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20 Jan 2026

Kicking off 2026 as the sixth blog in our ‘Joining the Dots’ series, Dr. Scott McGibbon, Managing Director at Pvotal Consultancy, makes the case that skills policy is not an operational add-on but a delivery mechanism for achieving Scotland’s net zero, housing, heritage, planning and placemaking ambitions. Exploring the connections between workforce development and policy objectives, Scott unpacks the fragmented skills landscape; from siloed workforce planning to procurement misalignment, and proposes concrete actions to turn policy signals into coordinated investment, procurement reform and regional training that secures Scotland’s built environment for the long term.

Across the Joining the Dots series, the common themes of complexity and fragmentation in the policy landscapes raises its head time and time again. For the skills policy environment, it is no different. In fact, it could be suggested that as we accelerate towards net zero, grapple with housing pressures, and seek to build climate resilient, thriving places – an available, skilled, adaptable and engaged workforce is not only critical but foundational to success. Practitioners across Scotland are already feeling the pressure to deliver retrofit, low carbon housing, resilient infrastructure and heritage-sensitive upgrades at pace. However, across policy areas, skills are too often treated as operational details rather than strategic enablers.

Yet, recent sector reviews and discussion papers frames skills as central to our net zero, housing, infrastructure, heritage, planning and placemaking ambitions, urging coordinated action across all policy landscapes to avoid leaving communities behind – stressing that skills are not an add-on but a delivery mechanism for policy goals – to be resilient and sustain growth in the future – an available, skilled, adaptable and engaged workforce is critical.

It will always be a challenge to ensure that qualifications are current and relevant to the evolving workplace. Skills requirements within occupations change faster than the pace of standards development, qualification design, and processes to agree funding. However, it is crucial that we see these signals as an opportunity to translate such indicators into co-ordinated investment, procurement reform and regional scalable training that secures Scotland’s built environment for the long term i.e. accelerate Net Zero, improve housing quality and deliver a fair Just Transition.

So, how do skills connect to policy objectives?

Scotland’s built environment ambitions depend on a workforce equipped with retrofit, low carbon, and heritage–sensitive skills, allied to the need to develop digital skills to meet future challenges and support decarbonisation targets.

Net Zero delivery hinges on retrofit capacity, low-carbon materials knowledge and low-emission installation skills; without these, emissions targets and housing decarbonisation will stall. Housing construction needs contractors and professionals able to work either delivering urban and/or rural stock while meeting energy efficiency goals. Infrastructure and climate resilience demand engineers and planners versed in resilient design and whole life carbon assessment.

Built heritage requires conservation skills that can be reconciled with repair, maintenance, new build, decarbonisation and retrofit approaches without damaging historic fabric. Procurement and placemaking are levers to embed skills development through social value, community engagement and local supply chain requirements.

Whilst these linkages have been well documented, the current skills policies landscape is “hamstrung” with multiple overlapping roles, funding models, and delivery mechanisms creating confusion for users and undermining system effectiveness. This has been shaped by decades of institutional change, constrained by devolution, and shifting governmental priorities. Add Scotland’s lack of a coherent national skills strategy, which has led to competing narratives, duplication of efforts, and a failure to establish clear accountability or shared measures of success. Such a “wicked problem” requires innovative, cohesive systems thinking.

We need to shine a light on the importance of skills policies that are both integrated and place-based. This means linking skills development with broader local strategies for job quality improvements, housing, transport, and innovation support. Therefore, as a sector to address the apparent skills policy inertia, we need to aim to offer a more nuanced view of what works and what needs improvement. All of us need to be aware that each gap not only maps to a strategic objective but also presents windows of opportunity to translate recent skills policy signals and industry missions into coordinated investment, procurement reform, and regional scalable training that secures Scotland’s built environment for the long term.

So, what are the key skills policy gaps and tensions?

I believe there are six key gaps and tensions:

Insufficient cross–sector workforce planning: Siloed portfolios (housing, transport, heritage, infrastructure, etc.) miss opportunities for shared training hubs and transferable credentials.

Fragmented policy alignment and training pathways: Retrofit, planning, procurement, and skills strategies frequently operate in parallel rather than in an integrated way, creating delivery gaps and missed opportunities for scale.

Regional disconnects and insufficient training capacity: Disparities in institutional capacity, especially between urban and rural areas, hinder equitable access to the provision of high-quality skills and alignment with local needs, limiting local pipelines for craft apprenticeships and professional roles.

Procurement misalignment: Current commissioning models often favour short–term cost savings (lowest capital cost) over whole–life value or workforce development, undermining demand for skills.

Innovation skills shortfall: Uptake of offsite manufacture, Building Information Modelling and circular practices is constrained by digital and manufacturing skills gaps

Built Heritage marginalisation: Traditional skills are frequently viewed as niche, rather than mainstream and important contributors to net zero, placemaking, and economic resilience.

Without concrete policy alignment across skills, procurement, planning, infrastructure, repair, and climate programs, the parallel ambitions of built environment decarbonisation, housing resilience, and regional planning cannot be met without coordinated action on skills. We must look to tackle these tensions from a first-principles-thinking perspective if we truly want to challenge the status quo.

Strategic Opportunities

To close that gap, I would like to offer policymakers and sector leaders 5 key actions to prioritise:

Undertake robust policy evaluations: We have a diluted understanding of what and how well skills interventions work and of determining the most effective way to increase skills levels and reduce unemployment

Reform procurement and incentivise: Move to value–based procurement frameworks that explicitly reward provision of training, knowledge transfer, innovative approaches, and alignment with local needs (climate resilience, built heritage and circular economy, supply chain engagement, employment and skills outcomes)

Fund regional training hubs: Invest in place–based centres that can be replicated regionally to scale prioritising communities affected by the transition, and to mainstream new competencies, and link schools, colleges, and employers to create clear career pathways and retain talent locally.

Create a National Built Environment Skills Framework: Standardise cross–sector credentials and enable portability between construction and infrastructure roles. Also look to introduce stackable industry recognised micro credentials that allow workers to upskill incrementally (e.g., retrofit installer → low carbon systems specialist).

Embed cross–sector governance: Establish a convening mechanism that brings together skills bodies, local authorities, and industry to align targets and funding.

These are not new or groundbreaking opportunities, but they are foundational to a resilient, sustainable built environment sector.

Final Thought

We already have new innovative centres of practice in the pipeline, such as Lock 16 – Scotland’s Centre of Excellence for Canals & Traditional Skills, Retrofit Scotland and Highlands and Islands Skills centre of Excellence for Skills, Safety and Innovation.

We cannot afford to rest, we must be bold, coordinate action now, through systemic strategic collaboration, innovation, and transformation, and turn the current skills policy landscape from a constraint into Scotland’s built environment’s competitive advantage. Ultimately, we must treat Scotland’s skills policy as strategic infrastructure, to allow us to indeed convert gaps, opportunities and policy signals into coordinated meaningful action.

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13 Jan 2026

At the end of 2025 Built Environment Forum Scotland facilitated a focused workshop as part of the Scottish Castles Association’s conference ‘Scotland’s Castles: Use Them or Lose Them‘, held at the Engine Shed in Stirling.

The events, held on the on 9-10 October 2025, brought together stakeholders from across the heritage sector to explore how the planning system can effectively support the restoration and reuse of Scotland’s historic castles and related buildings. The conference featured keynote speakers from Historic Environment Scotland, the National Trust for Scotland, the Landmark Trust, and the King’s Foundation, alongside restorers, planners, conservation professionals and building owners.

Following the conference, BEFS was invited to facilitate a workshop with a smaller group to build on the conference discussions and reach consensus on the key principles and practical steps for action. Participants identified several priority areas, including the need for consistent planning guidance, alongside signposting to accessible information for potential buyers, practical case study sharing, and front-loaded pre-application support for prospective owners.

The workshop outcomes highlighted that what is needed is not new standardised policy, but better sharing of existing information, evidence-based solutions, and practical tools such as route maps and resource toolkits to help navigate the planning process.

BEFS looks forward to working with the Scottish Castles Association on emerging recommendations and next steps.

Read the full outcomes report here.

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17 Dec 2025

Get The Latest Built Environment News, Policy Developments, Publications & Consultations

BEFS News

As we approach the end of the year – and what a year it has been – BEFS Director offers up some reflections in the final Joining the Dots of 2025. The blog looks back at the big themes emerging and explored how the sector can continue to advocate on shared issues, in this coming election year and beyond.

BEFS has published an Easy Read version of its 2026 Manifesto for the Built Environment: Building a Better Scotland. With an accessible format, short and simple sentences with no technical jargon, and a large font size, the Easy Read version is designed for a range of audiences that may encounter barriers with the standard text. It is available on the BEFS website as a complement to the full 2026 BEFS Manifesto and the summary Manifesto Statement.

Job alert! In further BEFS news, we are delighted to announce that we are recruiting for a brand-new role, to join our small and dynamic team. The new Net Zero Lead role will drive BEFS co-ordinated and strategic approach to delivering Net Zero through its own work, and connecting existing sector work and research, ensuring that the historic environment is recognised as a valuable asset and key player in Scotland’s journey to Net Zero and in tackling the Climate Emergency. If you think you know the perfect candidate or want to find out more, please visit BEFS website for details.

The Scottish Law Commission have published their Report on Tenement law: compulsory owners’ association. Commissioned by the Scottish Government, this is a crucial step forwards in improving the condition of tenement buildings, which make up around 37% of all housing stock in Scotland and are in a significant state of disrepair.
Establishing owners’ associations are a key recommendation of the Tenement Maintenance Working Group. Following the report BEFS and Under One Roof are calling on the Scottish Government to act quickly to enact legislation towards placing a duty on owners to:

appoint a manager for the association,

hold at least one annual meeting,

approve a repair budget,

ensure building information is provided to property registers.

Well maintained tenements can deliver for Scotland’s housing needs, net zero, economy, wellbeing, and more – for many years to come. The establishment of owners’ associations is an important milestone on this journey.

Last month, BEFS Director Hazel Johnson gave evidence to the Finance and Public Administration’s scrutiny of the Building Safety Levy (Scotland) Bill. BEFS oral and written submission has helped shape the Committee’s Stage 1 report on the Bill. The report welcomes the intent of the Bill, and relief on brownfield site development, but raises concerns around implications on delivery of new housing. It quotes BEFS support: for the levy in principle; for exemption for smaller scale developments; and for the Scottish Government to consider widening use of any funds raised beyond cladding remediation to all serious building defects.

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has published a new strategy for Scotland’s protected historic places. The strategy sets out a refreshed approach to recognising and protecting Scotland’s most culturally significant historic sites and places, from ancient stone circles to modern skate parks. To shape the new strategy, HES carried out an extensive review of how it designates and protects historic places and heard views from those involved, impacted by, and interested in the system of heritage protection in Scotland.

A conversion of a listed Midsteeple Quarter building in Dumfries town centre into apartments, and reuse of vacant and neglected spaces in Ardrossan South Beach for community, tourism and enterprise activity, are among the category winners of the 2025 SURF Awards for Community Regeneration. Built environment reuse featured strongly across the 2025 shortlist, which also included transformation of a vacant C-listed church in Perth into a youth centre, a residential retrofit to Passivhaus standard in Dalkeith, and conversion of a disused former department store in Huntly into a cinema, visitor centre, performance space and cafe. Presenting the awards in Glasgow on 4th December, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said all highlighted SURF Award projects demonstrate the power and determination community spirit can provide for the hard grind often required to transform buildings and places.

VisitScotland and Historic Environment Scotland (HES) have jointly published a Climate Change Adaptation Manual for Heritage Tourism. The publication, which is aimed at all heritage tourism stakeholders across Scotland, provides practical advice on identifying and adapting to the anticipated impacts of climate change.

And south of the border, The Historic Environment Forum (HEF) has launched two new cross-sector Task Groups aiming to help strengthen the resilience of England’s heritage sector. The HEF Financial Resilience Task Group and the HEF Relevance Task Group, both established in November 2025, will lead collaborative programmes over the coming months to address priority action set out in the?Heritage Sector Resilience Plan 2025–2035.

BEFS team would like to thank all our Members, Associates, and organisations across the sector for their continued engagement, enthusiasm, and support for BEFS work.

We would like to wish all our readers a restorative festive break. We’ll be back with our first bulletin of the new year on Wednesday 21 January 2026!

Parliamentary Questions & Answers

Please see our Link to Parliamentary Questions and Answers for recent questions regarding Planning, Mandatory Owners’ Associations, Onshore Renewables, and Heat In Buildings.

Consultations

Fife Visitor Levy – Early Engagement Survey
In May 2024, the Scottish Parliament passed the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act, providing local authorities with the ability to charge a set percentage on overnight accommodation paid by visitors. To explore this further, Fife Council agreed to start a period of early engagement public consultation to understand whether and how a Visitor Levy should be implemented in the Fife Council area. Your views and opinions are important and the results will help inform the way forward in Fife.
*NEW* Closes 19 December 2025

Call for Good Practices: Cultural Heritage as an Asset for the Green, Digital and Social Transformation
European Heritage Hub
The European Heritage Hub is seeking local good practices from cities and regions across Europe in heritage within the context of the ‘triple transformation’- green, digital and social transformation of society. The call is open to local and regional administrations of all sizes from across Europe, including Ukraine, Moldova, Western Balkans and the Caucasus region, as well as EEA, EFTA countries and the UK. Ten inspirational practices will be selected, with hosts eligible to organise onsite peer-learning visits in 2026-2027. Thematic areas include heritage and climate, tourism, digital technologies, communities, youth, values, peace, music, EU enlargement, and the Mediterranean. Applications must be submitted in English via the online form.
Closes 19 December 2025

Compulsory Purchase Reform
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government is carrying out a programme of work to reform and modernise Scotland’s compulsory purchase system. Following a commitment in the Programme for Government 2024/25, a consultation has been published on a comprehensive package of proposals and options for change; to make compulsory purchase simpler, more streamlined and fairer for all parties. The consultation has been informed by extensive engagement with a range of stakeholders, including a practitioner advisory group chaired by the Chief Planner and Roseanna Cunningham, MSP. A number of questions on compulsory sale orders and compulsory lease orders are also included in the consultation paper. Any questions about the consultation: CPO.Reform@gov.scot.
Closes 19 December 2025

Future of Scotland’s High Streets
UK Parliament
In response to concerns about the evolution of town centres and high streets in Scotland, the Scottish Affairs Committee has opened an inquiry into their future. The Committee is aware of the common application of ‘in decline’ to describe many high streets, and would like to learn more about the potential of models with positive visions that could improve resilience, activity and community led regeneration. Views on how government can best support these emerging visions are also invited. The call for evidence is supported by a short survey.
*NEW* Closes 23 December 2025

Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 – Thresholds Review
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government is consulting on proposed changes to the goods, services, works, and community benefit thresholds within the Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014. These thresholds determine which procurement rules apply to public contracts in Scotland. The review considers increasing the goods, services, and works thresholds, and decreasing the community benefits threshold, to ensure they remain appropriate and effective.
Closes 8 January 2026

Draft Circular Economy Strategy
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government is committed to moving from a linear “take, make and dispose” economic model to a circular economy where materials and goods are valued and kept in use for as long as possible. This draft circular economy strategy sets out the rationale and benefits of a more circular economy within the wider economic framework and describes the overall vision to 2045 and the outcomes that they are working towards. The consultation paper contains full background information for this consultation.
Closes 13 January 2026

Properties and Collections Strategy: Towards Sustainable Stewardship
Historic Environment Scotland
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has published a draft Strategy document entitled: Properties and Collections Strategy: Towards Sustainable Stewardship. This draft Strategy explains how HES plans to care for the Properties and Collections in its care over the long term and why change is needed. Scotland’s historic environment is facing growing challenges, including climate change, rising costs, and a shortage of traditional skills. The Strategy explains how HES will respond to these challenges, make the most of opportunities, prioritise what matters most, and work with communities to protect and use the Properties and Collections in ways that benefit everyone.
Closes 23 January 2026

Draft Climate Change Plan 2026-2040
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government is consulting on its Draft Climate Change Plan for 2026-2040. The Plan sets out wide-ranging policies and proposals to address and adapt to the current and anticipated impacts of climate change, including by reducing carbon emissions, providing warmer homes, improving air quality, and supporting active travel. It features a road map of actions for the next 15 years and a sectoral annex on residential and public buildings.
Closes 29 January 2026

Exploring the role of alternative clean heating solutions
UK Government
The UK Government is committed to decarbonising the way we heat our buildings to protect consumers against high energy bills due to volatile global fossil fuel prices, reduce the UK’s dependence on foreign sources of energy and combat climate change. In that process, the UK Government is committed to ensuring there is a good solution for every building and that consumers have access to a range of suitable low-carbon heat technologies. This consultation will be of interest to stakeholders operating in the heat sector, business representative bodies, households, non-domestic buildings, and those with a wider interest in the UK’s net zero ambition.
Closes 10 February 2026

Measuring the Values of Arts, Culture, and Heritage
Heritage Strategies International
Heritage Strategies International is collaborating with Historic England in a research effort called ‘Developing Taxonomies for Arts, Culture and Heritage.’ The project is funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). This international survey is a means to learn from experts and advocates in arts, culture, and heritage what might be measured, the importance (or not) of measuring values, and to learn what similar work on creating categories of values is being used elsewhere in the world.
No closing date specified

Consultation Responses

Community Rights to Buy: consultation analysis (Scot Gov 11/12/2025)

Compulsory Purchase Reform
BEFS welcomed the opportunity to comment on the Scottish Government’s 2025 consultation on compulsory purchase reform and noted the importance of mechanisms to sustainably bring derelict or vacant historic and existing built environment assets back into use. BEFS response to this consultation supported bringing legislation into a single statute, noted mixed views in the BEFS Membership on the creation of temporary possession, and provided practical suggestions to encourage early and effective engagement between local governments and owners. (BEFS 16/12/2025)

News Releases

New report shows people don’t want new homes to be built at nature’s expense (RSPB 12/11/2025)

Icon Launches Call for Posters for Icon26; taking place on 24 & 25 June 2026 at the Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh (Icon 26/11/2025)

Scottish Tourism Alliance: UK Budget a ‘Major Setback’ for Scottish Tourism (STA 27/11/2025)

Princes Street at a Crossroads; Heritage, vision and the future of Edinburgh’s grand boulevard (The Cockburn Association 28/11/2025)

Soundmapping project to create community sound art on the Forth & Clyde Canal (Scottish Canals 02/12/2025)

Historic Environment Scotland Interim Chief Operating Officer appointed (HES 02/12/2025)

Turning ambition into action: housing and climate resilience as the grand challenges post-COP30 (RICS 08/12/2025)

Bar-L’ joins the A list: Late 19th and early 20th century phases of historic Glasgow prison are listed at Category A (HES 10/12/2025)

Hotels, Homes and a Changing City: Balanced development can protect Edinburgh’s character and benefit residents (The Cockburn Association 11/12/2025)

Scottish Tourism Alliance: Holyrood Election Manifesto: Share your Story (STA 11/12/2025)

Cross Sector Consortium inc. Edinburgh Napier University: Timber Reuse Survey (ASBP 12/12/2025)

Snap a photo of Edinburgh and win a year’s membership (HES/EWH 12/12/2025)

New strategy for Scotland’s protected historic places (HES 15/12/2025)

UK’s first national inventory of intangible cultural heritage invites community nominations (The Heritage Alliance December 2025)

Publications

World Cities Culture Report 5th Edition (World Cities Culture Forum October 2025)

Climate Change Adaptation Manual for Heritage Tourism (HES & VisitScotland 28/11/2025)

Big Conversation: Just Transition in Construction & Built Environment 2045 – The Movie (Scottish Ecological Design Association 02/12/2025)

Argyle House Consultation (CBRE Planning & Development 03/12/2025)

Registers of Scotland: Annual report 2024-25 (RoS 04/12/2025)

Project Profiles: 2025 SURF Awards for Best Practice in Community Regeneration (SURF 05/12/2025)

2025 Report 270: Tenement law: compulsory owners’ associations (Scottish Law Commission 11/12/2025)

The 2024/25 audit of Historic Environment Scotland (Audit Scotland 16/12/2025)

Scottish & UK: Governmental & Parliamentary Publications

Planning and Architecture: Planning and the Housing Emergency Delivery Plan – Actions Update (Scot Gov 28/10/2025)

Public Procurement and Property: Updated guidance on Community Benefits in procurement (Scot Gov 13/11/2025)

Public Procurement and Property: Updated Climate Literacy eLearning on the Sustainable Procurement Tools (Scot Gov 20/11/2025)

Planning and Architecture: Update on Elected Member Training (Scot Gov 25/11/2025)

SPICe Spotlight: Climate Change Plan: policies, proposals and sector summaries (SPICe 01/12/2025)

Amending the visitor levy (Scot Gov 02/12/2025)

Correspondence between Creative Scotland and The Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee regarding independent review report (Scot Parl 02/12/2025)

Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee [Draft] Report (Scot Parl 02/12/2025)

Correspondence between Ivan McKee and The Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee and The Economy and Fair Work Committee regarding Visitor Levy Legislation (Scot Parl 02/12/2025)

Correspondence between The Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee and Màiri McAllan regarding cladding remediation programme (Scot Parl 03/12/2025)

Correspondence between Meghan Gallacher and The Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee regarding Desecration of War Memorials (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 03/11/2025)

Correspondence between Màiri McAllan and The Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee regarding Scottish Housing Regulator (Scot Parl 04/12/2025)

Cumbernauld New Town (70th Anniversary): Debate on S6M-19607 (Scot Parl 04/12/2025)

DCMS Monitoring and Evaluation Strategy 2026 to 2031 (UK Gov 04/12/2025)

Draft Climate Change Plan: online engagement platform (Scot Gov 05/12/2025)

Report tracking the work of the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee 2024-25 (Scot Parl 05/12/2025)

Independent Culture Fair Work Task Force Report and Recommendations (Scot Gov 05/12/2025)

National Islands Plan – Draft (Scot Gov 05/12/2025)

Energy Performance Certificates: guide (Scot Gov 08/12/2025)

Planning and Architecture: Publications declutter (Scot Gov 08/12/2025)

Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill – Fourth Groupings of Amendments for Stage 2 (Scot Parl 08/12/2025)

The general principles of the Building Safety (Wales) Bill and the financial resolution in respect of the Building Safety (Wales) Bill (Welsh Senedd 09/12/2025)

Correspondence between BE-ST and The Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee regarding Draft Climate Change Plan (Scot Parl 09/12/2025)

Correspondence between The Chartered Institute of Architectural technologists (CIAT) and The Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee regarding Draft Climate Change Plan (Scot Parl 09/12/2025)

Correspondence between The Existing Homes Alliance Scotland and The Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee regarding Draft Climate Change Plan (Scot Parl 09/12/2025)

Correspondence between Energy Saving Trust and The Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee regarding Draft Climate Change Plan (Scot Parl 09/12/2025)

Public appointment: Members appointed to Skills Development Scotland (Scot Gov 09/12/2025)

Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) approved organisation status (Scot Gov 09/12/2025)

Culture Fair Work Taskforce minutes: November 2025 (Scot Gov 10/12/2025)

Culture Fair Work Taskforce minutes: October 2025 (Scot Gov 10/12/2025)

The Optimised Retrofit Programme: Oral Question (Welsh Senedd 10/12/2025)

Stage 1 report on the Building Safety Levy (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 11/12/2025)

Historical Interim Development Orders Debate (UK Parl 11/12/2025)

Community Wealth Building (Scotland) Bill – Daily list of amendments (Scot Parl 11/12/2025)

Correspondence between The Regulatory Review Group and Màiri McAllan regarding Housing (Scotland) Bill (Scot Gov 11/12/2025)

Correspondence between Nesta Scotland and The Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee regarding Draft Climate Change Plan (Scot Parl 11/12/2025)

Business Improvement Districts: Town Centre Renewal –?Question (House of Lords 11/12/2025)

Finance and Public Administration Committee Stage 1 report on the Building Safety Levy (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 11/12/2025)

Planning Obligations and Good Neighbour Agreements (Scot Gov 12/12/2025)

Community Wealth Building (Scotland) Bill – Daily list of amendments (Scot Parl 12/12/2025)

Funding secures theatre’s future (Scot Gov 12/12/2025)

Planning obligations and good neighbour agreements: guidance (Scot Gov 12/12/2025)

Academic Advisory Panel – Just Transition Plan in land use and agriculture: advisory note (Scot Gov 15/12/2025)

Housing Statistics for Scotland Quarterly Update: New Housebuilding and Affordable Housing Supply to end September 2025 (Scot Gov 16/12/2025)

Local authority total and vacant housing stock, Scotland, March 2025 (Scot Gov 16/12/2025)

Second Homes and Empty Properties in September 2025 (Scot Gov 16/12/2025)

Motions

S6M-20142
Submitted by: Paul McLennan, East Lothian, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 11/12/2025
That the Parliament congratulates the East Lothian community groups recognised at Keep Scotland Beautiful’s annual seminar and awards event; notes that five local groups, Glorious Gullane Bloomers, The Ridge, Growing Matters, Aberlady in Bloom, and Our Community Kitchen, received accolades, with Glorious Gullane Bloomers, The Ridge and Growing Matters each achieving Outstanding recognition; understands that The Ridge was additionally awarded a certificate of distinction for consistent improvement; notes that Aberlady in Bloom and Our Community Kitchen received Advancing certificates; praises Keep Scotland Beautiful for highlighting the transformative impact of nature and community growing and for supporting volunteer groups with mentoring, guidance and resources, and expresses its thanks to all volunteers and partners in East Lothian for their tireless efforts to create cleaner, greener and more sustainable communities.

S6M-20147
Submitted by: Emma Harper, South Scotland, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 12/12/2025
That the Parliament congratulates Midsteeple Quarter on winning the Housing and Regeneration Award at the 2025 SURF Awards for its landmark project, The Standard, in Dumfries, in the South Scotland region; notes that this is the first phase of the Midsteeple Quarter masterplan, which is a community-led initiative to regenerate Dumfries town centre through community asset ownership; acknowledges that The Standard, completed in November 2024, delivers seven mid-market rental apartments, including a dedicated work and living space for creative professionals, alongside enterprise, community and office spaces on the lower floors; commends the project’s innovative approach, combining heritage restoration with sustainable new-build design to create a vibrant mixed-use development that addresses housing need, supports local businesses and encourages town centre living; notes that the project was delivered by Midsteeple Quarter, a community benefit society with over 500 members, in partnership with South of Scotland Community Housing and other stakeholders; recognises the extensive community engagement and partnership working that made this possible; believes that this is the first urban/town centre community-led housing project of its kind in Scotland, and considers that The Standard sets a high benchmark for urban regeneration and demonstrates the transformative power of community-led development in Scotland.

Opinion & Comment

Blog: Housing taxes make Budget appearance (CaCHE 02/12/2025)

Public-sector procurement in Scotland is a mess – and architects are paying the price (Building Design 02/12/2025)

‘They rose out of the ground!’: Scotland’s brutalist beauties – in pictures (The Guardian 04/12/2025)

Public realm project named Scotland’s best building (Urban Realm 05/12/2025)

Rural Outer Hebrides home wins RIBA House of the Year 2025 (Dezeen 10/12/2025)

Which Scottish communities are sharing £280m of funding? (BBC News 12/12/2025)

Blog: You can have this Information but it will Cost You £630 (Land Matters 15/12/2025)

Blog: Owners Associations must reflect modern realities (The Broughton Spurtle 16/12/2025)

Events

For further listings, please see BEFS events calendar

SHBT – Heritage Retrofit: Historic Building Adaption for the Future
Date & Time: Wednesday 14 January 2026; 6-8pm
Location: Riddle’s Court, 322 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2PG
Speakers: Chris Morgan, Chartered and ARB registered Architect and Director of John Gilbert Architects in Glasgow and Henrietta Billings, Director of Save Britain’s Heritage. Up the hill from the sea and city are the raw materials from which both its built heritage and wealth are hewn and mined: timber, coal, ore, stone. On the one hand, these materials represent the result of aeons, rather than the mere centuries of history. On the other, they are consumed over ever-decreasing durations, producing waste and degrading the environments they long predate. This session will debate how heritage preservation might engage with this process. It has long been argued that conservation must be a carbon-positive activity, but alternative thinking suggests that sometimes keeping what already exists may not be the most sustainable approach.

Society of Antiquaries of Scotland – The Lost Royal Lodgings of Edinburgh Castle and the Birthplace of Britain
Date & Time: Thursday 15 January 2026; 6-8pm
Location: Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL
This talk, The Lost Royal Lodgings of Edinburgh Castle 1093 – 1617, and the Birthplace of Great Britain, is the culmination of an almost 40-year involvement in investigating the history and archaeology of Edinburgh Castle. Most recently this has been within the context of commissioned research from HES in writing a Statement of Significance for the later Palace in Crown Square. The ‘Birthplace’ subtext refers to the Royal Lodging subsumed within the 1617 Palace where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth on 19 June 1566 to the future James VI/ I, and with the Union of the Crowns in 1603 styling himself King of Great Britain and Ireland.

Development Trusts Association Scotland – Finance and Fundraising 2: Other Funding Methods
Date & Time: Thursday 15 January 2026; 11:30am-1pm
Location: Online – Sign up on Eventbrite
Part of the New Futures- Former Places of Worship workshop series. This workshop will focus on funding methods that communities may wish to undertake when bringing a former place of worship into community ownership.

Heritage Network – North UK Mills Group – January meeting
Date & Time: Tuesday 20 January 2026; 10-11:30am
Location: Online
An opportunity for organisations and individuals working with or interested in mill buildings to come together, network, and discuss. Owen Bushell will talk about the development of the social enterprise taking custodianship of the category A listed Bucket Mill in Finzean, Aberdeenshire. Owen will discuss some of the challenges the organisation faces in getting the machinery working again, developing skills training, and working towards producing historic turned buckets once again. Health & Safety considerations, space constraints and conservation (nature, object and building) conundrums will also be touched upon.

AHSS – Chris Bragg: Tensions in visual organ design in the 19th century UK
Date & Time: Thursday 22 January 2026; 7:30pm
Location: St Andrew’s West Church & Renfield Centre, 260 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 4JP
Note: Lecture will also be live-streamed via Zoom
Explore 19th-century UK organ design with Chris Bragg of Sowne of Organe. This lecture examines the Oxford Movement’s influence, evolving aesthetics, decorated pipes, and shifting liturgical demands. Explore how these changes have shaped organ building and continue to influence modern conservation efforts, striking a balance between historical integrity and contemporary performance and architectural contexts. Tickets available from Eventbrite or on the door: £6 / students £2 / season ticket for all 5 lectures: £25.

Development Trusts Association Scotland – Your Building: A Guide
Date & Time: Thursday 22 January 2026; 1-2:30pm
Location: Online – Sign up on Eventbrite
Part of the New Futures – Former Places of Worship workshop series. Former places of worship can present unique challenges in terms of facilities management and require a thoughtful approach to ensure the suitability of the building for its use. This workshop will cover the operational side of repurposing a former place of worship for community use.

IHBC Scotland Branch – Historic Building Legislation & Curtilage in Scotland
Date & Time: Friday 23 January 2026; 10:30am-4:30pm
Location: Sir Walter Scott Hall, Grassmarket Community Project, 86, Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh EH1 2QA
Update your knowledge on historic building legislation and curtilage in Scotland. This event will provide an introduction to heritage planning law and consider the extent of listing including curtilage, with leading expert Dr Charles Mynors. There will also be updates from HES on designations and heritage policy. The event is relevant to those working in the heritage, development, legal and planning sectors.

SHSMG – Promoting Scotland’s Past to Families with Children
Date & Time: Monday 26 January 2026; 3-4pm
Location: Online via Zoom
The Scottish Heritage Social Media Group’s January event features Julie Cumming, Marketing Manager at Dundee Heritage Trust, who has spent over three years attracting families with children to sites like Discovery Point and Verdant Works Museum. Julie will talk about what’s worked and what hasn’t, discuss her strategies for operating with little to no budget, and share her experience when it comes to collaborating with family influencers (including how she reaches out, creates a marketing plan, calculates Return on Investment, and considers the risks). This online event will conclude with a Q&A session.

Landscape Institute – Housing & Regeneration Conference
Date & Time: Thursday 29 January 2026; 8:30am-5pm
Location: Dynamic Earth, Holyrood Road, Edinburgh EH8 8AS
The Scottish Government has set an ambitious housing target of 110,000 affordable homes by 2032 as part of its Housing to 2040 Strategy, as a response to the national housing emergency. To explore how this can be achieved, the Landscape Institute (LI) is hosting national conferences across the UK in 2025 and 2026. This event will examine how a Landscape-led approach can support the delivery of Scotland’s housing ambitions while addressing the climate and nature emergencies, promoting wellbeing, and strengthening communities. It will explore how Landscape-led Planning and design can help to implement the Place Principle, support the National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4), and contribute to the just transition to net zero.
Reserve your place today: Early bird by 31 December 2025

Heritage Network – Heritage Futures Scotland
Date & Time: Friday 30 January 2026; 11am-4pm
Location: Discovery Point, Discovery Quay, Dundee DD1 4XA
A day of learning and networking designed for young people aged 18-30 interested in a career in the heritage sector. Hear from professionals working across the heritage sector, gain practical advice, explore local opportunities, and connect with others who share your interests. Whether you’re into museums, archives, historic buildings, or community heritage, this is your chance to learn more and get involved. This event is part of the UK-wide Heritage Futures series.

SEDA/HES – Stone Futures 4 – Amy Wilson and Geoff Squire: Stone Stories
Date & Time: Monday 2 February 2026; 1-2pm
Location: Online
Across the autumn and winter, Scotland East Region, Scottish Ecological Design Association (SEDA) and Historic Environment Scotland (HES) are excited to launch a new lunchtime CPD seminar series dedicated to one of the most enduring yet ever evolving materials in our built environment: Stone. From its role in the earliest architecture to its potential in a low carbon future, stone carries its story of resilience, craft and innovation. This series will open up fresh perspectives on how stone can shape tomorrow’s buildings whilst drawing from its rich history. Whether you’re a technologist, architect, designer, engineer or simply curious about the possibilities of this timeless material, these seminars are designed to inform, challenge and inspire. All seminars: 1pm on the first Monday of every month.

2026 SAVE THE DATES

Europa Nostra – Secretary General Address
Date & Time: Tuesday 17 March 2026; tbc
Location: Edinburgh
Details to follow

STBA – Futurebuild 2026
Date & Time: 3-5 March 2026
Location: Excel, London
Details to follow

European Cultural Heritage Summit 2026
Date & Time: Wednesday 27 to Saturday 30 May 2026
Location: Nicosia, Cyprus
Details to follow

Training

Scottish Lime Centre Trust – A Guide to Winter Working with Lime
Date & Time: Wednesday 21 January 2026; 9am-12pm
Location: Charlestown Workshops, 2 Rocks Road, Charlestown, Fife KY11 3EN
Hints, tips and practical advice will help you extend your season working with lime mortars successfully. The reality is that contracting is a 365 days a year business and you don’t have the luxury of picking your weather windows. This half day course is aimed at anyone who works with traditional buildings or structures. The day will consist of a mixture of lecture and practical demonstrations.

The Engine Shed – Historic Bricks and Tiles
Date & Time: Tuesday 10 February 2026; 9:30am-1pm
Location: Hybrid – The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling, FK8 1QZ and Online
Scotland has long been perceived to be a country built of stone. Yet, recent research shows brick and other clay products like terra cotta, faience and tiles have contributed significantly to our historic built environment. These three morning talks will explore how fired earth products have contributed to Scotland’s buildings for centuries and how these materials can be repaired and conserved. The sessions begin with a broad overview of brick clay products, their material characteristics and the development of industrial production in the 19th century, followed by a discussion on how bricks and tiles were used in a range of Scottish buildings, their physical properties and variable abilities to withstand weathering and decay processes. Consideration will be given to the repair process stages, reviewing traditional and current repair, restoration and cleaning techniques, and discussing sustainable sourcing of replacement materials. Cost: £45 for the in person morning learning experience; £30 for virtual attendance.

The Engine Shed – Stone in Scotland: Past, Present and Future
Date & Time: Tuesday 24 February 2026; 9:30am-4pm
Location: Hybrid – The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling, FK8 1QZ and Online
Stone has been used to create Scotland’s historic built environment for thousands of years. These three morning talks will introduce you to the wide range of stone used in Scotland and share current best practice in stone repairs. There will also be a review of innovative methods of identifying and procuring new stone for conservation and newbuild projects. In the afternoon, the speakers will lead a walking tour around Stirling’s Old Town to discuss a wide range of stone conservation issues.A networking lunch will provide you with the opportunity to continue discussions and explore the Engine Shed. Cost: £85 for the in person full day learning experience; £30 for virtual attendance.

Vacancies

British School at Rome – Robert Adam Rome Scholarship in Architecture 2026-27
The Robert Adam Rome Scholarship in Architecture offers architects and scholars the opportunity to explore the tradition and evolution of classical architecture in Rome and across Italy, including its relationship to urban form. The scholarship provides a three-month residency at the British School at Rome (BSR), where the award-holder will pursue a self-directed programme of research. This may take many forms — from drawing, measuring, or design studies, to theoretical or historical investigations, or a combination of these approaches — all centred on the tradition and development of classical architecture. The award-holder will have privileged access to the BSR’s renowned Library and Archive, and will join its vibrant community of artists and scholars — benefitting from, and contributing to, the rich intellectual and social exchange that lies at the heart of life at the BSR. At the end of the residency, the scholar will produce a final report or portfolio with the specific aim of informing and inspiring contemporary architectural practice. Applications are welcomed from individuals whose backgrounds are underrepresented at the BSR. The scholarship includes a research and travel grant of £1000 per month; room and board at the BSR for 3 months (Jan-March 2027) and Italian language lessons on site. Applicants must be either UK or Commonwealth nationals, UK-settled residents, or individuals who have been working or studying in the UK for at least the past three years.
Closing Date: Monday 5 January 2026

Fife Historic Buildings Trust – Finance Officer
Salary: £32,000 per annum, pro-rata
Status: Job Share (16-20 hours per week)
Location: Kinghorn Town Hall, Fife (and homeworking)
Fife Historic Buildings Trust (FHBT) are recruiting a charity finance professional.
This is a job share role coordinating the financial activities of FHBT. Sound financial control underpins all the great work they do, and this is an opportunity to bring your experience to join a welcoming and high achieving team, and play your part in their work for people and historic places in Fife. FHBT are an independent charitable Buildings Preservation Trust formed in 1997. Their mission is to create viable futures for heritage buildings and their communities by inspiring and enabling visionary conservation projects. Fife has a particularly rich and varied heritage with over 6,200 listed buildings and 48 conservation areas. They have helped deliver over £50m in historic environment regeneration projects in Fife, supporting town centres, businesses, tourism and local communities. Download the job description, including details of how to apply to join this fantastic team: Opportunities – Fife Historic Buildings Trust
Closing Date: 5pm on Monday 12 January 2026

BEFS – Net Zero Lead
Salary: £38,000 FTE
Status: 30hrs per week (4 days); permanent – subject to organisational funding
Location: The job is home-working based – the team all currently live in or within a relatively easy commute to Edinburgh and Glasgow.
How can the sector deliver Net Zero, both for itself but also for Scotland? This role is a response to the challenges and opportunities ahead; we see a role for BEFS, positioned as the strategic intermediary for Scotland’s existing built and historic environment, to de-mystify what delivering Net Zero means in practice, supporting the existing work of the sector (and beyond!), building capacity whilst avoiding duplication of effort, and driving a much needed coordinated and holistic approach to Net Zero and the Climate Emergency. To do this, we have created a new role within BEFS Team, to support the sector and increase BEFS ability to integrate our approach to Net Zero into all BEFS strategic and advocacy activity. This role involves leading on BEFS co-ordinated and strategic approach to delivering Net Zero through its own work, and – crucially – connecting existing sector work and research; building Member and sector capacity and coordinating a robust, collaborative and data driven approach, ensuring that the historic environment is recognised as a valuable asset and key player in Scotland’s journey to Net Zero, and in tackling the Climate Emergency. We envisage that this role will evolve and respond to a changing political climate as needed, engaging with the legislative process and working towards ensuring that the sector is equipped to respond to the Climate Emergency in the long term.

The Net Zero Lead will work with BEFS Team on the strategic objectives identified in BEFS Manifesto 2026, supporting positive action towards the key policy asks relating to Net Zero. This will involve working closely and collaboratively with existing and new stakeholders and partners, shaping baseline recommendations and Route Map to Net Zero for the sector. The role is also intended to deepen BEFS ability to provide meaningful and active support to the delivery of HES’ Climate Action Plan, Green Recovery Statement, The Skills Investment Plan and the Archaeology Strategy. Apply here.

For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Hazel Johnson: hjohnson@befs.org.uk

Closing Date: Saturday 31 January 2026

Planning Aid Scotland – Opportunities for chartered planners
Becoming chartered is a significant professional milestone, signalling competence and a commitment to public service. Planning Aid Scotland, the national charity working to widen access to planning, offers newly chartered planners a way to put these values into practice through its national planning Advice Service. Volunteers support members of the public with a wide range of planning questions, gaining direct experience that is often hard to find in day-to-day roles. The opportunity is flexible and open to all chartered planners. In return, volunteers receive professional training, access to a video archive, and ongoing support.
Get in touch to find out more at volunteer@pas.org.uk
Closing Date: Not applicable

Planning Democracy – Trustees
Planning Democracy are looking for new trustees to join their board. They are particularly interested in recruiting trustees who have skills in the following areas:

Governance

Communications (social media, online resources, website management)

If you are interested, contact Chair, Helen Todd on info@planningdemocracy.org.uk and they can then send you an application form and/or have a chat.
Closing Date: Not specified

War Memorials Trust – Trustees
War Memorials Trust works to protect and conserve the nation’s 100,000 war memorials. They are seeking new Trustees, with the right skills, experience, enthusiasm and commitment, to join the Board and help guide the charity’s efforts. The charity provides advice and expertise to help anyone who looks after a war memorial to manage, repair and conserve it for the benefit of those who live locally, those who are commemorated and their families and the wider population. Sadly, names are added on a regular basis, hence many are living memorials as well as commemorating those from conflicts past. They also encourage public engagement especially through their website War Memorials Online to which anyone can add information and upload photographs. So, if the Trustee role isn’t for you, you may still be able to contribute by signing up to War Memorials Online.

A skills audit has identified key areas of expertise that the Board needs to enhance as

• fundraising expertise to ensure they are here for the long term

• legal expertise to support the charity deliver its objectives appropriately

If you have a sympathy with their vision and have skills which match those being sought, they would love to hear from you. Whilst they can consider wider enquiries, the above listed elements are the current priorities. This role is home based with board meetings rotating between in-person at the London office and online, although all can be joined online. Some attendance at events or visits to war memorials may be undertaken. Reasonable expenses related to the role will be available. Minimum engagement is for four, two-hour board meetings per year (plus reading of papers beforehand). Additional input will be welcomed and Trustees may be approached by staff, on a collective or an individual basis, between meetings, particularly in relation to their expertise. For full details of the role and how to apply, please go to the War Memorials Trust’s website.
Closing Date: Not specified

SHBT – St Ninian’s Manse
Location: Quayside Street, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6EJ
Size: 2,889 sq ft
Availability:March 2026
Tenure: Available as single tenancy or individual floors
With origins dating back to 1493, St Ninian’s Manse is thought to be the oldest building in Leith and is topped by Edinburgh’s sole surviving 17th century timber steeple. It formed part of the original entrance to St Ninian’s Chapel, which was mostly demolished during the 19th century when the site was converted to industrial use as a mill. From 1996 to 2002, SHBT restored both St Ninian’s Manse and the adjacent Quayside Mills, creating desirable waterfront office space whilst also preserving an important historic structure and a key part of Leith’s history. The manse now offers four floors of adaptable office space with period character, modern amenities, and five dedicated parking spaces. Brochure
Enquiries:info@shbt.org.uk

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17 Dec 2025

In the 5th blog in our ‘Joining the Dots’ series, Hazel Johnson, Director at Built Environment Forum Scotland, reflects on a year of cross-sector collaboration and strategic advocacy. As we approach the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections, Hazel explores how the conversations held throughout the year have revealed encouraging common themes – from breaking down policy silos to embracing whole systems thinking. She examines how BEFS Manifesto 2026 positions the built environment sector as essential to achieving Scotland’s climate and wellbeing targets, and looks ahead to the opportunities for collective action in the year to come.

I started the year and this series by asking ‘How can strategic advocacy be amplified through joined-up thinking and cross-sector collaboration, towards legislation that delivers for our people and places?’. A big question.

And the big conversations we, as a sector, have been having throughout 2025 have shown some encouraging common themes emerging. With their excellent and thought provoking contributions, the authors of Joining the Dots blogs over the past 12 months have explored the need for breaking down silos and embracing a whole systems approach to policy. This includes how work on the ground must be recognised as contributing to Scotland’s overarching goals such as Net Zero, and the transformative benefits that integrated and available data can and should have for people and places.

BEFS Membership and the wider ‘sector’ is broad; finding a common hymn sheet to sing from is often far from straightforward. But when the conversations are generous, collegiate, and strategic we can, and do, achieve much together. Further, knowing who is doing what, and where, presents opportunities for identifying commonality and consensus across seeming disparate areas of specific interest; such as across Culture and Heritage, the Climate Emergency and Net Zero, Repair, Maintenance and Retrofit, Training and Skills, and Planning and Placemaking- the main themes in BEFS Manifesto 2026.

These conversations have helped BEFS in presenting what we believe to be a reflection of a truly cross-sectoral ask. This helps to clearly make the case for how investment is key to unlocking substantial value for public money and driving progress across vital public policy portfolios. It is a call to action for the next Scottish Government, and we need to make our message as simple as possible; without recognising and leveraging the benefits brought by the sustainable use of Scotland’s historic and existing built assets, critical climate and wellbeing targets will not be met. You can’t do this without us!

Demonstrating value:

BEFS five main Manifesto policy areas are designed to demonstrate how joined up and strategic investment will contribute materially towards the long-term benefit of Scotland’s people and places. This diagram shows how these can be read against Scotland’s national outcomes.

It has also often been noted that de-mystifying the policy landscape is one of the keys to successful joined-up thinking and action. To help with this, BEFS 2025 Policy Map is a useful tool, demonstrating some of the essential areas of overlap to push open policy doors and support collective advocacy. Our recently updated Advocacy Toolkit can also help navigate a complex landscape.

Hitting the ground running in 2026

We know that as a resilient and innovative sector there is a will and readiness to work together, especially important in this election year, to unlock the value and potential of our shared built heritage. We can support any incoming Government to create the conditions for a well-resourced, dynamic, and effective built and historic environment sector – during and beyond the ebb and flow of parliamentary cycles.

Looking ahead to March, BEFS team look forward to working with you all, as we plan our pre-election activity and engagement – and explore further how we can help to join the dots in 2026 and in the long term.

Get in touch – to find out more about BEFS work or to discuss a particular topic or policy area email us at info@befs.org.uk or contact the Team.

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3 Dec 2025

Get The Latest Built Environment News, Policy Developments, Publications & Consultations

BEFS News

It’s been a big year for BEFS advocacy work – did we mention our Manifesto 2026? – and in recognition of how important it is to have the right tools to make the case for the built environment, we are delighted to share our updated Advocacy Toolkit!
Last year, as part of a work placement project piloted with BEFS Member, the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, Sally Pentecost, Communications & Events Officer at the Society, undertook a review of the resource. In a blog published earlier this year, Sally reflected on her experience refreshing the Toolkit’s contents and making recommendations towards improved accessibility. The new look toolkit is aimed at organisations and individuals working in the built environment in Scotland, and provides practical information and evidence to use in spreading the message about the positive impact and value of our buildings and places.

In our last edition we reported that BEFS Head of Policy and Strategy, Derek Rankine, contributed to a Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee evidence session on the Draft Climate Change Plan. Derek complemented his evidence with a follow-up letter to the Committee, supported by BEFS Member, RTPI Scotland, on the topic of capacity challenges in planning authorities. The letter quotes research from RTPI Scotland’s new State of the Profession report. The official Parliament Committee meeting report was published in late November.

Europa Nostra and Elliniki Etaria have launched a call for entries for the fourth edition of the Costa Carras European Citizens Awards, for the Safeguard of Endangered Cultural and Natural Heritage. The awards are presented annually to a European citizen, a group of individuals or a civil society organisation, to recognise a successful and exemplary campaign mobilising the public to save endangered heritage in their country or elsewhere in Europe.

And finally, 96% of participants in a national conversation about land reform are seeking further policy action. This is the headline finding from the ScotLand Futures Report, which summarises a Scottish Land Commission initiative surveying 1,200 people. Read our article highlighting BEFS Member views on land reform, vacant building reuse and community ownership for ScotLand Futures: Voices from Scotland, by BEFS Head of Policy and Strategy.

Parliamentary Questions & Answers

Please see our Link to Parliamentary Questions and Answers for recent questions regarding Circular Economy, Training and Skills, Climate Emergency, and Cladding Remediation.

Consultations

HES – Talking About Heritage Survey 2025
Historic Environment Scotland
Scotland’s heritage belongs to us all – from stone circles and high streets to tenements and schools. Heritage makes communities special and it’s everything we inherit from the past that shapes who we are today as well as influencing our future. Talking About Heritage is a national conversation. The results of this survey will have an impact on how HES think about and care for heritage in Scotland. Discover other ways to get involved here.
Closes 7 December 2025

The Future of Council Tax in Scotland
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) are seeking views on the future of council tax in Scotland. This consultation forms part of a joint programme of work seeking to build consensus on reforms to council tax, which has remained largely unchanged since its introduction over 30 years ago. Key areas under consideration include: updating the market reference point (currently based on 1991 values) to reflect current market values; exploring approaches to revaluation, including localised revaluation where band thresholds could differ by council area to reflect local housing markets; introducing options for new council tax bands at the top and bottom of the scale to ensure the system is more progressive and proportionate; and considering transitional measures such as phased implementation and deferral options to help households adjust to changes, as well as reductions to support lower-income households. The findings will help support informed public debate and further consideration in the Scottish Parliament.
Closes 30 January 2026

Consultation Responses

Scottish Aggregates Tax: Options for approaching cross-border taxation – Consultation Analysis (Scot Gov 19/11/2025)

News Releases

Highland Historic Buildings Trust to Continue its Work in the Highlands as Part of Scottish Historic Buildings Trust (SHBT 14/11/2025)

Open Call for NextGen Heritage Ambassadors: European Heritage Hub Advisory Body (Youth.Heritage.Europe and Europa Nostra 17/11/2025)

Highland Historic Buildings Trust to continue its work in the Highlands as part of Scottish Historic Buildings Trust (SHBT 17/11/2025)

Rennie: Housing Secretary has some nerve as heating bill dropped (Scottish Liberal Democrats 18/11/2025)

Scotland celebrates Intangible Cultural Heritage at annual conference in Perth (Museums Galleries Scotland 18/11/2025)

This is Community Wealth Building: launch of a series of stories showing what Community Wealth Building looks like in action across Scotland (Scottish Community Alliance 18/11/2025)

Heat in Buildings: a pathetic capitulation from the SNP (Scottish Greens 18/11/2025)

Outdoor Learning Hub and Discovery Trail: a learning resource on a university campus (Architecture & Design Scotland 19/11/2025)

Why we need mass council house building (Alba Party 24/11/2025)

Timber in Construction Skills – New CITB-funded training (BuildScotland.co.uk 24/11/2025)

Scotland’s first-ever canal and traditional skills centre to be considered by councillors (Scottish Canals 24/11/2025)

Scottish apprentices?wages must be increased (Scottish Greens 25/11/2025)

£2.9m heritage investment for Granton Waterfront regeneration (HES 26/11/2025)

Second year of Urban Forestry Programme opens across Scotland (Future Woodlands Scotland 26/11/2025)

What the Autumn Budget Means for the Heritage Sector?(The Heritage Alliance 26/11/2025)

RICS statement on 2025 Autumn Budget (RICS 26/11/2025)

‘Building from Forests’ explores the potential of natural and renewable materials in design and architecture (BE-ST 27/11/2025)

Planning Aid Scotland announces 2026 Community Engagement Skills Training dates, with in-person sessions in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness (PAS 01/12/2025)

New manual for adapting heritage tourism in the face of climate change (HES 02/12/2025)

Publications

National Housing Strategy: A comparative analysis of the key components of preparing, designing and implementing an effective housing strategy (CaCHE 03/10/2025)

State of the Profession 2025: Scotland (RTPI November 2025)

From Crafts in Crisis to Rubbish in Retrofit: IHBC’s 5 Commitments to Help Heritage Skills in Conservation (IHBC November 2025)

Research Digest: Understanding Cultural Vitality (Centre for Cultural Value November 2025)

Understanding the impact of the COVID-19 Culture Recovery Fund. Why our places matter. (Historic Houses 17/11/2025)

AI in the City: exploring the future of urban life (Architecture & Design Scotland 24/11/2025)

Hub Publishes 5 Papers to Guide Heritage Policy in Europe and Beyond (European Heritage Hub 25/11/2025)

Community Land Scotland Manifesto for People, Place and Power 2025-2026 (Community Land Scotland 25/11/2025)

Rockfall Mitigation Update Report – Edinburgh Castle/Princes Street Gardens (The City of Edinburgh Council 04/12/2025)

Scottish & UK: Governmental & Parliamentary Publications

Correspondence between the Scottish Property Federation and the Finance and Public Administration Committee regarding the Scottish Building Safety Levy (Scot Parl 17/11/2025)

Meeting of the Parliament: Buildings (Heating and Energy Performance) and Heat Networks (Scotland) Bill – Session 6 (Scot Parl 18/11/2025)

Decarbonising heating in homes and buildings (Scot Gov 18/11/2025)

Scotland’s Cladding Remediation Programme monthly management information: October 2025 (Scot Gov 18/11/2025)

Finance and Public Administration Committee – Building Safety Levy (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1 Official Report (Scot Parl 18/11/2025)

Fuel Poverty: Commons Debate (UK Parl 18/11/2025)

Energy Efficiency Schemes: Commons Debate (UK Parl 18/11/2025)

Warm Homes Plan: Commons Debate (UK Parl 18/11/2025)

Public Buildings: Written Answer (UK Parl 18/11/2025)

Traditional Building Skills: Westminster Hall Debate (UK Parl 18/11/2025)

Building Safety: Written Answer (UK Parl 18/11/2025)

Correspondence between Màiri McAllan and the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee regarding decarbonisation (Scot Parl 18/11/2025)

Climate and weather resilience – Oral evidence (UK Parl 18/11/2025)

Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee – Draft Climate Change Plan Official Report (Scot Parl 18/11/2025)

Traditional Building Skills: Scottish Parliament Debate (Scot Parl 19/11/2025)

Insulation: Written Answer (UK Parl 19/11/2025)

Apprentices: Written Answer (UK Parl 19/11/2025)

Infrastructure investment plan 2021-22 to 2025-26: lessons learned (Scot Gov 19/11/2025)

Correspondence between Stephen Boyle and the Social Justice and Social Security Committee regarding the Wellbeing and Sustainable Development (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 19/11/2025)

Correspondence between the Constitution, External Affairs & Culture Committee and Angus Robertson regarding Historic Environment Scotland (Scot Parl 20/11/2025)

Correspondence between the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs & Culture Committee and Steve Reed regarding the Pride in Place Programme (Scot Parl 20/11/2025)

Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee Draft Report (Scot Parl 20/11/2025)

How might the UK Budget impact the Scottish Government’s funding? (SPICe 21/11/2025)

Pre-Budget scrutiny 2026-27: funding for culture (Scot Parl 21/11/2025)

Net Zero: Written Answer (UK Parl 21/11/2025)

Net Zero, Warm Homes: Written Answer (UK Parl 21/11/2025)

Historic Buildings: Written Answer (UK Parl 21/11/2025)

Planning and Infrastructure Bill Debate (House of Lords 24/11/2025)

Dr Heather Reid appointed to The National Lottery Heritage Fund board, as Trustee and Chair of the Scotland Committee (UK Gov 24/11/2025)

Correspondence between Ivan McKee and the Finance and Public Administration Committee regarding the Building Safety Levy (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 24/11/2025)

Climate Change Plan: what’s the background and what does it need to do (SPICe 25/11/2025)

Non-Domestic Rates (Liability for Unoccupied Properties) (Scotland) Bill (SPICe 25/11/2025)

Planning and Architecture. Update on Elected Member Training (Scot Gov 25/11/2025)

Independent Review of Creative Scotland (Scot Gov 25/11/2025)

Housing statistics: Scottish Landlord Register data (Scot Gov 25/11/2025)

Wind turbine appeal decisions: statistics (Scot Gov 25/11/2025)

Home Insulation Debate (UK Parl 26/11/2025)

Correspondence between SEPA and the Public Audit Committee correcting official report of evidence session (Scot Parl 26/11/2025)

Correspondence between Angus Robertson and the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee regarding public sector equality guidance (Scot Parl 26/11/2025)

Correspondence between Angus Robertson and the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee regarding Historic Environment Scotland meetings (Scot Parl 26/11/2025)

Correspondence between BEFS (supported by RTPI) and the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee regarding planning authority capacity (Scot Parl 26/11/2025)

Climate Delivery Oversight Group minutes: August 2025 (Scot Gov 26/11/2025)

£12 million for public sector heat decarbonisation projects (Scot Gov 27/11/2025)

Correspondence between Màiri McAllan and the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee regarding Building (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2025 (Scot Parl 27/11/2025)

Report on Energy Performance of Buildings (Scotland) Regulations 2025 (Scot Parl 27/11/2025)

Non-domestic rates on empty properties (Scot Gov 27/11/2025)

Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill – Third Groupings of Amendments for Stage 2 (Scot Parl 28/11/2025)

Non-Domestic Rates (Liability for Unoccupied Properties) (Scotland) Bill – Marshalled List of Amendments for Stage 2 (Scot Parl 28/11/2025)

Non-Domestic Rates (Liability for Unoccupied Properties) (Scotland) Bill – Groupings of Amendments for Stage 2 (Scot Parl 28/11/2025)

Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill – Third Marshalled List of Amendments for Stage 2 (Scot Parl 28/11/2025)

Non-Domestic Rates (Liability for Unoccupied Properties) (Scotland) Bill – Marshalled List of Amendments for Stage 3 (Scot Parl 28/11/2025)

Non-Domestic Rates (Liability for Unoccupied Properties) (Scotland) Bill – Groupings of Amendments for Stage 3 (Scot Parl 28/11/2025)

Finding new owners for empty homes (Scot Gov 01/12/2025)

Motions

S6M-19849
Submitted by: Gordon MacDonald, Edinburgh Pentlands, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 20/11/2025
That the Parliament congratulates the City of Edinburgh Council on being awarded the David Kennedy Excellent People Award at the annual COSLA Awards for its Construction Skills pathways work at 2025’s COSLA Annual Conference; notes that the Construction Skills pathways project was recognised for its work in building brighter futures for young people through improving outcomes for learners by getting more school leavers into jobs within the construction industry; believes this not only improves attainment through relevant and engaging courses but also responds to labour market needs; understands that the Construction Skills pathways is being delivered across schools in Edinburgh, including Currie Community High School and Wester Hailes High School in the Edinburgh Pentlands constituency, and acknowledges that the delivery of the pathways has been achieved through partnership working with the National Federation of Roofing Contractors, Historic Environment Scotland, Scottish Traditional Building Forum, Kier Construction, Balfour Beatty and Edinburgh College.

S6M-19930
Submitted by: Rachael Hamilton, Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 26/11/2025
That the Parliament notes the introduction of a new pilot training scheme in Eyemouth aimed at addressing what it sees as Scotland’s growing crisis in traditional building skills; recognises reports that the Scottish Historic Buildings Trust (SHBT) has warned that a nationwide shortage of skilled tradespeople in areas such as masonry, joinery, plastering and roofing has left hundreds of historic municipal buildings in a state of disrepair; acknowledges that in Eyemouth alone, a dozen buildings dating back to the mid-18th century require urgent maintenance; welcomes the launch in January 2025 of a 20-week introductory course that will train up to 14 people in traditional skills through practical work, including repointing and window-sill repairs, at the category A-listed Gunsgreen House; notes SHBT’s intention to extend the programme with additional training phases and to create clear pathways into employment for participants; understands that the course is open to anyone aged over 16, from school leavers to those retraining, with taster sessions already under way in the town; praises the work of local practitioners such as stonemason Jo Crossland and trainer Kevin McClure, who are helping to equip a new generation with essential skills, and calls on the Scottish Government to ensure long-term support for traditional building skills training, recognising its importance in safeguarding Scotland’s built heritage, strengthening local economies and preventing further deterioration of historic properties in communities such as Eyemouth.

S6M-19948
Submitted by: Ivan McKee MSP, Glasgow Provan, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 26/11/2025
That the Parliament agrees that the Non-Domestic Rates (Liability for Unoccupied Properties) (Scotland) Bill be passed.
Current status: Agreed in Chamber on 27/11/2025 (84 for, 24 against, 0 abstained)

S6M-19960
Submitted by: Annie Wells, Glasgow, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 27/11/2025
That the Parliament congratulates the project, Govan Heritage: Remarkable Past, Bright Future, on receiving a National Lottery Heritage Fund delivery award of £1,490,860, which will support heritage-led regeneration; notes that this significant investment will fund essential repairs to the historic Pump House as part of the wider redevelopment of the Govan Graving Docks, helping to create a new community-owned public space in partnership with Glasgow City Council; acknowledges that the funding will also enable the redevelopment of the Fairfield Rowan annexe of the Fairfield Shipyard, as well as urgent repairs to pre-1919 tenements; recognises that the project includes key environmental improvements to important public spaces, enhancing the day-to-day experience of residents and visitors; understands that this latest award builds on substantial past support by the Heritage Fund for Govan’s heritage, including investment in Govan Cross, the Aitken Memorial Fountain, Govan Old Church and the Govan Stones, and pays tribute to all those involved in preserving, enhancing and celebrating Govan’s remarkable past, while building a bright and sustainable future for the community.

Opinion & Comment

Building a Movement – SAVE Britain’s Heritage 50th Anniversary Film (SAVE Britain’s Heritage 16/10/2025)

The Labour government of the 1970s saved our country houses. Will a Labour government of the 2020s save our country churches? (Country Life 11/11/2025)

MPs call for VAT cut on retrofit projects to tackle ‘disparity’ with new-build (Architects’ Journal 18/11/2025)

Castle wall ‘ripped down’ for use as stepping stones in puddle (BBC News 22/11/2025)

Chief Officer’s Blog: The Art of the Possible for Scotland’s Towns (Scotland’s Towns Partnership 24/11/2025)

Edinburgh tourism tax could partly fund over 400 new affordable homes (Deadline News 25/11/2025)

Creative Scotland ‘should take risks and be more ambitious.’ (BBC News 25/11/2025)

Blog: Strong intentions, weak delivery (Scottish Construction Now 25/11/2025)

Youth heritage exchange between Barbados and Scotland wins inaugural Icom award (Museum’s Journal 25/11/2025)

Budget includes minimum wage rises and business rates relief, with sector expressing concerns over lack of new cultural investment (Museums & Heritage Advisor 26/11/2025)

Scotland has 33 new towns – where are they and what’s it like living in one? (BBC News 27/11/2025)

Events

For further listings, please see BEFS events calendar

AHSS – Luis Albornoz-Parra: The Building Stones of Edinburgh
Date & Time: Monday 8 December 2025; 6:30-8:30pm
Location: Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL (wheelchair accessible)
Note: Lecture will also be streamed online via Zoom
Edinburgh is renowned for its dramatic stone architecture. What are the sources and types of building stone? Why and how does the stone decay and should the stone be conserved or replaced? Luis Albornoz-Parra of the British Geological Survey will bring some samples for identification and?will make suggestions as to where in the city you might see them. Tickets available from Eventbrite or on the door, subject to availability: £6 / students £2

SHBT – Tale of Two Streets: Regenerating Princes St and Sauchiehall Street
Date & Time: Wednesday 10 December 2025; 6-8pm
Location: Riddle’s Court, 322 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2PG
Speakers: Terry Levinthal, Director of Edinburgh World Heritage and Niall Murphy, Director of Glasgow City Heritage Trust. The hearts of cities are often marked by their great streets: theatres of commerce, places for tourists to gawk at, and the settings for civic and institutional performance and display. Edinburgh and Glasgow are thus characterised, respectively, by Princes Street and Sauchiehall street; each in its own way, architectural set pieces, and each subject to the vagaries of commerce and fashion. How are the characters of these streets re-produced and managed in response to and for changing times? How can heritage bodies contribute to these characters, balancing at the same time both change and continuity of the city itself?

CaCHE – 2026 Scottish Election: Housing Evidence Priorities for a New Government
Date & Time: Wednesday 10 December 2025; 1-2:30pm
Location: Online
In this online session, Professor Kenneth Gibb and Dr Gareth James (University of Glasgow) from the UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence (CaCHE) launch their new report – The 2026 Scottish Election: Housing Evidence Priorities for a New Government. Building on CaCHE’s influential 2021 Evidence Manifesto for housing, this new publication revisits Scotland’s housing landscape five years on – tracking what has changed, what has stalled, and what still needs to be done. As the 2026 Scottish election approaches, the report sets out a small number of cross-cutting priorities for a new government, grounded in fresh evidence and informed by interviews with housing sector leaders and policymakers.

Society of Antiquaries of Scotland – Carved in Stone: Bringing the Picts to Life
Date & Time: Thursday 11 December 2025; 6-8pm
Location: Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL
Carved in Stone is an illustrated guide to the Picts in late 7th century AD, serving as a source of inspiration for tabletop roleplaying games, storytellers, and anyone interested in Scotland’s past. It covers everything we know (and many things we don’t), touching on languages, kingdoms, faith, hierarchies, cuisine and more. In this panel event, the designer and lead researcher will explore the process, break down the elaborate illustrations, and discuss how they’ve approached bringing the past to life.

Development Trusts Association Scotland – Involving Your Community
Date & Time: Thursday 11 December 2025; 12-2pm
Location: Online
This workshop is focussed on mainstream funders relevant to communities taking on a former place of worship. This event is part of the New Futures Programme – Former Places of Worship event series. New Futures is a three-year programme (January 2025-December 2027) funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic Environment Scotland and Development Trusts Association Scotland to provide enhanced support to community groups considering taking on a former place of worship across Scotland. This programme was launched in direct response to the significant and unprecedented number of former places of worship which are due for disposal over the next several years. This workshop is open to any community group interested in taking ownership of a former place of worship but will be of most help to those at the beginning of the process. For questions and enquiries, please email Louise Paterson, Churches Programme Officer.

SHBT – Heritage Retrofit: Historic Building Adaption for the Future
Date & Time: Wednesday 14 January 2026; 6-8pm
Location: Riddle’s Court, 322 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2PG
Speakers: Chris Morgan, Chartered and ARB registered Architect and Director of John Gilbert Architects in Glasgow and Henrietta Billings, Director of Save Britain’s Heritage.
Up the hill from the sea and city are the raw materials from which both its built heritage and wealth are hewn and mined: timber, coal, ore, stone. On the one hand, these materials represent the result of aeons, rather than the mere centuries of history. On the other, they are consumed over ever-decreasing durations, producing waste and degrading the environments they long predate. This session will debate how heritage preservation might engage with this process. It has long been argued that conservation must be a carbon-positive activity, but alternative thinking suggests that sometimes keeping what already exists may not be the most sustainable approach.

IHBC Scotland Branch – Historic Building Legislation & Curtilage with Dr Charles Mynors
Date & Time: Friday 23 January 2026; 11:30am-4:30pm
Location: Sir Walter Scott Hall, Grassmarket Community Project, 86, Candlemaker Row,
Edinburgh EH1 2QA
Speakers: Dr Charles Mynors; Dara Parsons and Dr James Bruhn from Historic Environment Scotland
Join the IHBC for a day of learning on historic building legislation in Scotland. The morning session will provide an introduction to heritage planning law in Scotland, covering its importance, key distinctions with English heritage planning law, case law and other updates in the sector. The afternoon will focus on the extent of listing, including the often contentious subject of curtilage. The session will include discussion of case studies. If you would like to submit a case study, please email details of the case to scotland@ihbc.org.uk by 31 December 2025.

2026 SAVE THE DATE
Europa Nostra – Secretary General Address
Date & Time: Tuesday 17 March 2026; tbc
Location: Edinburgh
Details to follow

Training

HES – Launch of Fire Safety Management Short Guide – CPD Training for Dutyholders and Designers
Date & Time: Thursday 4 December 2025; 9:30am-4:30pm
Location: The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling FK8 1QZ
Book your place on this free event on fire safety management in traditional buildings, for dutyholders, designers, and others with a legal responsibility for fire safety. Launching the new HES publication,?Short Guide 14: Fire Safety Management in Traditional Buildings for Dutyholders, this event will include presentations from the authors and contributors of the Guide, including Senior Technical Officer Lila Angelaka. You will also hear from leading experts in the sector, including the HES Health & Safety team who deal with managing fire risk in their Estates.

Vacancies

Planning Democracy – Trustees
Planning Democracy are looking for new trustees to join their board. They are particularly interested in recruiting trustees who have skills in the following areas:

Governance

Communications (social media, online resources, website management)

However, they are also keen to hear from anyone who feels that Planning Democracy is an organisation they are interested in getting involved with. In return they are offering training opportunities, learning opportunities, experience in campaigning and advocacy, the opportunity to travel in Scotland and meet new people, as well as being part of a committed group of people. If you are interested,?contact Chair, Helen Todd at info@planningdemocracy.org.uk
Closing Date: Not specified

War Memorials Trust – Trustees
War Memorials Trust works to protect and conserve the nation’s 100,000 war memorials. They are seeking new Trustees, with the right skills, experience, enthusiasm and commitment, to join the Board and help guide the charity’s efforts. The charity provides advice and expertise to help anyone who looks after a war memorial to manage, repair and conserve it for the benefit of those who live locally, those who are commemorated and their families and the wider population. They also encourage public engagement especially through their website War Memorials Online to which anyone can add information and upload photographs. So, if the Trustee role isn’t for you, you may still be able to contribute by signing up to War Memorials Online.
A skills audit has identified key areas of expertise that the Board needs to enhance as

• fundraising expertise to ensure they are here for the long term

• legal expertise to support the charity deliver its objectives appropriately

This role is home based with board meetings rotating between in-person at the London office and online, although all can be joined online. Some attendance at events or visits to war memorials may be undertaken. Reasonable expenses related to the role will be available. Minimum engagement is for four, two-hour board meetings per year (plus reading of papers beforehand). Additional input will be welcomed and Trustees may be approached by staff, on a collective or an individual basis, between meetings, particularly in relation to their expertise. For full details of the role and how to apply, please go to the War Memorials Trust’s website.
Closing Date: Not specified

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19 Nov 2025

Get The Latest Built Environment News, Policy Developments, Publications & Consultations

BEFS News

Following the recent launch of the 2026 BEFS Manifesto: Building Foundations for a Better Scotland, the BEFS Team have written to 140 relevant policy-makers drawing attention to the 15 key policy asks and sharing the short Manifesto Statement. BEFS is also in active cooperation with Members and stakeholders in advocating collaboratively for shared policy recommendations. A hustings event, in which senior political party representatives will be invited to respond to the BEFS Manifesto and answer questions from BEFS Members ahead of the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections, is in planning for Spring 2026.

BEFS Director Hazel Johnson spoke to the Scottish Parliament’s Finance and Public Administration Committee this month about the Building Safety Levy (Scotland) Bill. The proposed levy on new residential property development is designed to raise income for building safety measures including cladding remediation. BEFS provided the Committee with a statement to complement an earlier consultation response. The evidence session can be viewed on Parliament TV.

Scotland’s Climate Change Plan 2026-2040 was published by the Scottish Government this month. Yesterday, BEFS Head of Policy and Strategy Derek Rankine shared views on the Plan with the Scottish Parliament’s Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee. The Committee is scrutinising the Plan and invited BEFS to provide feedback on its Sectoral Annex for Buildings (Residential and Public). BEFS highlighted key points from a prepared statement and a response to the linked consultation. View the session here.

The Climate Change Plan evidence session touched on the Heat in Buildings Bill. Yesterday, the Scottish Government published the draft Bill, and announced that it will not be introduced in the current term of Parliament as originally planned. A new timeline for the Bill will be set out after the May 2026 elections. View the announcement and draft Bill.

The second edition of a new BEFS Places of Worship Newsletter was circulated this month. Lead items include a blog by Dr Karen Mailley on the Accessing Websters project and an in-depth report from BEFS Places of Worship: Planning Forward conference in Glasgow. The Newsletter also features sector news and upcoming events. Sign up to the Newsletter.

BEFS attended the Heritage Alliance’s 2025 Heritage Debate this month. The focus of the online conference, entitled ‘Closer to Home’, was the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill. The key question was, what implications will changes to local governance and community engagement have on heritage management, funding, project delivery and potential? Conference participants were invited to suggest ‘Placemaking Postcards’ case studies – available online – that demonstrate the effectiveness of local decision-making in heritage.

One of the key policy asks in the 2026 BEFS Manifesto is for increased action in reusing construction materials. A new European Union funded project – CirCoFin – intends to facilitate exactly that. Scotland is one of four European locations selected to pilot a Circular Construction Hub. Zero Waste Scotland will lead on development of a Scottish Hub, with a plan to operate at scale by December 2027. Learn more about CirCoFin.

Staying with continental activity, BEFS is a Member of pan-European cultural heritage champion body Europa Nostra. The non-profit has this month published its Heritage Manifesto for Europe, which calls for “bold and coordinated action” on seven heritage areas in European budgets and policies. Europa Nostra also formally endorsed the Culture Compass for Europe, a European Commission strategic document published on 12 November.

Parliamentary Questions & Answers

Please see our Link to Parliamentary Questions and Answers for recent questions regarding Apprenticeships, Circular Economy, Place-based Investment, and COP30.

Consultations

Forestry and Land Scotland Draft Corporate Strategic Plan 2026 – 2030
Forestry and Land Scotland
Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) is consulting on its next Corporate Strategic Plan which sets out the proposed direction of travel and priorities for the organisation. The consultation seeks views from all who have an interest in the national forests and land (forests and land owned by Scottish Ministers on behalf of the people of Scotland), particularly on corporate outcomes and priorities which will frame delivery of work over the next five years. Consultation responses will inform development of the final version of the Corporate Strategic Plan.
Closes 21 November 2025

Measuring the Values of Arts, Culture, and Heritage
Heritage Strategies International
Heritage Strategies International is part of a team lead by Historic England in a research effort called ‘Developing Taxonomies for Arts, Culture and Heritage.’ The project is funded by the UKs Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). This international survey is a means to learn from experts and advocates in Arts, Culture, and Heritage what might be measured, the importance (or not) of measuring values, and to learn what similar work on creating categories of values is being used elsewhere in the world.
No closing date specified

Consultation Responses

2026-40 Climate Change Plan Scrutiny
BEFS prepared a statement on the Climate Change Plan for the Scottish Parliament Committee for Local Government, Housing and Planning ahead of Head of Policy Strategy Derek Rankine’s appearance at a roundtable session on Tuesday. The statement welcomes elements of the Buildings Annex of the Plan, but calls for wider, whole systems action across public policy, including in the spheres of training and skills, tenement repair and maintenance, retrofit project delivery, heritage project grant programmes, bringing vacant buildings back into use, and data and research. (BEFS 18/11/2025)

Scotland’s Climate Change Plan: 2026-2040
RIAS emphasises the scale of the challenge facing Scotland’s built environment, noting that domestic and non-domestic properties account for 27% of emissions, with 2.72 million homes and 262,000 non-domestic buildings requiring decarbonisation by 2045. At current rates, only 1% of existing housing stock will have been replaced by 2045, while 355,000 new homes will be added. RIAS argues that whilst the technical challenge can be met through net zero direct emissions heating systems and Scotland’s conservation and retrofit skills, profound sector changes are required. Key recommendations include: long-term investment in training and capacity building; improved building regulations to match European standards; planning policy favouring energy-efficient tenement-style development and place-mending over suburban sprawl; measures to tackle 92,536 vacant homes; promotion of decarbonised heat networks; encouragement of low-carbon Scottish-manufactured materials; mandatory five-year building assessments; and creation of a national database of building attributes. RIAS notes the RSL sector demonstrates that regulated improvement of building stock is achievable and argues these successes must extend to private sector domestic and non-domestic properties, with political will and industry capacity being the only limiting factors. (RIAS 18/11/2025)

Building Safety Levy (Scotland) Bill Scrutiny
BEFS provided a written statement to the Scottish Parliament Committee for Finance and Public Administration, to complement BEFS Director Hazel Johnson’s contribution to an evidence session scrutinising a proposed building safety levy on new residential development. BEFS supports the introduction of a levy in principle to support remediation of historical and future building defects, but called for exemptions for repair, maintenance and retrofit projects, and for small-scale development. BEFS also called for a robust and responsive regulatory framework, more investment in data, and cross-UK sharing of learning outcomes on levy implementation. (BEFS 11/11/2025)

News Releases

Planning Aid Bodies Across the UK Unite in Landmark Agreement (Planning Aid Scotland 21/10/2025)

A Culture Act for Scotland (Culture Counts November 2025)

Edinburgh World Heritage comments on the North-South tram extension (EWH November 2025)

Scottish Land Commission statement on the passing of the Land Reform Bill (Scottish Land Commission 05/11/2025)

Historic England Reveals its Heritage at Risk Register 2025 (Historic England 06/11/2025)

£2 Million Funding Boost to Protect War Memorials Across the UK (UK Gov 09/11/2025)

RTPI Scotland Launches Planifesto for 2026 Holyrood Elections (RTPI Scotland 11/11/2025)

“When Culture wins, Europe wins”: Europa Nostra applauds the new Culture Compass for Europe (Europa Nostra 12/11/2025)

Highland Historic Buildings Trust to Continue its Work in the Highlands as Part of Scottish Historic Buildings Trust (SHBT 14/11/2025)

Open Call for NextGen Heritage Ambassadors: European Heritage Hub Advisory Body (Youth.Heritage.Europe and Europa Nostra 17/11/2025)

Publications

Living on the edge – Shetland and the HerInDep project: an initial survey (International Journal of Heritage Studies 31/04/2025)

A Green, Fair and Growing Scotland: A Mission-Oriented Approach (Future Economy Scotland September 2025)

UK Heritage Pulse Spotlight on: Heritage Crime (Heritage Fund 10/11/2025)

Annual Conference Report: Community Development – Impact on Place, Regeneration and Housing (Community Development Alliance Scotland 18/11/2025)

Scottish & UK: Governmental & Parliamentary Publications

Heat Pumps: Subsidies written question (UK Parl 05/11/2025)

Historic Environment Scotland: Evidence Session with Cabinet Secretary (Scot Parl 06/11/2025)

Scotland’s Climate Change Plan – 2026-2040 (Scot Gov 06/11/2025)

Scotland’s Climate Change Plan 2026-2040: Island Communities Impact Assessment (Scot Gov 06/11/2025)

Scotland’s climate change plan 2026-2040: children’s rights consideration (Scot Gov 06/11/2025)

Scotland’s climate change plan 2026-2040: Fairer Scotland Duty assessment (Scot Gov 06/11/2025)

Scotland’s climate change plan 2026-2040: equality impact assessment (Scot Gov 06/11/2025)

Scotland’s climate change plan 2026-2040: business and regulatory impact assessment (Scot Gov 06/11/2025)

Public Appointment: Members Appointed to Historic Environment Scotland on an Interim Basis (Scot Gov 07/11/2025)

Planning and Infrastructure Bill – Third Reading (UK Parl 10/11/2025)

Correspondence between Richard Bell and the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee regarding the Legislative Consent Memorandum on the Pension Schemes Bill (Scot Parl 11/11/2025)

Restoration of War Memorials (UK Gov 11/11/2025)

Development plan examinations: list (Scot Gov 11/11/2025)

Wind Turbine Appeal Decisions: Statistics (Scot Gov 11/11/2025)

Delegated Powers in the Building Safety Levy (Scotland) Bill at Stage 1 (Scot Parl 12/11/2025)

Supporting global climate action (Scot Gov 13/11/2025)

Rogue Builders: Westminster Hall Debate (UK Parl 13/11/2025)

Planning and Infrastructure Bill: Commons Consideration of Lords Amendments (UK Parl 13/11/2025)

Correspondence between Ariane Burgess to Local Authority Chief Executives regarding Draft Climate Change Plan 2026-2040 scrutiny (Scot Parl 14/11/2025)

Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2 Amendment Groupings (Scot Parl 17/11/2025)

Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill – Marshalled List of Amendments for Stage 2 (Scot Parl 17/11/2025)

Warmer Homes Scotland Scheme: Performance Data (Scot Gov 17/11/2025)

Heat in buildings: future plans (Scot Gov 18/11/2025)

Motions

S6M-19607
Submitted by: Jamie Hepburn, Cumbernauld and Kilsyth, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 07/11/2025
That the Parliament recognises that 9 December 2025 is the 70th anniversary of the designation of Cumbernauld as Scotland’s third new town under the terms of the New Towns Act 1946, having been identified as a suitable location in the Clyde Valley Regional Plan; understands that this is a significant moment in the history of the town; recognises that the area designated included the existing villages of Cumbernauld and Condorrat, with the first part of the new town to be built being in the Kildrum area of the town to provide accommodation for workers at the nearby Burroughs factory; recalls that the inaugural ceremony for the new town was in June 1957, where the sod was cut at Kildrum Farm; appreciates the great sense of community that exists in Cumbernauld through its wide range of organisations and bodies that do great work to promote the town and support its residents; thanks all those who are involved in promoting the 70th anniversary, and wishes all those who live and work in Cumbernauld the best for the occasion and the future.
Current status: Achieved cross-party support

S6M-19663
Submitted by: Liam McArthur, Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: 11/11/2025
That the Parliament congratulates Paul Hewison, of Orkney, on winning the Outstanding Tradesperson award at the 2025 Construction Awards of Excellence in Birmingham, which were hosted by the National Federation of Builders; believes that he earned this award by delivering exceptional work on his projects, demonstrating outstanding skill within his respective trade and consistently making a positive impact through his work; recognises that Paul works at Casey Construction Ltd, which is a family firm based in Kirkwall that has provided high-quality building services in Orkney for more than 40 years; commends Paul for his dedication to his trade; congratulates him on this well-deserved recognition, and wishes him all the best for the future.

S6M-19693
Submitted by: Douglas Ross, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 13/11/2025
That the Parliament congratulates Angharad Rogers, Town Centres Development Manager at Moray Chamber of Commerce, who has recently been named the 2025 Scotland Loves Local Awards, High Street Hero for the Highland Region; notes that she was part of the emergency response for businesses in Elgin following the sudden closure of the St Giles Centre earlier in 2025; understands that Angharad’s passion and commitment go far beyond her job description as she brings people together, creates innovative solutions and is unwavering in her mission to make Scotland’s town centres places that residents and visitors alike are proud to enjoy; recognises that Angharad has delivered an impressive range of initiatives and support, which has helped business and charities, increased footfall and fostered community pride by getting vacant properties back into use; notes that Angharad’s work has included collaborating with architects and developers to find solutions for first floor vacant properties, to create more spaces for people to live and work, and applauds Angharad for all her effort and endeavour, which included creating three pop-up shops in Keith to encourage new enterprise, as well as encouraging local businesses to support each other.

Opinion & Comment

Yann Grandgirard on Sustainable World Heritage Cities (Edinburgh World Heritage November 2025)

Garden shed of vaccine pioneer Edward Jenner added to heritage at risk register (The Guardian 06/11/2025)

AI-powered nimbyism could grind UK planning system to a halt, experts warn (The Guardian 09/11/2025)

Fears grow over future of landmark 86-year-old Art Deco cinema in Edinburgh (The Scotsman 09/11/2025)

Love Scotland Podcast Series The Life and Legacy of Bernat Klein (NTS 14/11/2025)

Three Reasons Not to Demolish Edinburgh’s Argyle House (The Edinburgh Minute 14/11/2025)

Events

For further listings, please see BEFS events calendar

RIAS – LIVE 2025
Date & Time: Friday 21 November 2025; 9am-4:30pm
Location: Dynamic Earth, Holyrood Rd, Edinburgh EH8 8AS
RIAS are proud to host the single largest annual gathering for architects in Scotland, as an opportunity to bring people together to discuss how architects can use and develop their skills, and be a key part of Scotland’s future as a green, resilient and healthy nation. This year will be the third RIAS Live – a one-day event being held in Edinburgh where insightful presentations are met with opportunities to discuss, debate and contribute.

RIAS – BookshopLATES… Glasgow from Above
Date & Time: Thursday 27 November 2025; 6:30-7:30pm
Location: RIAS Bookshop, 15 Rutland Square, Edinburgh EH1 2BE
Come along and explore the architectural and industrial heritage of 21st-century Glasgow with architect Rosalie Menon and photographer Alistair Leith. From ornate Victorian buildings to post-industrial redevelopment projects, their recent book documents the perpetual evolution of the city’s urban environment.

STP – Scotland’s Towns Conference: Investment & Innovation
Date & Time: Thursday 27 November 2025; 8:30am-5:30pm
Location: Technology and Innovation Centre, University of Strathclyde, 99 George Street
Glasgow G1 1RD
As Glasgow marks its 850th year, Scotland’s Towns Conference 2025 brings together leaders, practitioners, and communities to explore how investment and innovation can deliver sustainable economic growth for towns and cities across the country. Come along to discuss, learn, and connect, whilst exploring how towns and cities can build resilient, inclusive, and liveable places that power Scotland’s economy for the next generation.

Icon Scotland – Tour of the McManus Galleries and Collections Unit
Date & Time: Thursday 27 November 2025; 1:30-2:30pm
Location: McManus Galleries, Albert Square, Meadowside, Dundee DD1 1AD
Rebecca Jackson-Hunt, Conservator for Leisure and Culture Dundee, will provide a tour looking at recent case changes in the galleries and a behind the scenes look around the Collection Unit, focusing on next year’s costume exhibition.

Icon Scotland – 2025 AGM
Date & Time: Thursday 27 November 2025; 5-5:45pm
Location: Dundee Science Centre, 14 Greenmarket, Dundee DD1 4QB
Join the Icon Scotland Group committee to discuss everything they’ve been doing in 2025, and everything planned for 2026. Tickets are free and you can come along whether you’re an Icon member or just considering joining.

Icon Scotland – Plenderleith Lecture 2025: Looking back, looking forward: 50 years as a conservator
Date & Time: Thursday 27 November 2025; 6-8:15pm
Location: Online, and in person at Dundee Science Centre, 14 Greenmarket, Dundee DD1 4QB
This year’s guest speaker is Clare Meredith ACR (Emeritus) FIIC. Clare has worked as a conservator for 50 years and will share a personal review of her professional life and talk about the evolution of conservation since the 1980s, including being part of the SSCR (which became Icon Scotland in 1985), as well as what the future of this profession might hold. The lecture will be followed by a drinks reception, and the opportunity to chat with other conservators.

Society of Antiquaries of Scotland – Society AGM and Finlaggan: Archaeology versus History
Date & Time: Saturday 29 November 2025; 11am-2:30pm
Location: Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL
The place of Finlaggan in Islay as an historic centre of importance has now been explored archaeologically. This presentation focuses on how this has enabled a deeper understanding of the documentary record and leads to exciting new interpretations of medieval and later history. The Archaeology of Finlaggan, Islay is now available for pre-order. Copies will also be available for purchase at the lecture. Note: This event will begin at 11am with the Society’s AGM, which is open to everyone but mainly targeted at Fellows. The lecture, open to all, will begin at 1:30pm and last for around an hour, including a Q&A. You do not have to attend the AGM in order to attend the lecture.

Edinburgh’s First Burghers: Revealing the lives and hidden faces of Edinburgh’s Medieval citizens
Date & Time: On now until Sunday 30 November 2025
Location: St Giles Cathedral, High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1RE
Free to enter public exhibition celebrating the 900th Anniversaries of both St Giles Cathedral and the City of Edinburgh to explore the lives of medieval burials excavated by CEC Archaeology Service in 1981. The exhibition brings together new biomolecular approaches (DNA and isotope analyses) and state-of-the-art facial reconstruction and animated projections located throughout the Cathedral. It explores the lives of the earliest burial phases dating back to the foundation of the Cathedral and Edinburgh’s Burgh in the 12th century AD, two 15th Century pilgrims and a group of women interred within the Lady Chapel during the 15th and 16th centuries.

SEDA/HES – Stone Futures 3 – Embodied Carbon of Slate
Date & Time: Monday 1 December 2025; 1-2pm
Location: Online
Across the autumn and winter, Scotland East Region, Scottish Ecological Design Association (SEDA) and Historic Environment Scotland (HES) are excited to launch a new lunchtime CPD seminar series dedicated to one of the most enduring yet ever evolving materials in our built environment: Stone. From its role in the earliest architecture to its potential in a low carbon future, stone carries its story of resilience, craft and innovation. This series will open up fresh perspectives on how stone can shape tomorrow’s buildings whilst drawing from its rich history. Whether you’re a technologist, architect, designer, engineer or simply curious about the possibilities of this timeless material, these seminars are designed to inform, challenge and inspire. All seminars: 1pm on the first Monday of every month.

Development Trusts Association Scotland – Involving Your Community
Date & Time: Tuesday 2 December 2025; 1-2:30pm
Location: Online
This workshop is focussed on involving your community in the process of taking on a former place of worship. This event is part of the New Futures Programme – Former Places of Worship event series. New Futures is a three-year programme (January 2025-December 2027) funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic Environment Scotland and Development Trusts Association Scotland to provide enhanced support to community groups considering taking on a former place of worship across Scotland. This programme was launched in direct response to the significant and unprecedented number of former places of worship which are due for disposal over the next several years. This workshop is open to any community group interested in taking ownership of a former place of worship but will be of most help to those at the beginning of the process. For questions and enquiries, please email Louise Paterson, Churches Programme Officer.

Zero Waste Scotland – Roadmap to circularity: the Built Environment
Date & Time: Wednesday 3 December 2025; 9:30am-4pm
Location: The Social Hub Glasgow,15 Candleriggs, Glasgow G1 1TQ
Join Zero Waste Scotland in this session which addresses circularity in the Built Environment sector. Zero Waste Scotland are currently developing sector specific roadmaps, each of which will have a set of interventions designed specifically to address circularity in the Built Environment sector. A system thinking approach has been taken, which has included the development of system maps for each sector. These maps tell us the most important factors influencing businesses in these sectors and we are looking for stakeholders to help identify the correct interventions to address these. This requires input from stakeholders across the economy who influence the sector including finance, insurance, public organisations, skills and standards. This event is part of a series of online and in-person stakeholder engagement events taking place so if you are unable to join this in-person event please join one of the future online events to be published on Eventbrite.

AHSS – Luis Albornoz-Parra: The Building Stones of Edinburgh
Date & Time: Monday 8 December 2025; 6:30-8:30pm
Location: Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL (wheelchair accessible)
Note: Lecture will also be streamed online via Zoom
Edinburgh is renowned for its dramatic stone architecture. What are the sources and types of building stone? Why and how does the stone decay and should the stone be conserved or replaced? Luis Albornoz-Parra of the British Geological Survey will bring some samples for identification and will make suggestions as to where in the city you might see them. Tickets available from Eventbrite or on the door, subject to availability: £6 / students £2

SHBT – Tale of Two Streets: Regenerating Princes St and Sauchiehall Street
Date & Time: Wednesday 10 December 2025; 6-8pm
Location: Riddle’s Court, 322 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2PG
Speakers: Terry Levinthal, Director of Edinburgh World Heritage and Niall Murphy, Director of Glasgow City Heritage Trust.
The hearts of cities are often marked by their great streets: theatres of commerce, places for tourists to gawk at, and the settings for civic and institutional performance and display. Edinburgh and Glasgow are thus characterised, respectively, by Princes Street and Sauchiehall street; each in its own way, architectural set pieces, and each subject to the vagaries of commerce and fashion. How are the characters of these streets re-produced and managed in response to and for changing times? How can heritage bodies contribute to these characters, balancing at the same time both change and continuity of the city itself?

Training

SPAB – Repair of Old Buildings Course
Date & Time: Monday 24-Friday 28 November 2025; 10am-4pm
Location: Online
Join SPAB for the online version of their popular Repair of Old Buildings Course. Presented by leading building conservation professionals, this course explores British and international approaches to the conservation of old buildings. The programme is underpinned by the SPAB philosophy of repair and maintenance, as set out in the SPAB Approach. Through a series of recorded lectures, virtual site visits and online Q&A sessions you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of the repair, maintenance and conservation of old buildings. The online format means you’ll benefit from an extended learning period from 27 October until January, so you can study at a time and place that’s right for you. You’ll also be able to interact with the specialists, site visit hosts and other participants via the live, online Q&A sessions throughout the week of 24 – 28 November. The Repair of Old Buildings Course is recognised by the IHBC for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and RIBA for Career Learning. The course includes one year of membership to the SPAB.

The Engine Shed – Heritage Planning
Date & Time: Wednesday 26 November 2025; 9:30am-4:30pm
Location: Hybrid – The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling, FK8 1QZ and Online
Members of Historic Environment Scotland’s Heritage Team will discuss how they manage change to Scotland’s built heritage, both in strategic terms as well as practical matters. This includes how proposals to alter listed buildings or build new developments in conservation areas are reviewed, considered and determined both fairly and transparently. A networking lunch will provide you with the opportunity to continue discussions and explore the Engine Shed. The full-day experience includes an afternoon tour through Stirling’s Old Town to discuss recent developments in the conservation area, key buildings of concern for the council and other matters affecting the significance of the city’s historic townscape. Cost: £75 for the in person full day learning experience; £30 for virtual attendance.

SLCT – Sheep Wool Insulation Masterclass
Date & Time: Friday 28 November 2025; 10am-3pm
Location: Charlestown Workshops, 2 Rocks Road, Charlestown, Fife KY11 3EN
This one-day masterclass about using sheep wool as a natural insulation material is for homeowners, contractors, and anyone interested in healthier, more sustainable building solutions. The day begins with an introduction to natural building materials and the reasons we might choose them: from lowering environmental impact to improving indoor air quality; followed by an exploration of how issues like damp and breathability affect traditional buildings, and why using the right materials, in the right way, really matters. The day concludes with consideration of the range of products, with the chance to handle samples and compare them, and in the afternoon, there will be a demonstration of how to cut and install SheepWool insulation into a wall structure. Cost: £75.00 + VAT

Fife College – Green Skills & Retrofit Forum 2025
Date & Time: Wednesday 3 December 2025; 9am-4pm
Location: Fife College, Dunfermline City Campus, Calaiswood Crescent, KY11 8SJ
Delivered in Partnership with CIAT Scotland East & Women in Architectural Technology, Day 1 of Fife College Green Skills & Retrofit Forum 2025 offers a unique insight into retrofit in Fife. The day will include a distinguished panel of experts looking at pivotal areas which impact retrofit delivery in Fife and an informal marketplace area filled with local products and services supporting retrofit delivery in Fife. Learn from the experts how their products and services can support you in delivering retrofit efficiently in your workspace and hear from Fife College staff about how you can access funding to up-skill or retrain your staff and find out more about the courses currently on offer and what is planned for the future.

HES – Launch of Fire Safety Management Short Guide – CPD Training for Dutyholders and Designers
Date & Time: Thursday 4 December 2025; 9:30am-4:30pm
Location: The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling FK8 1QZ
Book your place on this free event on fire safety management in traditional buildings, for dutyholders, designers, and others with a legal responsibility for fire safety. Launching the new HES publication, Short Guide 14: Fire Safety Management in Traditional Buildings for Dutyholders, this event will include presentations from the authors and contributors of the Guide, including Senior Technical Officer Lila Angelaka. You will also hear from leading experts in the sector, including the HES Health & Safety team who deal with managing fire risk in their Estates.

Vacancies

Planning Democracy – Trustees
Planning Democracy are looking for new trustees to join their board. They are particularly interested in recruiting trustees who have skills in the following areas:

Governance
Communications (social media, online resources, website management)

However, they are also keen to hear from anyone who feels that Planning Democracy is an organisation they are interested in getting involved with. In return they are offering training opportunities, learning opportunities, experience in campaigning and advocacy, the opportunity to travel in Scotland and meet new people, as well as being part of a committed group of people. If you are interested, contact Chair, Helen Todd at info@planningdemocracy.org.uk
Closing Date: Not specified

War Memorials Trust – Trustees
War Memorials Trust works to protect and conserve the nation’s 100,000 war memorials. They are seeking new Trustees, with the right skills, experience, enthusiasm and commitment, to join the Board and help guide the charity’s efforts. The charity provides advice and expertise to help anyone who looks after a war memorial to manage, repair and conserve it for the benefit of those who live locally, those who are commemorated and their families and the wider population. They also encourage public engagement especially through their website War Memorials Online to which anyone can add information and upload photographs. So, if the Trustee role isn’t for you, you may still be able to contribute by signing up to War Memorials Online.
A skills audit has identified key areas of expertise that the Board needs to enhance as

• fundraising expertise to ensure they are here for the long term

• legal expertise to support the charity deliver its objectives appropriately

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12 Nov 2025

In this edition of the POWF Newsletter, Dr. Karen Mailley shares about the Accessing Websters project, which is funded by the NLHF and GCHT, and will include an oral history project, outreach events, and a new accessible database of known Alf Webster windows. Dr. Karen Mailley has an MA Joint (Hons) and an MLitt in Decorative Arts & Design History from the University of Glasgow. She helped to establish Scotland’s first online stained glass database.

The former Lansdowne Church in Glasgow’s West end has received substantial funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Glasgow City Heritage Trust to undertake an innovative project called ‘Accessing Websters’. The project will be run by the charity FACT THREE and will include an oral history project, outreach events and a new accessible database of known Alf Webster windows.

The building, designed by the Glasgow architect John Honeyman (1831-1914), houses two stained glass windows designed by renowned stained glass artist Alf Webster (1883-1915). The A Listed building, formerly known as Lansdowne Church, now houses the Stand Comedy Club on the ground floor with the stained glass gallery currently under developmentat upper gallery level.

As part of the project a new stained glass museum will be created, which will be dedicated to the research and presentation of the city’s stained glass. We are fortunate in having one of the few UK ICON Accredited Conservator-Restorers, Rab MacInnes, who is a British Society of Master Glass Painters Member living and working near to the project. He will be working with a team to conserve and reinstate one of Webster’s windows which is currently in storage. With the focus on one of Scotland’s endangered traditional skills, we are also lucky to have one of Historic Environment Scotland’s Stained Glass Craft Fellow, Gordon Muir, working on the team.

The Accessing Websters Project has the promotion of traditional skills at its core. For over three decades Four Acres Charitable Trust and its sister charity FACT THREE have been supporting the use of traditional skills over several buildings including Lansdowne Church and Cottiers. Work at Cottiers and Websters has provided many opportunities for traditional skills to be passed down to the next generation and new team members. Such skills include slab laying, stone pointing, cutting and indenting stone, mosaic, internal joinery, sheeting, brickwork and blockwork and other aspects of the building trades.

About Webster and the windows

Although Webster’s stained glass career was relatively short in comparison to his contemporaries, through new research, as part of the project, we are discovering that his output was prolific.

Born in Glasgow’s south side in 1883, Webster studied Architecture and Modelling at the Glasgow School of Art (GSA) before studying under Stephen Adam Senior (1848-1910) in Adam’s Glasgow studio. During this period, GSA was an exciting place to study with influential individuals such as its architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh, artistic tutor the symbolist Jean Delville, Ann Macbeth, Jessie Newbery and Director Fra Newbery studying or teaching there. In 1904, Webster began an apprenticeship at Adam Senior’s studio at 168 Bath Street in the city centre which was known as the ‘Adam Studio’. After Adam’s death in 1910, Webster took over the studio until his death during WWI in 1915.

The McCowan window depicts the events of Holy Week, and consists of three large, detailed lancets and a trefoil situated above. The McCowan window, installed in 1913-14, was the gift of Mr and Mrs David McCowan of 9 Park Circus Place. David McCowan was a senior partner of the marine insurance brokers and underwriting firm, Messrs William Euing & Company. Although the window is currently in storage awaiting the team to start work, progress has been made with the installation of the light tables in the space designated for the museum.

The second window, commonly referred to as The Templeton building, is still in situ in its original location. Named after the Misses Templeton, who gifted the window, it depicts the life of Christ in eight large scenes with a panel dedicated to the memory of their mother, brother, and sister and in appreciation of their present minister. Misses Templeton was the spinster daughter of James Templeton, a long-serving Manager and Elder of Lansdowne UP Church. Like the McCowan window, the main scenes of the window are surrounded by detailed motifs and symbols.

The Accessing Websters Project will run for two years with the aim of sharing the story and art of Alf Webster through various means. It is hoped that the museum will be open to the public in 2026.

Dr. Karen Mailley has an MA Joint (Hons) and an MLitt in Decorative Arts & Design History from the University of Glasgow. She helped to establish Scotland’s first online stained glass database. Image: Detail of the McCowan Window courtesy of FACT THREE.

This blog is part of the third edition of the Places of Worship Forum (POWF) Newsletter which was published on 12 November 2025. The newsletter aims to share the ongoing work of the group. Would you like to receive the next edition of the newsletter? Sign up here.

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5 Nov 2025

Get The Latest Built Environment News, Policy Developments, Publications & Consultations

BEFS News

Earlier this month BEFS was pleased to be a delivery partner for the Building Connections: Shaping the Future of Construction conference, which took place at The Engine Shed in Stirling, as part of BE-ST Fest ’25. Organised alongside Historic Environment Scotland, CIOB, RIAS, and RICS the event was part of the Skills Investment Plan delivery for the sector and brought together construction industry representatives – from tradespeople to architects, planners to contractors – to explore practical solutions to skills gaps, pipeline challenges, and the conservation of our historic buildings. Creating these spaces and enabling honest and frank conversations, exploring the shared issues spanning the professions, will be crucial in driving real change.

One of the highlights was Scott McGibbon’s thought-provoking provocation on the paradoxes inherent in Scotland’s construction sector:

We demand innovation ? But we punish risk while rewarding repetition

We call for collaboration ? But we design contracts that divide

We value skilled trades ? But we exclude them from decision-making

Scott challenged us to view these as “wicked problems”— complex, interconnected challenges that require adaptive and transformative systems thinking.

Some takeaways noted by BEFS team on the day included:

The need for a clear message that unifies the sector’s perspective on skills and training challenges;

Pilot projects to demonstrate collaborative procurement approaches and show economic benefits;

Granular, actionable data is essential;

Focus on retrofit and traditional building skills as a mainstream opportunity for training and skills development;

Seek a more collaborative approach across different government departments and industry stakeholders;

Create more flexible, stackable competency frameworks that allow skills transfer between sectors;

Lobby for more investment in skills training, particularly for net zero and retrofit work.

The overarching theme was the need for a clear shared voice, and a systemic and collaborative approach to addressing skills challenges in the construction and heritage sectors. The discussions at the Engine Shed were the first step – we look forward to continuing to work together, seeking shared approaches and solutions to these collective issues. Watch this space!

Parliamentary Questions & Answers

Please see our Link to Parliamentary Questions and Answers for recent questions regarding Circular Economy, Construction Skills, Land Ownership, and Modern Apprenticeships.

Consultations

Compulsory Purchase Reform
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government is carrying out a programme of work to reform and modernise Scotland’s compulsory purchase system. Following a commitment in the Programme for Government 2024/25, a consultation has been published on a comprehensive package of proposals and options for change; to make compulsory purchase simpler, more streamlined and fairer for all parties. The consultation has been informed by extensive engagement with a range of stakeholders, including a practitioner advisory group chaired by the Chief Planner and Roseanna Cunningham. A number of questions on compulsory sale orders and compulsory lease orders are also included in the consultation paper. Any questions about the consultation: CPO.Reform@gov.scot.
Closes 19 December 2025

Consultation Responses

SURF’s response to the Community Right to Buy consultation (SURF 01/10/2025)

Energy Performance of Buildings (Scotland) Regulations 2025: technical consultation analysis (Scot Gov 10/10/2025)

Community Benefits from Net Zero Energy Developments: Analysis of responses to the consultation exercise (Scot Gov 22/10/2025)

Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture Research Strategy
BEFS participated in a national consultation towards the proposed 2027-32 Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture Research Strategy. BEFS welcomed the Strategy’s inter-linking of important core missions supported by a robust governance model and diverse funding mechanisms, but called for a strengthening of its stated aspiration to, “enhance rural and island communities”. BEFS suggested the Strategy make commitments around undertaking research into: productively reusing vacant and derelict land; maintaining and enhancing the rural heritage assets that are drivers of tourism; and supporting living well locally through effective place-making. (BEFS 24/10/2025)

PDR to Support Provision of New Homes
The Scottish Government consulted on potential changes to Permitted Development Rights (PDR) with regard to addressing the housing emergency by supporting the construction of new homes in rural areas and town centres. BEFS response urged caution and consideration of potential unintended consequences resulting from expansion of PDR, and argued that plans for new-build housing developments, including those seeking to replace existing buildings in rural regions and urban centres, should continue to be handled by planning application. (BEFS 27/10/2025)

The Conservation Officers Group (COG) also took part in this consultation. A COG submission statement drew attention to practical implementation issues with the proposed PDR changes. It also asserted that PDR was not appropriate for listed buildings, conservation areas and town centres. The COG response is available here. (COG 27/10/2025)

News Releases

European Heritage Excellence Day 2025 spotlights innovation, creativity and community engagement (Europa Nostra 12/10/2025)

Systems Mapping of Scotland’s Built Environment and Energy Infrastructure Sectors (Zero Waste Scotland 20/10/2025)

Building a Connected Scotland (Scottish Community Alliance 30/10/2025)

Heritage Careers Week champions traditional skills for next generation (HES 31/10/2025)

Edinburgh World Heritage Legacies in Stone wins funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund (EWH 31/10/2025)

Publications

Engaging the everyday: the concept and practice of ‘everyday heritage’ (The International Journal of Heritage 2024)

More than Bricks: the Human and Economic Impact of Social Homes (Shelter September 2025)

Smarter Transformation Issue 3 – Autumn 2025 (BE-ST October 2025)

UK Heritage Pulse Survey Report: Operational use of Artificial Intelligence (Heritage Pulse 23/10/2025)

Local government performance: Spotlight on culture and leisure services (Audit Scotland 23/10/2025)

Impact Report 2025 (Heritage Network 29/10/2025)

Towards a Shared Understanding of Housing Affordability: Short Life Working Group, 2022-24 (CaCHE 30/10/2025)

Pathways to a sustainable future: Exploring the synergy between sustainability and circular economy (Sustainable Futures December 2025)

Scottish & UK: Governmental & Parliamentary Publications

Affordable Housing Supply Programme: resource planning assumptions (Scot Gov 21/10/2025)

Wind turbine appeal decisions: statistics (Scot Gov 21/10/2025)

Draft circular economy strategy: strategic environmental assessment (Scot Gov 21/10/2025)

Draft circular economy strategy: island communities impact assessment – pre-consultation interim report (Scot Gov 21/10/2025)

Community benefits from net zero energy developments consultation: engagement findings report (Scot Gov 22/10/2025)

UK House Price Index figures for Scotland 2025 (Registers of Scotland 22/10/2025)

Scottish Statutory Instruments relating to administration of the Scottish Aggregates Tax (Scot Parl 23/10/2025)

Land Reform (Scotland) Bill – Daily list of amendments for 23 October 2025 (Scot Parl 23/10/2025)

Scottish Housing Market Review Q3 2025 (Scot Gov 24/10/2025)

The Scottish Government – Affordable Housing Delivery Targets: Letter to UK Government (Scot Gov 25/10/2025)

Planning and the Housing Emergency Delivery Plan – Actions Update (Scot Gov 28/10/2025)

Short Term Lets Licensing Statistics Scotland to 30 June 2025 (Scot Gov 28/10/2025)

Built Environment Sector Oral Question (House of Lords 28/10/2025)

Cladding Remediation Programme: factsheet (Scot Gov 28/10/2025)

Land Reform (Scotland) Bill: Stage 3 Debate (Scot Parl 28/10/2025)

Housing statistics: Scottish Landlord Register data (Scot Gov 28/10/2025)

Scotland’s Cladding Remediation Programme update: Q3 2025 (Scot Gov 28/10/2025)

Correspondence between the Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee and Shona Robison regarding the Building Safety Levy (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 28/10/2025)

Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee: Official Report (Scot Parl 28/10/2025)

First Minister: “Fair transition to net zero vital for Scotland’s economy” (Scot Gov 29/10/2025)

Correspondence between Gillian Martin and Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee regarding Draft Climate Change Plan timeline (Scot Parl 30/10/2025)

Planning permission appeals: form and guidance (Scot Gov 30/10/2025)

Report on pre-budget scrutiny 2026-27: responding to long-term fiscal pressures (Scot Parl 30/10/2025)

Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1 Debate (Scot Parl 30/10/2025)

Climate Action Secretary at COP30 (Scot Gov 31/10/2025)

Land Reform (Scotland) Bill – 2nd Marshalled List of Amendments for Stage 3 (Scot Parl 31/10/2025)

Land Reform (Scotland) Bill – 2nd Timed Groupings of Amendments for Stage 3 (Scot Parl 31/10/2025)

Pre-Budget Scrutiny 2026-27 (Scot Parl 31/10/2025)

Improving island resilience (Scot Gov 03/11/2025)

Motions

S6M-19410
Submitted by: George Adam, Paisley, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 24/10/2025
That the Parliament congratulates the town of Paisley on being crowned Scotland’s Town of the Year by Scotland Loves Local; acknowledges what it sees as the hard work and investment from Paisley First Business Improvement District, Renfrewshire Council and the Scottish Government into the town in recent years; notes the success of Paisley’s local cultural events such as the Halloween and food and drink festivals, and understands that Paisley, like many urban centres in Scotland, was hit badly by online shopping, out-of-town retail parks, the cost of living crisis and the loss of the textile industry, and now serves as a example for urban renewal in Scotland through both major investment and cultural renewal.
Current status: Has not yet achieved cross-party support

S6M-19422
Submitted by: Gillian Martin, Aberdeenshire East, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 27/10/2025
That the Parliament agrees to the general principles of the Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill.
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Thursday, 30 October 2025

S6M-19421
Submitted by: Mairi Gougeon, Angus North and Mearns, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 27/10/2025
That the Parliament agrees that the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill be passed.
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Tuesday, 04 November 2025

S6M-19454
Submitted by: Gillian Martin, Aberdeenshire East, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 28/10/2025
That the Parliament agrees that the relevant provisions of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, introduced in the House of Commons on 11 March 2025, and subsequently amended, relating to a new clause on wind generation stations that may affect seismic array systems, inserted after clause 28, so far as these matters fall within the legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament and alter the executive competence of the Scottish Ministers, should be considered by the UK Parliament. Motion For Debate.
Current status: Due to be taken in the Chamber on Thursday 30 October 2025

Opinion & Comment

Blog: Landscape in Focus – Glenan Wood (Archaeology Scotland October 2025)

Planning Without Growth: book review (SURF 01/10/2025)

Landmark report finds “blatant and uncompromising sexism” in UK architecture

(Dezeen Magazine 21/10/2025)

Jocelyne Fleming: We’ve talked about collaboration —now we’re putting it into practice (Scottish Construction News 22/10/2025)

Paisley named Town of the Year for ‘remarkable’ revival (BBC News 24/10/2025)

‘It looks like a mill’: new Royal Dornoch clubhouse stirs up locals (The Times 26/10/2025)

Blog: Stage 3 Briefing on the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill (Land Matters 26/10/2025)

Right to buy in reverse: how Brighton is tackling its social housing crisis (The Guardian 26/10/2025)

Reuse, reuse, reuse: How Denmark has embraced sustainable construction (Architects’ Journal 03/11/2025)

Blog: Dùthchas and the Road Home (Land Matters 03/11/2025)

Events

For further listings, please see BEFS events calendar

AHSS – Aonghus Mackechnie: ‘If a landscape ‘speaks’, can we hear it?
Date & Time: Monday 10 November 2025; 6:30-8:30pm
Location: Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL (wheelchair accessible)
Note: Lecture will also be streamed online via Zoom
In this joint lecture with Scotland’s Garden and Landscape Heritage, Professor Aonghus MacKechnie will take us on a tour of Scotland, geographically, over time, and across political and cultural movements. From the medieval West Highlands and Gaelic society, the talk ranges through Early Modern Scotland, the exploitation of history and the ‘signage’ used by the Stewart monarchy, through to post-1660s classicism; moving then on to the Ages of Romanticism and Improvement, and that of militarism after the Battle of Sheriffmuir in 1715. Tickets available from Eventbrite or on the door, subject to availability: £6 / students £2

Historic Houses – The Historic Buildings Parks & Gardens Event
Date & Time: Tuesday 11 November 2025
Location: The QEII Conference Centre, Broad Sanctuary, Westminster, London SW1P 3EE
The Historic Buildings, Parks and Gardens Event (HBPGE) has been running for over 35 years, and is open to everyone in the historic buildings, landscape conservation and heritage sectors. Owners, guardians, volunteers, professionals management staff and advisers involved with historic buildings (private, commercial, industrial, Grade I listed buildings, cathedrals, churches, manor houses, windmills, historic town centres), parks, gardens and historic landscapes. All are welcome to enjoy Historic Houses guest speakers, live demonstrations, short talks, an opportunity to meet experts and a free SPAB advice surgery.

Development Trusts Association Scotland – First Steps to Community Ownership
Date & Time: Tuesday 11 November 2025;12-1:30pm
Location: Online
A general workshop on the first steps to take when bringing a church into community ownership. This event is part of the New Futures Programme – Former Places of Worship event series. New Futures is a three-year programme (January 2025-December 2027) funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic Environment Scotland and Development Trusts Association Scotland to provide enhanced support to community groups considering taking on a former place of worship across Scotland. This programme was launched in direct response to the significant and unprecedented number of former places of worship which are due for disposal over the next several years. This workshop is open to any community group interested in taking ownership of a former place of worship but will be of most help to those at the beginning of the process. For questions and enquiries, please email Louise Paterson, Churches Programme Officer.

SHBT – Seaside City: Revisiting the History of Edinburgh’s Coastline
Date & Time: Wednesday 12 November 2025; 6-8pm
Location: Riddle’s Court, 322 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2PG
Speakers: Jonathan Gardner, contemporary archaeologist and critical heritage studies researcher and Tamsin Grainger, a Walking Artist and writer. Stretching from the River Almond to the River Esk, Edinburgh’s remarkable coastline runs from one of the few Roman ruins in Scotland to buried quarries and beaches made entirely from the rubble of the city’s demolished buildings. Through docks and ports to beach resort, nature and culture, past and present are brought together in diverse ways. This part of the city has enjoyed something of a revival of interest over the past few years: esplanade, beach, and shore making new lungs for the city. How might engaging with this oldest and most ephemeral boundary of the city help us re-imagine it anew?

Edinburgh Lothian & Borders Archaeology Conference 2025
Date & Time: Saturday 15 November 2025; 9am-4:30pm
Location: Queen Margaret University, Musselburgh, East Lothian
This is the annual conference organised by the City of Edinburgh Council, East Lothian Council and Scottish Borders Council. It provides an important opportunity to hear and discuss firsthand accounts of the archaeological fieldwork and research being undertaken in Edinburgh, East Lothian, Midlothian and the Scottish Borders. Tickets £30; Lunch £13.

Aberdeen City Heritage Trust – Maintenance Week Aberdeen 2025
Dates & Times: Tuesday 18 November – Saturday 22 November 2025
Location: See individual Events
This series of presentations, both online and in-person as part of Maintenance Week, offers an opportunity for property owners and managers to access information on building maintenance, repair and retrofit as it relates to traditionally constructed property.
Built Heritage: Appropriate Maintenance and Repair
Lucy Stewart of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings SPAB explores the benefits of regular building maintenance, why it is critical in keeping buildings in good condition and how a stitch in time saves nine.
Organising Tenement Maintenance and Repair
Under One Roof provides advice on: Who is responsible? How to get things done? How to organise repairs and when to call the professionals.
Retrofit & Traditional Buildings
Calum Maclean will provide insights into how to go about retrofitting traditionally constructed and historic buildings.
Building Maintenance Essentials
Come and spend a Saturday morning finding out about caring for your traditional building, whether that be an individual granite home, a flat in a granite tenement, a community hall or even a Place of Worship.
History and Maintenance Walking Tour
Aberdeen has a fascinating and architecturally rich city centre. Find out more about how the city centre developed in the C19th and how the Trust best look after this important legacy.

Scotland’s Community Heritage – Conversations 2025: Routes to Resilience
Date & Time: Wednesday 19 November 2025; 9:15am-4:15pm
Location: Hybrid – The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling, FK8 1QZ and Online
This day-long hybrid conference is an opportunity to connect with heritage professionals and community groups, sharing challenges, celebrating successes and exploring resilient futures together. Expect speakers, Q&A sessions, panel discussions and workshops, all available to attendees joining online or in person. There will also be opportunities to get involved and share your news with the ever popular One Minute Mayhem slot or by displaying a digital poster.

Under One Roof – Navigating building maintenance for landlords, with Argyll and Bute Council?
Date & Time: Wednesday 19 November 2025; 12-1pm
Location: Online
Join Under One Roof and Argyll and Bute Council for a short lunchtime webinar on Navigating Building Management and Maintenance. Get help with understanding your responsibilities as a landlord and discuss the proper procedures for working with your neighbours to maintain your building. After the presentation, there will be a chance for you to ask your questions to tenement expert, Jacqueline Omoniyi.

Development Trusts Association Scotland – Planning and Your Church
Date & Time: Thursday 20 November 2025; 1-2:30pm
Location: Online
This workshop on engaging with the planning system in regards to former places of worship is brought to you by Planning Aid Scotland. This event is part of the?New Futures Programme – Former Places of Worship event series. New Futures is a three-year programme (January 2025-December 2027) funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic Environment Scotland and Development Trusts Association Scotland to provide enhanced support to community groups considering taking on a former place of worship across Scotland. This programme was launched in direct response to the significant and unprecedented number of former places of worship which are due for disposal over the next several years. This workshop is open to any community group interested in taking ownership of a former place of worship but will be of most help to those at the beginning of the process. For questions and enquiries, please email Louise Paterson, Churches Programme Officer.

AHSS – Dominic D’Angelo: ‘Greek’ Thomson and the Watson Street Warehouses
Date & Time: Thursday 20 November 2025; 7:30-9:30pm
Location: St Andrew’s West Church & Renfield Centre, 260 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 4JP
Note: Lecture will also be live-streamed via Zoom
Two years before he died, Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson designed a pair of warehouses in Watson Street for shopkeeping brothers Gavin and William Millar, as part of their planned expansion to become ‘the Largest Furniture Department in Scotland’. Dominic d’Angelo, Chair of The Alexander Thomson Society, looks at how both buildings ended up as lodging houses, and, on their 120th anniversary, the fire that would claim 40 lives. Tickets available from Eventbrite or on the door: £6 / students £2 / season ticket for all 5 lectures: £25.

RIAS – BookshopLATES… Glasgow from Above
Date & Time:?Thursday 27 November 2025; 6:30-7:30pm
Location: RIAS Bookshop, 15 Rutland Square, Edinburgh EH1 2BE
Come along and explore the architectural and industrial heritage of 21st-century Glasgow with architect Rosalie Menon and photographer Alistair Leith. From ornate Victorian buildings to post-industrial redevelopment projects, their recent book documents the perpetual evolution of the city’s urban environment.

STP – Scotland’s Towns Conference
Date & Time: Thursday 27 November 2025; 8:30am-5:30pm
Location: Technology and Innovation Centre, University of Strathclyde, 99 George Street
Glasgow G1 1RD
As Glasgow marks its 850th year, Scotland’s Towns Conference 2025 brings together leaders, practitioners, and communities to explore how investment and innovation can deliver sustainable economic growth for towns and cities across the country. Come along to discuss, learn, and connect, whilst exploring how towns and cities can build resilient, inclusive, and liveable places that power Scotland’s economy for the next generation.

AHSS – Luis Albornoz-Parra: The Building Stones of Edinburgh
Date & Time: Monday 8 December 2025; 6:30-8:30pm
Location: Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL (wheelchair accessible)
Note: Lecture will also be streamed online via Zoom
Edinburgh is renowned for its dramatic stone architecture. What are the sources and types of building stone?? Why and how does the stone decay and should the stone be conserved or replaced? Luis Albornoz-Parra of the British Geological Survey will bring some samples for identification and?will make suggestions as to where in the city you might see them. Tickets available from Eventbrite or on the door, subject to availability: £6 / students £2

Training

The Engine Shed – Heritage Science
Date & Time: Tuesday 11 November 2025; 9:30am-4pm
Location: Hybrid – The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling, FK8 1QZ and Online
Conservation scientists at Historic Environment Scotland use a variety of analytical techniques to understand how materials decay over time and how certain interventions might affect their integrity and longevity. This introduction to the applied use of material science in heritage conservation in Scotland will help you understand how analytical scientific techniques can enhance understanding of the nature of traditional building materials and can explain how they decay over time; discover how petrographic analysis is used to determine the chemical composition and physical structure of natural building stone and how this helps identify new sources of material for repair; and learn about the range of analytical techniques used to monitor moisture ingress in traditional buildings and how thermal efficiency of a building may be measured. Cost: £75 for the in person full day learning experience; £30 for virtual attendance.

MC Consulting –Cash for Culture
Date & Time: Wednesday 12 November 2025; 9:30am-5pm
Location: Edinburgh
This intensive one-day seminar will explore proven solutions to the challenge of how to raise money to support vital work in local authorities, focusing on the opportunities from trusts and foundations, HNWI, commercial sponsorship and more. This session is designed to provide practical advice and insight on how to access the private funds available, plus discussion about some of the challenges with ethics, accountability and charitable structures. With examples of what’s worked and what’s not, explore how to meet capital challenges and secure those all important revenue funds. Cost: £299

Heritage Network – Carbon Literacy Training
Date & Time: Thursday 13 & 20 November 2025; 10am-12:30pm
Location: Online
Carbon Literacy is a key way for organisations to gain an awareness of the causes and impacts of climate change and an understanding of carbon emissions. It provides a great foundation for individuals, teams and organisations to begin to take steps towards reducing their carbon emissions and become more environmentally sustainable. As a sector,?this training will help to collectively make a difference through taking responsibility and committing to lowering emissions. The focus of Carbon Literacy is about empowering people to act. To become certified as Carbon Literate you must pledge to undertake an individual and group action that will help you and your organisation to achieve net zero. The £15 (member) and £30 (non-member) charge for this course covers your Carbon Literacy Trust certification fee. If you have any questions, please email Samya Kelly.

STBA & IHBC – Technical Panel: BS 40104- Domestic Retrofit Assessment – implications for traditional and heritage buildings
Date & Time: Friday 14 November 2025; 09:30-10:30
Location: Online
Hosted jointly by the STBA and IHBC Technical Panel: BS 40104:2025, which has recently launched, and provides a comprehensive, risk based methodology for assessing dwellings before retrofit works are carried out, ensuring projects are based on sound, standardised practice. Join their experts as they introduce the new standard and describe its implications to assessing and retrofitting traditional and heritage buildings.

The Engine Shed – Using Archives to Explore Scotland’s Brick Heritage
Date & Time: Monday 17 November 2025; 2-3pm
Location: Hybrid – The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling, FK8 1QZ and Online
This talk will use Historic Environment Scotland’s Archives material to discuss the role of the brick in building Scotland’s heritage. Scotland has excellent examples of traditionally constructed brick buildings. From the iconic Templeton’s Carpet Factory in Glasgow to the windswept North Unst lighthouse, brickwork is an important part of our built heritage.

The Engine Shed – Traditional Building Maintenance with optional Stirling maintenance walk
Date & Time: Thursday 20 November 2025; 9:30am-3:30pm
Location: Hybrid – The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling, FK8 1QZ and Online
Learn about the practicalities of detailed and regular inspections of traditional buildings and discover how a robust maintenance plan can stave off decay and expensive repairs. This full-day experience includes a tour of Stirling’s historic Old Town. The team will point out a range of maintenance issues within the city and discuss the perils of ignoring the warning signs of fabric decay. Cost: £75 for the in person full day learning experience; £30 for virtual attendance.

SPAB – Repair of Old Buildings Course
Date & Time: Monday 24-Friday 28 November 2025; 10am-4pm
Location: Online
Join SPAB for the online version of their popular Repair of Old Buildings Course. Presented by leading building conservation professionals, this course explores British and international approaches to the conservation of old buildings. The programme is underpinned by the SPAB philosophy of repair and maintenance, as set out in the SPAB Approach. Through a series of recorded lectures, virtual site visits and online Q&A sessions you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of the repair, maintenance and conservation of old buildings. The online format means you’ll benefit from an extended learning period from 27 October until January, so you can study at a time and place that’s right for you. You’ll also be able to interact with the specialists, site visit hosts and other participants via the live, online Q&A sessions throughout the week of 24 – 28 November. The Repair of Old Buildings Course is recognised by the IHBC for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and RIBA for Career Learning.?The course includes one year of membership to the SPAB.

The Engine Shed – Heritage Planning
Date & Time: Wednesday 26 November 2025; 9:30am-4:30pm
Location: Hybrid – The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling, FK8 1QZ and Online
Members of Historic Environment Scotland’s Heritage Team will discuss how they manage change to Scotland’s built heritage, both in strategic terms as well as practical matters. This includes how proposals to alter listed buildings or build new developments in conservation areas are reviewed, considered and determined both fairly and transparently. A networking lunch will provide you with the opportunity to continue discussions and explore the Engine Shed. The full-day experience includes an afternoon tour through Stirling’s Old Town to discuss recent developments in the conservation area, key buildings of concern for the council and other matters affecting the significance of the city’s historic townscape. Cost: £75 for the in person full day learning experience; £30 for virtual attendance.

HES – Launch of Fire Safety Management Short Guide – CPD Training for Dutyholders and Designers
Date & Time: Thursday 4 December 2025; 9:30am-4:30pm
Location: The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling FK8 1QZ
Book your place on this free event on fire safety management in traditional buildings, for dutyholders, designers, and others with a legal responsibility for fire safety. Launching the new HES publication, Short Guide 14: Fire Safety Management in Traditional Buildings for Dutyholders, this event will include presentations from the authors and contributors of the Guide, including Senior Technical Officer Lila Angelaka. You will also hear from leading experts in the sector, including the HES Health & Safety team who deal with managing fire risk in their Estates.

Vacancies

Fife Historic Buildings Trust – Project Officer
Salary: £32,000 per annum (pro-rata at 0.8 FTE /4 days per week), fixed term to March 2028
Status: Part-time (0.8 FTE)
Location: Kinghorn Town Hall, St Leonard’s Place, Kinghorn, Fife KY3 9TJ
Fife Historic Buildings Trust (FHBT) are looking for an enthusiastic and organised individual with good heritage, project management and people skills to work with the existing Project Manager on new and existing FHBT projects across Fife. FHBT are an independent charitable Buildings Preservation Trust formed in 1997. Their mission is to create viable futures for heritage buildings and their communities by inspiring and enabling visionary conservation projects. Fife has a particularly rich and varied heritage with over 6,200 listed buildings and 48 conservation areas. FHBT have helped deliver over £50m in historic environment regeneration projects in Fife, supporting town centres, businesses, tourism and local communities. FHBT’s services are in demand, and there are many opportunities to develop projects that provide opportunities for engaging people and organisations across Fife with their heritage. This is a new part-time fixed term post, funded by Historic Environment Scotland, to increase capacity within the existing FHBT team to develop existing and new historic environment regeneration projects in Fife, principally the restoration and re-use of historic buildings at risk. You do not necessarily need to have formal qualifications or training in this area. You might have a background in archaeology, listed buildings, conservation, building surveying, architecture, community projects, or other areas. Download the job description, including details of how to apply to join this fantastic team: Opportunities – Fife Historic Buildings Trust.
If you have any questions before applying, please contact opportunities@fifehistoricbuildings.org.uk.
Closing date: 5pm on Friday 7 November 2025

National Trust for Scotland – Project Delivery Manager (Mackintosh Illuminated)
Salary: £40,707 – £44,847 per annum
Status: Full time; 40 hrs per week; permanent position.
Location: Flexible with time to be spent at the main properties, home working, and hot desking available at NTS premises regionally.
The National Trust for Scotland is seeking a Project Delivery Manager for the Mackintosh Illuminated Project. National Trust for Scotland (NTS) is the largest membership Charity in Scotland, with a mission to protect, care for, share and speak up for Scotland’s magnificent heritage, including its historic buildings, landscapes, footpaths and collections. The Mackintosh Illuminated Project comprises a major capital conservation project at the A Listed Hill House in Helensburgh and an ambitious programme to raise awareness and appreciation of the work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and his artist designer wife, Margaret MacDonald to an international audience. The Project therefore spans oversight of construction works, project management, skills training, conservation, historical research, interpretation, engagement and community relations. The project also encompasses the Trust’s other CRM property – the Mackintosh at the Willow Tea Rooms on Sauchiehall St in Glasgow where facilities and expertise already exist but will form part of a new exploration and exhibition of their work. The Project Delivery Manger will work alongside and support the Project Director in project planning & scheduling, budget monitoring, project administration, and progress reporting. This role ensures that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. Whilst a key part of a small, skilled team the role will have a direct responsibility for leading on critical aspects of the project delivery. This role has been supported by funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
More information can be found here.
Closing date: 4pm on Friday 7 November 2025

Historic Churches Scotland – Project Development Officer, St Margaret’s Church, Braemar
Salary: £50,000 per annum
Status: 18 month fixed-term contract
Location: Flexible homeworking, with frequent travel to Braemar
Historic Churches Scotland (HCS) is seeking a Project Development Officer for the St Margaret’s Braemar – Regenerating a hidden Scottish masterpiece project. HCS works in partnership with communities to save historic places of worship at risk through sale, disuse or decay. HCS is working in partnership with St Margaret’s Trust to secure the future of St Margaret’s Church Braemar. HCS is the owner of St Margaret’s Braemar, and St Margaret’s Trust is the day-to-day operator of the building. The partnership’s principal aim is to repair, conserve, and repurpose the Category A listed St Margaret’s Church in Braemar for the benefit of the community. This is being met through developing St Margaret’s as a high-quality visitor attraction celebrating the heritage of the village, providing a unique performance and exhibition venue, together with information for visitors to the village and surrounding area. SMT’s strapline is St Margaret’s Braemar: Performance – Arts – Heritage. This is the first stage of a two-stage project.
The Project Development Officer is responsible for the overall delivery of the Development Phase of this two-stage project, to the agreed scope, timescale and budget, including the delivery of community heritage activities in support of the project. The full job description is available here.
If you have any questions regarding the position, please email: contact@historicchurches.scot
This role has been supported by funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
To apply, please send your CV and covering letter to: contact@historicchurches.scot
Closing Date: 9am on Monday 10 November 2025

RTPI Scotland – Intern Project Officer
Salary: £22,932 pro rata per annum
Status: Part-time; 21 hours per week. 9 month Fixed Term Contract
Location: Edinburgh office (with hybrid working)
The RTPI is offering a recently graduated or current student planner the opportunity to join the RTPI Scotland team as Intern Project Officer, providing support to their diverse areas of work, including policy, research and member and stakeholder liaison. It’s an exciting time to join the RTPI Scotland team as Scotland continues to navigate the implementation of planning reforms brought in by the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019. This is your opportunity to be part of an organisation that’s shaping the future of planning and empowering planners to build a better world. As RTPI Scotland’s Intern Project Officer, you will support the RTPI, and the RTPI Scotland team in particular, on matters of policy, public affairs, research, events, and editorial of the Scottish Planner (RTPI Scotland’s quarterly journal). You will work collaboratively with RTPI colleagues in the Scotland, Policy and Public Affairs, and Practice and Research teams, as well as with various RTPI member committee’s and networks, to deliver a range of projects and programmes.
Applications: To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter that refers to the criteria in the person specification. More information can be found here.
Interview dates: Interviews will be held during the week commencing 24 November 2025
Closing Date: Monday 10 November 2025

Planning Democracy – Trustees
Planning Democracy are looking for new trustees to join their board. They are particularly interested in recruiting trustees who have skills in the following areas:

Governance

Communications (social media, online resources, website management)

However, they are also keen to hear from anyone who feels that Planning Democracy is an organisation they are interested in getting involved with. In return they are offering training opportunities, learning opportunities, experience in campaigning and advocacy, the opportunity to travel in Scotland and meet new people, as well as being part of a committed group of people.
If you are interested, contact Chair, Helen Todd on info@planningdemocracy.org.uk and they can then send you an application form and/or have a chat.
Closing Date: Not specified

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22 Oct 2025

Get The Latest Built Environment News, Policy Developments, Publications & Consultations

BEFS News

A big week for BEFS, as we launch a new Manifesto, Building Foundations for a Better Scotland, in advance of the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections.

Co-created through consultation with Members and stakeholders who care for, celebrate and promote the value of Scotland’s historic buildings, public spaces and infrastructure, BEFS Manifesto calls on the next Scottish Government to create the conditions for a well-resourced, dynamic and effective built and historic environment sector.

Interconnected Benefits for People and Places:
The existing built and historic environment, both rural and urban, contributes profoundly to the quality and character of Scotland’s places, its economy, and the wellbeing of its people. Encompassing everything from ancient monuments and historic buildings to townscapes and public spaces, it influences – and is influenced by – many public policy areas.

The Manifesto outlines how recognising and leveraging the benefits brought by the sustainable use of Scotland’s existing built asset, will be critical to meeting climate and wellbeing targets; essential investment is key to releasing substantial value for public money and driving progress across vital public policy portfolios, including environmental sustainability, skills and economic development, housing, poverty, and health – unlocking the immense potential of our built heritage to deliver warmer homes, local employment, thriving town centres, and much more.

BEFS five main Manifesto policy areas are designed to demonstrate how a joined-up and strategic approach will deliver towards the long-term benefit of Scotland’s people and places across:

Culture and Heritage

Climate Emergency and Net Zero

Repair, Maintenance and Retrofit

Planning and Placemaking

Training and Skills

15 Practical Policy Recommendations:
BEFS Manifesto features 15 practical policy recommendations and calls on cross-party buy in towards implementation in the next term of Parliament – and beyond – to set foundations for the decades to come.

You can read the full 2026 Manifesto and a shorter Manifesto Statement on BEFS website.

BEFS Team would like to thank all Members and stakeholders that contributed their time and expertise to shaping this Manifesto. We look forward to continuing to work together, making the case for the historic built environment, over the coming months.

Parliamentary Questions & Answers

Please see our Link to Parliamentary Questions and Answers for recent questions regarding Land Ownership, Cladding Remediation and Skills.

Consultations

Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture Research Strategy 2027-32
Scottish Government
The Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture (ENRA) Research programme is a multidisciplinary portfolio of research. It is structured in five-year cycles to enable long term strategic research and provide clarity on research priorities and programme structure. This consultation is of the draft version of the 2027-32 ENRA Research Strategy, and questions for examination cover the Strategy’s core mission, challenges, investment, impact, research areas, and more.
Closes 24 October 2025

Heritage Crime
UK Heritage Pulse
According to the National Police Chiefs’ Council, heritage crime is defined as ‘Any offence involving damage or loss to the historic environment, including all offences involving cultural property’. Take part in this survey and help inform the response to heritage crime across the UK.
*NEW* Closes 26 October 2025

Permitted Development Rights to Support Provision of New Homes
Scottish Government
This consultation linked to the housing emergency will investigate views on the role permitted development rights (PDR) can play in helping to address it. The consultation will explore whether action on PDR and housing delivery, particularly with regard to town centres and rural areas, could alleviate capacity pressures in the planning system. The Scottish Government is also seeking views on PDR in the context of the deployment of heat networks and domestic air source heat pumps.
Closes 27 October 2025

Compulsory Purchase Reform
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government is carrying out a programme of work to reform and modernise Scotland’s compulsory purchase system. Following a commitment in the Programme for Government 2024/25, a consultation has been published on a comprehensive package of proposals and options for change; to make compulsory purchase simpler, more streamlined and fairer for all parties. The consultation has been informed by extensive engagement with a range of stakeholders, including a practitioner advisory group chaired by the Chief Planner and Roseanna Cunningham. A number of questions on compulsory sale orders and compulsory lease orders are also included in the consultation paper. Any questions about the consultation: CPO.Reform@gov.scot.
Closes 19 December 2025

Properties and Collections Strategy: Towards Sustainable Stewardship
Historic Environment Scotland
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has published a draft Strategy document entitled: Properties and Collections Strategy: Towards Sustainable Stewardship. This draft Strategy explains how HES plans to care for the Properties and Collections in its care over the long term and why change is needed. Scotland’s historic environment is facing growing challenges, including climate change, rising costs, and a shortage of traditional skills. The draft Strategy outlines how HES will respond to these challenges, make the most of opportunities, prioritise what matters most, and work with communities to protect and use the Properties and Collections in ways that benefit everyone.
Closes 23 January 2026

Consultation Responses

Energy Performance of Buildings (Scotland) Regulations 2025: technical consultation analysis (Scot Gov 10/10/2025)

Petitions

PE2191: Review legislation in order to strengthen the Scottish Outdoor Access Code (Scot Parl 09/10/2025)
Petition calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to review the legislation concerning the Scottish Outdoor Access Code (SOAC), in order to:
• explicitly prohibit camping in a vehicle, outside of designated camping zones
• make the provisions of the Code legally enforceable by introducing dedicated enforcement teams and fines for Code violations.

News Releases

Nominate your Hero for the Ecclesiastical Heritage Heroes Awards 2025 (Heritage Alliance 23/09/2025)

ScotLand Futures initiative – Four voices, one question: what would it mean to complete Scotland’s land reform journey(Scottish Land Commission 30/09/2025)

Gardens Trust launches report into the role of historic parks and gardens in the 21st century (The Gardens Trust 03/10/2025)

The Scottish Government launches a dedicated LinkedIn page covering culture and the arts (Angus Robertson via LinkedIn 10/10/2025)

Historic Houses and the Institute for Art and Law mark 75 years of cultural heritage policy as landmark cultural policy papers are made available in full online for the first time (Historic Houses 13/10/2025)

The AHF’s Heritage Impact Fund Reaches £10 Million Milestone in Pioneering Social Investment for Historic Buildings (Architectural Heritage Fund 13/10/2025)

Scottish museums share £862k through the Repair and Adaptation Fund (13/10/2025)

The University of Strathclyde building shortlisted for Innovation in Sustainability Award (Clark Contracts 14/10/2025)

Excellence in Planning for Heritage and Culture Finalists – including Edinburgh Futures Institute (RTPI 14/10/2025)

Major new study to reveal the value of the UK’s UNESCO sites (UNESCO 14/10/2025)

Six areas, towns and cities across the UK to benefit from long-term investment (NLHF 15/10/2025)

New guidance for communities looking to purchase a church or hall building ( Scottish Community Councils 17/10/2025)

SFHA Report warns of multi-billion-pound funding gap to tackle housing emergency amid surging building costs (Scottish Federation of Housing Associations 20/10/2025)

Publications

Green skills in archaeology (CIfA: The Archaeologist 23/06/2025)

Planning Aid Scotland’s guide to?Navigating the Consenting Processes for Renewable Energy Developments (PAS 24/09/2025)

Scottish Tourism Alliance: Holyrood Election Manifesto for 2026 (STA 03/10/2025)

New report shows extent of joint working in Scottish local government (improvement service 06/10/2025)

Scottish & UK: Governmental & Parliamentary Publications

Scotland’s Cladding Remediation Programme monthly management information: September 2025 (Scot Gov 07/10/2025)

Planning permission appeals: housing development statistics (Scot Gov 07/10/2025)

Wind turbine appeal decisions: statistics (Scot Gov 07/10/2025)

Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee – official report (Scot Parl 07/10/2025)

Colleges and Apprenticeships Debate: Traditional Building Skills (Scot Parl 08/10/2025)

SPICe Briefing: Wellbeing and Sustainable Development (Scotland) Bill (SPICe 08/10/2025)

Land Reform (Scotland) Bill — Stage 3: Groupings of Amendments (Scot Parl 09/10/2025)

Land Reform (Scotland) Bill — Stage 3: Marshalled List of Amendments (Scot Parl 09/10/2025)

Planning and Infrastructure Bill – official report (Scot Parl 09/10/2025)

Preliminary findings from new towns programme inquiry released (House of Lords 09/10/2025)

National Planning Framework 4: Policy 22 (flood risk and water management) – Chief Planner letter – October 2025 (Scot Gov 13/10/2025)

Written answer: Recreation Spaces: Urban Areas (UK Parl 13/10/2025)

Written statement: Retrofit measures under ECO4 and GBIS (UK Parl 13/10/2025)

Pro-growth package unshackling Britain to get building (UK Gov 13/10/2025)

Public appointment: Chair appointed to the National Library of Scotland (Scot Gov 13/10/2025)

Tourism and Hospitality Industry Leadership Group minutes: 14 May 2025 (Scot Gov 14/10/2025)

Public appointment: Chair appointed to the Board of National Galleries of Scotland (Scot Gov 14/10/2025)

Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme: quarterly report September 2025 (Scot Gov 17/10/2025)

Heat Network: quarterly report September 2025 (Scot Gov 17/10/2025)

Agriculture Reform Implementation Oversight Board minutes: 30 May 2025 (Scot Gov 17/10/2025)

Clean energy jobs boom to bring thousands of new jobs (UK Gov 19/10/2025)

Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations: call-in guidance (Scot Gov 20/10/2025)

A Draft Circular Economy Strategy for Scotland: Consultation Paper & Supporting Documents (Scot Gov 21/10/2025)

Motions

S6M-19253.2
Submitted by: Lorna Slater, Lothian, Scottish Green Party
Date lodged: 07/10/2025
As an amendment to motion S6M-19253 in the name of Murdo Fraser (Backing Scotland’s Colleges and Apprenticeships), leave out from “that future” to end and insert “the transformative power of education and training, and the vital roles that colleges and apprenticeships play in supporting young people and building resilient communities, including in a just transition away from fossil fuels; acknowledges the importance of having college facilities located close to where people live, ensuring accessibility and inclusion; believes that improved college governance is essential to prevent poor management decisions and to safeguard the quality of provision; acknowledges the work of EIS-FELA and UNISON in campaigning for better further education provision and supporting college staff across the country who face uncertainty about the future; calls for enhanced outcomes for women, students and apprentices, to ensure that they are not disproportionately channelled into low-waged sectors; urges colleges to align their skills offerings with the ambitions of the National Performance Framework; supports the introduction of regulated minimum training hours and standards for apprenticeships; believes that colleges must be living wage employers and exemplars of fair work practices, and calls for all apprentices to be paid a living wage.”

S6M-19253.3
Submitted by: Richard Lochhead, Moray, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 07/10/2025
As an amendment to motion S6M-19253 in the name of Murdo Fraser (Backing Scotland’s Colleges and Apprenticeships), leave out from “with concern” to end and insert “the Audit Scotland report entitled, Scotland’s colleges 2025, and the importance of continued investment in Scotland’s colleges and skills system to support inclusive economic success, prosperity and job creation, including provision of around three quarters of a billion pounds in Scotland’s colleges in 2025-26, and an additional £3.5 million for skills, through the Scottish Budget; acknowledges that this is particularly important in the thriving sectors, like those critical to realising the transition to net zero, and the shared opportunities of this; recognises the key role that colleges, employers and training providers have played in ensuring that 93% of school leavers have a positive destination, and providing apprenticeships and training to a record 39,000 individuals, and notes, however, concern about the impact of Brexit and the UK Government’s migration system, which is contributing to key skills gaps and labour market shortages.”

S6M-19327
Submitted by: Gillian Martin, Aberdeenshire East, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 13/10/2025
That the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee recommends that the Energy Performance of Buildings (Scotland) Regulations 2025 [draft] be approved.

Opinion & Comment

Blog: Energy performance certificates (EPCs) tell us how energy efficient our buildings are. The way these certificates are generated has changed (HES 01/10/2025)

25 years of stonemasonry excellence at HES Elgin Skills Training Centre (Project Scotland 07/10/2025)

The historic buildings of Scotland fighting for their future – Melrose Abbey, Doune Castle (The Scotsman 08/10/2025)

Blog: Heritage offers timeless lessons for a climate-resilient Edinburgh (The Cockburn Association 10/10/2025)

Poll: Huge public support for £450m tax on landowners (The Herald 12/10/2025)

Blog: Tenement Town: 18 Rankeillor Street, Edinburgh (Tenement Town 13/10/2025)

Towns may have to be abandoned due to floods with millions more homes in Great Britain at risk (The Guardian 14/10/2025)

Tens of thousands of homes insulated under government schemes need repairs (BBC News 14/10/2025)

Scotland’s last shoemaker’s shop awarded funding for conservation (Deadline News 15/10/2025)

Bridging the Gap: Why the skills system is overdue an overhaul (Holyrood Magazine 16/10/2025)

RIBA Stirling Prize. Britain’s best new building is a revamped almshouse (The Guardian 17/10/2025)

Could the first international football stadium become flats? (BBC News 19/10/2025)

Events

For further listings, please see BEFS events calendar

AHSS – Niall Murphy: Glasgow 850
Date & Time: Thursday 23 October 2025; 7:30-9:30pm
Location: St Andrew’s West Church & Renfield Centre, 260 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 4JP
Note: Lecture will also be live-streamed via Zoom
As Glasgow celebrates 850 years, Niall Murphy of Glasgow City Heritage Trust reflects on the city’s rich history, exploring its political and cultural evolution and the heritage that shapes its identity today. This lecture offers a compelling journey through Glasgow’s past, revealing how its legacy continues to influence the present and future. Tickets available from Eventbrite or on the door: £6 / students £2 / season ticket for all 5 lectures: £25.

Historic Environment Scotland – Discover Heritage Careers Fair
Date & Time: Monday 27 October 2025; 6-8pm
Location: Edinburgh Castle, Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG
Come along to this event hosted by Historic Environment Scotland to meet employers and training providers across the heritage sector, and discover the range of career options available.

Under One Roof – Navigating Tenement Building Repairs with North Ayrshire Council
Date & Time: Tuesday 28 October 2025; 12-1pm
Location: Online
Join Under One Roof and North Ayrshire Council for a short, lunchtime webinar on tenement building repairs. Learn about: proper procedures for organising a repair in your tenement building; the difference between individual, mutual and common areas of your tenement building; and relevant legislation and enforcement. There will be time after the presentation to ask questions, and get answers from tenement expert, Jacqueline Omoniyi.

Under One Roof – Navigating Tenement Building Repairs with Aberdeen City Council
Date & Time: Wednesday 29 October 2025; 12-1pm
Location: Online
Join Under One Roof and Aberdeen City Council for a short lunchtime webinar, discussing the proper procedures for organising repairs, from understanding your titles, to communicating with your fellow owners, to sourcing and paying contractors and enforcement action. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session with tenement expert, Education and Training Officer Jacqueline Omoniyi.

Scotland’s Landscape Alliance – Delivering for Scotland’s landscapes through Scotland’s Landscape Charter
Date & Time: Thursday 30 October 2025; 10:30am-3pm
Location: Edinburgh Climate Change Institute, High School Yards, Edinburgh EH1 1LZ
In June 2025 Scotland’s Landscape Charter was launched and endorsed by the Scottish Government. It highlights the importance of our landscapes to people, place and nature. This is also the 25th anniversary of the European Landscape Convention (ELC) and the SLA aim to deliver and reinvigorate Scotland’s commitment to the ELC through the promotion and adherence to embedding the Charter into everyday landscape action that demonstrate the tangible importance of the Charter to their work objectives. This event aims to engage with a wide range of stakeholders to shape a short term annually updated action plan to support the implementation of the Charter’s vision and principles and to reinforce the good policy and tools that exist around land, people, culture and landscape. Tickets free and available on Eventbrite from 24 October onwards.

SHSMG – How to Handle Social Media Backlash
Date & Time: Thursday 30 October 2025; 3-4pm
Location: Online
Concerned about a social media firestorm? Unsure how best to react to critical online media coverage? If you work or volunteer in heritage communications, this event is for you. The Scottish Heritage Social Media Group will be hearing from David McLeod, Marketing Officer at Culture Perth & Kinross, who will discuss the kinds of backlash he’s dealt with in his career, explain how it was handled, and share the outcomes. He’ll offer advice on what kind of comments demand a reaction and which are better left alone, share tips on preparing for potential backlash, and discuss strategies for reacting to online hate at short notice.

EFI – AI in the City Public Forum
Date & Time: Thursday 30 October 2025; 6-7:30pm
Location: Edinburgh Futures Institute, 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh EH3 9EF
AI for Collective Intelligence (AI4CI), Architecture and Design Scotland (A&DS) and Edinburgh Futures Institute (EFI) invite you to a public forum on ‘AI in the City’. Join expert panellists in geocomputation, city planning, smart design, AI ethics and integration, moderated by journalist, broadcaster and presenter Stephen Jardine. Explore how AI is shaping the design and management of urban and rural spaces, and discover current developments. This event offers the public direct access to expert insights and the chance to ask pressing questions. Stay informed on the opportunities, risks, and community impacts of AI in city living, building, and planning.

SEDA/HES – Stone Futures 2 – Specifying Stone and Stone Bricks
Date & Time: Monday 3 November 2025; 1-2pm
Location: Online
Across the autumn and winter, Scotland East Region, Scottish Ecological Design Association (SEDA) and Historic Environment Scotland (HES) are excited to launch a new lunchtime CPD seminar series dedicated to one of the most enduring yet ever evolving materials in our built environment: Stone. From its role in the earliest architecture to its potential in a low carbon future, stone carries its story of resilience, craft and innovation. This series will open fresh perspectives on how stone can shape tomorrow’s buildings whilst drawing from its rich history. Whether you’re a technologist, architect, designer, engineer or simply curious about the possibilities of this timeless material, these seminars are designed to inform, challenge and inspire. All seminars: 1pm on the first Monday of every month.

Under One Roof – Tenement Management session for Landlords
Date & Time: Monday 3 November 2025; 12-1pm
Location: Online
In partnership with Glasgow City Council, this free webinar will provide information on how to organise common repairs in your tenement building, what the proper procedures are and help you understand enforcement options. There will also be expertise on how to deal with water leaks in your building. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session with tenement expert, Jacqueline Omoniyi.

Under One Roof – Landlord Information Session: common repairs, missing shares and dealing with damp and mould
Date & Time: Tuesday 4 November 2025; 10am-12pm
Location: City Halls & Old Fruitmarket, 100 Candleriggs, Glasgow G1 1NQ
In partnership with Glasgow City Council, Under One Roof will be discussing the common repairs process, helping you understand proper procedures and enforcement options. You will hear from Glasgow City Council staff about the city’s missing shares scheme and how that can assist owners with common repairs.? Under One Roof will also present on damp and mould, a topical issue affecting tenement flats, explaining best practice and sharing helpful information. Tea and coffee will be provided, and the presentation will be followed by a Q&A session with tenement expert, Jacqueline Omoniyi. Glasgow City Council staff will also be on hand to help with your questions. Register by email: Rebecca@underoneroof.scot

Under One Roof – Repairing Standard Event for landlords with East Ayrshire Council
Date & Time: Wednesday 5 November 2025; 2-3pm
Location: Online & at East Ayrshire Council Headquarters, London Road, Kilmarnock KA3 7BU
East Ayrshire landlords are invited to join Under One Roof and East Ayrshire Council for a short seminar on the Repairing Standard. You can join in either at Council Headquarters or online on Microsoft Teams. Hear from tenement experts all about the Repairing Standard, and what it means for your property and tenants. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A.

RIAS – BookshopLATES… New Scottish Houses
Date & Time: Wednesday 5 November 2025; 6-7:30pm
Location: RIAS Bookshop, 15 Rutland Square, Edinburgh EH1 2BE
Celebrate the publication of New Scottish Houses: Contemporary architecture and living in the landscape with journalist and author Isabelle Priest. Talks from Isabelle and some of the featured architects on how Scotland is a showcase for contemporary sustainable homes in the remotest of landscapes.

BE-ST Fest Summit – Scaling Solutions: A Viable Path to a Sustainable Future
Date & Time: Wednesday 5 November 2025; 9am-5pm
Location: Paisley Town Hall, Abbey Close, Paisley PA1 1JF
The UK’s biggest festival for a zero-carbon built environment will play host to transformative discussion and knowledge exchange on breaking through barriers to accelerate our journey to net zero carbon. Is net zero achievable? Some argue the costs are too high, the technology isn’t ready and that other priorities should come first. BE-ST Fest 2025 will tackle these debates head on. This isn’t a conference made up of hopeful visions alone, it’s about the reality of real change, the risks, trade-offs, and the strategies that work. This is a space for honesty, collaboration and innovation. Not idealism for its own sake but progress grounded in what works.

The Heritage Alliance – Heritage Debate 2025
Date & Time: Thursday 6 November 2025; 12-2pm
Location: Online (via Zoom)
Topic: Closer to Home: Is Local Decision-Making the Future of Heritage? Now in its 16th year, Heritage Debate brings sector leaders, professionals and volunteers together to share cross-sector insights, make connections and find solutions to the key challenges facing heritage today. This year, Heritage Debate will tackle one of the most significant shifts in governance affecting the sector in a generation. With local government reorganisation on the horizon, new mayoral powers emerging, and communities gaining new rights to shape their places, the question being asked: is bringing decision-making closer to home the key to unlocking heritage’s full potential? Listen to an expert panel examining what bringing power closer to home really means for the places we cherish and the communities that sustain them. More details on speakers will be announced soon.

Under One Roof – Navigating building repairs in flatted blocks with North Lanarkshire Council
Date & Time: Thursday 6 November 2025; 12:30-1:30pm
Location: Online
Come along to a short, lunchtime webinar with Under One Roof and North Lanarkshire Council, to discuss topics such as how to understand your titles, the difference between individual and ‘common’ areas of your building, and how to work with your neighbours to carry out repairs. The presentations will be followed by a Q&A, when you can ask the experts your questions.

Under One Roof – Taking Care of Your Tenement: Drop-In Session with Glasgow City Heritage Trust
Date & Time: Thursday 6 November 2025; 6-8pm
Location: The Deep End, 21 Nithsdale Street, Glasgow G41 2PZ
Join Glasgow City Heritage Trust and Under One Roof for a drop-in session aimed at anyone who wants to learn more about maintaining and repairing historic tenements. Come by to ask the experts for information on tenement repair, management and retrofit, or to pick up one of their leaflets.

AHSS – Aonghus Mackechnie: ‘If a landscape ‘speaks’, can we hear it?
Date & Time: Monday 10 November 2025; 6:30-8:30pm
Location: Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL (wheelchair accessible)
Note: Lecture will also be streamed online via Zoom
In this joint lecture with Scotland’s Garden and Landscape Heritage, Professor Aonghus MacKechnie will take us on a tour of Scotland, geographically, over time, and across political and cultural movements. From the medieval West Highlands and Gaelic society, the talk ranges through Early Modern Scotland, the exploitation of history and the ‘signage’ used by the Stewart monarchy, through to post-1660s classicism; moving then on to the Ages of Romanticism and Improvement, and that of militarism after the Battle of Sheriffmuir in 1715. Tickets available from Eventbrite or on the door, subject to availability: £6 / students £2

SHBT – Seaside City: Revisiting the History of Edinburgh’s Coastline
Date & Time: Wednesday 12 November 2025; 6-8pm
Location: Riddle’s Court, 322 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2PG
Speakers: Jonathan Gardner, contemporary archaeologist and critical heritage studies researcher and Tamsin Grainger, a Walking Artist and writer.
Stretching from the River Almond to the River Esk, Edinburgh’s remarkable coastline runs from one of the few Roman ruins in Scotland to buried quarries and beaches made entirely from the rubble of the city’s demolished buildings. Through docks and ports to beach resort, nature and culture, past and present are brought together in diverse ways. This part of the city has enjoyed something of a revival of interest over the past few years: esplanade, beach, and shore making new lungs for the city. How might engaging with this oldest and most ephemeral boundary of the city help us re-imagine it anew?

Development Trusts Association Scotland – Planning and Your Church
Date & Time: Thursday 20 November 2025; 1-2:30pm
Location: Online
This workshop on engaging with the planning system in regards to former places of worship is brought to you by Planning Aid Scotland. This event is part of the New Futures Programme – Former Places of Worship event series. New Futures is a three-year programme (January 2025-December 2027) funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic Environment Scotland and Development Trusts Association Scotland to provide enhanced support to community groups considering taking on a former place of worship across Scotland. This programme was launched in direct response to the significant and unprecedented number of former places of worship which are due for disposal over the next several years. This workshop is open to any community group interested in taking ownership of a former place of worship but will be of most help to those at the beginning of the process. For questions and enquiries, please email Louise Paterson, Churches Programme Officer.

Training

SLCT – Climate change & our built heritage: Protection, Prevention & Preservation
Date & Time: Friday 31 October 2025; 9:30am-4:30pm
Location: Charlestown Workshops, 2 Rocks Road, Charlestown, Fife KY11 3EN
What on earth we can do to protect our buildings? Currently, we are all waking up to the growing realisation that our traditional building stock needs to be more resilient in defending windier and wetter conditions during the Autumn and Winter months with storms bringing in peak rainfall and flooding) and likewise the vagaries of hotter and dryer Summers. This Masterclass showcases expert led sessions with building professionals who are stepping up the mark and making real decisions in prolonging the life of our built heritage.

C&BS – Prospect Research for Fundraising
Date & Time: Wednesday 5 November 2025; 9:30am-12:30pm
Location: Online
Do you want to find new donors but aren’t sure where to start? This hands-on course, led by Emma Lacroix, introduces the tools, techniques, and strategic thinking behind effective prospect research and supporter identification. Designed for those new to prospect development or looking to sharpen their approach, this live classroom session will help you better understand who your potential supporters are, where to find them, and how to prioritise your efforts for maximum impact. The session will also explore how to integrate prospect research into your wider fundraising strategy and build a pipeline that supports long-term growth.

Heritage Network – Carbon Literacy Training
Date & Time: Thursday 13 & 20 November 2025; 10am-12:30pm
Location: Online
Carbon Literacy is a key way for organisations to gain an awareness of the causes and impacts of climate change and an understanding of carbon emissions. It provides a great foundation for individuals, teams and organisations to begin to take steps towards reducing their carbon emissions and become more environmentally sustainable. As a sector, this training will help to collectively make a difference through taking responsibility and committing to lowering emissions. The focus of Carbon Literacy is about empowering people to act. To become certified as Carbon Literate you must pledge to undertake an individual and group action that will help you and your organisation to achieve net zero. The £15 (member) and £30 (non-member) charge for this course covers your Carbon Literacy Trust certification fee. If you have any questions, please email Samya Kelly.

Vacancies

Planning Democracy – Trustees
Planning Democracy are looking for new trustees to join their board. They are particularly interested in recruiting trustees who have skills in the following areas:

Governance

Communications (social media, online resources, website management)

However, they are also keen to hear from anyone who feels that Planning Democracy is an organisation they are interested in getting involved with. In return they are offering training opportunities, learning opportunities, experience in campaigning and advocacy, the opportunity to travel in Scotland and meet new people, as well as being part of a committed group of people.
If you are interested, contact Chair, Helen Todd on info@planningdemocracy.org.uk and they can then send you an application form and/or have a chat.
Closing Date: Not specified

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20 Oct 2025

Planning Democracy are looking for new trustees to join their board.

They are particularly interested in recruiting trustees who have skills in the following areas:

Governance
Communications (social media, online resources, website management)

However, they are also keen to hear from anyone who feels that Planning Democracy is an organisation they are interested in getting involved with. They are offering:

Training opportunities: They consider training and support for trustees and volunteers to be really important. Some of the training undertaken in the past includes charity governance, fundraising, social media, book-keeping and public speaking.

Learning opportunities: You will develop an understanding of some fundamental topics such as how the land use planning system in Scotland works, legal issues around Aarhus and European law.

Experience in campaigning and advocacy: Their campaign work involves holding meetings, promoting their manifesto, direct political lobbying, and responding to consultations. Advocacy work includes media campaigns, public speaking, commissioning and publishing research.

Opportunity to travel in Scotland and meet new people: For example each year they hold a great event which allows people to network and meet like-minded people.

Being part of a committed group of people: They are passionate about democracy and the environment. (And also have some fun social events each year!)

If you are interested, contact Chair, Helen Todd on info@planningdemocracy.org.uk and they can then send you an application form and/or have a chat.

BACK

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