BEFS Bulletin – Assessing the EU’s contribution to Scotland’s historic environment
Get The Latest Historic Environment Events, Jobs, News And Publications In BEFS Bulletin.
BEFS NEWS
A new report, commissioned by Historic Environment Scotland, identifies projects about or connected to heritage in Scotland that have received funding from the EU from 2007-16. The report estimates at least £36.8 million has been awarded to over 280 historic environment projects during 2007-2016. Read a summary of the findings and the full report here. A similar report has been produced for Historic England.
NHS Health Scotland and partners have published a short film about the Place Standard and an evaluation of how it is being implemented across Scotland. Find out more here.
The Council for British Archaeology (CBA) and the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) have issued a joint statement to the new Government outlining a vision for an integrated approach to managing our cultural and natural landscapes.
Nominations have now opened for the third Scottish Heritage Angels Awards in a bid to find those groups and individuals who have played a special part in caring for, recording and celebrating Scotland’s historic environment. The 2017 SURF Awards are also now open for applications from regeneration projects of all sizes.
In our blog this week, Elaine MacGillivray, Project Archivist at the University of Edinburgh, tells us about a two-year project that aims to preserve, conserve, catalogue and virtually reunite two collections of papers of Sir Patrick Geddes.
Finally, don’t miss the Falkirk Traditional Building Skills Demonstration on 22nd – 23rd June. The event will feature demonstrations of traditional building skills with school children, and their teachers, and traditional building experts providing advice on how to repair and maintain traditionally built homes.
CONSULTATIONS
Guidance on Engaging Communities in Decisions Relating to Land
Closes 16 Jun 2017.
Consultation on funding of The Scottish Energy Performance Certificate Register.
Closes 19 Jun 2017.
Energy efficiency and condition standards in private rented housing: A Scotland’s Energy Efficiency Programme Consultation
Closes 30 Jun 2017.
PUBLICATIONS
SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT NEWS RELEASES
Household numbers continue to rise (SG 14/06/17)
The number of households in Scotland has continued to increase to 2.45 million in 2016, according to figures published today by National Records of Scotland (NRS) in ‘Estimates of Households and Dwellings in Scotland, 2016’. Households are single people or groups of people living together.
Climate change ambitions (SG 13/06/17)
Scotland’s status as an international climate change leader will be reinforced through new proposals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 90% by 2050, Climate Change Secretary Roseanna Cunningham has said.
£1.75 billion boost for investment in affordable housing (SG 13/06/17)
Major long-term commitment to grow number of homes. More than £1.75 billion is being allocated to councils in a major Scottish Government commitment to stimulate investment in affordable housing. It comes as figures published today show the highest levels of activity in the affordable house-building sector in Scotland since the early 1980s.
29% increase in affordable housing approvals (SG 13/06/17)
There were 10,276 approvals for affordable housing over the year ending March 2017, an increase of 29%, or 2,331 homes, on the previous year. Scotland’s Chief Statistician today released the latest Quarterly Housing Statistics for Scotland, which presents the latest quarterly information on new build housing, affordable housing supply and local authority right to buy sales.
Historic Islands Bill introduced (SG 12/06/17)
Supporting, strengthening and protecting island communities. An historic bill has been introduced to Parliament to meet the unique needs of Scotland’s islands now and in the future. The Islands (Scotland) Bill published today (12 June) will help create the right environment for sustainable growth and empowered communities.
Increase in modern apprenticeships (SG 06/06/17)
On track for 30,000 by 2020 target. The number of Modern Apprenticeship starts increased to 26,262 and exceeded the 2016/17 annual target, new statistics have confirmed.
NEW RELEASES
2017 SURF Awards are now open for applications (SURF 13/06/17)
The SURF Awards offer an opportunity for regeneration projects of all sizes to demonstrate value to funders and partners, support team-building and develop a national profile. SURF Award winners also receive additional showcase opportunities through SURF activities throughout the following year. SURF’s annual awards process is delivered in partnership with the Scottish Government. It is open to all community regeneration projects in Scotland that are currently in place or that have been completed within two years of the closing date.
More provisions of the Historic Environment Act in force from 31 May 2017 (WG 01/06/17)
While some provisions of the Historic Environment (Wales) Act 2016 have been in force since May 2016, preparations were needed before others could be brought into effect. Two consultations informed that work, which included the formulation of a suite of supporting secondary legislation to take effect on 31 May 2017.
Brand New Building Conservation Diploma (HES 01/06/17)
Historic Environment Scotland’s conservation hub, the Engine Shed, launches Advanced Diploma Course in Technical Building Conservation – the first of its kind.
MEMBERS’ NEWS
Wemyss Caves 4D (SCAPE 14/06/17)
The SCAPE Trust and Save the Wemyss Ancient Caves Society have just launched an exciting new multi-media website about the Wemyss Caves in Fife. Explore the Pictish carvings, archaeology, wider history and local stories about the caves and coastline in 3D interactive spaces, through video and RTI. An online catalogue brings together much of the documentation and history of the caves in one place for the first time. The website is great example of how to integrate 3D survey data with other digital media to tell the multiple stories of the Wemyss Caves. The project was funded and supported by Fife Council, Historic Environment Scotland and the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Place matters in tackling poverty (RTPI 13/06/17)
Naomi Eisenstadt, Independent Advisor to the Scottish Government on Poverty and Inequality, has reiterated the important role planning and planners have in tackling poverty. Speaking at the 14th Sir Patrick Geddes Commemorative Lecture organised by RTPI Scotland, Naomi explained why the quality of neighbourhoods is vital to reducing poverty, and why local authorities must be strengthened to deliver them alongside more traditional policies such as boosting employment.
Entries now open for Scottish Heritage Angel Awards 2017 (SCT 12/06/17)
Nominations have opened for the third Scottish Heritage Angels Awards in a bid to find those groups and individuals – or ‘Angels’ – who have played a special part in caring for, recording and celebrating the nation’s historic environment. Launched in 2014 and funded by the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation (ALWF), and run by the Scottish Civic Trust in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland, Archaeology Scotland and the Scottish Government, the scheme seeks to celebrate both groups and individuals who have gone above and beyond in their efforts to promote, protect and, in many cases, rescue Scotland’s heritage. Nominations will close on Friday 11th August.
CIfA and CBA release joint general election statement (CIfA 09/06/17)
The Council for British Archaeology (CBA) and the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA) have outlined to the new Government a vision for the promotion of an integrated approach to managing our cultural and natural landscapes, upholding the principles of sustainable development in the planning system, and ensuring that our archaeology and wider environment will be better protected after Brexit than they are now, and that they can thrive for the benefit of us all.
Scotland’s most beautiful high street (STP 28/06/17)
Scotland’s Towns Partnership and Keep Scotland Beautiful have come together to launch the first ever Scotland’s Most Beautiful High Street competition. Our high streets and town centres are the beating hearts of communities and local economies. Now, together with the Sunday Herald, we want to celebrate the contribution of our High Streets and recognise the efforts made to make these spaces clean, attractive, accessible, vibrant and inclusive for all to enjoy.
PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Question S5W-09395: Oliver Mundell, Dumfriesshire, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 23/05/2017
To ask the Scottish Government what recent steps it has taken to increase the number of affordable homes for (a) rent and (b) purchase in rural communities.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (31/05/2017)
Question S5W-09397: Graham Simpson, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 23/05/2017
To ask the Scottish Government how many homes meet the Living Home Standard.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (01/06/2017)
Question S5O-01058: Ruth Maguire, Cunninghame South, Scottish National Party, Date Lodged: 24/05/2017
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the role of community right to buy schemes in towns and cities.
Answered by Roseanna Cunningham (31/05/2017)
Question S5W-09463: Alex Rowley, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 25/05/2017
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the findings of the report that it commissioned from yellow book ltd, Barriers to community engagement in planning: a research study.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (06/06/2017)
OTHER PARLIAMENTARY ACTIVITY
The Parliament has agreed the following parliamentary recess dates:
• 1 July to 3 September 2017 (inclusive)
• 7 to 22 October 2017 (inclusive)
EVENTS
For the latest information about BEFS Members’ events see our events calendar.
Friends of Glasgow West Talks Programme
When: June 2017.
Where: Hillhead Library, 348 Byres Road (free). All talks are fully illustrated. Talks begin at 6.30pm and last 75 minutes. Arrive early to be sure of a seat! Talks organised by Ann Laird, and supported by Glasgow Life. Contact Ann Laird for full details of upcoming talks.
Tour of Pitfour Estate and Modern Dairy
When: Saturday 17th June from 13:30 – 16:00.
Where: Pitfour Estate, Mintlaw.
Tour of some remains and restorations at the once-magnificent Pitfour Estate, Mintlaw, by kind permission of Mr and Mrs Alan Watson and family. This will be followed by a visit to a nearby award-winning modern dairy at Middleton of Rora by kind permission of Mr and Mrs Bruce Mackie. Bruce and Jane Mackie won one of two ‘Distinction Awards’ in the ‘As Built’ category for Sustainable Innovative Development at the Aberdeenshire Design Awards 2016. The new dairy at Middleton of Rora was designed by Douglas Shand of Shand Building Design and the Dutch vet Nico Vreeburg of Vetvice, a cow welfare consultancy famous for their ‘Cowsignals’ methodology.
Dean Valley Regeneration Plan Walk
When: Tuesday 18th July from 18:00 – 20:00.
Where: Water of Leith.
Andrew Kerr will lead us on a walk along the Water of Leith from Stockbridge to look at the designed landscape of the Dean Valley in the context of the proposed Dean Valley Regeneration Project.
Falkirk Traditional Building Skills Demonstration
When: 22nd and 23rd June, from 9.30am to 3.30pm.
Where: the grounds of Trinity Church, Falkirk town centre.
Forth Valley Traditional Building Forum is hosting an event to raise awareness of the traditional building skills and materials involved in maintaining the historic buildings in Falkirk town centre and across Scotland. The free event will see secondary school pupils from across the district able to gain hands on experience of these traditional trades and perhaps identify potential tradespeople of the next generation. Advisers will be on hand to explain the opportunities that are available and how to access apprenticeships locally in these trades which are vitally important in maintaining our historic environment. Visitors will be able to meet the professionals and enjoy demonstrations in stonemasonry, joinery, slate roofing & painting and decorating. There will also be free advice from the experts on how using traditional methods and materials could enhance your own property.
IHBC Annual School: Transport Infrastructure – the backbone of civilisation
When: Thursday 22nd – Saturday 24th June 2017. Day School – Friday 23rd June 2017.
Where: Manchester.
The 2017 IHBC Annual School examines the rich legacy of transport infrastructure, exploring both its continuing role as a future driver of change and economic growth as well as its impact upon historic places. The Annual School includes three exciting days of lectures, networking and practical learning to share skills, knowledge and understanding; tours exploring all facets of historic and new infrastructure and its impact on the historic environment around Manchester and the North; NETWORKING EVENTS; EVENING RECEPTION & IHBC ANNUAL DINNER with opportunities to pause, take stock and stimulate debate in fascinating venues.
Society of Antiquaries of Scotland Summer Excursion 2017
When: July 1 @ 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
Where: Low Parks Museum and Hamilton Mausoleum, South Lanarkshire.
Join us on a visit to these Grade A listed buildings the first dating back to 1696 built as Portland, the private residence of David Crawford, lawyer and secretary to the 3rd Duke and Duchess of Hamilton. Later, in 1784, purchased by the 8th Duke of Hamilton and made into a coaching inn housing famous travellers, such as Dr Johnson and James Boswell, and Dorothy and William Wordsworth. The second building is the Palace Riding School, built by Alexander, 10th Duke of Hamilton, in 1837 which was also equipped with a gymnasium and regulation boxing ring. In 1983, the building was acquired by the Regimental Trustees of the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) as a regimental museum.
TRAINING
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
Volunteer Manager (PAS)
PAS are seeking a Volunteers & Interns Manager to succeed the current manager who is leaving after 11 years in post. The successful candidate will be required to recruit, retain, manage and support PAS’s 420 volunteers, all of whom are built environment professionals, and also manage the PAS Intern programme. An understanding of social media is essential. PAS volunteers assist with delivering an advice service, awareness raising, training and education programmes. With a new Planning Bill in the offing, this is an exciting time for PAS. Deadline for applications is 5pm on Friday 16 June.
The Development Trusts Association Scotland is currently looking to fill the following 2 posts:
• Development Officer
This post is based in Edinburgh, and involves providing advice and support to DTAS members in the southern half of Scotland
• COSS Adviser – Fixed Term Post (to end April 18)
This post is based in Glasgow, and involves providing advice and support to both community organisations and public bodies with the aim of achieving the sustainable transfer of assets into community ownership.The closing date for applications is 9am on Monday 26th June 2017.
Project Officer Temp (Maybole Regeneration)
The Maybole Regeneration (MR) Project is a partnership initiative led jointly by Maybole Community Council and South Ayrshire Council. The role of Project Officer is vital to the success of MR. The post holder will engage with partner organisations, the communities of North Carrick, external Consultants and other stakeholders to take forward key work streams within the overall project plan. The key deliverable will be the submission of a 2nd Stage application to HLF’s Townscape Heritage Scheme during the first quarter of 2018. Closing date for applications is Sunday 25 June 2017.
Activity Officer – Maybole Regeneration
The Maybole Regeneration (MR) Project is a partnership initiative led jointly by Maybole Community Council and South Ayrshire Council. MR is a Townscape Heritage and Conservation Area Regeneration project. It aims to create an attractive, safe and sustainable town centre. MR will provide resources for conservation / restoration work to a range of significant buildings in Maybole, and a programme of activities to encourage engagement with the heritage of the town. An Activity Officer is required to support the Partners as they develop a 2nd Stage bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund and other funding bodies. Closing date for applications is Sunday 25 June 2017.