BEFS Bulletin – Shaping the Future of Heritage Policy
Get The Latest Built Environment News, Events, Vacancies, Consultations And Publications In Our News Bulletin.
BEFS News
This year Historic Environment Scotland is undertaking a review of the Historic Environment Scotland Policy Statement. Join BEFS for our Historic Environment Scotland Policy Statement Conference on 15th March and influence what direction it may take. The conference will bring together the sector for an intensive workshop looking at creative and pragmatic approaches to caring for Scotland’s historic environment. There are limited places still available so book your tickets now.
The power for communities to have the right to buy abandoned, neglected, or detrimental land and buildings is soon to become available: what opportunities will it offer your community? In partnership with Glasgow City Heritage Trust, BEFS invites you to Power to the People: Understanding Community Right to Buy at Govanhill Baths on 14th March, to find out more about the new legislation.
The Scottish Parliament’s Local Government and Communities Committee is? hearing from a range of stakeholders, including BEFS, over the coming weeks on the Planning (Scotland) Bill. You can also provide your thoughts on their Dialogue group page now.
Celia Sweeney, Equalities Manager with Historic Environment Scotland shares insights from BEFS Board Diversity in Public and Third Sector Organisations event on 20th February 2018 in our first blog this week.
BEFS Policy & Advocacy Officer, Ailsa Macfarlane, follows this up with further reflections on Board diversity in her blog, Board Diversity – A Reflection, A Provocation.
Finally, Karen Grant, Reforesting Scotland and the Thousand Huts campaign, updates us on the latest developments, new legislation and a whole new movement of hutters, in our third blog this week.
Consultations
Call for Evidence – EU Environmental and Animal Welfare Principles (SP 05/03/18)
The call for written views will close at midday on Thursday 29 March 2018.
The Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform Committee, wants to hear from you on the general principles of the Scottish Crown Estate Bill which the Scottish Government introduced on 24 January 2018.
The deadline for responses is 12 noon Friday 23 March 2018.
Have your say on the future priorities of the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF 31/01/18)
The consultation runs until Thursday 22 March 2018.
Consultation on LBTT First Time Buyers Relief (SG 09/02/18)
Opened 9 Feb 2018 and closes 23 Mar 2018.
Consultation Responses
Publications
Climate Change Plan: The Third Report on Proposals and Policies 2018-2032 (SG 01/03/18)
Review of Strategic Investment Plans for Affordable Housing (Shelter Scotland xx/02/18)
Planning (Scotland) Bill: Proposed Infrastructure Levy (SPICe 21/02/18)
Revised explanatory notes for the Forestry and Land Management (Scotland) Bill (SG 19/02/18)
Cadw’s historic environment online resources: Best practice guidance publications (HEW xx/02/18)
Architecture and Design Scotland Annual Review 2017 (A&DS 20/02/18)
Technical Paper 27 – Hot-Mixed Lime Mortars Microstructure and Functional Performance (Engine Shed 30/01/18)
This paper presents technical evidence for the use of hot-mixed lime mortars in the conservation of masonry structures. It examines how lime mortars function in practice, looks at historic lime mortars and highlights key characteristics of hot-mixed lime mortars.
Technical Paper 28 – Specifying Hot-Mixed Lime Mortars (HES 30/01/18)
This report examines the use of hot-mixed lime mortars for the repair, conservation and restoration of traditional masonry structures in the UK and Ireland. It also explores the evidence for the historic use of hot-mixed mortars and why these materials are still relevant.
Ten Years On: The Impact of the Heritage Grants Programme 2002-2007 (HLF 17/01/18)
Scottish Government News Releases
Rural tourism support (SG 01/03/18)
Island projects first to be backed under new £6m fund. Three sites on Skye and in Orkney are being given support to help them prepare for the tourist season, thanks to a new Scottish Government fund.
Affordable housing for the future (SG 27/02/18)
In a speech to the Chartered Institute of Housing Conference, Communities Secretary Angela Constance will reflect on a decade of success on housing and regeneration, set out the challenges that lie ahead and how government and the housing sector might work together to respond.
Archaeologists unearth amazing finds on Aberdeen bypass (SG 26/02/18)
Artefacts and structures found during archaeological excavations on the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route/Balmedie to Tipperty (AWPR/B-T) project are shedding light on land use and settlement in the north east over the past 15,000 years, including Mesolithic pits, Roman bread ovens, prehistoric roundhouses and a cremation complex.
Protecting music venues (SG 19/02/18)
Strengthened planning guidance published. Developers building new residential buildings near music venues will be responsible for taking appropriate measures to ensure local people are not disturbed by noise.
News Releases
See DBW for news on a ‘Building MOT’ scheme from BSRIA (IHBC 27/02/18)
IHBC members may find an interesting angle on Scotland’s earlier BEFS-linked ‘Building MOT’ headline initiative in the new feature from Designing Buildings Wiki (DBW) from the Building Services Research and Information Association (BSRIA), on the Association’s own new ‘Building MOT’ scheme.
HES Welcomes 2018-19 Budget Settlement (HES 26/02/18)
The 2018-19 Budget provides HES a total operating budget of £98.2m for the year, with £41.1m provided by the Scottish Government Grant in Aid and the remaining £57.1m drawn from commercial income. This is a £12m increase in the commercial income retained by HES, more than offsetting a reduction of £3.6m in the Grant in Aid
Planning Ahead (RTPI Scotland xx/02/18)
We have highlighted six examples from across Scotland which show how planning is working with communities and other professions to overcome the challenges that Scotland faces. But, we believe that we need to make it easier for planners to deliver these successes. This means making sure that the Planning Bill, and changes to policy and guidance that follow it, help to reposition the planning system.
IHBC Annual School – Belfast 2018 – Our shared Heritage (IHBC)
‘The IHBC has opened booking for its 2018 School – in Belfast on 21-23 June, on ‘Sharing’ – offering ‘early bird’ fees, bursaries, low-cost residential options as well as diverse study tours, so delegates can access up to 24 hours of formal CPD and networking over the 3-day Full School or up to 9 hours for the Day School and AGM.
Record attendance for Scottish visitor attractions (BBC 20/02/18)
The Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions has reported a 9.7% rise in visitors in 2017, taking the total number to over 30 million. Edinburgh Castle and the National Museum of Scotland also received over two million visitors each, a record for a Scottish attraction. Distilleries and whisky-related attractions received an 11.8% increase.
New Brexit reports show English culture organisations receive £40m from EU each year (Arts Council 20/02/18)
Two new reports have been released today revealing further details about the exposure of cultural organisations in England to markets in the European Union and elsewhere. EUCLID’s report assesses the European Union’s contribution to the arts, museums and creative industries in England. It found £345m was awarded between 2007-16, equating to £40m each year.
Active Travel Funding for Towns (STP 19/02/18)
Sustrans Scotland – Sustrans Scotland is delighted to launch the Community Links programme for 2018 -19, run in partnership with the Scottish Government. This year, we will prioritise ambitious, inclusive projects that make our towns and cities friendlier and safer places for people to walk and cycle.
Church spires to boost digital connectivity in rural areas (DDCMS 18/02/18)
Church spires across the UK will be used to boost digital connectivity in rural areas following an agreement between the Government and the Church of England.
DCMS Sectors Economic Estimates 2016: Business Demographics (DDCMS 14/02/18)
DCMS has published official statistics used to provide an estimate of the contribution of DCMS Sectors to the UK economy, measured by the number of businesses. These do not separate out the heritage sector but note that it is likely to be an underestimation for the heritage sector.
Theatres at Risk 2018 (Theatres Trust xx/01/18)
Theatres Trust has announced its Theatres at Risk Register 2018 with a call for local authorities to better support their theatre buildings by developing the opportunities they offer to their communities. The Register lists 35 theatre buildings across England, Scotland and Wales that are most at risk of being lost – even though each has real potential for a sustainable future as a working performance space.
Opinion & Comment
McLeish: Longer term plans key for engaging communities (SAPP 15/02/18)
Community charrettes: how we can maximise their impact (Nick Wright, 14/02/18)
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”.
Maurice Golden S5W-15040
To ask the Scottish Government how many rural homes in each local authority area have received support from the Home Energy Efficiency Programmes for Scotland area-based schemes. (SP 05/03/18)
Maurice Golden S5W-15041
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the progress it has made investigating possible reform of the energy performance certificate (EPC) rating system. (SP 05/03/18)
Maurice Golden S5W-15042
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of enforcing a minimum energy performance certificate (EPC) rating on private sector home sales, and what consideration it has given to the financial costs associated with upgrading rural off-gas grid properties to a minimum energy efficiency rating as part of any assessment. (SP 05/03/18)
Maurice Golden S5W-15043
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on using a single definition of “rural community” for the purposes of delivering energy efficiency programmes. (SP 05/03/18)
Maurice Golden S5W-15045
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of any diverging costs for rural and urban house builders as a result of low-carbon building standards. (SP 05/03/18)
Peter Chapman S5W-14763
To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to carry out an urban land use pilot, which was recommended in Getting the best from our land, a Land Use Strategy for Scotland 2016–2021. (SP 21/02/18)
Peter Chapman S5W-14764
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the progress that is being made with the development of the regional land use partnerships, which were recommended in Getting the best from our land, a Land Use Strategy for Scotland 2016–2021. (SP 21/02/18)
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-14674: Lewis Macdonald, North East Scotland, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 15/02/2018
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will implement the Agent of Change principle in the Scottish planning system to ensure that new development does not threaten the viability of live music venues.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (16/02/2018):
Question S5W-14291: Alexander Stewart, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 01/02/2018
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S5O-01736 by Kevin Stewart on 31 January 2018 (Official Report, c. 10), what discussions have taken place to ensure that community councils are empowered to (a) support community engagment with and (b) play an active role in the planning process.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (19/02/2018):
Events
For the latest information about BEFS Members’ events see our events calendar.
Analysis of a Clackmannanshire Estate
Date: Tuesday 6th March
Venue: Room LT2, Dalhousie Building, University of Dundee, DD1 4EN
Time: 18:00 – 21:00
Cost: Free
This Clackmannanshire estate is ancient and the house is 18th century, with alterations. Or is it? And where exactly was (is?) the now missing tower house of Hartshaw? Brucefield House was mothballed by the Victorians and then reclaimed in the 1920s, with style.
William Adam and Formal Landscape Design in Scotland 1720-1745
Date: Monday 12th March.
Venue: St Andrew’s and St George’s West Church, 13 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PA.
Time: 18:30 – 21:00
Cost: £5 (£2.50 students)
Non-members welcome!
This lecture investigates how William Adam’s garden designs related to contemporary and earlier fashions in Scottish and English garden design. Starting with two important gardens in which he played a key role – Newliston in West Lothian and his own estate at Blair Crambeth – a wide range of Adam’s work in landscape design will be examined.
Historic Plasterwork
Date: Tuesday 13th March.
Venue: Room LT2, Dalhousie Building, University of Dundee, DD1 4EN.
Time: 18:00 – 21:00.
Cost: Free .
Will Napier, chartered building surveyor and heritage consultant, will present on techniques of historic decorative plasterwork in Scotland. Steven Blench, independent plasterwork historian, conservator and contemporary practitioner, will present on nineteenth century decorative plasterwork.
Scottish Plant Hunters by Anne Lindsay
Date: Thursday 15th March, 6.30pm- 8.30pm.
Location: Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Lecture Theature, 20a Inverleith Row, Edinburgh.
Price: £9 or £6 for SGLH members of Friends of RBGE. Tickets available on the door.
Why did so many plant hunters herald from Scotland? Anne Lindsay, author of ‘Seeds of Blood and Beauty’ will explain why so many Scots become embroiled in tales of daring-do across the globe in search of plants to brighten gardens, conservatories and lives in the 18th and 19th centuries. A joint event hosted by Scotland’s Garden and Landscape Heritage and the Friends of RBGE.
Introduction to Digital Documentation of Buildings, BIM and Virtual Reality for Heritage
Dates: 19 & 20 March, Day 1: 9.30am – 4pm; Day 2: 9.30am – 3pm.
Venue: Engine Shed, Stirling.
Price: £60 per day/£100 2 days; Members and concessions 10% discount.
Delegates will explore the digital documentation of heritage through terrestrial laser scanning and photogrammetry, learning the basics involved in capturing and processing data, as well as how it can ultimately be used in BIM modelling. Virtual reality applications for heritage will also be investigated. The event will include an optional evening event to celebrate the launch of the Digital Documentation Short Guide.
Insight Tour: British Geological Survey
Date: 20 March, 10am – 12pm.
Venue: Lyell Centre, Edinburgh.
Price: Free (booking essential).
Join Luis Albornoz-Parra, Building Stones Scientist and Enquiries Officer at the British Geological Society (BGS), in an exclusive tour of the BGS Collections at The Lyell Centre, Edinburgh. Learn about a wide range of rocks, building stones, mineral ores and curious specimens. See how Historic Environment Scotland and BGS come together to look after our built heritage.
Inspiring Fundraising: A National Heritage Conference
Date: 26th April 2018.
Venue: Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh.
Inspiring Fundraising, Scotland’s national fundraising conference specifically dedicated to the heritage sector, will take place on Thursday 26th April 2018 at the Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh. By attending the conference, you will have a unique opportunity to learn from leading professionals in their specialist fields to help you overcome your fundraising challenges and set you on your journey to reaching your aspirations and targets. Inspiring Fundraising will also provide you with a motivational space to develop new ideas and new ways of working and the chance to engage with more than 200 peers from different heritage organisations from across Scotland and beyond. Using interactive learning techniques, the diverse programme will cover topics ranging from Embracing Creativity and Innovation to The Voice of the Funders and from The Power of Business and Cultural Partnerships through to Telling your Story on Film.
New approaches towards tackling barriers to employability
Date: 3rd May.
Venue: The Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh
This free half-day SURF Awards workshop event provides an opportunity to explore successful new approaches towards tackling barriers to employability with presentations from SURF Award projects and national partners.
The role of creative arts in regeneration
Date: 17th May.
Venue: Barras Arts and Design (BAaD), Glasgow.
This free half-day SURF Awards workshop event provides an opportunity to explore successful approaches towards linking creative arts into regeneration initiatives with presentations from SURF Award projects and national partners.
Successful approaches to regenerating Scotland’s places
Date: 31st May
Venue: The Portal Townhouse, Irvine
This free half-day SURF Awards workshop event provides an opportunity to explore successful current approaches towards regenerating Scotland’s places with presentations from SURF Award projects and national partners.
Training
Trustees’ Event: GDPR Briefing
Date & time: Mar 14 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: A&BS, 1st Floor, Rosebery House 9 Haymarket Terrace EH12 5EZ
General Data Protection Regulation is coming into force on 25th May. The GDPR brings with it a series of important changes in the UK’s data protection laws and will have a significant impact on how organisations manage personal data. Anderson Strahtern Lawyers Douglas McLachan and Barry Nichol will guide delegates though the issues and how best for organisations to stay compliant
Title Telling it like it is: Effective Copywriting
Date & time: Mar 15 10:30 am – 16:30 pm
Location: A&BS, 1st Floor, Rosebery House 9 Haymarket Terrace EH12 5EZ
This one-day training session is aimed at all individuals, regardless of their existing skills or experience, who need to develop a case for support for their heritage project or cause. Offering a combination of project-based, hands-on writing exercises with tips, techniques and critical theory, the training session explores the five stages of the copywriting process in the context of putting together an effective case for support.
*NEW FOR 2018* – Making & Using Hot Mixed Mortars
Dates: 16 March 2018 and 24 April 2018.
Venue: Charlestown Workshops, Fife KY11 3EN.
This one-day workshop aims to provide an introductory guide to the preparation and use of ‘hot mixed’ lime mortars, that is, mortars prepared by slaking quicklime, sand and natural hydraulic lime binders (and possibly other additives like tallow or pozzolans) to more closely mimic the appearance and technical performance of conservation mortars and in some cases offer advantages in use and technical performance over more conventional ‘cold mortars’. More and more clients and specifiers are asking building contractors to make and use ‘hot mixed’ mortars on their repair jobs, so get ahead of the game and brush up your knowledge and skills with us.
In Focus: Introduction to Sponsorship
Date & time: March 20 10:30 am – 4:30 pm
Location: A&BS, 1st Floor, Rosebery House 9 Haymarket Terrace EH12 5EZ
This session will explore the opportunities presented by corporate sponsorship for heritage groups and organisations. It is aimed primarily at those who have no or very little sponsorship experience. It is also a great refresher for those who need reminding of the basic principles and practice of this area of fundraising within the heritage sector.
*NEW FOR 2018* – Specifying Hot Mixed Lime Mortars
Dates: 27 March 2018 and 04 May 2018.
Venue: Charlestown Workshops, Fife KY11 3EN.
This one-day workshop aims to provide an introductory guide to the preparation and use of’ hot mixed’ lime mortars, that is, mortars prepared by slaking quicklime, sand and natural hydraulic lime binders (and possibly other additives like tallow or pozzolans) to more closely mimic the appearance and technical performance of conservation mortars and in some cases offer advantages in use and technical performance over more conventional ‘cold mortars’.
Historic Glass and Glazing Conservation (CPD module, part of PDA in Technical Conservation)
Dates: 5 days over 3 weeks between the 27th March and 16th April (22.5 taught hours).
Venue: Engine Shed, Stirling.
Price: £425
This module looks at the manufacture, use and conservation of glass and glazing systems in Scotland’s historic built environment. Taught through lectures and site visits. This is part of a wider Advanced Postgraduate Diploma in Technical Conservation course currently being taught at the Engine Shed. Email us for further details or to book a place. mailto:Technicaleducation@hes.scot.
*NEW FOR 2018* – Introduction to Indigenous Earth Building Traditions and Techniques EB1
Date: 10 – 11 May 2018.
Venue: Charlestown Workshops, Fife KY11 3EN.
This 2 day workshop aims to provide an introductory guide to a range of earth building techniques including materials science, conservation of earth structures and buildings and construction methods using earth based materials.
Repairing Traditional Masonry P1 – Professional Level 1
Date: 15 – 16 May 2018.
Venue: Charlestown Workshops, Fife KY11 3EN.
This is our most popular 2-day workshop for building professionals and provides an introduction to the effective conservation and repair of traditional masonry structures and buildings, for the most part using traditional lime based mortars. By the end of the course attendees will be able to recognise vernacular and historic finishes to masonry buildings and will gain an understanding of building diagnostics in order to be able to develop specifications in relation to exposure, season, substrates and the nature of masonry repairs required.
Masonry Building Conservation- Principles and Techniques P2-Professional Level 2
Date: 29 – 31 May 2018.
Venue: Charlestown Workshops, Fife KY11 3EN.
This course is aimed at building professionals who have completed ‘P1 Traditional Masonry Repair’ and provides confidence in the repair principles, materials and techniques for traditional masonry buildings, covering mortar manufacture, practical repair methods and techniques, and aftercare of lime based materials. A 3-day workshop that aims to provide confidence in the relevant repair principles, materials and techniques for traditional masonry buildings, covering mortar manufacture, practical repair methods and techniques, and aftercare of lime based materials through a programme of classroom and practical activities. The course provides sufficient underpinning and practical knowledge of materials to enable effective development of specifications, supervision and snagging of the conservation works including repointing, stone indents, surface repair of stone, grouting, renders and harls and limewash
Vacancies
Appointment of 2 Board Members (Architecture and Design Scotland)
Do you want to help shape Scotland’s built environment? Scottish Ministers are looking to appoint up to 2 new Board members of Architecture and Design Scotland (A&DS).
The Company Board, will ensure the A&DS’s strategy and business plan continue to support and promote the value good architecture and sustainable design add to everyone’s lives. Board Members will be expected to have a keen interest and understanding of the built environment; able to see the bigger picture, and have strong communication and influencing skills, along with monitoring performance and uphold good governance skills. Architecture & Design Scotland have filmed video messages with the Chair, Karen Anderson and current Board Members, Alan Sim and Sue Evans. Here they explain the benefits of joining the board.
The closing date for applications is Friday 9 March 2018.
Project Officer (Planning Skills Programme, Improvement Service)
We have an opportunity for a Project Officer to make an impact on the Planning Skills Programme year ahead. Inputting into the development, communication and delivery of changing skills and behaviours required to implement the Planning Review. The role will also involve working with and supporting Heads of Planning as they respond to the Planning Bill going through Parliament.
Closing date: 09 March 2018.
Stonemason Principal Trainer (Scottish Lime Centre Trust)
We have an excellent opportunity for a time served stonemason to join our busy team to deliver our range of ‘hands on’ courses as well as work alongside the Building Advisory team. Outline of Job Description:
- Delivery of Scottish Lime Centre Trust’s (SLCT) busy timetabled programme of practical training ‘hands-on’ courses related to the construction and repair of traditional masonry buildings to a wide range of learners from time served tradesmen, homeowners and school children in an engaging manner (see www.scotlime.org for details of scope of courses);
- Delivery of SLCT’s busy commissioned practical ‘hands-on ’training courses related to the construction and repair of traditional masonry buildings for individual, commercial and heritage project clients both on and off site in an engaging manner.
Please send in your CV with a covering letter to Roz Artis, MRICS, SLCT Director by email to admin@scotlime.org by Friday, 9 March 2018.
Digital Archivist required for Stobs Camp Project (Archaeology Scotland)
The Stobs Camp Project, near Hawick, requires a digital archivist for this part-time fixed-term post. This community project is focussed on the period of the First World War when the camp was a Prisoner of War camp where many Germans and Austrians were interned. Fascinating facts, photos, artefacts, pictures and memorabilia have been uncovered and these need organised for future research purposes. If you are community-minded and a great organiser with good digital skills then this could be just the job for you. The post can be based in our offices in Musselburgh or primarily home-based with a weekly visit to our office. Closing date for applications: noon 18 March 2018
Patrick Geddes Centre Director, Riddle’s Court, Edinburgh
Scottish Historic Buildings Trust has recently completed the restoration of Riddle’s Court, Edinburgh giving it a new life as the Patrick Geddes Centre for Learning.
Thanks to funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, we wish to recruit a Centre Director who will be responsible for leading and delivering the Strategic Vision for the Patrick Geddes Centre for Learning, promoting the legacy of Patrick Geddes and his approach to learning, highlighted in stone above the gateway to Riddle’s Court – ‘Vivendo Discimus’ – by living we learn. Geddes’ thinking has guided the Trust through its delivery of the building as a new crucible for learning in Edinburgh’s Old Town.
We are looking for an enthusiast and expert in the work of Patrick Geddes in both a local and global context with a proven record of accomplishment of working within the educational/cultural sectors to lead a successful multi-disciplinary team to deliver dynamic learning programmes and activities in an astounding setting.
For a copy of the Job Description, please contact recruitment@shbt.org.uk. Interested parties can send a CV supported by a covering letter setting out how you meet the requirements of the role to recruitment@shbt.org.uk by midday on Friday 23rd March 2018.
New board members sought (Scottish Canals)
The two new board members will be expected to make a wide-ranging contribution to the leadership and governance of the organisation, focussed on meeting the needs of a diverse range of stakeholders in line with evolving Scottish Government priorities. As a member of the board you will assist the chair in –
- providing strategic leadership and direction
- motivating and inspiring the executive team
- maintaining high standards of corporate governance
- communicating effectively both internally and externally
These positions will be of interest to individuals who are accustomed to thinking and working at a strategic level within an organisation, but they do not require previous board experience. For ambitious individuals with enthusiasm and strong leadership potential they are likely to offer an excellent professional development opportunity. Closing Date for applications is 23 March 2018
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