BEFS Bulletin – BEFS Welcomes New Team Member
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BEFS News
We would like to introduce you all to Ailsa Macfarlane who started with us last Tuesday as our Policy & Advocacy Officer. Ailsa joins us from Resourcing Scotland’s Heritage and you can find a bit more about her background on our website.
The Scottish Government has published the Scottish Household Survey 2016. Key findings show that the number of adults who visited historical or archaeological places increased by 6 percentage points between 2012 and 2016 (28 to 34 per cent).
The fourth round of Brexit negotiations got underway this week and senior figures within the UK and Scottish Governments met regarding the EU (Withdrawal) Bill.
Scottish Parliament’s Information Centre (SPICe) has created an information hub on the UK’s decision to leave the EU. The Finance & Constitution Committee is calling for evidence on the impact of Brexit and the closing date for responses is Friday.
SCVO has also been working hard to gather the views of Scotland’s third sector. Do you have contact with European networks and institutions? What issues do you collaborate with European organisations on? Help SCVO build a more accurate picture of the networks and projects the Scottish third sector is involved in by completing the European Connections mapping survey.
Finally, we have a large number of fantastic events coming up next month so do check them out below or in our events calendar.
Consultations
The Scottish Parliament’s Finance & Constitution Committee is calling for evidence on the impact of Brexit.
The closing date for responses is Friday 29 September 2017.
Community Empowerment and Common Good Property: Consultation on Draft Guidance
Closes 29 Sep 2017.
Updating of the School Premises (General Requirements and Standards)(Scotland) Regulations 1967
Closes 9 Oct 2017.
The Scottish Parliament’s Economy, Jobs & Fair Work Committee has issued a call for evidence on Scotland’s economic performance.
The inquiry’s focus is to understand economic trends and divergences since 2007 between Scotland, the UK and Europe. It seeks to identify economic challenges and opportunities facing Scotland during the next decade. The deadline for written submissions is 13 November 2017
Consultation Responses
Land Rights and Responsibilities Statement Consultation Analysis (SG 14/09/17)
Publications
Scottish Household Survey Key Findings 2016 (SG 26/09/17)
Scotland’s People Annual Report: Results from the 2016 Scottish Household Survey (SG 26/07/17)
The proposed amendments to the EU (Withdrawal) Bill (SG 19/09/17)
Joint letter to Prime Minister re EU (Withdrawal) Bill (SG 19/09/17)
Letter from Michael Russell to Finance and Constitution Committee (SG 19/09/17)
Scottish Government News Releases
Building and fire safety (SG 27/09/17)
Two leading experts have been announced as the chairs of the two groups that will take forward the review of building standards. Professor John Cole will chair the review of enforcement and compliance and Dr Paul Stollard will chair the review of fire safety in building standards.
Scottish Household Survey 2016 (SG 26/09/17)
Increasing numbers of people in Scotland feel they are managing well financially and nine out of ten people rate their neighbourhood as a good place to live. These are some of the key findings from the Scottish Household Survey 2016 published today.
Devolution must be protected (SG 25/09/17)
Speaking after today’s meeting with UK First Secretary of State Damian Green on the issues surrounding the current draft of the EU Withdrawal Bill – which was also attended by Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland’s Place in Europe Michael Russell and Scottish Secretary David Mundell – Deputy First Minister John Swinney said:
Clarity on Brexit Bill vital (SG 24/09/17)
Ministers to meet UK counterparts. The UK Government must ‘urgently stop any power grab’ over policy areas exercised at EU level through the draft Withdrawal Bill, Minister for UK Negotiations on Scotland’s Place in Europe, Michael Russell has warned.
Defending devolution (SG 19/09/17)
Justice, farming, fishing, environment and rail among “power grab” list. The Scottish and Welsh governments have today jointly published amendments to the European Union (Withdrawal Bill), to prevent the UK Government taking control of devolved policy areas.
Scottish Government backs Paisley 2021 bid (SG 19/09/17)
The Scottish Government has given its financial backing to Scotland’s bid if Paisley is named UK City of Culture 2021. The Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop, made the announcement while attending the first of a series of culture conversation events which took place at the University of the West of Scotland campus in the heart of Paisley.
Homelessness and rough sleeping action group (SG 19/09/17)
£50 million ‘Ending Homelessness Together’ fund. Further details of a new short term action group which will identify the actions and changes needed to end rough sleeping and transform the use of temporary accommodation in Scotland, has been announced by Housing Minister Kevin Stewart in a Ministerial statement today.
News Releases
Search for Scotland’s ‘heritage angels’ enters final stage (HES 27/09/17)
The search to find Scotland’s ‘heritage angels’ is gearing up, with the final shortlist for the Scottish Heritage Angel Awards 2017 revealed today (Wed 27 Sep).
Fine homeowners who sell draughty homes, suggests report (BBC 27/09/17)
Frontier Economics has published a new report on energy efficiency. The firm recommends fining homeowners who sell properties that do not meet energy efficiency standards. It also called for new financing schemes and stamp duty rebates for those who do choose to insulate their homes.
Five tips to help you prepare for GDPR (SCVO 26/09/17)
Never mind the countdown to Christmas, there’s only 241 days left to get ready for Data Protection D-Day! So what can you do to minimise the risks to your organisation and make sure you’re ready for GDPR? Here are five tips to start off with.
McLeish launches Scottish Alliance for People and Places (SAPP 21/09/17)
The Scottish Alliance for People and Places, chaired by former First Minister Henry McLeish, has launched its campaign. The Alliance, comprising ten organisations working across the planning and placemaking sectors, has come together to urge the Scottish Government and Scottish Parliament to deliver a more inclusive, collaborative and innovative planning system when the Planning Bill is introduced to Holyrood later this year.
Call for Applications – Howdens Scottish Empty Homes Champion of the Year Awards (Shelter)
The Howdens’ Scottish Empty Homes Champion of the Year Awards are intended to provide a method for showcasing exemplary contributions to the field of private sector empty homes work in Scotland. The awards are open to practitioners, campaigners, community groups and elected members who raise the profile of private sector empty homes issues in Scotland. Self-nomination is encouraged! Closing date for entries is midnight on 6th October 2017.
Future sea-level rise will increase potential flood risks in Firth of Clyde area (SNH 21/09/17)
Sea levels will rise by up to 0.47m by 2080, a new report published by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has highlighted.
Heritage Boost to England’s Economy Revealed in New Report (HE 21/09/17)
A new report published today by Historic England has revealed the vital contribution of heritage to England’s economic prosperity. Heritage is an important source of employment and draws millions of visitors each year. England’s unique collection of historic buildings provides premises for businesses, homes for residents and can help reverse decline in town centres.
SCVO series of papers on topics relating to Brexit (SCVO)
SCVO has been asked by the Scottish Government, UK Government and European Commission to support Scotland’s third sector to provide its perspectives and recommendations on making the best of Brexit for Scotland’s people and communities. These are presented in a series of five discussion papers, which we hope will help the sector deliberate and review the impact of Brexit on its own future and that of the people it works with.
£22.8 million boost to give power back to communities (DCLG 20/09/17)
Communities across England are set to benefit from a package of support worth £22.8 million to help them develop plans to give them a real say in the development of their area.
Apply now for the Community Capacity and Resilience Fund! (SCVO)
Community organisations and groups which aim to help people mitigate the effects of welfare reform by providing them with the support and skills they need can now apply for the third phase of the Community Capacity and Resilience Fund (CCRF).
Members News
A collaborative approach to creating homes (A&DS 20/09/17)
Whether it’s a house or a flat, a castle or a cottage, where we call home matters. Our health and well-being, our educational attainment, and many of our life choices depend on where we live. As a result, housing is one of our biggest challenges and the overwhelming reliance on the market as the go-to provider is looking increasingly in need of a reboot. For these reasons, A&DS has made support for the delivery of more and better homes one of its top priorities.
PAS responds to Scottish Government consultation on The Socio-Economic Duty (PAS 20/09/17)
PAS responded strongly in favour of this duty, noting the origins of the British planning system in addressing health and inequality, and making decisions in the public good. In particular, PAS welcomes the application of the socio-economic duty to Local Development Plans.
ScARF Bursaries available: Association for Environmental Archaeology conference 2017 (SoAoS 20/09/17)
The ‘Association for Environmental Archaeology conference 2017’ will take place from December the 1st to December the 3rd 2017 in Edinburgh, Scotland. The Scottish Archaeological Research Framework (ScARF) is offering student bursaries to support attendance at the conference. These bursaries are designed to allow students to hear about current research in archaeology and participate in discussions within the discipline.
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”.
Andy Wightman S5W-11526
To ask the Scottish Government how much each local authority spent on rural housing projects in 2016-17, also broken down by the (a) (i) name and (ii) postcode of each project, (b) grant-receiving organisation, and (c) number of (A) units and (B) bed spaces. (SP 25/09/17)
Rhoda Grant S5W-11425
To ask the Scottish Government when its report into community land purchases will be published. (SP 21/09/17)
Rhoda Grant S5W-11426
To ask the Scottish Government how many community land purchases have been made in each local authority area; when each purchase took place and what the acreage was of each. (SP 21/09/17)
Graham Simpson S5W-11428
To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) housing association, (b) local authority and (c) private sector-run (i) sheltered and (ii) very sheltered homes there are. (SP 21/09/17)
Graham Simpson S5W-11429
To ask the Scottish Government what information it has regarding how many private high-rise blocks in each local authority area have combustible cladding. (SP 21/09/17)
Dean Lockhart S5W-11380
To ask the Scottish Government what resources it will contribute towards the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Deal, and when it expects the negotiations regarding the deal to conclude. (SP 19/09/17)
Debates
Motion S5M-07862: Fiona Hyslop, Linlithgow, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 25/09/2017
Recognise and Support Paisley’s 2021 UK City of Culture and Dundee’s 2023 European Capital of Culture Bids
That the Parliament recognises the significant contributions that the communities of Paisley and Dundee make to Scotland’s rich tapestry of cultural life and the local, national and international boosts that Paisley’s 2021 UK City of Culture and Dundee’s 2023 European Capital of Culture bids will bring; fully supports both bids, which will promote Scotland’s cultural and creative talent and showcase its inspiring building design and places to UK and European partners; notes that the Paisley bid will deliver a spectacular year-long cultural and events programme inspired by the rich textile heritage of the city and will be inclusive, accessible and appeal to a range of local, national and international audiences; recognises that the bid is part of broader heritage and culture-led regeneration plans seeking to transform Paisley into a vibrant cultural destination, growing the cultural, creative and visitor economy, and re-positioning Paisley as a place recognised for cultural excellence; further recognises that Dundee is on a pioneering journey with culture and creativity driving the continuing regeneration of the city and its waterfront, which includes a world-class design museum in the V&A; supports Dundee’s plans to build on its UNESCO City of Design status, learning from other European cities’ approaches, and supports the valuable role that the bid will have in promoting Dundee’s rich cultural heritage and exciting future.
Debated in the Chamber on 27/09/17. Read full transcript of debate here.
Events
For the latest information about BEFS Members’ events see our events calendar.
Scottish Architectural Ironwork
When: Friday 29th September.
Where: Engine Shed, Stirling.
The day will cover early ironwork in Scotland, the Carron Iron Co, the Lion Foundry of Kirkintilloch and other important firms. The team currently restoring The Val d’Osne Ross Fountain in Edinburgh will talk about the project and their previous project of the award winning Paisley Fountain of George Smith and Co. Hear about the iron bandstand tradition and overseas influence of Scottish ironwork and ironworkers and peruse important archives and materials related to Scottish ironwork. You might also be interested in joining us for a freewalking tour of Stirling on the 28th of September or come to the Engine Shed on the 30 September to take part in our free Heavy Metal Weekend activities. Tickets for the seminar are priced at £40, to book a place, please visit our website.
Lecture: Edinburgh’s Unbuilt ‘Opera House’, 1960 – 1975
When: Monday 2nd October. Time: 18:30.
Where: St Andrew’s and St George’s West Church, 13 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PA
Cost: £5 (£2.50 students).
This talk by Dr Alistair Fair examines the infamous proposals of 1960–1975 for a major new theatre in central Edinburgh. Popularly known as the ‘opera house’, the proposed Castle Terrace Theatre (which was never built) was a regular fixture in the local press, with frequent reports of delays, funding crises, architectural debate, and concerns about the designs themselves. This talk will ask: what went wrong?
Last BRICK Workshop in Scotland
When: 3rd October 2017, from 9:30 am – 4:15 pm.
Where: New Cumnock Town Hall.
We would like to invite you to our last BRICK workshop in Scotland. We will be coming to New Cumnock on 03 October 2017. This exciting day will focus on topics relating to governance, procurement and project management, all essential to the proper planning for reusing heritage sites. The day will also feature presentations on a range of heritage regeneration projects, all at different stages of their project journey. The workshop will include a range of presentations by national experts, including: Diane Gray, Development Manager from HLF in Scotland, Simon Green, Historic Environment Scotland, Gordon Neill, Development and Facilities Manager for Dumfries House.
Heritage and Innovation
When: 3rd October, 13:30-1800.
Where: Bowhill, Selkirk.
The Royal Society of Arts has a half day inter-disciplinary event looking at a variety of subjects with ten speakers delivering “provocations” to spark debate as Scotland moves towards the end of Scotland’s Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology. For detailed registration/ticket price information and the list of ten diverse speakers and subjects, including two SEFARI speakers, please email SL&E member Ann Packard apmcich@btinternet.com who chairs the RSA Fellows’ (a) Borders and (b) Media, Creative Industries, Culture and Heritage Networks. She is also available via 0131 556 2052.
Riddle’s Court: A Conservation Story
When: Friday 6th October 10.00 – 16.00.
Where: Riddle’s Court, 322 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh, EH1 2PG.
Fee: £30 / £25 concession (lunch included).
Celebrating SHBT’s achievement in securing Riddle’s Court for future generations, this study day charts the conservation story of the building’s restoration. Join us as we hear from our project architect, Sarah Gear, on how she and the site team reconfigured a 16th century merchant’s house for 21st century activity using Patrick Geddes’ own example of conservative surgery as precedent. We will also be joined by Scottish Wall Painting’s lead conservator Karen Dundas, who worked on the historic painted ceilings and Nevin of Edinburgh, decorative arts restorers, will demonstrate paint graining techniques used throughout the internal decoration.
‘His little hour of royalty’: Charles Edward Stuart at the Palace of Holyroodhouse
When & where: 9th October in Edinburgh. 10th October in Aberdeen.
Lecture given by Dr Jacqueline Riding, Historian, Author and Honorary Research Fellow, Birkbeck College, University of London. In the autumn of 1745 Charles Edward Stuart established a court at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, an episode that was later described by Andrew Lang as ‘his little hour of royalty.’ Yet, at this time, no one could have predicted for certain the outcome of the prince’s campaign. This lecture will challenge Lang’s glib assessment of the Stuart court at Holyrood, re-presenting it as a crucial part of, rather than an adjunct to, Charles’ restoration attempt.
Dumfries and Galloway’s Autumn Trip
When: Wednesday 11th October. Time: 11:30.
Where: Dumfries House Gardens & Auchinleck House
Cost: entrance fee (attendees must provide their own transportation)
Over the past two years Dumfries House’s Walled Gardens have been transformed with newly restored terraces and greenhouses. There are 5 acres to explore so something for every taste. Auchinleck House has had a long and varied history. The site has been dwelt on since the 13th century but the current house was built c.1760 by the 8th Laird of Auchinleck. It later passed on to his colourful son the diarist and biographer James Boswell.
Scotland’s Churches Trust Marion Fraser Memorial Lecture
When: Thursday, 12th October from 6:30 pm for a 7:00pm start.
Where: Canongate Kirk, Royal Mile, Edinburgh.
“The Chapel Royal in Scotland” given by The Very Rev Professor Iain Torrance FRSE. The lecture will be followed by light refreshments. For further information contact info@scotlandchurchestrust.org.uk or telephone on 0131 225 8644.
Riddle’s Court and St Cecilia’s Hall: Patronage and Processionals
Courtly ritual in the reign of James VI
When: Friday 17th November 10.00 – 16.00
Where: Riddle’s Court, 322 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh, EH1 2PG.
Fee: £30 / £25 concession (lunch included)
In 1598, Riddle’s Court was the scene of a diplomatic banquet attended by James VI and Anne of Denmark. Through a lens of ritual, ceremony and patronage this study day explores the relationship music and performance would have played during this royal visit. Hear from top academics who shed light on the backdrop to such an event. Medieval Music ensemble ‘Gaita’ will give us a flavour of music performed in the late medieval era and in partnership with the historic instrument collection at St Cecilia’s Hall, Sarah Deters will guide us through the University of Edinburgh’s formidable collection of renaissance instruments housed in the fully restored eighteenth century concert venue.
Scotland’s Towns Conference 2017 – Creating the Future History of Scotland’s Towns: The Key to Social, Cultural and Economic Wellbeing
When: 21st November, from 9am – 4pm.
Where: Paisley Town Hall.
This year Scotland celebrates the richness of its history and heritage, and the role of the past in shaping our present-day places, cultures and identities. This is particularly true for towns, whose heritage tells our story as a nation, from medieval burghs and seats of kings, to hubs of the industrial revolution, and ‘new town’ symbols of post-war modernity.
Vacancies
IHBC Consultant Policy Advisor
The Institute of Historic Building Conservation is commissioning consultancy services to carry out its Policy function. The work will commence immediately and the current contract will last for 12 months from the date of appointment when the IHBC the contract will be reviewed. As the IHBC’s Consultant Policy Advisor you will:
• help to shape the IHBC’s approach to policy and advocacy activities;
• enhance our ability to develop and respond to policy support and strengthen IHBC’s ability and capacity to influence the policies of governments, voluntary and professional bodies and non-governmental organizations throughout the UK;
• respond to consultations and take part in policy debates;
• build policy relationships on behalf of IHBC;
• promote the value of conservation and of the conservation profession to policy makers.
Closing date: 17.00 on Monday 23 October.
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