofit industry with a new approach to deliver one million homes per year (Energiesprong UK 05/03/2024)

European Museum of the Year Awards 2024: nominees announced, including The Burrell Collection (European Museum Forum 07/03/2024)

Investing in heritage skills for Fife (Fife Council 12/03/2024)

Scotland’s Improvement Districts appoints National Programme Manager (Scotland’s Towns Partnership) 18/03/2024

First Co-chairs announced to lead the David Hume Institute (DHI 19/03/2024)

Scotland’s 2030 climate goals are no longer credible (Climate Change Committee 20/03/2024)

Keynote speech: Paul McLennan, Reform Scotland event on partnership opportunities for investment in housing (Reform Scotland 13/03/2024)

PUBLICATIONS

Residential retrofit standard UK 1st edition (RICS Professional March 2024)

Despite throwing money at the problem, people still aren’t buying heat pumps (Social Market Foundation 08/03/2024)

Adapting to climate change: How the UK can better manage a rapidly changing environment (Institute for Government 13/03/2024)

Dwelling on it: Housing crises in the English speaking world (Social Market Foundation 13/03/2024)

Fiscal Sustainability Perspectives: Climate Change (Scottish Fiscal Commission 14/03/2024)

Scotland’s Historic Environment Forum (SHEF) Event Report, 7 February 2024 (HES 14/03/2024)

Progress in reducing emissions in Scotland – 2023 Report to Parliament (Climate Change Committee 20/03/2024)

SCOTTISH & UK: GOVERNMENTAL & PARLIAMENTARY PUBLICATIONS

Correspondence between Shona Robison and the Convenor of the Finance and Public Administration Committee regarding additional information on the 2024-25 Scottish Budget (Scot Gov 26/02/2024)

Correspondence between Paul McLennan and the Convenor of the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee regarding stakeholder engagement om the content of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (Licensing of Short-term Lets) Order 2022 (Scot Gov 29/02/2024)

Scottish House Condition Survey: 2022 Key Findings (Scot Gov 29/02/2024)

Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee Report (Scot Parl 05/03/2024)

Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee Minutes (Soct Parl 05/03/2024)

Correspondence between Tom Arthur and the Convenor of the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee regarding Community Wealth Building (Scot Gov 06/03/2024)

Correspondence between Kate Hall, Director for Cladding Remediation and the Convenor of the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee regarding the Housing (Cladding Remediation) (Scotland) Bill (Scot Gov 06/03/2024)

Public appointment: Chair appointed to the Board of VisitScotland (Scot Gov 07/03/2024)

Blog: Scottish Building Standards Hub (Scot Gov 08/03/2024)

Single Building Assessment programme: spending information (Scot Gov 08/03/2024)

Crackdown on long term empty homes (UK Gov 11/03/2024)

Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill as amended (Scot Parl 12/03/2024)

Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee Report (Scot Parl 12/03/2024)

Land Reform (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 13/03/2024)

Correspondence between The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee and Steve Barclay, urging the government to make green spaces a higher priority (UK Gov 14/03/2024)

Bringing empty homes back into use to increase housing stock (Scot Gov 14/03/2024)

MPs launch new inquiry into multibillion pound regional investment deals for Scotland (UK Parl 14/03/2024)

Correspondence between Lorna Slater and the Convenor of the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee regarding the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee’s Stage 1 consideration of the Circular Economy (Scotland) Bill (Scot Gov 14/03/2024)

Land Reform Bill: Summary of Research and Recommendations (Scottish Land Commission 14/03/2024)

Correspondence between the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee and Paul McLennan regarding how the government is working with Aberdeen City Council to respond to the current RAAC situation (Scot Parl 15/03/2024)

Rural Affairs and Islands Committee Stage 1 report on the Agricultural and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 18/03/2024)

Planning permission appeals: housing development statistics (Scot Gov 19/03/2024)

OPINION & COMMENT

Scotland’s Closing Churches (Scotland’s Churches Trust 21/02/2024)

Sustainability Bulletin: digital emissions (Heritage Trust Network 21/02/2024)

Heritage Trust Network – Sustainability Bulletin #2: Heating (Heritage Trust Network 06/03/2024)

RAAC to ruin: sector must learn lesson that cheap material comes at a cost (Project Scotland 13/03/2024)

Regulator suggests new council powers to help end Scots housing crisis (The Herald 13/03/2024)

The Corner, Darvel wins the Scottish Civic Trust My Place Awards 2024 (Scottish Civic Trust 13/03/2024)

Eugenie Aroutcheff wins the Scottish Civic Trust My Place Community Champion Award 2024 (Scottish Civic Trust 13/03/2024)

Number of Scottish universities and colleges dealing with dangerous RAAC rises to 18 (The Scotsman 14/03/2024)

Rishi Sunak pledges to create 20,000 more apprenticeships (BBC News 18/03/2024)

Heat pumps still too expensive, government warned (BBC News 18/03/2024)

How To Take a Kirk Into Community Ownership (HES 18/03/2024)

Fife Council to declare housing emergency this week (The Herald 19/03/2024)

Living near heritage sites ‘makes you happier’ (The Times 21/03/2024)

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Link to Parliamentary Questions and Answers

MOTIONS

S6M-12440
Submitted by: Shona Robison, Dundee City East, Scottish National Party.
Date lodged: 08/03/2024
That the Parliament, for the purposes of any Act of the Scottish Parliament resulting from the Housing (Cladding Remediation) (Scotland) Bill, agrees to—
(a) any expenditure of a kind referred to in Rule 9.12.3A of the Parliament’s Standing Orders arising in consequence of the Act, and
(b) any charge or payment in relation to which Rule 9.12.4 of the Parliament’s Standing Orders applies arising in consequence of the Act.
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Tuesday, 12 March 2024

S6M-12450
Submitted by: Paul McLennan, East Lothian, Scottish National Party.
Date lodged: 11/03/2024
That the Parliament agrees to the general principles of the Housing (Cladding Remediation) (Scotland) Bill.
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Tuesday, 12 March 2024

S6M-12552
Submitted by: Lorna Slater, Lothian, Scottish Green Party.
Date lodged: 18/03/2024
That the Parliament agrees to the general principles of the Circular Economy (Scotland) Bill.
Current status: Due to be taken in the Chamber on Thursday, 21 March 2024

S6M-12573
Submitted by: George Adam, Paisley, Scottish National Party.
Date lodged: 19/03/2024
That the Parliament agrees that the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee be designated as the lead committee in consideration of the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill at stage 1.
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Wednesday, 20 March 2024

2030 Climate Change Targets
Urgent Question asked by: Maurice Golden, North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative & Unionist Party
Date: 20/03/2024
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the Climate Change Committee stating that the scale of reductions in emissions needed for Scotland to meet its 2030 climate change targets is “beyond what is credible”.

EVENTS

For further listings, please see BEFS events calendar

Arts and Humanities Research Council – Place Programme Policy Brief Series: Embedding Diverse Perspectives
Date & Time: Monday 25 March 2024; 1-2pm
Location: Online
In this event, the AHRC share insights and recommendations from the University of Sheffield’s Roots and Futures project. It engages with current opportunities and challenges to equality, diversity and inclusion in local heritage and makes recommendations for embedding multiple histories, cultures, and perspectives in city-level heritage strategies. Further events will follow in May and throughout the rest of 2024.Heritage Trust Network – North UK Mills Network
Date & Time: Tuesday 26 March 2024; 2-3.30pm
Location: Online
Are you working in a mill, have a mill project you are undertaking or just have an interest in mills?
The intention of the group is to facilitate dialogue, share historical, operational and (for current and aspiring future mill conservation projects) technical /practical considerations relating to industrial and pre-industrial mills. Join the Heritage Trust Network group to share your knowledge, opinions and aspirations for 2024, supporting sustainable mill heritage for this and coming years.Scottish Heritage Social Media Group – Podcasting in 2024
Date & Time: Wednesday 27 March 2024; 2-3.30pm
Location: Govan Old Parish Church, 866 Govan Rd, Glasgow G51 3UU
Join Tom Horne as he delves into the world of podcasting, exploring his experiences as coordinator and producer of the new Govan Early Medieval podcast and presenter of the award-winning The Shindig podcast. Discover the pros and cons of this content medium and gain insights into what sets his second podcast apart.Aberdeen Heritage Lectures 2024: Iron Age and Medieval Structures: Cruden Bay and Deer
Date & Time: Wednesday 27 March 2024; 7-8pm
Location: Online
Alison Cameron, Director of Cameron Archaeology Ltd presents a talk on recent discoveries at Deer and Cruden Bay and how they enrich our understanding of development of settlement in North East Scotland.Architecture & Design Scotland – Climate Action Towns Gathering
Date & Time: Thursday 28 March 2024; 1-3pm
Location: The Engine Shed, Forthside Way Stirling, FK8 1QZ
Join A&DS to celebrate the Climate Action Towns project and the launch of their latest resources. At the upcoming Gathering, they will share our reflections on the project, launch a report and toolkit to help other towns embed climate action in their place, as well as hear from representatives from the towns. If you are unable to attend in person they will also share the event online/hybrid (the link to join online will be provided closer to the time via email.)HTN Youth Forum – Skills for a Heritage Career
Date & Time: Thursday 28 March 2024; 6.30-8pm
Location: Online
Volunteering and networking can be a mine field when starting out in the sector and they can play an important part in securing your first role and progressing in your career. Join the Heritage Trust Network’s Youth Forum at this online event to find out what organisations offer to make their volunteering inclusive, top tips for building your network in the sector, and what it means to be a project manager in the sector.AHSS Lecture – Facile Princeps: The Country Houses of David Bryce
Date & Time: Monday 8 April 2024; 6.30-8pm
Location: Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL (wheelchair accessible). Also streamed online via Zoom.
David Bryce (1803–1876) was one of Victorian Britain’s most prolific architects, whose opulent, richly modelled architecture left a lasting impression on Scotland, where he led the revival of the Scottish baronial style. In this talk, Dr Ralph St Clair Wade, lecturer in the History of Art at Cambridge University, provides an introduction to Bryce’s country house practice and offers new insights into the architect’s work, drawn from his doctoral research. Tickets available from Eventbrite or on the door: £5 / students £2 /Heritage Trust Network – A Future for Your Church
Date & Time: Thursday 18 April 2024; 10-11.30am
Location: Online
Are you a community group thinking about taking ownership of your local church? Are you already managing your church for the benefit of the community? This free online event is for you. Heritage Trust Network and Historic Churches Scotland are joining forces to host the next event in this series for any group contemplating the future of their church building. This event will explore future uses and financial models for three churches in Fife.

Mill of Benholm Working Party 
Date & Time: Saturday 4 May 2024; 10-4pm
Location: Benholm, Montrose, DD10 0HT
The Mill of Benholm has been dormant for over a decade. Join SPAB Scotland on Saturday 4 May to help change that! They’ll be clearing vegetation from the lade and returning the much-needed water supply to the mill. They will also be joined by 2022 SPAB Millwright Fellow Owen Bushell who will give an introduction to the mill machinery and how it works.

SURF Awards – Shared Learning Workshops
Shared learning workshops with contributions from the winner and highly commended projects in the Removing Barriers to Employability, Housing and Regeneration, Improving Scotland’s Places and Community Led Regeneration, and Creative Regeneration categories in the 2023 SURF Awards.
Removing barriers to employability: SURF Awards Shared Learning Workshop
Date & Time: Thursday 2 May 2024; 10am-1.30pm
Location: Glasgow Women’s Library, 23 Landressy St, Bridgeton, Glasgow G40 1BP
Effective approaches to housing led regeneration – SURF Award Shared Learning Event
Date & Time: Thursday 9 May 2024; 10am-1.30pm
Location: Grassmarket Centre, 86 Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh EH1 2QA
Delivering place-based regeneration initiatives: SURF Awards Shared Learning Workshop
Date & Time: Thursday 16 May 2024; 10am-1.30pm
Location: Kinning Park Complex, 43 Cornwall St, Glasgow G41 1BA
Using creativity in regeneration: SURF Awards Shared Learning Workshop
Date & Time: Thursday 23 May 2024; 10am-1.30pm
Location: Civic House, 26 Civic St, Glasgow G4 9RH

TRAINING

SPAB – An Introduction to Plain Lime Plastering
Date & Time: Friday 26 & Saturday 27 April 2024
Location: Heritage & Rural Skills Centre, Buscot and Coleshill Estate, Swindon SN6 7PT
Join SPAB for a practical course covering the mixing and application of lime plaster to lath, masonry, and modern substrates, including pricking up and base coats, float coats and setting coats. You will also get a brief introduction to running a cornice in-situ. This course is suitable for people with practical plastering skills. Experienced plasterers used to working in gypsum will particularly benefit from the course.

VACANCIES

SPAB – An Introduction to Plain Lime Plastering
Date & Time: Friday 26 & Saturday 27 April 2024
Location: Heritage & Rural Skills Centre, Buscot and Coleshill Estate, Swindon SN6 7PT
Join SPAB for a practical course covering the mixing and application of lime plaster to lath, masonry, and modern substrates, including pricking up and base coats, float coats and setting coats. You will also get a brief introduction to running a cornice in-situ. This course is suitable for people with practical plastering skills. Experienced plasterers used to working in gypsum will particularly benefit from the course.

BEFS NEWS 

A recent attendance at the Museums Galleries Scotland Strategy Symposium allowed us to see the new Culture Minister, Kaukab Stewart MSP, articulate both her passion and her appreciation for the cultural heritage sector. Good speeches are always a positive but it was a delight to see this followed up by action in the form of a letter to the Secretary of State for Culture in Westminster. This letter set-out a number of important issues but importantly included a plea for VAT reduction to “encourage energy efficiency improvements in traditional homes as part of the UK’s commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050.” This was followed up with further information highlighting that “energy efficiency measures and retrofit options can present challenges, however it is important that historic and traditional buildings are not seen as a barrier to achieving our targets and that the full benefits they present, particularly in terms of environmental and carbon impact, are recognised.” We won’t be holding our breath that this well-crafted ask is the Chancellor’s VAT tipping point – but it’s good to see the case made in such positive terms.

New faces also include the Scottish Historic Buildings Trust’s new Director, Dr Sam Gallacher. Maggie Wright, Chair of Scottish Historic Buildings Trust, said “this is an exciting appointment for the Trust that will shape the next phase of our development as a key player in Scotland’s heritage community.”

When considering communities, the shortlist for the Scottish Civic Trust’s My Place Awards 2024 has been published. These awards celebrate community-led built environment projects, as well as the hard work of the people behind those projects. You can find the shortlist here.  RIAS have also announced the shortlist for their Awards 2024 – you can see the full list here.

In thinking about the future of our places, do examine the three (!) new Planning consultations released by the Scottish Government. Masterplan Consent Areas are coming into being, amendments to Development Plan regulations are being considered, and there’s the ever-necessary call for how we can invest in planning. All are linked below in our Consultations section.

Looking back, Historic Environment Scotland have published a report on Surveying and Analysing Connections between Properties in Care and the British Empire, c.1600–1997. The research explores the extent and character of relationships between the properties in the care of Scottish Ministers (PiCs) and the British Empire. Ranald MacInnes, Head of Outreach and Learning at HES, said: “This report is a valuable contribution to our understanding of the complex relationship between Scotland’s heritage and the British Empire. It is important that we are honest about the effects, both positive and negative, that Empire connections had on our properties, and that we use this information to inform our approach to the care and interpretation of our historic properties.”

Research of a quite different form is being undertaken by Purcell Architects and Harlow Consulting (as commissioned by the UK Government Department for Culture, Media, and Sport) into the scale of the UK’s cultural infrastructure needs. The focus areas of the research include arts, heritage, and cultural destinations in England. The scope further includes public and third-sector theatres, non-accredited museums and galleries, churches and cathedrals, and other heritage sites. You can read more about the research here.

An eagle-eyed regular reader has brought to our attention an erratum published on 24^th January relating to the Scottish Budget. Unfortunately this erratum adds in a line to a table where we see:
Regeneration Programmes (described as “This includes funding previously detailed for Clyde Gateway Urban Regeneration Company, Place Based Investment Programme, Regeneration Capital Grant Fund and Vacant and Derelict Investment Programme.”) reducing from £68M in 2022-2023 to £63M in 2023-2024 to a much more drastic cut in this year’s Budget of down almost £13M to £45.8M. Quite the erratum – and bad news for Regeneration Capital Grant Funding and Vacant and Derelict Land Investment too. We will continue to monitor details on these cuts.

And finally: many thanks to IHBC for inviting BEFS Director to speak at their 6^th Council meeting. BEFS were talking about telling truth to power, and communicating with politicians. Whilst it’s always good to be considered “compelling” it seems (given the information above) that there’s always more to be done!

CONSULTATIONS 

Scotland’s draft Circular Economy and Waste Route Map to 2030
Scottish Government
This consultation invites views on the proposed priorities to accelerate more sustainable use of our resources, support delivery of a circular economy to 2030, and reduce emissions associated with resources and waste. It outlines what the Scottish Government intend to do, by when, and how they will work with others, to drive sustainable use and management of our resources, and delivery of Scotland’s circular economy up to 2030. The direction and actions set out in this Route Map are complemented by the Circular Economy (Scotland) Bill and its provisions.
Closes 15 March 2024

Guidance on inclusive design for town centres and busy streets
Scottish Government
When the design of town centres and busy street environments does not fully consider the needs of all members of the community, people may become excluded from these areas and the essential functions that they provide. Potential barriers to access should be removed and not included in any scheme. This draft guidance was developed in response to research which identified that street design should consider the needs of everyone and should consider all Protected Characteristics under the Equality Act 2010. Views are being invited to ensure that all members of Scotland’s communities irrespective of age, ability or gender have the ability to access these areas safely and confidently without obstruction.
Closes 29 March 2024

Managing the Old and New Towns of Edinburgh World Heritage Site
The City of Edinburgh Council
The Old and New Towns of Edinburgh were given World Heritage Status in 1995; recognising the striking contrast and quality in architecture between the medieval Old Town and the Georgian New Town. A Management Plan identifies issues and opportunities within the World Heritage Site and sets out priority areas for action to preserve and enhance the site. While the management plan covers a ten-year period, an action plan is developed alongside it focusing on a two-year period. The City of Edinburgh Council would like to hear your views on the new plan, specifically whether you feel they are doing enough to protect and enhance the Site, and any other ideas or suggestions which you may have.
Closes 8 April 2024

Scottish National Adaptation Plan (2024-2029)
Scottish Government
The effects of climate change are already being felt by people in Scotland. That is why, as well as taking action to reduce emissions, we must also take steps to adapt to climate change. This consultation seeks your views on the Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-29. The final Adaptation Plan will only be effective if it is informed by Scots’ local and lived experience of climate change. During the public consultation period on this draft Adaptation Plan a formal public consultation will be opened on the Scottish Government’s ‘Citizen Space.’ Alongside this the Scottish Government will run a series of events tailored to both delivery partners and the public, to gather a wide range of views on the policy proposals in this draft Adaptation Plan.
Closes 24 April 2024

Masterplan Consent Area Regulations
Scottish Government
The Planning (Scotland) Act 2019 introduced MCAs – which will enable planning authorities to take a place leadership role, by proactively consenting the type and quality of development they wish to see in their areas. The Masterplan consent area regulations consultation covers the type of development which can be authorised, potential locations for MCAs and the procedures for making a scheme. It includes two sets of regulations: covering the main process for making MCA schemes and relating to EIA of MCA schemes. The separate consultation on ‘Investing in Planning’ also includes proposals for recouping costs of preparing MCA schemes.
*NEW* Closes 22 May 2024

Development plan amendment regulations
Scottish Government
With the move to National Planning Framework (NPF) and Local Development Plans (LDPs) having a review period of 10 years, the 2019 Act introduced the provision for them to be amended between full review cycles. This enables the planning system to respond where newly emerging matters arise. The development plan amendment regulations consultation covers proposals for the regulations. The aim is for procedures to amend both NPF and LDP to be proportionate and to provide a process that is more responsive and streamlined, whilst balancing the need for robust justification, engagement and scrutiny. This will ultimately give decision makers some flexibility of process, based on the scale and significance of the amendments.
*NEW* Closes 22 May 2024

Investing in Planning
Scottish Government
This consultation on resourcing Scotland’s planning system is in response to current resourcing challenges. It builds on ideas generated in a stakeholder workshop held in November 2023 and sets out a series of proposals which aim to improve capacity and build resilience particularly within planning authorities.  In addition to inviting stakeholder views on the proposals outlined, the consultation encourages stakeholders to suggest further ideas on alternative ways to support delivery and build resilience.
*NEW* Closes 31 May 2024

Compulsory Purchase Reform
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government have committed to reform and modernise compulsory purchase legislation. As a first step, they have established an advisory group to help support the reform programme. The group, to be co-chaired by the Chief Planner and Roseanna Cunningham, brings together a number of expert practitioners with first-hand experience of the compulsory purchase process. They recognise, however, that a range of organisations have an interest in this area and are consulting broadly, and are keen to hear from a wide range of voices as the work moves forward.
*NEW* Please get in touch at CPO.Reform@gov.scot

CONSULTATION RESPONSES 

Building warrant fees: consultation analysis (Scot Gov 08/02/2024)

PETITIONS 

Submission regarding PE1941: Stop the destruction of headstones within community cemeteries (Scot Gov 15/02/2024)

NEWS RELEASES 

Theatres at Risk Register 2024 Announced (The Theatres Trust 30/01/2024)

Wester Hailes Community Trust Receives National Lottery Community Led Fund to deliver 36 projects proposed by the Local Place Plan (WHCT 15/02/2024)

Projects to help communities reduce health inequalities (UK Research & Innovation 15/02/2024)

Tackling health inequalities through community assets (AHRC 09/02/2024)

Scottish Historic Buildings Trust appoints new Director (SHBT 21/02/2024)

Extension to Sir Robin Budenberg’s term as Chair of The Crown Estate (The Crown Estate 22/02/2024)

The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland Awards 2024: Shortlist Announcement (RIAS 26/02/2024)

Scotland’s net zero future at risk without funding boost for clean heat (IPPR 28/02/2024)

PUBLICATIONS 

The Heritage Library (European Heritage Hub 2023)
The Heritage Library is a digital repository of heritage-related materials, published by the EHH and co-founded by the EU.

The Policy Monitor (European Heritage Hub 2023)
The European Heritage Hub Policy Monitor maps out policies impacting cultural and natural heritage across European, national and local level.

Institute for Public Policy Research: Healthy Places, Prosperous Lives (IPPR 18/02/2024)

UK Heritage Pulse Results: Spotlight on Budget Pressures (Heritage Fund 20/02/2024)

Institute for Fiscal Studies Scottish Budget Report: 2024–25 (IFS 22/02/2024)

Surveying and Analysing Connections between Properties in Care and the British Empire, c.1600–1997 (HES 27/02/2024)

Housing for Older People in Scotland: A Call for Discussion (CaCHE 29/02/2024)

No home left behind: Funding a just transition to clean heat in Scotland (IPPR 29/02/2024)

Whole Life Carbon Assessments – A Guide for Clients (RICS 29/02/2024)

Capacity Building Playbook for a Sustainable Built and Natural Environment (RICS 29/02/2024)

What do we know about the relationship between air pollution, health, and inequality in Glasgow? (Fraser of Allander 04/03/2024)

Nationwide research shows strong support to save traditional skills that protect our heritage (HES 05/03/2024)

SCOTTISH & UK: GOVERNMENTAL & PARLIAMENTARY PUBLICATIONS  

Scottish Parliament Committee Launches Inquiry into Housing Crisis Amidst Concerns Over Government Strategy’s Efficacy (Scot Gov 15/02/2024)

Scottish City Region and Growth Deal Delivery Board minutes: November 2023 (Scot Gov 16/02/2024)

Building Standards: Building Warrant Fee Increases 2024 (Scot Gov 19/02/2024)

Correspondence between Angus Robertson and the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee regarding future funding plans for the culture sector (Scot Parl 19/02/2024)

Short-term lets rules to protect communities and keep homes available (UK Gov 19/02/2024)

Scottish Futures Trust – Heat Networks Delivery Models (Scot Gov 20/02/2024)

Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee: Session 6. Housing to 2040 and Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act 2022 regulations (Scot Parl 20/02/2024)

Rural Affairs and Islands Committee Member Appointments (Scot Parl 20/02/2024)

Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee Housing to 2040 Evidence Submission from Scottish Land and Estates (Scot Parl 20/02/2024)

Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee Housing to 2040 Evidence Submission from Homes for Scotland (Scot Parl 20/02/2024)

Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee Housing to 2040 Evidence Submission from Association of Scotland’s Self Caterers (Scot Parl 20/02/2024)

Rural Affairs and Islands Committee: Session 6. Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill  Introduction (Scot Parl 21/02/2024)

Non-domestic rates relief statistics 2023 (Scot Gov 21/02/2024)

Strategy and policy statement for energy policy in Great Britain (UK Gov 21/02/2024)

Scrutiny of international agreements: UNESCO Convention on Intangible Cultural Heritage (HoL 21/02/2024)

UK departs Energy Charter Treaty (UK Gov 22/02/2024)

Area Based Schemes: annual final measures reports (Scot Gov 22/02/2024)

Scottish Budget 2024 to 2025: Your Scotland, Your Finances – a guide (Scot Gov 22/02/2024)

Building and Fire Safety Expert Working Group: terms of reference (Scot Gov 22/02/2024)

Correspondence between Tom Arthur, Minister for Community Wealth and Public Finance, and the Convener for the Local Government, Housing, and Planning Committee (Scot Parl 22/02/2024)

Building and fire safety working group minutes: December 2023 (Scot Gov 23/02/2024)

Fair Work Convention Construction Industry Inquiry report: SG response (Scot Gov 23/02/2024)

Correspondence between the Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Finance Shona Robison and the Chancellor of the Exchequer regarding the Scottish Government’s priorities ahead of the UK Spring Budget (Scot Gov 25/02/2024)

Planning permission appeals: housing development statistics (Scot Gov 27/02/2024)

Housing Statistics 2022 & 2023: Key Trends Summary (Scot Gov 27/02/2024)

Budget Bill to become law (Scot Gov 27/02/2024)

Budget (Scotland) (No.3) Bill (Scot Parl 27/02/2024)

Correspondence between Màiri McAllan and the Economy and Fair Committee on budget scrutiny for 2024-25 (Scot Parl 27/02/2024)

Correspondence between Jim Martin, Chair of Environmental Standards Scotland (ESS) and the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee with a six-monthly update on ESS’ work (Scot Parl 27/02/2024)

Local Government, Housing and Planning: Official Report (Scot Parl 27/02/2024)

Public appointment: Chair reappointed to the Board of National Museums Scotland (Scot Gov 28/02/2024)

Renters reminded of rights before rent cap ends (Scot Gov 28/02/2024)

Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee Stage 1 Report on the Circular Economy (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 28/02/2024)

Green Heat Finance Taskforce minutes: 29 November 2023 (Scot Gov 28/02/2024)

Correspondence between Kaukab Stewart, Minister for Culture, Europe & International Development and the Convener for the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs & Culture Committee (29/02/2024)

The Local Government Finance (Scotland) Order 2024 (Scot Gov 29/02/2024)

Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee Stage 1 Report on Housing (Cladding Remediation) (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 29/02/2024)

The Funding of Local Government in Scotland, 2024-2025 (Scot Gov 29/02/2024)

Public Audit Committee: Session 6. Decarbonising heat in homes (Scot Parl 29/02/2024)

Correspondence between Lorna Slater, Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity, and the Convener for the Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee (01/03/2024)

Finance and Public Administration Committee, 9^th Meeting 2024 (Session 6) on the Aggregates Tax and Devolved Taxes Administration (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 05/03/2024)

Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee, 8th Meeting 2024 (Session 6) on the Regulations under the Cost of Living (Tenant Protection) (Scotland) Act 2022 (Scot Parl 05/03/2024)

Support for Culture and Creative sectors: Letter to UK Secretary of State for Culture (Scot Gov 05/03/2024)

Planning permission appeals: housing development statistics (Scot Gov 05/04/2024)

Public Audit Committee, 8^th Meeting 2024 on Investing in Scotland’s Infrastructure (Scot Parl 07/03/2024)

OPINION & COMMENT 

Non-Conventional Housing – The Background & Retrofit Challenges (SWIGA February 2024)

Joining the dots for better cultural policy (Arts Professional 15/02/2024)

What are the gaps and needs for heritage professionals in Europe? (European Heritage Tribune 15/02/2024)

Homes for Scotland hits out at ‘woeful’ planning statistics (Scottish Housing News 15/02/2024)

The kirk moved brick-by-brick to make way for a shipyard (BBC News 18/02/2024)

Review into processing of archaeological discoveries (The Scotsman 19/02/2024)

All new NHS building projects in Scotland put on hold (BBC News 19/02/2024)

‘Community capital’: ownerless Scottish properties to be offered to local schemes (The Guardian 23/02/2024)

Kirk of St Nicholas to be sold off amid plans to ‘reignite’ Union Street (Press & Journal 26/02/2024)

17 projects make the RIAS Awards 2024 cut (Urban Realm 26/02/2024)

New Year’s Revolutions: talking about resourcing and improving performance in Scotland (RTPI 28/02/2024)

Scottish homes aren’t ready for net zero – here’s what we need to do (The National 29/02/2024)

Outrage: RAAC and ruin (The Architectural Review 29/02/2024)

Hundreds to be rehomed in Aberdeen over RAAC fears (BBC News 01/03/2024)

M&S wins appeal to tear down Oxford Street store (BBC News 01/03/2024)

Raac concrete Scotland: Discovery of Raac in housing could be beginning of ‘national scandal’ (The Scotsman 02/03/2024)

One in three kirks at risk of closing (The Times 03/03/2024)

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS & ANSWERS 

Link to Parliamentary Questions and Answers

MOTIONS 

S6M-12386
Submitted by: Shona Robison, Dundee City East, Scottish National Party.
Date lodged: 04/03/2024
That the Parliament, for the purposes of any Act of the Scottish Parliament resulting from the Circular Economy (Scotland) Bill, agrees to—
(a) any expenditure of a kind referred to in Rule 9.12.3A of the Parliament’s Standing Orders arising in consequence of the Act, and
(b) any charge or payment in relation to which Rule 9.12.4 of the Parliament’s Standing Orders applies arising in consequence of the Act.

EVENTS 

AHSS Lecture – Context and Re-Use: Two Projects in Edinburgh’s New Town
Date & Time: Monday 11 March 2024; 6.30-8pm
Location: Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL (wheelchair accessible). Also streamed online via Zoom.
Alasdair Graham, Partner at David Chipperfield Architects, London, presents two of the practice’s current projects in Edinburgh: the renovation and extension of Jenners department store and the new concert hall, the Dunard Centre, both located within the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The lecture outlines David Chipperfield Architects’ approach to working in sensitive urban contexts and re-use projects. Tickets available from Eventbrite or on the door: £5 / students £2 /

SHBT – Panel discussion: Concrete Conversations: The Conservation of Scottish Modernism
Date & Time: Wednesday 13 March 2024; 6-7.30pm
Location: Riddles Court, 322 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2PG
How do, and could, we preserve modern architecture? How can a conservation movement which originated two centuries ago with the preservation of ancient monuments engage with buildings and environments of a vastly different sort today? This panel event concludes a series on conserving Scottish Modernism by bringing together current leaders in architectural conservation in Scotland to discuss how the organisations and frameworks with which they work might address the evolving question of caring for the past, in the present.

Aberdeen Heritage Lectures 2024: 10 Years of Traditional Building Healthcheck Scheme
Date & Time: Wednesday 13 March 2024; 7-8pm
Location: Online
Dr. Lindsay Lennie, Stirling City Heritage Trust will cover the pioneering scheme run by Stirling City Heritage Trust over the past decade and what lessons can be learned from a process that prioritises maintenance.

Cross Party Group on Towns and Town Centres: A new approach to local
Date & Time: Monday 18 March 2024; 12.30-1.30pm
Location: Online
At the crossover point in STP’s CPG calendar, their next meeting presents a timely opportunity to take stock and discuss, “how we shape a new approach to local”. Participants will hear and can later discuss, an update on how far Scotland has come on its journey to revitalise our towns and embrace localism. The session will conclude with a forward look to the landscape in 2024 – 25, outlining the opportunities that this brings. Guest speakers include Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP), Chief Officer, Kimberley Guthrie; STP Board Member, Mhairi Donaghy, Associate Director – Place, Housing & Economic Investment at Scottish Futures Trust; and Scottish Government representative (tbc).

Aberdeen Heritage Lectures 2024: Aberdeen’s Churches 115 years of Change after Alexander Gammie
Date & Time: Wednesday 20 March 2024; 7-8pm
Location: Sir Ian Wood Building, Garthdee Road, Garthdee AB10 7GJ
Barney Crockett, a local historian, city councillor and former Lord Provost presents a talk on Aberdeen’s Churches, discussing 115 years of change after Alexander Gammie.

AHSS Lecture – George Square, Glasgow
Date & Time: Thursday 21 March 2024; 7.30-9pm
Location: St Andrews West Church & Renfield Centre, 260 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 4JP. Also streamed online via Zoom.
Peter Drummond, conservation and heritage architect, presents the history and development of Glasgow’s ‘front room’. Tickets available from Eventbrite or on the door: £5 / students £2 /

Scottish Heritage Social Media Group – Podcasting in 2024
Date & Time: Wednesday 27 March 2024; 2-3.30pm
Location: Govan Old Parish Church, 866 Govan Rd, Glasgow G51 3UU
Join Tom Horne as he delves into the world of podcasting, exploring his experiences as coordinator and producer of the new Govan Early Medieval podcast and presenter of the award-winning The Shindig podcast. Discover the pros and cons of this content medium and gain insights into what sets his second podcast apart.

Scottish Centre for Conservation Studies – Building resilience: Community empowerment through adaptive reuse
Date & Time: Wednesday 27 March 2024; 2-3pm
Location: Online
Communities across Scotland are increasingly taking ownership of buildings and transforming them through adaptive reuse. This talk by Dr Molly Miller addresses this growing trend and examines how such grassroots projects of reuse can act as engines of resilience within communities. The talk will present a framework for understanding the profound impact and transformative potential of this phenomenon in contemporary Scottish society.

Aberdeen Heritage Lectures 2024: Iron Age and Medieval Structures: Cruden Bay and Deer
Date & Time: Wednesday 27 March 2024; 7-8pm
Location: Online
Alison Cameron, Director of Cameron Archaeology Ltd presents a talk on recent discoveries at Deer and Cruden Bay and how they enrich our understanding of development of settlement in North East Scotland.

Climate Action Towns event to launch learning report and toolkit on climate action
Date & Time: Thursday 28 March, 2024; 1pm
Location: The Engine Shed, Forthside Way Stirling, FK8 1QZ
Join A&DS to celebrate the Climate Action Towns project and the launch of their latest resources. At the upcoming Gathering, they will share our reflections on the project, launch a report and toolkit to help other towns embed climate action in their place, as well as hear from representatives from the towns. If you are unable to attend in person we will also share the event online/hybrid (the link to join online will be provided closer to the time via email.)

AHSS Lecture – Facile Princeps: The Country Houses of David Bryce
Date & Time: Monday 8 April 2024; 6.30-8pm
Location: Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL (wheelchair accessible). Also streamed online via Zoom.
David Bryce (1803–1876) was one of Victorian Britain’s most prolific architects, whose opulent, richly modelled architecture left a lasting impression on Scotland, where he led the revival of the Scottish baronial style. In this talk, Dr Ralph St Clair Wade, lecturer in the History of Art at Cambridge University, provides an introduction to Bryce’s country house practice and offers new insights into the architect’s work, drawn from his doctoral research. Tickets available from Eventbrite or on the door: £5 / students £2 /

RIAS BookshopLATES… What if Women Built the City?
Date & Time: Wednesday 17 April 2024; 6-7pm
Location: 15 Rutland Square, Edinburgh EH1 2BE
Join author May East and award-winning architect and urban designer Daisy Narayanan MBE for readings and discussion and discover how can cities be greener, wilder, more inclusive, liveable and poetic. Tickets are FREE and should be booked via Eventbrite.

Heritage Trust Network – A Future for Your Church
Date & Time: Thursday 18 April 2024; 10.00-11.30am
Location: Online
Are you a community group thinking about taking ownership of your local church? Are you already managing your church for the benefit of the community? This free online event is for you. Heritage Trust Network and Historic Churches Scotland are joining forces to host the next event in this series for any group contemplating the future of their church building. This event will explore future uses and financial models for three churches in Fife.

Mill of Benholm Working Party 
Date & Time: Saturday 4 May 2024; 10am-4pm
Location: Benholm, Montrose, DD10 0HT
The Mill of Benholm has been dormant for over a decade. Join SPAB Scotland on Saturday 4 May to help change that! They’ll be clearing vegetation from the lade and returning the much-needed water supply to the mill. They will also be joined by 2022 SPAB Millwright Fellow Owen Bushell who will give an introduction to the mill machinery and how it works.

TRAINING 

Glasgow City Heritage Trust – CPD: Analysing Building Materials with the Scottish Lime Centre
Date & Time: Tuesday 19 March; 12:30pm
Location: Both Online and In-Person at 54 Bell Street, Glasgow, G1 1LQ
This CPD will look at the importance of understanding the composition and microstructure of materials, like stone and mortar, when undertaking repairs and maintenance within the historic built environment, whilst also avoiding unnecessary damage from the use of incompatible materials.
Coverage will include sampling methodology and introduction to the types of analysis used and what they can tell us, including petrography, XRD and wet chemistry, as well as highlighting how analysis informs repair specifications.

Scottish Lime Centre Trust – Masterclass on The Latest Technology and Innovations in Building Conservation
Date & Time: Friday 22 March 2024; 9.30am-4.30pm
Location: Charlestown Workshops, Fife KY11 3EN
This masterclass is tailored for professionals and enthusiasts involved with traditional buildings, including architects, surveyors, planners, homeowners, and maintenance personnel. Whether you’re embarking on a renovation project or seeking to enhance your understanding of heritage preservation, this course offers invaluable insights.

SPAB – An Introduction to Plain Lime Plastering
Date & Time: Friday 26 & Saturday 27 April 2024
Location: Heritage & Rural Skills Centre, Buscot and Coleshill Estate, Swindon SN6 7PT
Join SPAB for a practical course covering the mixing and application of lime plaster to lath, masonry, and modern substrates, including pricking up and base coats, float coats and setting coats. You will also get a brief introduction to running a cornice in-situ. This course is suitable for people with practical plastering skills. Experienced plasterers used to working in gypsum will particularly benefit from the course.

VACANCIES 

The Heritage Trust Network – Volunteering opportunities
Youth Forum
The Heritage Trust Network is seeking young people aged 18-30 who are interested in the rescue, restoration and management of historic buildings, structures and places who want their voice heard in the heritage sector. Volunteers will be involved in shaping the new Youth Forum; creating recommendations and advice to help members involve young people in heritage in a democratic way; co-designing, leading, and taking part in online and in-person events; and creating online content including social media posts, blogs, or vlogs
If you are interested in joining, please fill out a short application form here

Digital Heroes Project Volunteer
Are you digitally skilled, interested in helping heritage organisations and available to volunteer? The Heritage Trust Network are seeking people based in Scotland to join their Digital Heroes project which matches up digitally skilled young people with one of their member organisations to help them undertake a digital project. Examples include doing social media posts, digitising an archive, or creating a digital marketing plan. If you are interested in volunteering as a digital hero, please fill out a short application form here

Culture & Business Scotland – Training & Events Coordinator
Salary: £26,788 (35 hours)
Status: Permanent
Location: Office based with occasional working from home
Culture & Business Scotland is looking for a Training & Events Co-ordinator, to help them deliver their unique programme of events, courses and insights for arts, heritage and business organisations. They are seeking someone who is excellent at multi-tasking, with a ‘can do’ attitude, exceptional attention to detail, strong organising skills, and a sound knowledge and experience of events processes and databases. Based in their Edinburgh office, with occasional working from home.
For full information download a job pack or telephone: 0131 243 2757.
Closing date: 9am on Monday 11 March 2024