BEFS News

BEFS wishes you a great start to 2017 in this our first bulletin of the year and we have some exciting dates for your diary, which are coming up soon.

The Scottish Government’s consultation paper on reform of the planning systemwas released this week. We will be working with BEFS Planning Reform Taskforce to produce a briefing paper and plan to hold a workshop on the topic in February.

BEFS is bringing Thomas Aubrey and Alastair Parvin to Edinburgh for our event ‘Cracking the Housing Nut’ on 31st January 2017. The consultation paper on the Scottish planning system provides an excellent context for an evening that looks at alternative ways to deliver more homes in Scotland. Register for free now!

Following the publication of the SHEA 2016, it is timely to look at a number of sources of historic environment data. BEFS Heritage Data Seminar in February will feature: Jonathan Schifferes, Royal Society of Arts, on the 2016 Heritage Index results; Phil Prentice, Scotland’s Towns Partnership, on the project Understanding Scottish Places, which came out of the Town Centre Review; Karen Robertson, HES, on the SHEA 2016 results. The event is free but do book a place.

BEFS Chair, Graeme Purves, reviews Lou Rosenburg’s Scotland’s Homes Fit for Heroes: Garden City Influences on the Development of Scottish Working Class Housing 1900 to 1939, in the first of our blogs this week.

Hew Edgar, Policy Manager for RICS Scotland, discusses a Tenement Health Check policy proposal published by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors in Scotland, in our second blog.

In tandem with this, BEFS and the Scottish Traditional Building Forum met with the Minister for Local Government and Housing, Kevin Stewart MSP, this week. The meeting covered a number of suggestions relating to improving building maintenance from regular building surveys, to enhanced Home Reports and sinking funds for communal properties. The discussion was candid and the Scottish Government’s pilot equity scheme as part of the Home Energy Efficiency Programme is seen as one initiative to improve building condition in conjunction with projects such as Under one Roof. The time would not appear to be right for introducing stronger requirements on homeowners to invest in the regular maintenance of their properties but future climate-change targets may open the opportunity for the Government to address this.

Consultations

Places, People and Planning: A consultation on the future of the Scottish Planning System (SG 10/01/17)
The consultation paper “places, people & planning” sets out twenty proposals for change which aim to strengthen the planning system and support sustainable economic growth across the country. The proposals build on the recommendations of the independent review of the planning system.
Consultation closes 4 Apr 2017.

A Consultation on Procedure of the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland Housing and Property Chamber (SG 06/01/17)
The Housing and Property Chamber aims to deliver benefits of specialism, consistency and improved access to justice for both tenants and landlords in private rented housing.
Consultation closes 31 Mar 2017.

Crown Estate: A Consultation on the Long Term Management of the Crown Estate in Scotland (SG 04/01/17)
This consultation focuses on the future purpose of the Crown Estate in Scotland and what changes are needed to the existing legislation to deliver that purpose.
Consultation closes 29 Mar 2017.

Benefits of drones to the UK economy (Department for Transport 21/12/16)
Seeks views on proposals to harness the positive benefits of drones for public and commercial services and the benefits to the UK economy.
Consultation closes on 15 March 2017.

Land Rights and Responsibilities Statement: A Consultation (SG 16/12/16)
A consultation on the Land Rights and Responsibilities Statement, which is a set of principles with an overarching vision that will guide the development of public policy on the nature and character of land rights and responsibilities in Scotland.
Consultation closes on 10 Mar 2017.

Local Landscape Areas (SNG & HES 12/2016)
Scottish Natural Heritage and Historic Environment Scotland are currently consulting on revised guidance on Local Landscape Areas (LLAs)
Consultation closes on 3 March 2017.

Consultation Responses

Scottish Government Response to the UK Government Apprenticeship Levy (SG 05/01/17)
This report sets out the Scottish Government response to the UK Government Apprenticeship Levy and sets out how Scottish Government plan to develop a distinctly Scottish approach to apprenticeships and wider skills development to drive closer engagement with industry supporting Scottish Government’s efforts to enhance productivity and economic growth in 2017-18 and beyond.

Publications

A progress report on the conservation and management of properties in care of Scottish Ministers (HES 09/01/17)
The purpose of this report is to provide an update on progress one year on, in relation to the properties in care, with a particular focus on conservation.

Scotland’s Place in Europe (SG 20/12/16)
Scotland’s Place in Europe presents the Scottish Government’s proposals for mitigating the impact on Scotland of the UK’s exit from the EU. The paper sets out the importance of continued European Single Market membership for Scotland, and demonstrates that this is also the best outcome for the UK as a whole.

Historic Environment Scotland Annual Report 2015-16 (HES 9/12/16)
The first Historic Environment Scotland (HES) Annual Report and Financial Statements 2015/16 have been laid before Parliament.

Scottish Government News Releases

Forth Road Bridge closure highlights danger of ignoring weather warnings (SG 11/01/17)
Severe weather warnings remain in place for next three days. Motorists are being warned to expect further delays this evening following the closure of the Forth Road Bridge.

Transforming the planning system (SG 10/01/17)
Views sought for planning modernisation. Plans for major changes to the Scottish planning system have been published today. The Scottish Government has set out 20 proposals for revamping the system, which will support economic growth, delivery of houses and increase community involvement in planning decisions. They form a consultation which will pave the way for a planning bill to be brought forward this year.

£6.6 million for conservation of historic sites (SG 09/01/17)
Report sets out work required to restore and protect iconic buildings and monuments. Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop today confirmed a £6.6 million capital boost to support investment in conservation work, repairs and visitor facilities at several of Scotland’s iconic heritage sites and monuments. The announcement follows the publication today of the most comprehensive conservation assessment ever undertaken on the properties in care of Scottish Ministers.

Brexit threatens creative industries (SG 09/01/17)
Preserving benefits of Single Market vital. Protecting membership of the Single Market is vital to Scotland’s culture and creative industries, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs Fiona Hyslop will highlight tonight.

Funding for housing projects (SG 06/01/17)
Grants of £1.65m to help homeless and vulnerable people. Organisations that work with homeless people and give housing support to vulnerable will benefit from £1.65 million of Scottish Government grant funding.

Support for cities (SG 05/01/17)
City Region Deals boosting jobs and local economies. The Scottish Government will increase support for cities in 2017, by progressing City Region Deals to boost jobs, infrastructure and the economy in Edinburgh, Dundee, Perth and Stirling, Economy Secretary Keith Brown has confirmed.

Future of the Crown Estate (SG 04/01/17)
Consultation for shaping the Crown Estate in Scotland. A 12 week consultation on the long term framework for the devolved management of the Crown Estate in Scotland was announced today during a visit to Rhu Marina, Helensburgh.

Forth dimension (SG 03/01/17)
3D scans of Forth Bridges to power educational games and learning. Incredibly detailed 3D scans of the Forth Bridge will form the basis for interactive games promoting engineering skills for school children, it has been revealed.

Budget for land reform increased (SG 29/12/17)
Increased funding to shape future land reform measures and provide greater transparency. Overall funding for land reform will be increased by £3.4 million in 2017, with the existing Scottish Land Fund budget maintained at £10 million.

News Releases

Cabinet Secretary announces £7.8 million to prevent homelessness (WG 11/01/17)
The Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children Carl Sargeant has announced £7.8 million for the Homelessness Prevention Programme for 2017/18.

Report on the CIfA Brexit survey (CIfA 10/01/17)
Following the result of the Referendum on the UK’s membership of the EU in June, CIfA launched a survey of its members which ran through August and September and aimed to collect responses to help guide CIfA advocacy and collect the individual responses and experiences of professionals in the sector. MCIfA Kevin Wooldridge has produced a report and summary of the survey

Survey of Historic Environment Specialists: We need your help (CifA 09/01/17)
The national heritage agencies have commissioned Landward Research to undertake a new survey of historic environment specialists, building on the work that was undertaken in 2010. We aim to find out more about the distribution of specialists, their working environments, their training needs and opportunities, and their thoughts on the future.

Best Use of Timber Awards Exhibition 2016 (A&DS 09/01/17)
The Best Use of Timber Awards 2016 exhibition showcases the winner and shortlisted entries to the annual RIAS Awards scheme, which combined with Forestry Commission Scotland and Wood for Good to sponsor this award. The Award is aimed at encouraging innovative and creative use of timber in new buildings in Scotland. Also featured are the winning entries from the 2015 RIAS Chapter Awards.

New money for affordable homes released (DCLG 05/01/17)
Communities Secretary Sajid Javid has today (5 January 2017) unlocked £7 billion in a dramatic expansion of the government’s affordable housing programme to meet the diverse housing needs of the country.

Door opens on 2017 at Burns Cottage (NTS 01/01/17)
Burns Cottage welcomed its first first-footers through its front door in over 100 years as 2017 arrived. The National Trust for Scotland, the charity that promotes and conserves Scotland’s heritage, has just re-opened the door as it prepares for its annual programme of events to celebrated Robert Burns’ birthday.

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”.

S5W-05981 Andy Wightman: To ask the Scottish Government what criteria it uses to determine whether housing can be regarded as “affordable”. (SP 10/01/17)

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-05277: Graham Simpson, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 01/12/2016
To ask the Scottish Government what its assessment is of the move toward e-building standards by local authorities and how this has impacted the delivery of building standards warrants.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (13/12/2016)

Question S5W-05283: Graham Simpson, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 01/12/2016
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the uptake by local authorities of e-building standards.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (13/12/2016)

Question S5W-05282: Graham Simpson, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 01/12/2016
To ask the Scottish Government how much local authorities have invested in technology specifically in advance of the e-building standards portal roll out.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (13/12/2016)

Question S5W-05289: Mark Ruskell, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Green Party, Date Lodged: 01/12/2016
To ask the Scottish Government how the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 supports participatory planning for coastal communities in relation to the development of fish farms, and what impact the proposals in the Islands Bill would have.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (13/12/2016)

Question S5W-05288: Mark Ruskell, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Green Party, Date Lodged: 01/12/2016
To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to ensure that new fish farms do not undermine the conservation objectives of the marine protected area network.
Answered by Roseanna Cunningham (13/12/2016)

Question S5W-05424: Graham Simpson, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 07/12/2016
To ask the Scottish Government (a) how many and (b) where vacant and derelict town centre buildings have been brought back into use as affordable housing through the Town Centre Housing Fund.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (13/12/2016)

Events

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

The restoration of Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s Glasgow School of Art
When: 16 Jan 2017 at 6:00 pm.
Where: Auditorium National Museum Scotland (use Lothian Street doors), Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF.
Liz Davidson OBE, Hon FRIAS, IHBC, Senior project Manager, Mackintosh Project, Glasgow School of Art, will present a lecture entitled “Restoring the Mackintosh Building following the 2014 fire”, exploring this iconic structure, the influence of Mackintosh and the Four and its restoration.

Safeguarding Scotland’s Thatched Buildings
When: Wednesday 18 January 2017 at 7.00 for 7.15 p.m.
Where: Old Town Hall, Falkland.
This Falkland Society lecture will be given by Jessica Hunnisett-Snow, Senior Technical Officer in the Technical Research Unit of Historic Environment Scotland, and Zoe Herbert, architecture student, and former Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) Scotland Officer, who was employed by the SPAB to make a complete survey of thatched buildings in Scotland. The survey was grant funded by Historic Environment Scotland. Falkland has a single thatched building, immediately opposite Falkland Palace; Auchtermuchty has a single thatched cottage; Collessie has several. Yet old photographs show that well into the 20th century thatch was a common roofing material in Fife villages and towns.

Property Repair and Maintenance Evening Event
When: Monday, 6 February 2017 from 5.30pm – 7.30pm.
Where: ESPC Showroom, 107 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 3ES.
Vital information will be provided to help you: find out the condition of your property; find out the process required to repair and maintain your property; learn what funding option are available; advise on getting your neighbours together to carry out work; talk from professional who can start you on the right track.
If you would like to attend this free event please rsvp to conservation@hypostyle.co.uk.

‘A more collaborative planning system – what can a mediation approach offer?’
When: Tue 21 February 2017 from 09:45 – 16:00.
Where: PAS, 3rd Floor, 125 Princes Street, Edinburgh EH2 4AD.
PAS and Scottish Mediation would like to invite you to their first joint conference. With the recent Independent Planning Review having referenced mediation in three of its recommendations, PAS and Scottish Mediation are looking to explore how this can be facilitated to improve engagement within planning. The conference will include a number of plenaries, collaborative exercises and case studies which will give participants the opportunity to consider the wider use of collaborative approaches in the planning system and to hear from professional planners and mediators.

The international conference exploring Heritage, Mental Health & Wellbeing
When: 22- 24 March 2017.
Where: Quay Place, IP4 1BZ, Ipswich, UK.
The Health and Heritage international conference will take place at Quay Place – an innovative new wellbeing centre in a church building on the historic Ipswich docklands – in March 2017.  Organised in partnership with Suffolk Mind and Future for Religious Heritage, the conference will bring together leading professionals in the mental health, heritage and museum sectors.

Training

Would you like to be recognised for your skills in community engagement? 
SP=EED® (Successful Planning = Effective Engagement and Delivery) is PAS’s practical guide to effective engagement in planning. SP=EED Verification is a two-part programme offered by PAS which:

• allows individuals to develop a greater understanding of SP=EED and its practical application
• provides a greater understanding of the range of skills required for effective engagement
• encourages the use of a range of creative and effective engagement tools
• offers individuals the opportunity to have their engagement methods verified by independent planning and engagement professionals

Upcoming dates for training:
Fife – 2 February (time tbc)
Glasgow – 7 March (5.30-9.00 pm)
Aberdeen – 23 March (5.30-9.00pm)
Any enquires please contact David Wood on sp=eed@pas.org.uk.

Resourcing Scotland’s Heritage courses coming up in Spring 2017:
Make it Happen
When: Wednesday 18th January.
Where: Glasgow.

Telling it like it is: How effective copywriting can help your case for support
When: Tuesday 31st January.
Where: Edinburgh.

Planning to Progress
When: Wednesday 8th February.
Where: Glasgow.

In Focus – DTAS Event on Legacies
When: Wednesday 15th February.
Where: Nairn.

In Focus: Full Cost Recovery
When: Wednesday 22nd February *NEW COURSE*.
Where: Edinburgh.

In Focus: Introduction to Sponsorship
When: Thursday 16th March
Where: Edinburgh

Vacancies

Community Engagement Officer
An exciting opportunity has become available for an entry-level professional to support the implementation of Glasgow City Heritage Trust’s educational heritage grants programmes. Using social media, publicity, outreach and learning, events, seminars, conferences, print, website development, interpretation, promotional activities, exhibitions and partnerships you will be expected to promote the understanding and appreciation of Glasgow’s historic environment and the work of Glasgow City Heritage Trust. You will be reporting directly to the Heritage Outreach Officer.
Closing date Tuesday, 31 January 2017 at 12:00 noon.

Project Manager
SHBT is seeking an experienced Project Manager to take responsibility for initiating and executing high quality conservation and restoration projects on behalf of the Trust, demonstrating best practice in adaptive re-use of old buildings. This post is full-time. A Job Description is available by emailing recruitment@shbt.org.uk or visiting www.shbt.org.uk.
Closing Date 20th January 2017.

Building/Events Managers
SHBT is seeking two experienced Building/Events Manager to take on the overall management of two of its Edinburgh properties – Custom House in Leith and Riddle’s Court in the Lawnmarket. The Manager will be responsible for the day to day running of each property including management of all tenants as well as development and management of all events held within the public spaces. A proven track record of running a mixed use venue is essential. Evening and weekend working is an essential requirement of this job. A Job Description is available by emailing recruitment@shbt.org.uk or visiting www.shbt.org.uk.
Closing Date 27th January 2017.

Audience Development Officer – Patrick Geddes Centre
SHBT is undertaking a major capital project to restore Riddle’s Court and give it new life as the Patrick Geddes Centre for Learning. The construction phase is nearing completion and the Trust is seeking an experienced Audience Development Officer to develop new audiences in line with the Audience Development Plan to support the range of activities which will be delivered in the Centre when it opens in autumn 2017. This post is part-time (currently 21 hours per week) and is part funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. Evening and weekend working is an essential requirement of this job. A Job Description is available by emailing recruitment@shbt.org.uk or visiting www.shbt.org.uk.
Closing Date 3rd February 2017.

Director – Patrick Geddes Centre
SHBT is undertaking a major capital project to restore Riddle’s Court and give it new life as the Patrick Geddes Centre for Learning. The Trust is seeking to appoint a Centre Director who will be responsible for the strategic vision and direction of the Centre for Learning, overseeing the development and delivery of Learning Activities, delivering an interdisciplinary learning community and building an international reputation for the Patrick Geddes Centre in line with Patrick Geddes’ holistic approach to learning. High level knowledge and understanding of the work of Patrick Geddes including a proven track record in delivering a range of learning activities and community programmes direct experience of managing Advisory Groups, teams of staff and volunteers and management of an educational or multi-purpose venue. This post is full-time and is part funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. A Job Description is available by emailing recruitment@shbt.org.uk or visiting www.shbt.org.uk.
Closing Date 3rd February 2017.

Call for new SRCT Board Members
Last change to apply to become a Trustee at the Scottish Redundant Churches Trust. Deadline is 31st January 2017. If you would like to know more please contact the Director, Victoria Collison-Owen on victoria@srct.org.uk or 0131 563 5135. Scottish Redundant Churches Trust, 15 North Bank Street, Edinburgh, EH1 2LP.

Members’ News

Getting more people involved in planning: PAS supports the aims of Scottish Government consultation launched today (PAS 10/01/17)
PAS welcomes the announcement of a public consultation on the planning system, launched this morning by Kevin Stewart MSP, Minister for Local Government and Housing.

Scottish Civic Trust My Place Awards 2017 & Photography Competition (SCT 04/01/17)
We have been receiving nominations for the Scottish Civic Trust My Place Awards 2017 but there is still time for you to nominate a project or person. The deadline is 31st January and full details can be found at www.myplaceawards.org.uk. We are also looking for primary and secondary schools to enter our annual My Place Photography Competition. The deadline for this scheme is also 31st January so please encourage your local schools to participate. Full details can be found here.

GCHT Events Programme – Survey 2017 (GCHT 04/01/17)
We are working hard to develop our programme of events and outreach activities for the new year and we are keen to look at ways we can improve it to provide an even better experience for you, our loyal subscribers, and ensure we’re doing the best job we can be. If you have a spare 5 minutes and wouldn’t mind filling in this short survey to tell us what we’re doing right and where we could improve or change things, we would be very grateful.

Edinburgh Architectural Association Annual Awards 2017 – Calls For Entry (RIAS 12/16)
The awards showcase and celebrate the very best architecture in the Chapter area and beyond, that enhance the built environment and people’s lives, regardless of size, form or budget.
This year the format of the awards has been changed to enable all entries built within the Chapter area, small or large, to become eligible for the highest accolade of ‘Building Of The Year’.

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 tel: BEFS Office on 0131 220 6241.

BEFS NEWS

Scottish House Condition Survey 2015 has now been published. Key findings include that 52% of all of Scotland’s homes have disrepair to critical elements, 68% of all of Scotland’s traditionally built homes (pre-1919) have disrepair to critical elements, and just under 44% (43.8%) of all dwellings failed to meet the SHQS. These findings suggest a small improvement in house conditions on the previous year.

A Member’s debate on Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site is taking place in the Chamber today at 12.45 pm: S5M-02445 Gordon Lindhurst: The Future of Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site. You can watch the debate live over lunch on Parliament TV.

Do you want to make the next Scottish planning system more community-friendly? Tell the Scottish Government how by completing this short survey for research into barriers to engagement. The research results will feed into the Scottish Government’s Planning Review:

The Scottish Government is also seeking views on a proposed new maximum fee for major planning applications in a consultation on raising planning fees.

The Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology 2017 was launched last week by Cabinet Secretary, Fiona Hyslop MSP, at Mary King’s Close in Edinburgh. Nine events supported by a £300,000 Signature Events Fund have been announced with more to be revealed in the coming weeks. A Great Roman Bake-Off, large scale projections of Viking imagery, a live archaeological dig of St Kilda in Minecraft and an international weaving festival are among the events lined up for 2017.

CONSULTATIONS

Consultation on proposed ‘banning order offences’ under the Housing and Planning Act 2016 (DCLG 13/12/16)
Invites views and comments on which offences should constitute ‘banning order offences’ as defined in the Housing and Planning Act 2016.

Consultation on Raising Planning Fees (SG 05/12/16)
The Scottish Government recognises the importance of planning in supporting economic growth, in the delivery of quality homes and in community empowerment. We have committed to consulting on enhanced fees, following the independent review of planning recommendation that fees for major applications should be increased substantially so that the service moves towards full cost recovery.
Opened 5 Dec 2016 and Closes 27 Feb 2017.

PUBLICATIONS

SB 16-96 Housing Subject Profile (SP 05/12/16)
This briefing provides an overview of housing policy in Scotland.  It describes recent trends in housing tenure and the housing market and provides information on the legislative and administrative background.

SB 16-97 Implications of Leaving the EU – Environment (SP 05/12/16)
This briefing highlights the EU framework that relates to environment policy and explores the implications that leaving the EU may have on Scotland’s approaches to the environment. The briefing also sets out some views on how alternatives to EU membership may impact on Scotland’s approaches to environmental protection and some of the challenges associated with untangling EU, UK and Scottish environmental law.

Architectural Heritage Fund Celebrates Successful Year (AHF 01/12/16)
Successful historic building restoration projects across the UK are celebrated in the Architectural Heritage Fund’s annual report published on 1 December 2016. As well as showcasing award winning buildings and completed regeneration projects, the AHF’s first impact measurement survey reveals the indirect outcomes for local communities and highlights a number of issues relating to the health of the sector.

Climate Change Adaptation for Traditional Buildings (HES 10/16)
This Short Guide describes the key aspects of the external envelope of a traditional building that provide protection against the elements, and considers how these can be improved or adapted to increase a building’s resilience to extreme weather events.

SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT NEWS RELEASES

Planning decision times published (SG 14/12/16)
An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland. Latest quarterly statistics on planning applications decided in July to September 2016 show that the average decision time for local developments was faster than the equivalent quarter in the previous year, but that the average decision time for major developments was slower.

New build housing completions up by 4% on last year (SG 13/12/16)
A National Statistics Publication for Scotland. There were 15,991 new build homes completed in the 12 months to June 2016, an increase of 591 homes, or 4%, on the 15,400 homes completed in the previous year.

Changes to Modern Apprenticeships (SG 08/12/16)
New measures to boost access. New changes to Modern Apprenticeships will provide more flexibility for employers, including those in the public sector, while also widening access for rural communities, people with disabilities and experience of care.

80 affordable homes for Dumfries (SG 08/12/16)
£6.8m investment in charitable bonds. 80 affordable homes will be built in Dumfries as a result of the Scottish Government investing £6.8 million in charitable bonds.

Designing with the experts (SG 06/12/16)
£300k for local projects. Communities across Scotland have the opportunity to map out the future of their areas alongside design experts following the awarding of Charrette grants from the Scottish Government. Charrettes bring together the public, stakeholders and designers over a number of days to draw up proposals to make their towns and villages better places to live.

NEWS RELEASES

Napier’s timber technology research hub (FCS 08/12/16)
Edinburgh Napier University announced that it will be investing £3 million into a new research hub that will support the construction of sustainable housing in the UK. The University says that the facility will be open in the Spring 2017 and that it will work with the industry to “accelerate the development of a range of timber technologies.”

New national plan and funding brings bigger boost to estate regeneration (DCLG 08/12/16)
A new government strategy and additional funding will breathe new life into rundown estates Communities Secretary Sajid Javid announced today (8 December 2016).

A different way of addressing fuel poverty (STBF 07/12/16)
For properties to be energy efficient, the Scottish Traditional Building Forum believes the condition of Scotland’s properties needs to be urgently addressed by undertaking repairs to failed critical elements then ongoing maintenance to ensure they do no reoccur. Particular attention should be paid to traditional homes (pre 1919) due to highest level of disrepair and fuel poverty.

Europa Nostra supports nomination of Rosia Montana for UNESCO World Heritage status (EN 06/12/16)
Europa Nostra and its President Plácido Domingo welcome the landmark decision by the Romanian Government to nominate the ancient mining landscape of Ro?ia Montan? for UNESCO World Heritage status.

First year of Land and Buildings Transaction Tax “operationally successful” but too early for conclusions says Committee (SP 05/12/16)
Scotland’s transition to the new Land & Buildings Transaction Tax (LBTT) was ‘operationally successful’, says the Scottish Parliament’s Finance and Constitution Committee.

Data protection – how secure are you? (SCVO 05/02/16)
Exploring the seventh data protection principle: organisational and technological measures.

Edinburgh set to take increased action on climate change (HES 01/12/16)
City wide climate change vision set out in new action plan. A shared action plan and vision to improve Edinburgh’s resilience to climate change has been unveiled today – Thursday 1st December – at Holyrood Park. Edinburgh Adapts 2016-2020 is a city wide climate change action plan, the first of its kind, aiming to help the Scottish capital prepare for and adapt to the effects and challenges of a changing climate.

New Data Uncovers Surge in Heritage Interest in England (Historic England xx/12/16)
Visits to historic sites are growing, membership of heritage organisations is increasing and participation in heritage is becoming more inclusive, according to this year’s Heritage Counts reports. The reports have been published today by Historic England on behalf of England’s leading heritage organisations which make up the Historic Environment Forum.

Heritage Counts (Historic England xx/12/16)
Heritage Counts is the annual audit of England’s heritage, first produced in 2002. It is produced by Historic England on behalf of the Historic Environment Forum. The Historic Environment Forum is the high level cross-sectoral committee for England, bringing together chief executives and policy officers from public and non-government heritage bodies to co-ordinate initiatives and strengthen advocacy work and communications.

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”.

S5W-05424 Graham Simpson: To ask the Scottish Government (a) how many and (b) where vacant and derelict town centre buildings have been brought back into use as affordable housing through the Town Centre Housing Fund.(08/12/16)

S5W-05288 Mark Ruskell: To ask the Scottish Government what steps it is taking to ensure that new fish farms do not undermine the conservation objectives of the marine protected area network. (SP 05/12/16)

S5W-05289 Mark Ruskell: To ask the Scottish Government how the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 supports participatory planning for coastal communities in relation to the development of fish farms, and what impact the proposals in the Islands Bill would have. (SP 05/12/16)

S5W-05277 Graham Simpson: To ask the Scottish Government what its assessment is of the move toward e-building standards by local authorities and how this has impacted the delivery of building standards warrants (SP 05/12/16)

S5W-05282 Graham Simpson: To ask the Scottish Government how much local authorities have invested in technology specifically in advance of the e-building standards portal roll out. (SP 05/12/16)

S5W-05283 Graham Simpson: To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the uptake by local authorities of e-building standards. (SP 05/12/16)

(S5O-00438) Alison Harris: To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on what action it is taking in response to the findings of the Independent Review of the Scottish Planning System. (SP 01/12/16)

(S5O-00432) Mary Fee: To ask the Scottish Government when it last received an update from COSLA or the Association of Local Authority Chief Housing Officers regarding the enforcement of minimum standards for Gypsy/Traveller sites. (SP 01/12/16)

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-05010: Pauline McNeill, Glasgow, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 24/11/2016
To ask the Scottish Government how many units were proposed in the Strategic Housing Investment Plans that were submitted to its More Homes Division (a) in total and (b) from each local authority.
Answered by Angela Constance (06/12/2016)

Question S5W-05008: Pauline McNeill, Glasgow, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 24/11/2016
To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish the Strategic Housing Investment Plans that were submitted to its More Homes Division.
Answered by Angela Constance (06/12/2016)

Question S5W-05007: Pauline McNeill, Glasgow, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 24/11/2016
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will allow Housing Infrastructure Fund loans to be used from 2017-18 to support the provision of community infrastructure, such as schools, that is required as a result of new housing development.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (05/12/2016)

Question S5W-05150: Murdo Fraser, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 29/11/2016
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the impact of delays in obtaining building control consent on (a) the industry and (b) its housing targets.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (12/12/2016)

Question S5W-05149: Murdo Fraser, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 29/11/2016
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether local authorities have improved the quality of the building standards verification service since 2011.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (12/12/2016)

Question S5W-05147: Murdo Fraser, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 29/11/2016
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether local authorities are sufficiently resourced to provide the building standards verification service.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (12/12/2016)

Question S5W-05145: Murdo Fraser, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 29/11/2016
To ask the Scottish Government (a) when and (b) how it will consult on the appointment of building standards verifiers.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (12/12/2016)

OTHER PARLIAMENTARY ACTIVITY

The Parliament has agreed the following parliamentary recess dates:
•    24 December 2016 to 8 January 2017 (inclusive)
•    11 to 19 February 2017 (inclusive)

EVENTS

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

Hard hat tours of Riddle’s Court
When: Saturday 17th December, 2016, 10.00-16.00.
Where: Riddle’s Court – enter at 6 Victoria Terrace.
SHBT are opening Riddle’s Court as part of Edinburgh’s Christmas Advent Doors Open programme. This will be the final opportunity for the public to tour the site works. Our project team, including architects from LDN, will be guiding groups around the building. The tours are free but must be booked in advance.

Heritage and Conservation Seminar
When: Wednesday 25 January 2017 from 1.50pm to 6pm followed by a wine reception.
Where: University of Stirling.
Leading practitioners will explore current issues in heritage and conservation, supported by concrete examples. The aim is to encapsulate: different types of heritage (cultural and natural landscapes, buildings, monuments, intangible, collections); different aspects of heritage work (knowledge and understanding, understanding value, managing change, protection and conservation, engagement and enjoyment); different types of organisations (central and local government; heritage bodies; umbrella organisations, etc.); strategic and coal-face activities. Places are free for CIfA members only.

CIfA2017 Archaeology: A Global Profession
When: Wednesday 19 – Friday 21 April 2017
Where: Newcastle University.
The Chartered Institute for Archaeologists annual conference will provide an opportunity for heritage professionals to discuss, consider and learn about archaeological practice on a world stage through three broad themes of professionalism, protection and discovery. There will be half-day sessions within traditional paper format, discussion/panel seminars and CPD workshops, these themes will accommodate an exciting programme.

Training

GIS workshop 
When: Thursday 9 February 2017 from 10am to 4pm.
Where: High Life Highland, Highland Archive Centre, Inverness.
The course will provide basic instruction on using QGIS, an Open Source GIS programme. Students will learn how to add GPS data, background maps and images and to create point, polyline and polygon GIS files.

Resourcing Scotland’s Heritage is delivering a series of training courses and events across Scotland.
Our training is best suited to registered charities and constituted community groups. Take a walk through our simple question and answer page to determine which course is right for you. We have two main training courses and a series of ‘In Focus’ events. If you are interested in any particular event or fundraising topic, please do get in touch – we may be able to bring an event to your area info@scotheritage.org.

Traditional Building Skills Training
Scottish Lime Centre Trust offer a wide range of vocational and professional courses combining theory and practical working sessions designed to ensure that there are courses to suit everyone.

VACANCIES

The Scottish Historic Buildings Trust has a number of Job Vacancies:

Project Manager
SHBT is seeking an experienced Project Manager to take responsibility for initiating and executing high quality conservation and restoration projects on behalf of the Trust, demonstrating best practice in adaptive re-use of old buildings. This post is full-time.A Job Description is available by emailing recruitment@shbt.org.uk or visiting www.shbt.org.uk.
Closing Date 20th January 2017.

Building/Events Managers
SHBT is seeking two experienced Building/Events Manager to take on the overall management of two of its Edinburgh properties – Custom House in Leith and Riddle’s Court in the Lawnmarket.  The Manager will be responsible for the day to day running of each property including management of all tenants as well as development and management of all events held within the public spaces.   A proven track record of running a mixed use venue is essential. Evening and weekend working is an essential requirement of this job. A Job Description is available by emailing recruitment@shbt.org.uk or visiting www.shbt.org.uk.
Closing Date 27th January 2017.

Audience Development Officer – Patrick Geddes Centre
SHBT is undertaking a major capital project to restore Riddle’s Court and give it new life as the Patrick Geddes Centre for Learning.  The construction phase is nearing completion and the Trust is seeking an experienced Audience Development Officer to develop new audiences in line with the Audience Development Plan to support the range of activities which will be delivered in the Centre when it opens in autumn 2017 and promote the Centre as a venue for hire. This post is part-time (currently 21 hours per week) and is part funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. Evening and weekend working is an essential requirement of this job. A Job Description is available by emailing recruitment@shbt.org.uk or visiting www.shbt.org.uk.
Closing Date 3rd February 2017.

Director – Patrick Geddes Centre
SHBT is undertaking a major capital project to restore Riddle’s Court and give it new life as the Patrick Geddes Centre for Learning.  The construction phase is nearing completion and the Trust is seeking to appoint a Centre Director who will be responsible for the strategic vision and direction of the Centre for Learning, overseeing the development and delivery of Learning Activities, delivering an interdisciplinary learning community and building an international reputation for the Patrick Geddes Centre in line with Patrick Geddes’ holistic approach to learning highlighted in the gateway to Riddle’s Court – ‘Vivendo Discimus’ – by living we learn. High level knowledge and understanding of the work of Patrick Geddes including a proven track record in delivering a range of learning activities and community programmes direct experience of managing Advisory Groups, teams of staff and volunteers and management of an educational or multi-purpose venue.  This post is full-time and is part funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. A Job Description is available by emailing recruitment@shbt.org.uk or visiting www.shbt.org.uk.
Closing Date 3rd February 2017.

MEMBERS’ NEWS

Shaping Place – An Introduction to Landscape Assessment (PAS 12/12/16)
PAS volunteer, Alastair Smith, shares his thoughts on a recent volunteer training event on landscape assessment hosted by Doug Harman.

Trust announces senior appointments (NTS 08/12/16)
Heritage and conservation charity the National Trust for Scotland, which has lately been undergoing a major change programme, has announced appointments to important new leadership roles.

IHBC consultation response: Managing Heritage Assets – A Guide for Local Government (07/12/16)
Historic England consulted on this document with a selected group of stakeholders, including the IHBC, with the IHBC Consultation Panel findings including that the document should refer to BS 7913: 2013 and better reflect the English Heritage advice on Disposal of Heritage Assets: Guidance note for government departments and non-departmental public bodies.

IHBC Jobs etc – the service that helps careers, employers and heritage (IHBC 02/12/16)
The IHBC has just released some internal employment data from our sector-wide IHBC Jobs etc service, which to date this year has advertised posts with a combined maximum of more than £6million of stated salaries, for posts from property heads to facilities managers, and with 69% postings recommending IHBC membership or more.

Repositioning Planning – A vision for a reformed planning system (RTPI Scotland xx/12/16)
Kate Houghton outlines RTPI Scotland’s ambitions for coming planning reform.

Poor building maintenance – a threat to Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site (EWH 01/12/16)
Edinburgh World Heritage, together with the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, has announced that complacency and lack of attention to basic building maintenance now represents a significant threat to the city’s World Heritage Site.

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 tel: BEFS Office on 0131 220 6241

BEFS NEWS

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has announced an ambitious national campaign to find out what heritage really means to the people of Scotland as part of the 2017 Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology. ‘What’s Your Heritage?’ is a multi-channel project that asks members of the public to reveal which of Scotland’s places, buildings and monuments they want to see recognised and celebrated.

In light of the HES campaign, Euan Leitch, Director of BEFS, reflects on how it complements other research on the understanding of social value, how it can be incorporated within built environment policy and what it means for the role of experts, in the first of two blogs this week.

The Heritage Index 2016 has now been launched. The index covers 120 indicators, with local data available for all 390 local authority areas in the UK’s four nations. It aims to give people a richer understanding of their place, so that they are inspired to get involved in shaping their place into the future.

We would also like to draw your attention to BEFS member RTPI Scotland’s publication Repositioning Planning: Building a Successful and Sustainable Scotland, which outlines 14 “gamechangers” they have suggested to the Scottish Government for inclusion in the Planning White Paper.

Bill Pagan, Board member of BEFS and founding Board member of Cupar Development Trust, reports on progress following Cupar’s CharrettePlus, in the second of our blogs.

CONSULTATIONS

Digital Transformation: Next Steps (SG 30/11/16)

Registers of Scotland (RoS) is developing a variety of new digital services. Part One of the consultation sets out detailed proposals for the introduction of these new services and the necessary changes to the Land Register Rules that would be required to facilitate them.
Runs from 30 Nov 2016 to 22 Feb 2017

Building Warrant Fees (SG 15/11/16)
The purpose of this consultation is to seek views on increasing building warrant and other associated fees to make the building standards system achieve full cost recovery and place it on a sustainable footing for the future.
Runs from 15 Nov 2016 to 9 Jan 2017

Improving transparency in land ownership in Scotland: a consultation on controlling interests in land (SG 11/09/16)
A consultation on proposals for regulations to require the disclosure of persons with controlling interest in landowners and tenants in a register to be held by the Registers of Scotland.
Consultation closes on 5 Dec 2016!

PUBLICATIONS

Repositioning Planning: Building a Successful and Sustainable Scotland (RTPI 24/11/16)
Fourteen “gamechangers” the RTPI Scotland has suggested to the Scottish Government for inclusion in the White Paper.

Small Housing Developers in Scotland: Views on outputs & future prospects; obstacles and solutions to building and Help to Buy Schemes (SG 21/11/16)
This is a report on a survey of small and medium sized enterprises in the building trade. It sets out their expectations for business in the future which are optimistic and the barriers they expect to face and how these could be addressed.

SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT NEWS RELEASES

Call for reassurance over European City of Culture (SG 29/11/16)
Brexit must not harm Dundee’s opportunity to host 2023 title. The UK Government must give urgent reassurance that its Brexit plans will not harm Dundee’s opportunity to bid to become the 2023 European Capital of Culture, Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said today.

Discretionary Housing Payments – over 86,000 awards support housing costs during April to September 2016 (SG 29/11/16)
An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland. Statistics released today by Scotland’s Chief Statistician show that during the period 1 April to 30 September 2016, Local Authorities in Scotland made over 86,000 Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) awards. The average award value was £512, typically to cover shortfalls in housing costs through to 31 March 2017.

Brexit impact on research discussed (SG 24/11/16)
Roseanna Cunningham meets research institutes to discuss concerns. Discussions were held today over the possible consequences of Brexit on the Scottish Government’s main rural, agricultural and environmental research institutes. Roseanna Cunningham, Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform, met with directors and chairs from Scotland’s Main Research Providers to address how Brexit may impact non-UK EU employees and future access to EU funding.

Backing for city deal (SG 21/11/16)
UK Government should commit to City Region Deals. Economy Secretary Keith Brown has called on the UK Government to commit to a Tay Cities and Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal in the Autumn Statement. The Scottish Government has been working with local authorities to develop proposals for the city region deals which would stimulate economic growth in the area.

£250m Aberdeen City Region Deal (SG 21/11/16)
Signing completes agreement. The Aberdeen City Region Deal was launched today with the official signing of the £250million agreement. The terms of the deal commit both the UK Government and Scottish Government to jointly investing up to £250m while Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeenshire Council and local partners are committed to investing up to £44m over the next decade.

NEWS RELEASES

Stirling Castle crowned winner at new awards initiative (HES 30/11/16)
Stirling Castle has claimed the title of Scotland’s Best Visitor Attraction at the inaugural 2016 Scottish and Outdoor Leisure Awards. The centuries-old stronghold, which welcomes around 460,000 visitors through its iconic gates each year, was voted for by members of the public and visitors alike before being fully researched and reviewed by an independent judging panel.

The pros and cons of crowdfunding architectural projects (IHBC 25/11/16)
A CLAD magazine feature discusses how crowdfunding can help get projects started and allow architects to be proactive. The article gives advice on choosing the right crowdsourcing platform, raising the full amount needed and reaching out to the right audience.

Make planners statutory consultees in strategic local decisions, Scottish Government told (RTPI 24/11/16)
Strategic decisions by local authorities in areas such as economic development or education are often taken in isolation from planning departments and this needs to change, RTPI Scotland has told the Scottish Government.

Protecting the Stones of Worship (FCS 24/11/16)
Damage caused by a Pagan bonfire to the stone circle of Na Clachan Aoraidh – set high on the limestone ridge of Cnoc na Craoibhe above Loch Tummel in Tay Forest District – was turned into an opportunity to investigate and record the site in detail.

Every city in Scotland to share in multi-billion pound rebuild programme after Stirling award (Herald Scotland 24/11/16)
EVERY city in Scotland has now been awarded a City Deal with the announcement in the Autumn Statement that Stirling and Clackmannanshire are to receive the multi-million pound building boost.

Homeless village to be built in Edinburgh (BBC 24/11/16)
Scotland’s first village for homeless people is to be built in Edinburgh next year. Social Bite said 10 homes would be built in Granton to provide a low cost, safe environment for up to 20 people. The social enterprise said it wanted to create a model to end the “vicious cycle” of homelessness. Work on the village is expected to begin in early 2017, with the first residents expected to move into their homes by the summer.

Historic Environment Scotland Apprentices Scoop UK Awards (HES 24/11/16)
Two Scottish stonemasonry apprentices have taken Gold and Bronze respectively, in a UK-wide competition to find the country’s most talented construction apprentices. The SkillBuild Final – organised by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) – saw 78 competitors from across the UK, compete across 10 different trades, including bricklaying, wall and floor tiling, and painting and decorating.

Scottish councils spent £750m on temporary housing in last five years (Scottish Housing News 21/11/16)
Local authorities is Scotland have spent more than £750 million on temporary accommodation for homeless families in the last five years, according to new statistics. The data was obtained by the BBC as part of a wider investigation which found that the amount spent on temporary accommodation by councils across Britain was over £3.5 billion over the same period.

Local authorities praised for response to Syrian refugee crisis (Scottish Housing News 18/11/16)
Scotland has welcomed more than 1,200 Syrian refugees since the first flight arrived in Glasgow one year ago, according to the Scottish Government. With 29 local authorities receiving Syrian refugees to date, equalities secretary Angela Constance praised the country’s quick response to the humanitarian crisis as “phenomenal”.

Who is using Place Standard and for what? (A&DS 11/16)
Throughout November we have published a series of articles where we explore ways in which Architecture and Design Scotland has helped organisations to test, develop and apply the Place Standard. This has been part of our partnership work in jointly leading development of the tool with Scottish Government and NHS Health Scotland.

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”.

S5W-05145 Murdo Fraser: To ask the Scottish Government (a) when and (b) how it will consult on the appointment of building standards verifiers. (SP 30/11/16)

S5W-05147 Murdo Fraser: To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether local authorities are sufficiently resourced to provide the building standards verification service. (SP 30/11/16)

S5W-05149 Murdo Fraser: To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on whether local authorities have improved the quality of the building standards verification service since 2011. (SP 30/11/16)

S5W-05150 Murdo Fraser: To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the impact of delays in obtaining building control consent on (a) the industry and (b) its housing targets. (SP 30/11/16)

S5W-05007 Pauline McNeill: To ask the Scottish Government whether it will allow Housing Infrastructure Fund loans to be used from 2017-18 to support the provision of community infrastructure, such as schools, that is required as a result of new housing development. (SP 25/11/16)

S5W-05008 Pauline McNeill: To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish the Strategic Housing Investment Plans that were submitted to its More Homes Division. (SP 25/11/16)

S5W-05010 Pauline McNeill: To ask the Scottish Government how many units were proposed in the Strategic Housing Investment Plans that were submitted to its More Homes Division (a) in total and (b) from each local authority. (SP 25/11/16)

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 S5O-00344: Gordon Lindhurst, Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 09/11/2016
To ask the Scottish Government what impact Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site status, and the built heritage within it, has on visitor numbers to the city.
Answered by Fiona Hyslop (16/11/2016)

Question S5W-04642: Bruce Crawford, Stirling, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 10/11/2016
To ask the Scottish Government what recent assessment it has made of the (a) housing needs of older people and (b) demand for retirement housing.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (18/11/2016)

Question S5W-04641: Bruce Crawford, Stirling, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 10/11/2016
To ask the Scottish Government how its forthcoming white paper on planning will take account of the housing needs of older people.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (22/11/2016)

OTHER PARLIAMENTARY ACTIVITY

The Parliament has agreed the following parliamentary recess dates:

• 24 December 2016 to 8 January 2017 (inclusive)
• 11 to 19 February 2017 (inclusive)

EVENTS

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

Workshop: Stained Glass 
When: 3rd December 2016 from 10am – 4pm.
Where: 54 Bell Street, Glasgow.
Discover the art and craft of stained glass through a practical exploration of the techniques and materials used. Learn about the history and development of the craft along with the challenges facing conservation and restoration for the future. Then put what you’ve learnt into practice by developing and making a stained-glass panel which you can take home at the end of the day.

Furnishing the Tower House
When: Monday 5th December, 6.30pm.
Where: St Andrew’s & St George’s West Church, Edinburgh, £5.
Michael Pearce talks to us about the nobles, lairds, merchants and craftsmen who designed the interiors of Scotland’s Tower Houses.
AHSS Forth & Borders Group Winter Lecture Series.

Mapping the City: a new approach for the Digital Age – Edinburgh
When: Monday December 12 from 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm.
Where: Auditorium National Museum Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF.
Richard Roger, Professor of Economic and Social History, and Project Director MESH – Mapping Edinburgh’s Social History, University of Edinburgh, presents “Mapping the City: a new approach for the Digital Age”. The lecture considers how space is often overlooked when considering the nature of cities. (The lecture is repeated the evening afterwards in Aberdeen).

Christmas Party in the Advocates’ Reading Room
When: Tuesday 13th December, 7pm.
Where: Parliament House, Edinburgh, £15.
Members and Non-members are invited to join the AHSS Forth & Borders Group Christmas Party. Booking required.

Selling Scotland: The Kelvingrove Exhibitions 1888, 1901 & 1911
When: Thursday 19th January 2017.
Where: Adelaides, Glasgow, £4.
Fergus Sutherland discusses the impact of the Great Exhibition.
AHSS Strathclyde Group Winter Lecture Series.

TRAINING

Making and Using Traditional Mortars C1-Contractor Level 1
When: 24 – 25 January 2017 from 09.30 – 16.30.
Where: Merryhill Training Centre, Fife
Our most popular two-day introductory course – this practical workshop will provide attendees with a strong understanding of lime technology. The reasons for using traditional mortars on solid walls will also be explained, to allow you to better advise clients. The course will guide participants to be able to complete pointing work to traditional buildings to a high standard.
The content of this workshop provides the underpinning knowledge required for assessment and accreditation of SQA National Unit 1 – ‘Preparing and Using Basic Lime Mixes’.

Mortar Analysis Explained
When: 9 March 2017 from 09.30 – 12.30.
Where: Charlestown Workshops, Fife
The Mortar Analysis Explained seminar will help you gain an understanding the component parts of historic mortars, plasters, renders and harling through a variety of analysis techniques – key information to developing a repair specification that will perform as a compatible replacement. Choosing the wrong mortar could endanger the very fabric of the building that you are trying to conserve. For just £ 15 plus VAT (£ 18 in total) gain 2.5 hours of CPD and get to talk to our expert Building Materials Analysts.

Stone Analysis Explained
When: 9 March 2017 from 13.30 – 16.30.
Where: Charlestown Workshops, Fife
Top up your CPD hours and come and learn something crucial for prolonging the life of our built heritage environment. The vast majority of our heritage buildings are built with natural stone, some more durable than others. So understanding the importance of the variety of analysis techniques at our disposal for revealing the nature of our building stones and how they might be replicated with currently operating quarries is a vital step in the building conservation process. Choosing the wrong stone could accelerate the decay of surrounding historic masonry, the very opposite of what we want to achieve. For just £ 15 plus VAT (£ 18 in total) gain 2.5 hours of CPD and be better informed for your building conservation projects.

VACANCIES

PAS Volunteer opportunity 2017
PAS is planning a school project in Galashiels from February to October 2017, which will involve our IMBY, YEP and Young Placemakers programmes.  If you are interested in volunteering for this please contact Robert Pickles.

PAS project “In the Footsteps of Geddes”
PAS project “In the Footsteps of Geddes” is gearing up for workshops in Glasgow as the next part of its project.  These are likely to take place on Wednesdays and Fridays, in school time. Volunteers interested and able to get involved, please contact Robert Pickles.

MEMBERS’ NEWS

Call for nominations (SCT 11/16)
Scottish Civic Trust is calling for community groups to nominate favourite new buildings, conservation projects and people in annual Scottish Civic Trust My Place Awards.

IHBC supports members in crisis: 1 year IHBC fee-free and fuss-free, if you’ve lost your job or face serious sudden troubles! (IHBC 25/11/16)
Lost your job and problems finding new work?  Or are you facing a crisis that seriously affects your conservation career or income?  IHBC is here to help, with our ‘fee-free year’ supporting you in your time of need. Just let us know and we’ll sort out your fee for a year, free of fuss and bother.  You can then focus on getting back on your feet, knowing that your professional body is still there for you.

IHBC’s Conservation Area anniversary celebrations fund update: Check out some of the ideas already coming in from civic trusts! (IHBC 23/11/16)
Take a look at some of the great ideas already received from local Civic Trusts on they can use the IHBC’s £2500 allocation to help local communities celebrate the 50th anniversary of Conservation Areas in 2017.

“Scotland’s Royal Collection” at Brodick Castle Awarded National Significance (NTS 23/11/16)
The unique collection at the National Trust for Scotland’s Brodick Castle on Arran has been Recognised as Nationally Significant to Scotland. Tucked away on the island of Arran in Brodick Castle is a collection that gives a unique insight into the social and private lives of one of Scotland’s leading noble families. The award is made by Museums Galleries Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government. This announcement brings the total of Recognised Collections in Scotland to 47.

Summary of recent PAS projects (PAS 11/16)
PAS has produced a number of short summaries from recent projects. These range from community-led charrettes and community land use plans to development plan engagement and youth engagement.

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 tel: BEFS Office on 0131 220 6241.