Get The Latest Built Environment News, Events, Vacancies, Consultations And Publications In Our News Bulletin.

BEFS News

The Scottish Parliamentary cross-party Working Group for Tenement Maintenance, of which BEFS and RICS are the secretariat, has published its report of recommendations. The report calls for regular building inspections, the establishment of compulsory owners’ associations and Building Reserve Funds to be written into legislation to protect the future of Scotland’s tenement buildings. More information and the full report can be found here.

We are looking for case studies of projects or initiatives undertaken between April 2018 and March 2019. Your project could feature in our Historic Environment Case Studies database and be linked to the Our Place in Time (OPiT) performance report 2019. This is an opportunity for you to showcase your work within the national strategy for the historic environment, contributing to the case for continued government support for the sector. Further information on what we are looking for and how to submit your project here.

The Engine Shed is Scotland’s dedicated building conservation centre. Part of Historic Environment Scotland, it serves as a central hub for building and conservation professionals and the general public. Complete this short survey to inform an evaluation of the delivery of activities to date and to share your views on priorities for the future.

The Scottish Government have published a version of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 showing how it would look if the amendments to the Planning (Scotland) Bill were accepted. It is also now confirmed that stage 3 debates on the Bill will take place in the Scottish Parliament on 18, 19 and 20 June 2019. BEFS Policy Lead provides a brief and concise overview of Stage 3 amendments.

Young Placechangers – last chance to get your Idea funded! The final deadline for the Young Ideas Fund is 21st June. Groups can apply for up to £3000 to involve their local community to develop their idea and deliver changes on the ground. So, if you are between 12-25 years old or support/work with young people and you have an idea to how to change your local place for the better, now is the time to put pen to paper.

The 2019 SURF Awards for Best Practice in Community Regeneration, in partnership with the Scottish Government, are now open for applications. The SURF Awards are widely recognised as the most prestigious in the field of Scottish community regeneration. This year, there are five categories of entry: Scotland’s Most Improved Place; Housing and Regeneration; Creative Regeneration; Supporting Youth Employability and Community Led Regeneration.

The Edinburgh Traditional Building Forum will be delivering a traditional building skills demonstration during this year’s Royal Highland Show at the end of the month.

The Architecture Fringe 2019 is now in full swing. Check out their fantastic programme of events.

Consultations

A consultation on proposals to designate four Marine Protected Areas in Scottish waters
Opened 7 Jun 2019 and closes 30 Aug 2019.

Building a safer future: proposals for reform of the building safety regulatory system
Opened 6 June. Closes 31 July 2019.

Energy Efficient Scotland: Consultation
Closes 17 Jun 2019.

The future of low carbon heat for off gas buildings: a call for evidence
Closes 17 Jun 2019.

Climate Change and Environmental Action Plan 2019-24
This HES consultation will close at 12pm on Wednesday 19 June.

Forestry and Land Scotland Corporate Plan – Consultation
Closes 5 Jul 2019.

Consultation on adding new categories to the definition of a House in Multiple Occupation
Closes 8 Jul 2019.

Strengthening Fire Safety for High Rise Domestic Buildings
Closes 17 Jul 2019.

Short-Term Lets: Consultation
Closes 19 Jul 2019.

A Scottish Government consultation on Implementation of the Gender Representation on Public Boards (Scotland) Act 2018
Closes 4 Aug 2019.

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

Publications

Heritage and Immigration Brexit Briefing Update (THA 06/06/19)

Archaeology and Immigration – Position Statement Briefing (CIfA 05/19)

High Streets in Great Britain (Office for National Stats 06/06/19)

Defining and measuring housing affordability – an alternative approach (Affordable Housing Commission 06/06/19)

OS data supports Britain’s high streets – Interactive Map (OS 06/06/19)

Planning Bill stage 3: proposed amendments (SG 31/05/19)

Scottish climate change adaptation programme: progress report 2019 (SG 31/05/19)

Brexit Update – Breifing (SPICe 30/05/19)

Empty Housing (England) – Briefing (HoC 29/05/19)

Adapting European Cities to Population Ageing: Policy challenges and best practices (EPSON 04/19)

Scottish Government News Releases

New Bill to lift households out of fuel poverty (SG 11/06/19)
The Fuel Poverty Bill enshrines in law the Scottish Government’s commitment to tackle the root causes of fuel poverty and transform homes to be warmer and more energy-efficient.

Number of new build homes completed tops 20,000 for the first time in a decade (SG 11/06/19)
There were 20,255 new build homes completed across all sectors over the year ending December 2018, an increase of 15% on the previous year, and the highest number of annual completions since 2008.

More affordable homes completed (SG 11/06/19)
The Scottish Government is on track to hit its ambitious target of 50,000 affordable homes by 2021.

Rural skills plan (SG 10/06/19)
A new strategic approach to support the skills needs of rural Scotland has been launched.

Rural tourism investment (SG 06/06/19)
Projects to benefit from a share of nearly £2.9 million. Some of Scotland’s most iconic, rural and island tourist sites will receive funding for new facilities to further enhance the experience of visitors.

News Releases

Saltire Society Housing Design Awards 2019 (SSS 11/06/19)
The Saltire Society Housing Design Awards have celebrated good housing made for the people of Scotland for over 80 years and we are pleased to announce the 2019 shortlist.

New partnership for Orkney’s World Heritage Site (HES 11/06/19)
An ambitious new partnership to shape the future direction for Orkney’s World Heritage Site has been unveiled today.

Planning system widening North-South wealth divide (Centre for Cities 11/06/19)
The restrictive planning system has made urban homeowners in the Greater South East more than £80,000 richer over the past six years than those elsewhere in England and Wales, Centre for Cities has found.

Celebrate landscapes greatest legacies at this year’s Landscape Institute Awards (LI 11/06/19)
2019 is the Landscape Institute’s 90th anniversary. Up from one open category last year, we now have three that are open to everyone – including the Landscape Legacy Award. There are also opportunities for leaders in the sector to join our judging panel.

Government plans new regulator for building safety (SCN 07/06/19)
The UK Government has proposed the creation of a new national regulator for building safety as part of a series of reforms in response to the Hackitt report.

Building excellence celebrated at FMB Scotland Awards (SCN 07/06/19)
High-quality building work, fantastic craftsmanship, exceptional customer service and building excellence were recognised last night the Federation of Master Builders’ Scotland Awards.

High streets in Great Britain – ONS & OS releases data analysis & interactive maps (ONS 06/06/19)
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) and Ordnance Survey (OS) have collaborated to identify high streets in Great Britain, what types of properties and businesses are on high streets as well as how the number of businesses and employment have changed in recent years.

Architecture on Shortage Occupation List (RIBA 06/05/19)
RIBA responds to MAC’s recommendation to add architecture to Shortage Occupation List (RIBA 06/05/

Clearer plans needed on climate change (SP 05/06/19)
Clearer plans are needed on how climate change will be addressed according to a new report issued today by Holyrood’s Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee.

100 miles of new paths celebrated across Scotland (SNH 05/06/19)
More than 100 miles of new and improved paths will be created across Scotland as part of a scheme to boost outdoor access.

My Place Mentoring (SCT 03/06/19)
We are delighted to be able to offer community groups across Scotland the opportunity to build their skills and capacity through our free mentoring programme.

RIAS Award Winners 2019 (RIAS 29/05/19)
The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) announced 10 winners for its 2019 Awards, representing the very best of current Scottish architecture.

Opinion & Comment

How we can make tourism work in Scotland (Herald 09/06/19)

Coming Soon…….more of the same? (Duncan Smith 07/06/19)

The role of heritage in uncertain times (NLHF 07/06/19)

SPAB Scotland working party (Lucy Stewart SPAB 29/05/19)

What on earth do the arts and culture have to do with climate change? (Claire Buckley, URBACT 25/04/19)

Parliamentary Questions

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

Question S5W-23544: John Finnie, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Green Party, Date Lodged: 30/05/2019
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of it declaring a climate emergency and committing to review all its policies, how long it expects this assessment to take and for action to be taken to ensure that coastal communities in the Western Isles are adequately protected.

Other Parliamentary Activity

The Parliament has agreed the following parliamentary recess dates in 2019:

  • 30 June to 1 September 2019 (inclusive)
  • 12 to 27 October 2019 (inclusive)
  • 21 December 2019 to 5 January 2020 (inclusive)

Events

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

Gosford House Tour & Picnic
Date & time: 11am Saturday 15th June
Venue: Gosford House, Longniddry, East Lothian
Gosford House is an imposing neo-classical mansion which was one of the last great architectural commissions of the celebrated Scots architect, Robert Adam. Constructed for the seventh Earl of Wemyss, the building was completed in 1800 – eight years after the architect’s death – and is recognised as an outstanding example of the later period of his work. This private tour will be given by Lord Wemyss, and is a rare opportunity to hear first-hand from the owner about this splendid building.

Johnstone School Kirkcudbright
Date & time: 18 June, Tuesday, 18 June 2019 at 12:00PM – 2:00PM.
Venue: Cairndale Hotel, English Street, Dumfries DG1 2PF.
Don’t miss this fascinating presentation from Andrew Ward telling us about the Kirkcudbright Development Trust’s journey to secure ownership of Johnston School in Kirkcudbright and the plans for its future including developing it into a dark skies visitor centre and how Creetown Initiative took ownership of the Barholm Arms in Creetown and what they have done with it

Historic Environment Scotland kick off European Space Agency project
Date & time: Fri, 28 June 2019, 09:30 – 13:30.
Venue: The Engine Shed, Stirling.
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) kick off ESA Business Applications project to address challenges faced in managing / maintaining assets affected by coastal erosion, ground movement and climate change. Speakers will cover the challenges faced in managing and maintaining historically important assets and how they presently manage the situation. This will include an overview of technologies that are currently being used and how satellite capability may assist. An overview of the Engine Shed and importance of educational / school curriculum / showcase aspects will also be provided. The workshop will also provide an overview of the satellite and space market and why it is important to the Scottish and UK economy. Speakers from representatives of the Scottish Government and Scottish Centre of Excellence in Satellite Applications (SoXSA), The Bayes Centre, University of Edinburgh and the European Space Agency will provide an update on what is going on in this important sector.

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

Training

Scotland Branch: Contemporary Design in Historic Places – case studies in Dunfermline
Date & time: 19 June – 10:00 – 16:00.
Venue: Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries, Abbot Street, Dunfermline, Fife KY12 7NL.
IHBC Scotland Branch 2019 CPD Training, jointly with Fife Council, takes the theme of contemporary design in historic places. Case studies in Dunfermline will stimulate discussion on issues that IHBC members regularly face in the adaptation of old buildings into new uses; the contemporary alteration or extension of a historic building.

An introduction to dendrochronology in Scottish archaeology, buildings and landscapes
Date: 20 June
Location: Dalkeith
The day will introduce you to the principles and techniques involved in using dendrochronology to date and investigate archaeological sites and historic buildings, using mainly Scottish examples. This will help participants recognise when dendrochronology could be applicable in their projects.
A presentation and practical session in the morning will be followed by a related site visit in the afternoon. This workshop will suit professional archaeologists, students of archaeology and interested individuals from other walks of life.

Vacancies

City Mills Development Officer
Perth & Kinross Heritage Trust are seeking an enthusiastic and driven historic buildings conservation professional to join their team.
Closing date: 5pm on Thursday 13 June 2019.

Professional Development (PD) Officer
The Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC) is seeking a Professional Development (PD) Officer to operate across all their UK-based branches.
Closing Date: Monday 8 July 2019.

BACK

Submit your project as a best practice case study to illustrate the breadth of activity undertaken in the historic environment in Scotland.

We are looking for case studies of projects or initiatives undertaken between April 2018 and March 2019.

Your project would feature in our Historic Environment Case Studies database and be linked to the Our Place in Time (OPiT) performance report 2019. This is an opportunity for you to showcase your work within the national strategy for the historic environment, contributing to the case for continued government support for the sector.

We would be particularly interested in submissions that demonstrate evidence of the following OPIT Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

  • KPI 2 (CO2 emission reduction)
  • KPI 3 (informed decision making – evidence that historic environment evidence informs priorities)
  • KPI 4 (leadership and shared working – evidence of an increase in joined up working on strategic investment across public, private and voluntary sectors)
  • KPI 8 (Effective and proportionate protection and regulation – evidence that the outcomes of management, including designation, reflects what people value)
  • KPI 10 (Ensuring capacity – evidence of improved capacity by supporting communities through community empowerment and engagement)

Please submit your case study via the link below by Friday 26 July 2019.

 

 

 

BACK

A report is calling for regular building inspections, the establishment of compulsory owners’ associations and Building Reserve Funds to be written into legislation to protect the future of Scotland’s tenement buildings.

The report has been published by the Working Group on Maintenance of Tenement Scheme Property, of which BEFS and RICS are the secretariats. The Working Group was established in March 2018 and is comprised of sector experts and MSPs from all parliamentary parties. In January 2019, the group published its interim recommendations report and then formally discussed stakeholder and public responses to the report, which were received via consultation. The Working Group on Maintenance of Tenement Scheme Property Final Recommendations Report was published on Tuesday 4 June.

The Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning, Kevin Stewart MSP, said:

“This report brings together views from across the Scottish Parliament and housing stakeholders, and its recommendations merit serious and careful consideration.

“We welcome that it acknowledges the important action we have already taken to improve the condition of Scottish tenements, and recognises the challenges that must be met to ensure that our housing stock can continue to provide safe and sustainable homes for the future.”

Recommendations cover three areas: building inspections, owners’ associations and Building Reserve Funds, and how these aspects could function and be implemented.

  • The “scheme property” of all tenements should be inspected every five years with a report prepared that will be publicly available to existing or prospective owners and tenants, neighbours and policy makers.
  • Establishing compulsory owners’ associations are an essential element of tenement maintenance by providing leadership, effective decision-making processes and the ability for groups to enter into contracts.
  • Building Reserve Fund (BRF) should be set up, with funds used for maintenance – as defined in Schedule 1 of the 2004 Act – including repairs and replacement, the installation of insulation, cleaning, gardening, painting and other routine works, the day to day running of a tenement and the reinstatement of a part (but not most) of the tenement.

Shadow housing and planning minister, Graham Simpson MSP, said:

“The final report from the Working Group on Tenement Maintenance is the result of hard work and dedication to this matter. We set out, knowing there is a ticking timebomb on building maintenance across the country.

“We have produced a timely report with some challenging recommendations, but government can be assured that there is cross-party and cross-sector support for what we are suggesting.

“This report is not the end of the road though and we hope the Scottish Government will take up our final recommendations and put in place practices to help keep tenements safe, energy efficient and well maintained.

“I would like to thank all members for their contributions and I look forward to seeing our hard work become policy and practice, improving the lives of the people living in tenements across Scotland.”

The issue of tenement maintenance has grown in prominence in Holyrood, with cross-party support for action to make changes to existing legislation and practice. Numerous debates have taken place in the chamber over the last 18 months; the first of which led to the establishment of the Working Group.

Hew Edgar, RICS Interim Head of Policy, commented:

“Following the publication of the interim recommendations report in January, the group has consulted widely on the three recommendations – through cross-party working and extensive stakeholder engagement – and updated the final recommendations based on feedback received.

“The recommendations are interlinked, and while each recommendation has its own benefits, the required transformative change to improve the fabric of Scotland’s tenement property can only arise through the implementation of all three.”

“RICS welcomes all recommendations within the report and we will continue to work with the Working Group, Government and interested parties to help implement these robust solutions to help future proof Scotland’s historic residential property.”

Read the full report.

BACK

Get The Latest Built Environment News, Events, Vacancies, Consultations And Publications In Our News Bulletin.

BEFS News

In January 2019, the Scottish Parliament’s Tenement Maintenance Working Group, of which BEFS and RICS are the secretariats, published its interim recommendations report. Since then, the group has discussed stakeholder and public responses to the report, which were received via consultation between January and March. The group will be launching a final recommendation report at an event on 4th June. There will also be the opportunity for you to ask the report’s authors questions during a panel session.

BEFS responded to the Scottish Parliament’s Local Government and Communities Committee’s call for written views on a new inquiry into empty homes in Scotland. BEFS response highlights a lack of appropriate knowledge and understanding around traditional buildings and the forthcoming proposals for improvement in this area by the Scottish Parliamentary Tenement Maintenance Working Group.

The final stage, Stage 3, of the Planning (Scotland) Bill is rumoured to be scheduled to take place on 18, 19 and 20 June in the Scottish Parliament. For information about the Bill and to see amendments submitted for Stage 3 so far, visit the Bill page.

Climate Ready Clyde and Adaptation Scotland have collaborated to produce a toolkit for assessing and addressing climate risks in the development of built environment and infrastructure projects. Download the full toolkit and individual tools here.

After a clamour of interest following its initial launch earlier this month, BEFS Vice-Chair, Professor Ian Baxter (Heriot-Watt University), introduces his new Heritage Career Guide in association with BEFS and The Heritage Alliance, in this week’s blog.

Consultations

Forestry and Land Scotland Corporate Plan – Consultation
Opened 28 May 2019 and closes 5 Jul 2019.

HES and Our Role in the Planning System
This survey will close on Thursday 6 June at 5pm.

Energy Efficient Scotland: Consultation
Opened 26 Mar 2019 and closes 17 Jun 2019.

The future of low carbon heat for off gas buildings: a call for evidence
Opened 26 Mar 2019 and closes 17 Jun 2019.

Climate Change and Environmental Action Plan 2019-24
This HES consultation will close at 12pm on Wednesday 19 June.

Consultation on adding new categories to the definition of a House in Multiple Occupation
Opened 18 Apr 2019 and closes 8 Jul 2019.

Strengthening Fire Safety for High Rise Domestic Buildings
Opened 24 Apr 2019 and closes 17 Jul 2019.

Short-Term Lets: Consultation
Opened 28 Apr 2019 and closes 19 Jul 2019.

A Scottish Government consultation on Implementation of the Gender Representation on Public Boards (Scotland) Act 2018
Opened 13 May 2019 and closes 4 Aug 2019.

Proposed Fair Rents (Scotland) Bill (SP 14/05/19)
A proposal for a Bill to protect private sector tenants by introducing measures to limit rent increases and to increase the availability of information about rent levels.
Consultation closes on 6 August 2019.

Publications

Housing conditions and standards (SPICe 29/05/19)

Scotland’s finances 2019-2020: key facts and figures (SG 28/05/19)

The range, nature and applicability of funding models to support community land ownership (SLC 27/05/19)

A changing climate for development – A toolkit for assessing climate risks for built environment and infrastructure projects (CRC 23/05/19)

Options for Land Value Uplift Capture – Advice to Scottish Ministers (SLC 17/05/19)

New housing and future construction skills: report (SG 17/05/19)

Housing to 2040: stakeholder engagement report 2018 (SG 17/05/19)

Recovery of possession of adapted properties: guidance for social landlords (SG 16/05/19)

Our Unique City: Our Past, Our City, Our Future (CA 10/05/19)

Scottish Government News Releases

Rise in European visitors (SG 24/05/19)
The number of European visitors to Scotland increased by 19% in 2018, according to official statistics released today.

Thousands of new homes supported by Building Scotland Fund (SG 21/05/19)
Almost £70 million has been invested in housing projects through the Building Scotland Fund (BSF) since its launch last year.

Developing the construction workforce (SG 17/05/19)
Housing construction skills gaps will be addressed following the recommendations of a new industry report.

News Releases

Launch of Great British High Street Awards 2019
The 2019 competition has been launched in reigning high street champion Crickhowell, and nominations are now open, with a winner to be named in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, as well as there being an overall UK winner.

‘Ground-breaking’ Housing Fund launched for charities and social enterprises (SHN 29/05/19)
An impact led social investor has launched a new fund that will invest in the provision of safe, stable and appropriate homes for vulnerable people and their families in the UK.

Kevin Stewart MSP: Putting people and places at the heart of future planning (SCN 28/05/19)
As the Planning (Scotland) Bill reaches the final phase of the Parliamentary process, local government, housing and planning minister, Kevin Stewart MSP, outlines the reasons behind his Stage 3 amendments.

Young Placechangers – last chance to get your Idea funded! (GS 27/05/19)
If you are between 12-25 years old or support/work with young people and you have an idea to how to change your local place for the better, now is the time to put pen to paper!

Community ownership study finds that a mix of funding is needed for success (SLC 27/05/19)
Communities have many options to secure and develop land, but the full range of financing models is often not widely known, and there is more scope to develop innovative finance models to support community ownership, a new report says.

EAA Awards 2019 winning projects revealed (UR 23/05/19)
The Edinburgh Architectural Association has published the names of half a dozen diverse winners of its 2019 awards programme, including a data-driven innovation hub and a barnstorming residential development

New guidance on Housing First published for social housing professionals (SHN 23/05/19)
The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) Scotland and Glasgow Homelessness Network (GHN) have launched new joint guidance for Scotland’s social housing professionals on Housing First.

Building Scotland Fund reaches £70m new home investment milestone (SHN 21/05/19)
Almost £70 million has been invested in housing projects through the Building Scotland Fund (BSF) since its launch last year.

European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards 2019: Winners announced (EN 21/05/19)
The winners of the European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards 2019 were announced today by the European Commission and Europa Nostra, the leading European heritage network.

Fundamental rethink needed for Scotland’s approach to land development (SLC 17/05/19)
The Scottish Land Commission is calling for a “fundamental rethink” of Scotland’s speculative and market-driven approach to identifying and allocating land for development.

New grants launched for research into arts for the built environment (SCN 16/05/19)
Churchill Fellowships will be available for professionals in this growing area, including architects, for non-academic studies of the best ideas and practice to be found anywhere in the world.

Work underway to create Wales’ own planning inspectorate (WG 09/05/19)
The Minister for Housing and Local Government, Julie James has today announced work has begun on the creation of a new separate, dedicated planning inspectorate for Wales.

Protecting the Scottish countryside: apply for funding (Innovate UK 07/05/19)
Organisations can apply for a share of £250,000 for projects that support developer decisions in the Scottish countryside.

Opinion & Comment

Helen Smith: If this is a Climate Emergency, developers can no longer be allowed to destroy natural habitats (Common Wheel 28/05/19)

Our planning system is woefully ill-equipped to tackle climate change (AJ 28/05/19)

‘People aren’t disabled, their city is’: inside Europe’s most accessible city (The Guardian 28/05/19)

Should Notre-Dame be reconstructed faithfully? (Apollo 28/05/19)

This is what’s causing Edinburgh’s housing crisis (Cliff Hague in Scotsman 28/05/19)

Can Design Help Save the Planet? (Jim MacDonald in CaCHE 22/05/19)

Beyond the Planning Bill: How Can We Deliver More, Well-Designed Homes in the Right Places? (Craig Maclaren in CaCHE 21/05/19)

Climate emergency means it’s time for architects to step up (RIBA 21/05/19)

System that stopped Edinburgh becoming 2nd-rate Los Angeles is broken (Cliff Hague in Scotsman 21/05/19)

Parliamentary Questions

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

Question S5W-23339: Alex Cole-Hamilton, Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats, Date Lodged: 22/05/2019
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the to answer to question S5W-2124 by Fiona Hyslop on 1 February 2019, by what date in 2019 it will publish its Culture Strategy for Scotland.

Question S5W-23355: Jackson Carlaw, Eastwood, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 22/05/2019
To ask the Scottish Government what forms of direct financial support it offers to those local authorities not included within its Vacant and Derelict Land Fund for the purposes of redeveloping waste land.

Question S5W-23358: Jackson Carlaw, Eastwood, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 22/05/2019
To ask the Scottish Government how much of the £11.4 million budget allocated to its Vacant and Derelict Land Fund for projects in 2019-20 has (a) been fully committed and (b) yet to be allocated for the development of vacant and derelict sites.

Parliamentary Questions & Answers

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

Question S5W-22967: Pauline McNeill, Glasgow, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 02/05/2019
To ask the Scottish Government how many units have been constructed with support from the Scotland Self-Build Loan Fund, and what plans it has to expand the fund.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (10/05/2019)

Question S5W-22980: Miles Briggs, Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 02/05/2019
To ask the Scottish Government how many affordable homes were built in 2018-19, broken down by local authority.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (14/05/2019)

Question S5W-22983: Jamie Halcro Johnston, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 03/05/2019
To ask the Scottish Government how many planning applications for new build residential properties have been refused by a planning authority but successfully appealed to the Scottish Ministers since 2007, broken down by (a) planning authority, (b) year, (c) applicant and (d) size of proposed development.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (14/05/2019)

Other Parliamentary Activity

The Parliament has agreed the following parliamentary recess dates in 2019.

  • 30 June to 1 September 2019 (inclusive)
  • 12 to 27 October 2019 (inclusive)
  • 21 December 2019 to 5 January 2020 (inclusive)

Events

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

“High and Mighty”: our new tour of the finest sculpture in the Old Town
Date & time: Wednesday 12 June 2019; 6pm – 8pm.
Meeting point: Edinburgh Castle Esplanade.
The city’s monuments and public works of art mark Edinburgh out as a great capital city and are one of the reasons for our UNESCO World Heritage inscription. To celebrate the publication of art historian Professor Ray McKenzie’s new comprehensive reference guide, Public Sculpture of Edinburgh, you are invited to a specially curated tour of the Old Town’s most important sculptures.

Towns Tea Party 2019
Date & time: June 19, 2019; 1:30PM – 4:30PM.
Venue: Whitespace, Norloch House, 36 King’s Stables Road, Edinburgh EH1 2EU.
Join Scotland’s Towns Partnership for our annual meeting of all those involved in supporting towns and improvement districts. An opportunity to celebrate Scotland’s towns as places for local communities and businesses.

The Future of our Cities and the Role of Planning – Sir Patrick Geddes Commemorative Lecture 2019
Date & time: Thursday 27 June 5:45PM – 8:15PM
Venue:  Grassmarket Community Project, 86 Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh EH1 2QA
Andrew Carter, Chief Executive of Centre for Cities explores the future of cities at the 2019 Sir Patrick Geddes Commemorative Lecture in Edinburgh on 27 June. Centre for Cities is the leading think tank dedicated to improving UK city economies. Andrew has 20+ years of experience working on urban economic policy issues for development agencies, consultants and research institutes. He spent time in the US with the Churchill Foundation’s Fellowship Programme reviewing urban economic development in America. He is a regular media contributor chairing and speaking at conferences across the UK and Europe on urban and economic issues.

Summer Excursion to Biggar Museum and New Lanark
Date & time: Saturday July 6 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Join us for a fascinating tour of this unique 18th century mill village sitting alongside the picturesque River Clyde. Now one of Scotland’s six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, New Lanark was founded in 1786 by David Dale, who built cotton mills and housing for the mill workers.  In partnership with Robert Owen, a Welsh philanthropist and social reformer, New Lanark became a successful business and an early example of a planned settlement and so an important milestone in the historical development of urban planning.  Workers enjoyed fair wages, free health care, a new education system and the first workplace nursery school in the world! In addition, Fellows of the Society will also be treated to a morning visit to Biggar and Upper Clydesdale Museum. This museum explores 14,000 years of rural and small town life in Upper Clydesdale. It focuses on the people who lived and worked in the area from prehistoric times up to the mid-20th century and illuminates a small part of their ordinary and extraordinary lives. Tickets cost £40 for Fellows and £45 for guests.

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

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

Training

Conservation Summer School 2019
Date: Monday 3 – Friday 7 June
Venue: The Engine Shed, Stirling
Full ticket: £450. Day tickets: £100
Only a few tickets remain for our Conservation Summer School 2019. Learn about the latest techniques from top conservation experts, get hands-on with traditional skills and materials, and see conservation in action on site visits. Day ticket options are available. For more information and to book your place, please see our website.

Reinforced Concrete Masterclass – New for Summer 2019!
Date & time: 28 June 2019, 09.30 – 16.00
Venue: Charlestown Workshops, Fife
Cost: £190 + vat. BLF, IHBC, RICS or RIAS members are eligible for 20% discount.
Come and join us to explore the fascinating world of reinforced concrete (yes, really really!) – learn what can be achieved with it, its constituents, its decay mechanisms and how it can be successfully repaired with a variety of methods and materials. Not all reinforced concrete buildings are carbuncles …CONCRETE can be COUTHIE! If we are listing more and more buildings and structures from the 20th Century, many of which will be of reinforced concrete construction, then we need to know how to fix them and prolong their lives. We have a huge variety of structures and buildings of reinforced concrete construction across the country. Research and analysis of these buildings has helped inform their appropriate repair, but there are many challenges ahead. Join us and learn from our gathered experts in this field for what should be a very informative and enjoyable

Vacancies

Mauchline CARS Project Officer
To co-ordinate and manage the Mauchline CARS Programme to increase local economic activity by revitalising and diversifying Mauchline Town Centre.
Closes: 31 May 2019.

Managing Editor
The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland is seeking an experienced and motivated Managing Editor to take overarching responsibility for the management, design, production and marketing of a mix of online and print archaeology and history resources.
Deadline for applications: 11pm on Sunday 9th June.

City Mills Development Officer
Perth & Kinross Heritage Trust are seeking an enthusiastic and driven historic buildings conservation professional to join their team.
Closing date: 5pm on Thursday 13 June 2019.

Professional Development (PD) Officer
The Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC) is seeking a Professional Development (PD) Officer to operate across all their UK-based branches.
Closing Date: Monday 8 July 2019.

 

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

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

BACK

BEFS Vice-Chair, Professor Ian Baxter (Heriot-Watt University), introduces his new Heritage Career Guide in association with BEFS and The Heritage Alliance.

It is the time of the year when undergraduates are coming to the end of their courses and looking toward graduation and the big blue yonder beyond, and postgraduates are theoretically scurrying about collecting data and writing furiously for completion of their Masters dissertations over the summer. Regardless, both groups of students are wondering what the future will hold, and for those who have chosen to follow the noble path of heritage management – they are most likely wondering where on earth they are going to find a job to pay the bills.

The heritage sector might seem a small world, but it has a myriad of possibilities, given the uses to which heritage is put these days. In terms of careers and job hunting, this can be somewhat bewildering, with the ‘obvious’ heritage jobs of working in a museum or at a historic site both hard to spot and in relatively small supply in comparison to the number of heritage-related graduates the education system seems to be churning out.

Once upon a time, newspapers would be the obvious place to look for jobs, but with advertising budgets almost non-existent, signposting to the nooks and crannies of the sector where jobs may be found is all the more important. The Heritage Careers Guide has therefore been overdue: conscious that I am an academic in the sector helping to produce those heritage graduates, and mindful as a BEFS and Heritage Alliance trustee that the organisations could be doing more to link students, universities and heritage bodies – I finally spent a bit of time editing lists and tidying up bookmarks which have signposted students to jobs over the years, and compiled a focused guide on where to start the search.

Since it was quietly launched earlier in the month, the guide has been downloaded almost 500 times, which suggests that it is already proving to be a useful resource. I will develop it over time – and welcome feedback and suggestions for the next edition at @ibheritage / i.baxter@hw.ac.uk. Please feel free to re-use the resource, link to it, embed it in your website – and good luck in any job hunting!

Next on my agenda is a resource guide for the best heritage newsletters and bulletins to sign up for… (with the BEFS Bulletin and Heritage Update at the top of the list of course!).

Professor Ian Baxter

 

 

BACK

Get The Latest Built Environment News, Events, Vacancies, Consultations And Publications In Our News Bulletin.

BEFS News

BEFS has responded to a number of consultations in the last two weeks. BEFS response to the Scottish Government’s Environmental Principles and Governance in Scotland consultation, reiterates points made previously about the importance of maintaining EU standards and principles in relation to environmental protections and governance.

BEFS also responded to the Scottish Community Development Centre’s call for views on UN-SDG 11. The UN-SDG 11 covers (but is not limited to): access to adequate housing, sustainable transport systems, inclusive urbanisation, access to green-space, support for planning, and is the only SDG which involves strengthening and safeguarding the world’s cultural and natural heritage. BEFS response supports the Scottish Government’s adoption of the UN-SDGs – but appreciates that meaningful change may only come from active leadership willing to make hard choices, supported and steered by a strong third sector.

As the Secretariat of the Scottish Parliamentary Working Group on Tenement Maintenance, BEFS has also responded to consultations on Housing Beyond 2021 and the Infrastructure Commission for Scotland.

Looking for a job in the heritage sector? BEFS Vice-Chair, Professor Ian Baxter (Heriot-Watt University), has compiled an invaluable Heritage Career Guide in association with BEFS and The Heritage Alliance, which aims to list a range of useful places to check for vacancies in the sector. Also, check out the range of vacancies below.

Historic Environment Scotland are surveying stakeholders to see how well we think they are performing their role in the planning system. Responses will inform HES’ annual report for this year. Get involved by completing this short survey.

As part of their research into infrastructure planning, RTPI are asking local authority planners to complete a short survey on current approaches, barriers, challenges, and opportunities for a more integrated approach.

Calling applicants to the 20th Anniversary Scottish Awards for Quality in Planning. The closing date for applications is tomorrow (17th May).

BEFS Policy Lead, Ailsa Macfarlane, explores the implications of climate change goals for policy in the built environment, in this week’s blog.

Consultations

Local Government Committee investigates empty homes
The call for written views will close on Friday 17 May.

Scottish Parliament Committee launches workplace parking levy survey (SP 09/05/19)
The Scottish Parliament’s Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee has launched an online survey to gauge views on the proposed workplace parking levy, which will run until 20 May.

HES and Our Role in the Planning System
This survey will close on Thursday 6 June at 5pm.

Energy Efficient Scotland: Consultation
Opened 26 Mar 2019 and closes 17 Jun 2019.

The future of low carbon heat for off gas buildings: a call for evidence
Opened 26 Mar 2019 and closes 17 Jun 2019.

Climate Change and Environmental Action Plan 2019-24
This HES consultation will close at 12pm on Wednesday 19 June.

Consultation on adding new categories to the definition of a House in Multiple Occupation
Opened 18 Apr 2019 and closes 8 Jul 2019.

Strengthening Fire Safety for High Rise Domestic Buildings
Opened 24 Apr 2019 and closes 17 Jul 2019.

Short-Term Lets: Consultation
Opened 28 Apr 2019 and closes 19 Jul 2019.

A Scottish Government consultation on Implementation of the Gender Representation on Public Boards (Scotland) Act 2018
Opened 13 May 2019 and closes 4 Aug 2019.

Proposed Fair Rents (Scotland) Bill (SP 14/05/19)
A proposal for a Bill to protect private sector tenants by introducing measures to limit rent increases and to increase the availability of information about rent levels.
Consultation closes on 6 August 2019.

Consultation Responses

Local Governance Review: analysis of responses to Democracy Matters (SG 15/05/19)

Infrastructure Commission call for evidence: Scottish Government response May 2019 (SG 10/05/19)

Publications

Compulsory purchase powers and listed buildings: case study (SG 16/05/19)

Overview of private rented housing reforms in Scotland (SPICe 14/05/19)

Home Energy Efficiency Programmes for Scotland: delivery report 2017-2018 (SG 14/05/19)

The Global Climate Emergency – Scotland’s Response: Climate Change Secretary Roseanna Cunningham’s statement (SG 14/05/19)

Ten Buildings that Define Edinburgh (CA 05/19)

Planning (Scotland) Bill masterplan consent areas: Key Agencies Group joint statement (SG 09/05/19)

New HES Designations Application Form (HES 08/05/19)

Glasgow City Heritage Trust Event Brochure: May & June (GCHT)

Key data about The National Lottery Heritage Fund: 2018-19 (HLF 29/04/19)

News Releases

SCDC Supporting Communities Programme: People, Planning and Place (SCDC 16/05/19)
We’re offering help to community organisations involved in community-led action planning and strengthening community engagement.

Scotland’s changing housing landscape (SPICe 15/05/19)
Looking back at the first parliamentary debates on housing you might get a certain sense of déjà vu.  Some of the problems MSPs spoke of, including a lack of adequate housing in rural areas, wouldn’t look out of place in a parliamentary debate on housing today.

Glasgow’s Historic Built Environment: A Snapshot (GCHT 15/05/19)
GCHT recently updated our interactive map for Glasgow’s historic built environment. It presents info about listed buildings, housing demographics, the Buildings at Risk Register and recent fires amongst other statistics.

Glasgow and Edinburgh fight to become the UK’s first ‘net-zero’ city (BBC 15/05/19)
Glasgow and Edinburgh are going head-to-head to try to become the UK’s first “net zero” city.

Here’s how Edinburgh aims to go carbon neutral by 2030 (Evening News 14/05/19)
The Capital will aim to become carbon neutral by 2030 after council leaders set one of the most ambitious targets globally – 15 years earlier than the Scottish Government’s ambition.

Post-Brexit environmental standards must be maintained (RTPI 10/05/19)
he Scottish Government’s proposed environmental watchdog must be strong enough to maintain high environmental standards after Brexit, the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Scotland has warned.

Help conserve Scotland’s historic sites – with your phone! (HES 10/05/19)
Learn how you can be a ‘citizen scientist’ at 20 of Scotland’s most evocative historic sites as part of an exciting new conservation project.

Scotland’s First Heritage and History Hackathon (HES 08/05/19)
Join us for Scotland’s first ever heritage and history hackathon – where entrepreneurs, designers and technologists will spend 75 hours exploring Scotland’s heritage through data and technology.

New £11.5m fund open: Investing in Communities (CC 05/19/)
A new Scottish Government £11.5 million fund is open to community groups to help tackle disadvantage, poverty and inequality in communities.

RTPI urges new approach to Scottish infrastructure funding (RPTI 03/05/19)
Decisions on funding infrastructure in Scotland should be based on long-term factors beyond the economy, says RTPI Scotland.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund releases its first batch of Open Data (Kion Ahadi HLF, 29/04/19)
The Open Data movement is growing, and more and more government departments, charities and funders are signing up to it. What does that mean for HLF?

Opinion & Comment

Let’s not forget the role of energy efficiency in homes (Herald Scotland 15/05/19)

Short term lets need regulation, regulation, regulation (Holyrood Magazine 08/05/19)

Can We Measure Culture in Cities (Economists Talk Art, 07/05/19)

Rethinking Sacred Spaces for New Purposes (Arch Daily, 07/05/19)

Don’t write off abandoned buildings – they can be an important resource for the community (the Conversation, 03//05/19)

The house the robots built (Ben King, BBC)

Why does whole-life carbon matter for architects? (AJ 25/04/19)

Reusing Historic Buildings: The Green Choice (Steven Robb, HES 08/18)

Parliamentary Questions

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

Question S5W-22967: Pauline McNeill, Glasgow, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 02/05/2019
To ask the Scottish Government how many units have been constructed with support from the Scotland Self-Build Loan Fund, and what plans it has to expand the fund.

Question S5W-22980: Miles Briggs, Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 02/05/2019
To ask the Scottish Government how many affordable homes were built in 2018-19, broken down by local authority.

Question S5W-22983: Jamie Halcro Johnston, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 03/05/2019
To ask the Scottish Government how many planning applications for new build residential properties have been refused by a planning authority but successfully appealed to the Scottish Ministers since 2007, broken down by (a) planning authority, (b) year, (c) applicant and (d) size of proposed development.

Parliamentary Questions & Answers

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

Question S5W-22438: Adam Tomkins, Glasgow, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 01/04/2019
To ask the Scottish Government how it supports the regeneration of vacant and derelict land, and how much it has allocated to each local authority in each of the last five years to deal with this.
Answered by Aileen Campbell (02/05/2019)

Question S5W-22769: Michelle Ballantyne, South Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 24/04/2019
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that construction companies adhere to the established mortar standards in all new-builds.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (01/05/2019)

Question S5W-22782: Richard Lyle, Uddingston and Bellshill, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 25/04/2019
To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to support house building and associated infrastructure.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (03/05/2019)

Question S5W-22783: Richard Lyle, Uddingston and Bellshill, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 25/04/2019
To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) affordable homes and (b) homes for social rent have been completed in each local authority area in each year since 2007, also broken down by how many have been (i) future-proofed to meet the needs of older people and an ageing population and (ii) adapted or built specifically to meet the accessibility requirements of disabled people, including wheelchair users.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (08/05/2019)

Question S5W-22785: Richard Lyle, Uddingston and Bellshill, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 25/04/2019
To ask the Scottish Government how many hectares of brownfield land are available for house building, and how this equates to the capacity for building new homes.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (03/05/2019)

Question S5W-22786: Richard Lyle, Uddingston and Bellshill, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 25/04/2019
To ask the Scottish Government how much surplus land is owned by (a) central and (b) local government, and how this equates to the capacity for building new homes.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (03/05/2019)

Question S5W-22788: Richard Lyle, Uddingston and Bellshill, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 25/04/2019
To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to make (a) public and (b) private land available for house building in areas where there is a housing shortage but where market conditions act against this.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (03/05/2019)

Events

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

Energy Efficiency and Project Management
Date & times: Monday 20th May, 10am to 4pm.
Venue: The Engine Shed, Stirling.
Join Heritage Trust Network for a focussed training day in Stirling including sessions from Moses Jenkins, who will talk on Energy Efficiency and Adaptation and Colin Tennant who will speak on Project Management. Both topics will no doubt feature in your current or upcoming built heritage project, so we strongly recommend attending! The event will take place at Scotland’s Centre for Conservation, The Engine Shed and we are grateful to be hosted by Historic Environment Scotland for the day. Refreshments and lunch will be provided. You are welcome to send as many attendees from your organisation as you wish, including staff, volunteers and trustees.

Public Lecture: The Future of Urban Research in Bangladesh
Date & time: Tuesday 21 May, 14:00-16:00.
Venue: Yudowitz Lecture Theatre, Wolfson Medical Building, University of Glasgow.
In the face of uneven urbanisation, diverse critical urban challenges, and climate vulnerability of cities, Bangladesh must strengthen its urban research so that effective policies and practices can help build sustainable cities. With no national urban research institutes in place, universities are the incubators for crosscutting urban studies. In this public lecture, Professor Mohammad Fayek Uzzaman – Vice Chancellor of Khulna University, will share the potentials of urban research and challenges in creating a supportive research environment in Bangladesh. Professor Shamim Mahabubul Haque and Dr Shilpi Roy will share key findings and innovative research approaches from different collaborative urban research projects at Khulna University, such as the Centre Sustainable, Healthy and Learning Cities and Neighbourhoods.

Archaeological Research in Progress 2019
Date & time: Saturday May 25 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Venue: Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE), 22-26 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2PQ.
Ticket prices: Student / Unwaged places @ £20. Fellows / Archaeology Scotland Members places @ £30. Non-Fellows / Non-Members places @ £40.
The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland is managing the event this year (with our partners Archaeology Scotland) and the conference programme includes exciting new research findings and best practice in archaeology covering all periods from across Scotland and beyond. Event sponsored by: Historic Environment Scotland (HES), Forestry & Land Scotland (FLS), AOC Archaeology Group, Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA), GUARD Archaeology, Wessex Archaeology, LUC and SUERC.

Roads & Records – The Glasgow Motorway Archive
Date & time: Thursday, 06 June 2019, from 18:00 to 19:00 doors 17:45
Venue: Wee Red Bar, Edinburgh College of Art, 74 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh EH3 9DF
Talk by Stuart Baird, Chairperson of the Glasgow Motorway History Archive. The Glasgow Motorway Archive is an independent, non-profit organisation dedicated to the preservation of records relating to the planning and construction of the city’s motorways and major roads. Glasgow has more miles of urban motorway than any other UK city, and it has many unique engineering and architectural features. The archive was founded by Stuart Baird, a professionally qualified civil engineer, working within the Scottish highways sector.

RICS Commercial Property Conference
Date & time: 6 June, 10:00am – 04:00pm
Venue: Radisson Blu, 80 High Street, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 1TH
The commercial property market is in transition and joining fellow professionals from across the sector to network, discuss and analyse key issues and opportunities, is as important as ever. The RICS Commercial Property Conference returns to Scotland to cover the latest policy, market and technological changes to help you stay ahead. This year’s programme will bring together agents, occupiers and investors to strengthen your understanding of the current economic outlook, latest occupier trends, growth opportunities, and risks to the commercial property sector.

SNH Landscape Character Assessment Workshop
Date & time: Thursday 13th June 2019, 10.30 – 15.30.
Venue: Battleby Conference Centre.
In February 2019 SNH published a reviewed national Landscape Character Assessment (LCA) in digital format on its website. LCA is the process of identifying and describing variation in character of the landscape. It provides baseline information used in development planning, and in landscape design and development management. A follow-up LCA Workshop is primarily for landscape and planning practitioners. The event aims to explore ways to develop LCA and its usage in the future. Speakers and facilitators will include Professor Carys Swanwick, landscape consultants, and representatives from Landscape Institute Scotland, Scottish Forestry, Forestry & Land Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland, SNH and local authorities. If you would like to attend please reply to LCA_REVIEW@nature.scot by 12 noon on Friday 31st May 2019.

Talks at the Lane present IF_DO on Architecture as a Social Art
Date & time: 14th June 2019 at 6.30pm
Venue: Custom Lane, Leith
Founded in 2014 by Thomas Bryans, Sarah Castle & Al Scott the practice has an interest in the wider repercussions of architecture which provides a catalyst towards creating sustainable and healthy environments in which to live, learn, work and play.
Thomas and his fellow founding Directors all studied at University of Edinburgh and this Talk at the Lane is also part of the Architecture Fringe 2019 programme of events. Thomas will be discussing their ongoing community projects, research and teaching on how design can promote social spaces as a means of addressing social isolation. For more info about the Talks at the Lane.

Icon Scotland Group – Salvage of library, archive and museum collections workshop
Date: 19th June
Venue: The University of St Andrews Library
Fee: £40-£90
Introductory workshop on the procedures for salvaging museum, library and archive collections. This course is suitable for anyone who might be involved in salvaging museum, library and archive collections in an emergency, including non-specialists.
The topics covered include preparing the salvage operation, setting up a triage point, moving damaged items and first-aid treatments for a wide range of materials. For more information about the course times, attendance options, prices and how to book please see the Eventbrite page.

The Planning Convention 2019: The future of planning – what’s next?
Date & time: 19 June, 8:30 to 18:00
Venue: County Hall, Belvedere Rd, Lambeth, London SE1 7PB
The Planning Convention is the largest event in the planning profession’s calendar. Each year we gather over 400 practitioners, politicians, policy makers, developers and community and environmental professionals to address current industry issues. Delegates have the opportunity to hear from key influencers, network, discuss and find solutions to the most pressing problems facing the profession. We’ll examine the future for the planning profession. Examining good design, reimagining town centres and debating infrastructure, merging tech with practical, seeking solutions to the housing crisis, taking inspiration from successful cities and planning for a diverse society, what is next and where are we going?

RICS Annual Dinner 2019, Scotland
Date & time: THU 27 JUN 2019, 07:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
Venue: Radisson Blu , 301 Argyle Street, Glasgow, G2 8DL.
Join fellow property professionals for the RICS Annual Dinner 2019, Scotland – an opportunity to network with professionals in the region. The dinner will provide the ideal setting to entertain clients, socialise with colleagues and generate new business contacts. Ian Fergusson, RICS Chairman for Scotland looks forward to welcoming guest’s to this year’s Annual Dinner. Set to be held at the prestigious Radisson Blu in Glasgow, with return of this highly anticipated black-tie event, also comes your opportunity to meet up with fellow members, friends and business partners old and new. We have an evening of superb food, entertainment and networking lined up, so put the date in your diary and secure your place now to avoid missing out.

Summer Excursion to Biggar Museum and New Lanark
Date & time: Saturday July 6 @ 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Join us for a fascinating tour of this unique 18th century mill village sitting alongside the picturesque River Clyde. Now one of Scotland’s six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, New Lanark was founded in 1786 by David Dale, who built cotton mills and housing for the mill workers.  In partnership with Robert Owen, a Welsh philanthropist and social reformer, New Lanark became a successful business and an early example of a planned settlement and so an important milestone in the historical development of urban planning.  Workers enjoyed fair wages, free health care, a new education system and the first workplace nursery school in the world! In addition, Fellows of the Society will also be treated to a morning visit to Biggar and Upper Clydesdale Museum. This museum explores 14,000 years of rural and small town life in Upper Clydesdale. It focuses on the people who lived and worked in the area from prehistoric times up to the mid-20th century and illuminates a small part of their ordinary and extraordinary lives. Tickets cost £40 for Fellows and £45 for guests.

Retrofit 2019; Materials, Strategies, Innovations and Skills for the Future
Date & time: September 10th 2019, 9:20-12:55 (followed by a networking lunch).
Venue: The Lighthouse, Glasgow.
This event will explore technologies, practices, engagement strategies, design, funding opportunities and long term benefits that retrofitting can offer in Scotland and is an opportunity for those involved in the sector to engage with peers to tackle issues and create partnerships, to develop innovative strategies and solutions with other thought leaders while engaging with new potential partners, suppliers and clients.
Confirmed speakers include:

  • Robin Webster, President, RIAS
  • Dr Lori McElroy, Building Energy, Performance and Research Leader, BRE Scotland
  • Dr Niall Kerr, Research Fellow, Energy Policy Effectiveness, University of Edinburgh
  • Chris Morgan, Scottish Ecological Design Association
  • Dr Mohammed Salah-Eldin Imbabi, Director of the Centre for Innovative Building Materials and Technologies, University of Aberdeen
  • Phil Ford, Skills Planning Lead, Skills Development Scotland

Icon Scotland Group – Plenderleith Lecture 2019 – speaker announced, save the date!
Date: Thursday 28th November 2019.
Venue: Lighthouse, Glasgow.
Icon Scotland Group is delighted to announce that this year’s lecturer will be Liz Davidson IHBC, Hon FRIAS, OBE – Senior Project Manager, Mackintosh Building Restoration. This evening event will take place in Glasgow on Thursday 28th November 2019 at the Lighthouse, Glasgow. Booking details to follow on Icon website.

Training

CPD: Traditional Roof Slating (Edinburgh)
Date & time: Wednesday 22 May 2019, 13:00 – 14:00.
Venue: Architecture and Design Scotland, 146 Bakehouse Close, Edinburgh EH8 8DD.
This National Federation of Roofing Contractors CPD touches on many topics relevant to the maintenance and upgrade of tradition Scottish slate roofs. It will be presented by Graeme Miller from Bain & Irvine.

RICS CPD Day Aberdeen
Date & time: 20 June, 08:30am – 05:30pm
Venue: Hilton Hotel Aberdeen Treetops, 161 Springfield Road, Aberdeen, AB15 7AQ
Enhance your capabilities and knowledge around today’s ever-changing market trends, legislation, and technical guidance. Learn from leading industry professionals and take away practical solutions which can be implemented into your daily practice – benefiting both your business and personal professional development. 6 hours formal CPD

Icon Scotland Group 5-Day Practical Gilding Course
Date & time: 9th – 13th September 2019, 10.00 – 16.00.
Venue: Kelvin Hall,1445 Argyle Street, Glasgow
Fee: £350 – £ 550
Back by popular demand and extended to 5 days, this course aims to familiarise participants with the materials, methods and techniques of both water and oil gilding. The course provides opportunities to learn a variety of skills relating to gilding and the use of traditional materials and techniques.
The course is practical and theoretical, making it particularly useful to newly-qualified conservators. It is also suited to anyone with an interest in gilding – beginner, refresher or anyone with related experience. Tutor is Tim Ritson, Head of Paintings and Frames Conservation at the Royal Museums Greenwich. All tools and materials are included in the cost. The course will run from 10 – 4 each day.

Vacancies

Chair Recruitment
Cupar Development Trust is seeking to have a new Chair to take up post from December 2019.

Office Administrator 
The Scottish Civic Trust is recruiting an Office Administrator (Maternity Cover).
Closing date for applications: 17 May 2019.

Senior Fundraising Officer
The Senior Fundraising Officer at Arts & Business Scotland will play a key role in developing the Fundraising strategy of Hearts and Minds.
Closing date for applications: Monday 27 May 2019.

Scotland Support Officer 
The Architectural Heritage Fund has secured funding from Historic Environment Scotland to increase its capacity to deliver projects in Scotland through employing a new Scotland Support Officer.
Please send these by email only to recruitment@ahfund.org.uk by 5pm on Thursday 30th May.

Edinburgh World Heritage Communications Officer
Edinburgh World Heritage is looking to appoint an ambitious and creative Communications professional to this important role within our team.
Closing date Friday 31st May 2019 at 5pm. 

Archaeology Scotland Project Officer
Due to several successful funding applications, Archaeology Scotland is now seeking short-term assistance to assist the delivery of our two community archaeology initiatives Adopt-a-Monument and Attainment through Archaeology.
Closing Date for Applications: Sunday 2nd June at 12 midnight

Managing Editor
The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland is seeking an experienced and motivated Managing Editor to take overarching responsibility for the management, design, production and marketing of a mix of online and print archaeology and history resources.
Deadline for applications: 11pm on Sunday 9th June

BACK

BEFS Policy Lead, Ailsa Macfarlane, explores the implications of climate change goals for policy in the built environment.

The delivery of Rescue & Reuse to my desk sped-up a train of thought. It arrived the same week the Committee on Climate Change released their most recent report. This document has been much lauded by Governments, committees, climate-change organisations and industry. I’m not here to disagree with the premise – but there is a caveat, one included by the Committee on Climate Change themselves:

[net-zero 2050] is only possible if clear, stable and well-designed policies to reduce emissions further are introduced across the economy without delay. Current policy is insufficient for even the existing targets.

The report is clear, there is not one-solution to achieving the aims set-out. The approaches will need to be integrated across all aspects of our economy and society. This has been echoed and endorsed by the Scottish Government’s recent statement: [we] will be placing climate change at the heart of everything we do. … it will be at the core of our next Programme for Government and Spending Review.

Recently BEFS, and the Tenement Maintenance Working Group (TMWG) have responded to a number of consultations which connect our built environment and the environmental crisis. The Infrastructure Commission for Scotland has rightly declared housing as infrastructure – a step which is hopefully useful from a resourcing, as well as climate, perspective. And, in responding to Housing Beyond 2021, TMWG noted: It is regularly forecast that 80% of existing homes will still be in use in 2050 and it is therefore imperative that these be maintained in good condition to meet both fuel poverty and carbon emission targets.

In a response to Scottish Climate Change Adaptation Programme, BEFS championed the importance of our historic built environment as resilient, but needing, as all buildings do, appropriate maintenance; this, and adaptation, retro-fitting and reuse (many categories of which are covered in inspiring case studies within Rescue & Reuse) will enable the historic environment to play its essential role as an adaptable resource, and a source of embodied energy, capable of mitigating against negative impact on our climate. These benefits can only be fully realised should the appropriate skills, resources, and polices, be in place.

It is obviously not just our existing built environment which will have a role to play, but that which we choose to build. The Scottish Government global climate emergency statement is clear that the current Planning (Scotland) Bill will not be reworked in light of recent reports, but: the next National Planning Framework and review of the Scottish Planning Policy will include considerable focus on how the planning system can support our climate change goals.

So many of the issues connecting the built environment to climate-crisis are about enabling and promoting genuine sustainability. There are policy levers which could help: VAT parity, EPC assessment which is accurate to building type, return to use of empty-homes, community empowerment, HES Policy and Managing Change guidance, and planning legislation itself.

I started by asking if it’s all about behaviour change, and whilst technologies (new and adaptive) will have a significant part to play, the more important question is, ‘whose behaviour needs to change?’. If we need radical change, then the policies set by elected leadership need to reflect this. Much like reducing smoking and cigarette purchases, or increasing safety in cars with seat-belts – the behaviour change necessary was ‘pushed’ via legislation. The difficult choices need to be made – at legislative as well as personal levels. Our extant built-environment is most-often found in places which are already connected – part of a greater intersection of policies, people and places. These places can of course be made more efficient – both in relation to how the buildings operate, but also how we live our lives: consuming fewer resources, producing less CO2 emissions.

Carlo Scarpa wrote, ‘Our duty is to give buildings a new lease of life so that they may be able to live today and tomorrow’. Perhaps our collective duty now is to give buildings a new lease of life so that we may be able to live today and tomorrow.

BACK

Get The Latest Built Environment News, Events, Vacancies, Consultations And Publications In Our News Bulletin.

BEFS News

The Scottish Government has confirmed today that Scotland’s greenhouse gas emissions target will be net-zero by 2045. This coincides with the publication of the Committee on Climate Change’s report on the UK’s contribution to stopping global warming. What can the built environment sector do to support this and are current strategies (and Bills) sufficiently tailored to meet the target?

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) are asking for your views on their draft Climate Change and Environmental Action Plan (CCEAP) 2019-24. This document sets out how HES aim to address the challenges and opportunities presented by climate change to the organisation and to the wider historic environment. It also outlines how they will continue to support Scottish Government to meet its ambitious carbon reduction targets.

Scotland’s Landscape Alliance was formally launched last week by the Landscape Institute Scotland and the National Trust for Scotland. The Alliance is a great opportunity for a range of organisations to collaborate to maximise the public benefits from Scotland’s landscape and places whether economic, social, cultural or environmental. BEFS welcomes the initiative and will be participating in a number of the alliance’s working groups, including on landscape for healthy communities and landscape, land use and economy.

Given that there are over 17,000 volunteers in the built environment sector, the Scottish Government’s newly published national outcomes framework for volunteering may be of interest.

Edinburgh Traditional Building Forum will be delivering a Traditional Building Skills and Materials Event on 13 and 14 May in the quadrangle outside Edinburgh City Chambers, which members of the public are welcome to attend. The Forum are delivering a Homeowners Property Repair Event on 13 May to help identify and undertake repairs to your homes. They will also be holding a Traditional Building Skills Demonstration at the Scottish Parliament on 28 and 29 May and again at the Royal Highland Show in June. Don’t miss the opportunity to try your hand at some traditional building practices!

The full programme for the Architecture Fringe 2019 launches tomorrow (Friday 3 May). With almost 100 projects, events, exhibitions, talks, lectures and a summer school taking place across Scotland, this fourth edition of the #ArchiFringe will be the biggest yet.

The Arts Council have published a new toolkit for making the case for art and culture. You can also find our advocacy toolkit for the built environment here, alongside a fundraising toolkit and a range of historic environment best practice case studies from across Scotland.

In our blog this week, Jeff Saunders, Dig It Project Manager with Society of Antiquaries, tells us about the process of bringing Archaeology and Minecraft together, following their recent inspiring Edinburgh Science Festival event.

Former BEFS Chair, Graeme Purves, has published a think piece on Strategic Development in Scotland with the UK2070 Commission, which are currently working on a framework to address spatial inequalities across the United Kingdom. Read more about it here.

Finally, check out the fantastic number of events taking place this month below or in our calendar.

Consultations

Consultation on Environmental Principles and Governance in Scotland
Closes 11 May 2019.

Climate Change and Environmental Action Plan 2019-24
This HES consultation will close at 12pm on Wednesday 19 June.

Strengthening Fire Safety for High Rise Domestic Buildings
Opened 24 Apr 2019 and closes 17 Jul 2019.

Short-Term Lets: Consultation
Opened 28 Apr 2019 and closes 19 Jul 2019.

Easy access to listed buildings in Wales
Opened 25 April 2019 and closes 19 July 2019.

Publications

Net Zero – The UK’s contribution to stopping global warming (CCC 02/05/19)

Net-zero and the climate emergency (SPICe Briefing 02/05/19)

Short Scottish Secure Tenancy for homeowners: guidance for social landlords (SG 01/05/19)

Short Scottish Secure Tenancies for antisocial behaviour and miscellaneous changes: statutory guidance for social landlords (SG 01/05/19)

Streamlined eviction process – criminal or antisocial behaviour: statutory guidance for social landlords (SG 01/05/19)

Impact of the European Union in Scotland: examples (SG 30/04/19)

Interim Guidance on Conservation Areas – Designation of Conservation Areas and Conservation Area Consent (HES 25/04/19)

Interim Guidance on the Principles of Listed Building Consent (HES 25/04/19)

Rescue and Reuse: Communities, Heritage and Architecture (RIBA Publications)

Volunteering for All: national framework (SG 25/04/19)

Scottish Vacant and Derelict Land Survey: 2018 (SG 24/04/19)

Resourcing the Planning System: Key Trends and Findings 2019 (RTPI Scotland 23/04/19)

Planning (Scotland) Bill – Stage 3 RTPI Scotland briefing (RTPI Scotland 23/04/19)

Energy Efficient Scotland programme: analysis of delivery mechanism (SG 19/04/19)

Bucharest Declaration of the Ministers of Culture and their representatives on the
role of culture in building Europe’s future (Council of the EU 16/04/19)

Strengthening Community Councils: Exploring how community councils can contribute to democratic renewal in Scotland (SCDC 04/19)

Historic Environment Circular –Updated (HES 04/04/19)

Heritage and Wellbeing: State of the Evidence (What Works Wellbeing 03/19)

Scottish Government News Releases

Climate Change action (SG 02/05/19)
Scotland will stop contributing to climate change within a generation under new, tougher climate change proposals.

Help for affordable homes (SG 30/04/19)
An additional £80 million over the next two years will help councils deliver affordable homes across Scotland.

More homes for rent (SG 29/04/19)
People renting will have more choice in where they live and greater security over their home through a £30 million investment from the Building Scotland Fund.

Building a fairer housing market (SG 28/04/19)
Ensuring the housing market is fairer and delivers more people the homes they want is at the heart of a package announced by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon today.

Volunteering for al (SG 25/04/19)
The Volunteering Outcomes Framework aims to reduce barriers to volunteering for people from all sections of the community, regardless of their background.

Decrease in derelict and urban vacant land (SG 24/04/19)
The total amount of derelict and urban vacant land in Scotland has decreased by 716 hectares (6%) in the latest year, from 11,753 hectares in 2017 to 11,037 hectares in 2018.

News Releases

Scotland’s greenhouse gas emissions ‘to be net-zero by 2045’ (BBC 02/05/19)
The Scottish government will legislate to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2045 after receiving fresh advice from an expert panel.

Extra £80m funding to help councils deliver affordable homes (SHN 30/04/19)
The Scottish Government has made an additional £80 million available over the next two years to help councils deliver affordable homes.

Abbeys, alleys and augmented realities; Scotland’s urban past comes to life (HES 29/04/19)
Celebrating five years of community heritage projects, Past Forward – Stories of Urban Scotland takes you on a journey around the nation, discovering some of the best kept secrets in our towns and cities, as well as some familiar sites seen through fresh eyes.

Scottish housing project triumphs at national planning awards (SHN 25/04/19)
A housing-led regeneration of one of the largest brownfield sites in Scotland is among three Scottish planning projects to have won at the prestigious national awards ceremony of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI).

Dundee V&A short listed for Museum of the Year (Herald 25/04/19)
Dundee’s new V&A museum is in the running for the title of Museum of the Year.

Orkney hosts international workshop on climate change threat to World Heritage sites (HES 24/04/19)
A major international workshop is taking place on Orkney to set a benchmark for understanding the impact of climate change on World Heritage sites.

MSPs urged to drop Planning Bill’s extra duties (RTPI Scotland 23/04/19)
RTPI Scotland is warning MSPs that the Planning (Scotland) Bill may be unworkable as it stands, ahead of the Bill’s stage 3 debate, given the number of unfunded additional duties it currently contains.

Architecture Fringe set to take over The Lighthouse with 2019 programme (SCN 23/04/19)
The production team of the Architecture Fringe will take over The Lighthouse in central Glasgow for the whole of June as part of its 2019 programme.

Study aims to stamp out fire risk to historic buildings (SCN 23/04/19)
A fire-safety expert is to lead the first comprehensive study into the risk historic buildings face from fire with the hope of saving more of Scotland’s heritage from being lost.

Joint drive to tackle heritage crime in Scotland (HES 18/04/19)
New group launched to combat heritage crimes in Scotland.

Conservation news (SGLH 18/04/19)
the early months of the New Year have seen the culmination of several long-running conservation cases for Scotland’s Garden and Landscape Heritage.

Robbed of Our History: Heritage Crime (HES 18/04/19)
We are fascinated with historic wrong-doings – but modern crimes committed against heritage aren’t making it into the history books. From Stirling to Scapa Flow, we uncover recent examples of heritage crime in Scotland.

Businesses Benefit from Listed Buildings (HE 2/04/19)
Business owners and operators based in listed buildings say they benefit from their historic premises.

Opinion & Comment

Declaring a climate emergency won’t help without action (Jamie Livingstone, Oxfam Scotland for The Times 02/05/19)

An Economy for the 21st Century as if People and Planet Really Mattered (Úna Bartley for Bella Caledonia 30/04/19)

Opening site doors can open young minds (Brian McQuade for Scottish Construction Now 30/04/19)

Cities are louder than ever – and it’s the poor who suffer most (Guardian 25/04/19)

The opportunities offered by brownfield land (Fraser Lynse for Scottish Construction Now 23/04/19)

Parliamentary Questions

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

Question S5W-22769: Michelle Ballantyne, South Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 24/04/2019
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking to ensure that construction companies adhere to the established mortar standards in all new-builds.

Question S5W-22782: Richard Lyle, Uddingston and Bellshill, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 25/04/2019
To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to support house building and associated infrastructure.

Question S5W-22783: Richard Lyle, Uddingston and Bellshill, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 25/04/2019
To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) affordable homes and (b) homes for social rent have been completed in each local authority area in each year since 2007, also broken down by how many have been (i) future-proofed to meet the needs of older people and an ageing population and (ii) adapted or built specifically to meet the accessibility requirements of disabled people, including wheelchair users.

Question S5W-22785: Richard Lyle, Uddingston and Bellshill, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 25/04/2019
To ask the Scottish Government how many hectares of brownfield land are available for house building, and how this equates to the capacity for building new homes.

Question S5W-22786: Richard Lyle, Uddingston and Bellshill, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 25/04/2019
To ask the Scottish Government how much surplus land is owned by (a) central and (b) local government, and how this equates to the capacity for building new homes.

Question S5W-22788: Richard Lyle, Uddingston and Bellshill, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 25/04/2019
To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to make (a) public and (b) private land available for house building in areas where there is a housing shortage but where market conditions act against this.

Events

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

Conservation 101 webinar
Date & time: Friday 3 May 2019, 9.30am – 12.15pm
Sign up to our free webinar, Conservation 101.
Hear from Historic Environment Scotland experts as they take you through the building blocks of conservation. Learn about the ethics and philosophy of building conservation, decay mechanisms and buildings defects, and the listing process. These sessions are run in conjunction with the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). This event is free. Booking is essential.

Tour of National Wallace Monument, Stirling
Date & time: Wednesday, 08 May 2019 at 6:00PM – 8:00PM
Venue: National Wallace Monument Visitor Centre, Abbey Craig, Hillfoots Road, Stirling FK9 5LF
The Monument has recently had extensive external refurbishment and internal transformation for its reopening this spring. New interactive exhibitions on William Wallace, the Wars of Independence and in the Hall of Heroes provide a draw for visitors. This tour includes a briefing on the history and development of the monument and its surrounding site, discussing the challenges of managing a listed building as a popular tourist attraction, and a visit to, and climb of, the monument itself to view the new exhibitions. Assemble in the Visitor Reception Centre at the car park where refreshments will be available from 6pm.

Women in Scottish Archaeology | Wikipedia Edit-a-thon
Date & time: Thu, 9 May 2019, 10:00 – 16:00
Venue: Central Library, 7-9 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EG.
Did you know that just 18% of biographies on English Wikipedia are about women? We’re here to change that! Dig It! and Edinburgh Central Library in collaboration with Wikimedia UK are calling on YOU to add to and improve the world’s collective knowledge about women in Scottish archaeology. Spend the day learning how to become an editor of the world’s largest online encyclopedia and get to grips with a variety of amazing resources from Edinburgh Central Library. Learn about the lives and work of the women we’ve identified, or bring along your own knowledge about the women who have inspired you. You will actively help to build a global audience for Scotland’s rich culture and heritage, and bring forgotten stories to light.

People Powered Planning: Putting Communities on the Front Foot
Date & times: Saturday 11th May 2019 10 – 4.30pm
Venue: Trades Hall, Central Glasgow G1 1UH.
We know there are many people in Scotland who feel baffled, alienated and disenfranchised by the planning system. Others have gained some understanding, learnt to navigate and decode the systems and others have taken ownership and grabbed what opportunities there are to shape their local environments and fulfill community aspirations. We hope that this conference will link people up, provide some information about where to go for help and give some handy tips on how to successfully engage in planning. Importantly we also hope the conference will help to create a sense of a movement of people who are willing to campaign for change to make the planning system more responsive to people who want the best for their local areas.

Edinburgh Traditional Building Skills – Homeowners Property Repair Event Event
Date & time: May 13, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Venue: Edinburgh City Chambers, 253 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1YJ.
Edinburgh Traditional Building Forum will deliver a homeowners’ event on 13 May to help them identify and undertake repairs to their homes. The event will also highlight how to keep your home in a good state of repair with timely repairs which will ultimately save homeowners money if done correctly. Keeping your home in a good state of repair is the first step to making a home energy efficient. There will be experts from across the industry and public bodies giving homeowners impartial advice on how to start repairs and correct maintenance of their building. There will also be expert advice on overcoming issues of shared repairs and how City of Edinburgh Council can help homeowners experiencing these issues.

Edinburgh Traditional Building Skills Demonstration
Date & time: 13th – 14th May, 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Location: Quadrangle outside Edinburgh City Chambers
Those attending will be very welcome discuss the route into the industry for local apprentices at Edinburgh College who will be giving mini-masterclasses to local school pupils. We will have four trades being demonstrated by apprentices are working with Developing the Young Workforce, Edinburgh, Midlothian & East Lothian Regional Group, to bring school children to try the skills on display. This event is part of larger Construction Scotland’s Inspiring Construction programme where we promote the vast array of careers available in the construction industry to school pupils to help them make their career choices.

wHY Landscape – Mark Thomann on Ross Pavilion & Recent Works
Date & time: 14th May 2019 at 6.30pm
Venue: Custom Lane, Leith
wHY is an interdisciplinary design practice dedicated to serving the arts, communities, culture and the environment. wHY are the lead for the team that won the competition to redevelop the Ross Pavilion in West Princes St Gardens, Edinburgh known as the Quaich Project. The project aims to bring people together, generating new connections both locally and internationally. Mark Thomann (landscape director at wHY) will present an intimate look at wHY’s Ross Pavilion & Gardens, the firm’s first project in Europe. Mark will also touch upon other recent works by the firm, and lessons learned from a career in landscape design. For more info about the Talks at the Lane.

Play, Social Justice and Urban Space – Perspectives from India and Scotland
Date & time: Sat, 18 May 2019, 09:30.
Venue: Bellfield, 16B Bellfield Street, Portobello, Edinburgh EH15 2BP.
Play, Social Justice and Urban Space is an exciting international event exploring children’s use of space. How do children navigate their local environments? How do they claim space, making child-friendly environments in contested urban space? What role do adults have? The programme includes a rich mix of speakers from Scotland and India, music, art and dialogue. Light refreshments.

Glasgow’s Atlantic World: Tobacco, Sugar and Slavery
Date & time: Wed May 22nd, 6pm
Venue: 54 Bell Street, Glasgow
Glasgow’s historic transatlantic trade routes and history are present not only in the streets of Glasgow but also in the people, places and heritage of the Caribbean islands and the Americas up to today. Dr Stephen Mullen will explore the history of Glasgow’s links to the Americas and the Caribbean, before Councillor Graham Campbell tells us more in detail about Glasgow’s links to Jamaica, and why Jamaica is the Caribbean’s most Scottish island. £6

Archaeological Research in Progress day conference
Date & time: Saturday 25 May 2019 (9am – 5pm)
Venue: Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE), 22-26 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2PQ
The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland is managing the event this year (with our partners Archaeology Scotland) and the conference programme includes exciting new research findings and best practice in archaeology covering all periods from across Scotland and beyond. Event sponsored by Historic Environment Scotland, Forestry & Land Scotland, AOC Archaeology Group, Chartered Institute for Archaeologists, Guard Archaeology, Wessex Archaeology, LUC and SUERC.

Traditional Building Skills Demonstration at the Scottish Parliament
Date & time: MAY 28 AT 10:00 AM – MAY 29 AT 3:00 PM
Location: Scottish Parliament
Scottish Traditional Building Forum will be delivering a Traditional Building Skills and Materials Event on 28 and 29 May outside the Scottish Parliament which members of the public are welcome to attend. Working with various Developing Young Workforce teams, we have organised for school pupils from Glasgow, Falkirk, Fife and Edinburgh will receive a mini-masterclass in roof slating, stonemasonry, plastering and painting & decorating. The demonstrations will be delivered by Dundee & Angus College, Edinburgh College, City of Glasgow College and the National Federation of Roofing Contractors.

Heads of Planning Scotland Conference
Dates: Thursday the 6th and Friday the 7th of June.
Venue: South Hall Complex, Pollock Halls, 18 Holyrood Park Road, Edinburgh, EH16 5AR
The Heads of Planning Scotland (HOPS) Conference will be held this year at the University of Edinburgh, Pollock Halls on Thursday the 6th and Friday the 7th of June. This year the theme of the Conference is Collaboration in Planning.

Talks at the Lane present IF_DO on Architecture as a Social Art
Date & time: 14th June 2019 at 6.30pm
Venue: Custom Lane, Leith
Founded in 2014 by Thomas Bryans, Sarah Castle & Al Scott the practice has an interest in the wider repercussions of architecture which provides a catalyst towards creating sustainable and healthy environments in which to live, learn, work and play.
Thomas and his fellow founding Directors all studied at University of Edinburgh and this Talk at the Lane is also part of the Architecture Fringe 2019 programme of events. Thomas will be discussing their ongoing community projects, research and teaching on how design can promote social spaces as a means of addressing social isolation. For more info about the Talks at the Lane.

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

Training

CPD: Damp in Traditional Buildings
Date & time: Wed May 8th, 12:30-1:30pm
Venue: 54 Bell St., Glasgow
When buildings become damp, either from external water ingress or from internal humidity and condensation, their materials decay faster and their occupants can be exposed to health hazards. Georgina Allison, conservation architect and lecturer at the University of Edinburgh, will remind us how traditional buildings are designed to deal with damp, and what conservation issues and solutions damp buildings may present. All GCHT CPD sessions are recognised by the IHBC, and attendees can obtain a CPD certificate upon completion. £10 per person /£5 for students, including light lunch.

Heritage Trust Network Scotland, Members’ Skills Training Event
Date & times: Monday 20th May, 10am to 4pm
Venue: The Engine Shed, Stirling
HTN are pleased to confirm that we have two highly regarded speakers lined up for our focussed training day including Moses Jenkins, who will talk on Energy Efficiency and Adaptation and Colin Tennant who will speak on Project Management. Both topics will no doubt feature in your current or upcoming heritage project, so we strongly recommend attending! The event will take place at Scotland’s Centre for Conservation, The Engine Shed in Stirling and we are grateful to be hosted by Historic Environment Scotland for the day. Refreshments and lunch will be provided. Book your places now!  Please email Sarah on sarahpearce@heritagetrustnetwork.org.uk to confirm your attendance.

Repair and Maintenance of Masonry Arch Bridges
Date & time: 24 May 2019, 09.30 – 16.30.
Venue: Charlestown Workshops, Fife.
Cost: £190 + vat …… Remember if you are a BLF, IHBC, RICS or RIAS member you are eligible for 20% discount on this seminar. Please just give us a call with your member number.
This one day masterclass looks at all aspects of masonry arch bridge construction and the materials utilized to determine the most appropriate repair schemes. It is suitable for building professionals, contractors, engineers and others involved in heritage work.

Conservation Summer School 2019
Dates: Monday 2 – Friday 7 June 2019
Venue: The Engine Shed, Stirling
Week ticket: £450. Day tickets: £100
Registration for our Conservation Summer School is now open. Learn about the latest techniques from top conservation experts, get hands-on with traditional skills and materials, and see conservation in action on site visits. We have flexible registration options, whether you want to book the full 5-day course, or individual days which are more relevant to your needs. Applications for student bursaries are open until Friday 10 May. Week and day tickets are also available.

Traditional Roofing Practical Workshop
Date & time: Monday, June 3rd, 6pm
Venue: Cathedral Square, Glasgow
Repairing and maintaining traditional roofs are key aspects of conserving the built environment. Join us for an early-evening practical session at Glasgow Cathedral, getting hands-on with the materials and techniques of slate and lead roofing. This event is aimed at professionals who would like to increase their technical skill and understanding, although enthusiasts are also very welcome.
Further information: stephanie@glasgowheritage.org.uk

CPD: Conserving Interwar Shopfronts
Date & time: Wed June 5th, 12:30-1:30pm
Venue: 54 Bell Street, Glasgow.
The shopfronts and signs of the 1920s and 30s are characterised by materials such as Vitrolite, bronze, faience, and terracotta, which present their own considerations and challenges as they age. Dr. Lindsay Lennie, one of Scotland’s foremost authorities on historic shopfronts, gives a specialised talk on the materials and methods of this brief but significant time period, and discusses conservation solutions to conserving interwar shopfronts. All GCHT CPD sessions are recognised by the IHBC, and attendees can obtain a CPD certificate upon completion. £15 per person, £10 students, including a light lunch.

Reinforced Concrete Masterclass – New for Summer 2019!
Date & time: 28 June 2019, 09.30 – 16.00
Venue: Charlestown Workshops, Fife
Cost: £190 + vat …… Remember if you are a BLF, IHBC, RICS or RIAS member you are eligible for 20% discount on this seminar.
Come and join us to explore the fascinating world of reinforced concrete (yes, really really!) – learn what can be achieved with it, its constituents, its decay mechanisms and how it can be successfully repaired with a variety of methods and materials. Not all reinforced concrete buildings are carbuncles …CONCRETE can be COUTHIE! If we are listing more and more buildings and structures from the 20th Century, many of which will be of reinforced concrete construction, then we need to know how to fix them and prolong their lives. We have a huge variety of structures and buildings of reinforced concrete construction across the country. Research and analysis of these buildings has helped inform their appropriate repair, but there are many challenges ahead. Join us and learn from our gathered experts in this field for what should be a very informative and enjoyable day.

Vacancies

Building Craft Programme Coordinator 
24k-26k, The Prince’s Foundation, Dumfries House, East Ayrshire
The Prince’s Foundation are on the lookout for a Programme Coordinator to manage and assist with their building craft training programmes. This role will support the next generation of master craftspeople, and ensure that the valuable skills required to conserve our historic built environment are kept alive. Download the Job Description here. Find out more here.
Deadline 20th May, 12.00pm

Vacancies at A&DS
Architecture and Design Scotland is looking for 4 people to join our team. If you would like to help deliver good architecture and successful places, collaborate with others and promote the value of good design, then we’d love to hear from you.
•    Principal Design Officer (B3)
•    Senior Design Officers (B2)
•    Design Officers (B1)
Closing date: Midnight Monday 6 May 2019.

Development & Membership Manager
Are you passionate about the Heritage Sector? Do you want to work at the heart of heritage, shaping the future of The Heritage Alliance? The Heritage Alliance is the heritage sector’s umbrella organisation and advocacy body and we are seeking an outstanding person to take up the key role of Development and Membership Manager. The successful candidate will join the Alliance’s small, busy team based in offices in Southwark, just behind the Tate Modern.
The closing date for applications is 5th May 2019 with interviews expected a week later.

Appointment of Chair of Trustees
Edinburgh World Heritage is seeking an individual with drive and enthusiasm to replace Dr Brian Lang CBE, FRSE, in chairing its energetic and professional Board of Trustees, working with them and the Director to take the organisation forward during a time of change.
Closing date: by 5pm on Monday 27th May 2019.

BACK

Former BEFS Chair, Graeme Purves, has published a think piece on Strategic Development in Scotland with the UK2070 Commission.

The UK2070 Commission led by Lord Kerslake is currently working on a framework to address spatial inequalities across the United Kingdom. Former BEFS Chair, Graeme Purves, is a member of the Commission and has written a think piece reflecting on his time as Assistant Chief Planner with the Scottish Government, where he led the teams which prepared Scotland’s First and Second National Planning Frameworks.

Graeme provides a review of strategic development in Scotland since the 1940s, with a particular focus on Scotland’s National Planning Framework and its role in the designation of national developments to facilitate the delivery of infrastructure projects of national importance. He highlights relevant issues emerging from the current debate over Scotland’s Planning Bill and outlines recent developments in Scotland’s distinctive land reform agenda. He identifies strengthening regional agency, improving connectivity and the quality of place, and land reform and resettlement as key elements of the agenda for Scotland’s strategic development in the medium to long term.

Read the full think piece here: Strategic Development in Scotland

BACK

Jeff Sanders, Dig It! Project Manager with the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, tells us about the process of bringing Archaeology and Minecraft together, following the recent inspiring Edinburgh Science Festival event.

If you ask a roomful of people if anyone wanted to be an archaeologist when they grew up, chances are you’ll see a good few raised hands. And why wouldn’t you? It’s all about discovering and telling stories, meeting like-minded people and finding new things.

At Dig It!, we’re striving for a Scotland where everyone enjoys – and can engage with – archaeology. However, many people who would like to get involved think that archaeology is not “for them”: a challenge that likely resonates with the wider heritage sector.

We’ve found that the best way of getting people involved is to meet them halfway – find a hook within their own interests. One of our most successful hooks has been Minecraft, the ubiquitous video game which could be described as “digital LEGO”.

We recently launched the Crafting the Past website with nine maps packed with stories, and games that can be downloaded  for free (as long as Minecraft is already on the user’s device).Each Crafting the Past map features a real Scottish site which has been meticulously recreated, including a restored (and burned down) mansion, an entire abandoned island, a buried Pictish hillfort and reimagined museums. We’ve showcased them on high streets, at international gaming festivals, and at the very sites that we’ve reconstructed. All in all, it’s a fun game and it’s a nice excuse to have it on my work computer.

If Minecraft doesn’t sound right for you, there are lots of other games-based and non-games-based way to get people involved, and I wanted to share three lessons we’ve learned along the way that might be of broader interest:

  1. WORK WITH A NEW (NON-HERITAGE) PARTNER: We knew nothing about Minecraft or games-based learning approaches until we met Immersive Minds, who have employees in the centre of the Venn diagram of understanding the technology, the learning potential, and how to communicate it. Working with a partner outside of the heritage sector also brought unexpended benefits. For example, showcasing Crafting the Past at a games festival that attracts more than 70,000 people wasn’t out of the ordinary for them. The tricky part was getting used to a different sector and way of working – that required building a partnership-based approach rather than a straightforward client-provider relationship.
  2. CONCISE STORYTELLING: Our builds feature topographically accurate landscapes, painstakingly decorated buildings, and accurate archaeological sites. But this wasn’t enough for us. We needed these downloadable maps to be story-driven in order to be engaging, which gives us a conduit for years of archaeological data gathered from excavations, archives, museums and labs. While working with Immersive Minds, I realised that there I was in danger of focusing too closely on the data; fetishizing the “stuff” as opposed to telling the story.  If we want to make an impactful and lasting connection with a new audience, we need to be canny and concise in our storytelling – not all-encompassing, and not overly hung-up on specific details.
  3. POWER TO THE PEOPLE: I quickly learned that you can’t teach a young person much about Minecraft, but you can use Minecraft to spark their interest in archaeology. Minecraft has the advantage of being “off the shelf”, with a dedicated community of over 90 million users playing each month. I’ve enjoyed seeing people explore Scotland’s past on their own terms through an environment that they can happily navigate. Reaching out and putting archaeology outside of our own comfort zone has been an important lesson (with the added benefit of not having to reinvent the wheel).

There are lots of ways to engage people. And games are just one conduit. In recent years, archaeologists have teamed up with artists, musicians, brewers and weavers to name but a few. However you decide to “meet people halfway” it’s the enthusiasm and stories that need to shine through. Happy gaming!

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

Thanks to Edinburgh International Science Festival and Baillie Gifford for supporting the launch of Crafting the Past and Historic Environment Scotland for supporting the Dig It! project

For further online reading, The Interactive Past has some great international examples, including both bespoke games and pre-existing examples which have been repurposed.

Jeff Sanders, Dig It! Project Manager with the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland.

BACK