BEFS Bulletin – Prioritisation & the Historic Environment
All the latest heritage news, consultations, events and job vacancies
BEFS News
We have now published our responses to Historic Environment Scotland’s recent consultations. Following a well-attended workshop with members to inform our responses, you can view our detailed submissions to both consultations below:
Designations and Scheduled Monuments Consultation
Demolition and Use and Adaptation of Listed Buildings Consultation
Taking a lead from the December workshop dialogues (based on submissions from the sector), BEFS has drawn together some suggested Principles for Prioritisation. What these principles are, and how they might be utilised by the sector will be presented on Monday 25 February. To get the opportunity for a first look at the Principles, and to be involved in feeding back on the process – book here.
During this event we will hear from Emily Tracey (Project Manager with HES) about the progress of the Our Place in Time – Built Heritage Investment Plan Group; and also receive a presentation from Scottish Canals who have worked with EY to develop a matrix and methodological approach to enable them to best manage their assets.
Our first blog from Euan Leitch concerns recent planning decisions and questions the involvement of politicians in the decision-making process.
Ailsa Macfarlane’s blog asks: What good do current concepts of ‘community’ do us? and considers the outmoded employment of the term community in current discussions.
This is the final call for contributions to the cross party Scottish Parliamentary Working Group on Tenement Maintenance’s Consultation. Responses need to be submitted by 27 February 2019; full details can be found here
Consultations
Changing Places Toilets: Building Standards Consultation (SG 18/02/19)
Opinions sought on building standards being amended to ensure more Changing Places Toilets are available in public buildings and spaces.
Opened: 18 February 2019. Closes 13 May 2019
Environmental principles and governance after Brexit: Consultation (SG 16/02/19)
Evidence is being gathered on future arrangements for the application of EU environmental principles and for environmental governance in Scotland, in the event that the UK exits the EU.
Opened: 16 February 2019. Closes: 11 May 2019
Climate Ready Scotland: Scottish Climate Change Adaptation Programme 2019-2024 (SG 12/02/19)
Opinions invited on the draft programme for autumn publication.
Opened: 12 February 2019. Closes: 9 April 2019
Publications
IPPR Paper: Facing up to the age of environmental breakdown (IPPR 12/02/19)
Delivering Sustainable Flood Risk Management (SG 11/02/19)
The effects of ending the zero carbon homes policy (ECIU 10/02/19)
Our Place in Time Annual Report 2018 (HES 07/02/19)
Heritage Sector Insights – 2018-19 (Ecclesiastical 07/02/19)
Environmental Planning After Brexit (RTPI 31/01/19)
Housing and Ageing: Linking strategy to future delivery for Scotland, Wales and England 2030 (SUII
31/01/19)
Scottish Government News Releases
Infrastructure Commission appointed (SG 11/02/19)
An independent commission to advise on a 30 year strategy for infrastructure investment has appointed its final members.
News Releases
Survey reveals catalogue of concerns for Scottish charities (SCVO 20/02/19)
The majority of respondents to the survey are worried about what increased demand for services and lack of secure funding will mean for the people and communities they support over the next 12 months.
Architecture Fringe 2019 – sponsors sought (AF 18/02/19)
Sponsorship Opportunities brochure sets out how to contribute to make the Architecture Fringe 2019 the best yet.
Call for evidence on Scotland’s progress towards the UN SDGs (SCVO 15/02/19)
Scotland’s SDG Network and the Scottish Government have issued a call for evidence on Scotland’s progress towards the UN SDGs
New £7m loan and social investment fund to secure the future of the UK’s historic buildings (AHF 14/02/19)
The Heritage Impact Fund will support organisations with a clear social mission seeking to deliver demonstrable local economic and community impact, as well as helping deliver projects that support the sustainability of historic buildings.
Scottish Land Fund announces recipients of latest round of funding (NLCF 13/02/19)
Seven communities from the Borders to Raasay have been awarded cash for their projects.
Drochaid a’ Chaolais Chumhaing/Kylesku Bridge in Sutherland has been awarded Category A status (HES 13/02/19).
Drochaid a’ Chaolais Chumhaing/Kylesku Bridge has been recognised as being of special architectural interest and is the first to be legally named in Gaelic.
Applications open for Tesco Bags of Help Centenary Grants (GSS 11/02/19)
Tesco Bags of Help Centenary Grants are inviting applications from not-for-profit organisations for projects that bring significant benefit to communities.
Saltire Society 2019 Housing Awards launched (SSS 11/02/19)
Nominations are now open for the 2019 Saltire Society Housing Design Awards.
Deadline for submissions: 8 March 2019
Glasgow Council approves new strategy to make best use of its property and land estate (GCC 07/02/19)
The new strategy will guide the council on making the best use of its substantial property and land estate, the biggest in the city.
Heritage sector generated over £4bn for Scotland’s economy in 2017-18 (HES 07/02/19)
Scotland’s historic environment continues to make a strong contribution to the nation’s economy, as seen in the latest annual performance report for the sector.
Design Council appoints new Director of Architecture and the Built Environment (DC 06/02/19)
Sue Morgan has been appointed as the organisation’s new Director of Architecture and the Built Environment.
Creative Europe – Brexit update (06/02/19)
Advice for UK lead and partner organisations concerning applications for the forthcoming Creative Europe calls.
AIM launches 2019 Member and Stakeholder Survey
The Association of Independent Museums invites opinions on how it can better help heritage organisations prosper in the next few years. They particularly welcome responses to their short survey from Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland; non-AIM members can take part.
The survey will close on 4 March 2019.
Creating Better Towns – Aide Memoire Published (STP 16/01/19)
A free, simple aide-memoire for Councils and stakeholders in towns has been published, to identify and clearly define best practice, methodologies and the key ingredient for Creating Better Towns.
Opinion & Comment
An introduction to Edinburgh’s social housing, 1890-1945 (MD 19/02/19)
Alter rules so rights stack up for tenement living – David Alexander (Scotsman 14/02/19)
Fears of A9 dualling impact on historic sites (BBC 13/02/19)
Tackling poverty is about making places work better for people (RTPI 12/02/19)
Dumfries and Galloway Cases Panel voice their concern about a worrying trend in the appeal process (AHSS 12/02/19)
Brexit not an obstacle to environmental planning, study suggests (HES 11/02/19)
Civic cultural partnerships key to driving growth (AP 08/02/19)
Arms-length body set to buy Glasgows’ iconic buildings (TFN 08/02/19)
Part 2: Them & Us (or why we might need a dose of populism in planning) (PD 06/02/19)
School Pupils to be taught construction skills (HM 05/02/19)
Parliamentary Questions
Questions marked with a triangle (?) are initiated by the Scottish Government in order to facilitate the provision of information to the Parliament. Questions in which a member has indicated a declarable interest are marked with an “R”.
Question S5W-21618: Jamie Halcro Johnston, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 11/02/2019
To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has for the implementation of the updated Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EU) 2018/844 and the creation of strategies (a) to improve indoor air quality, (b) for renovating existing buildings to improve energy efficiency and (c) to make buildings ready for smart energy systems.
Current Status: Expected Answer date 11/03/2019
Question S5W-21530: Dean Lockhart, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 07/02/2019
To ask the Scottish Government how many large housing development sites with outline planning permission there are in each local authority area, broken down by the number of houses.
Current Status: Expected Answer date 07/03/2019
Question S5W-21531: Dean Lockhart, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 07/02/2019
To ask the Scottish Government what information it has regarding the build-out rate for large housing development sites in each local authority area.
Current Status: Expected Answer date 07/03/2019
Parliamentary Questions and Answers
Questions marked with a triangle (?) are initiated by the Government in order to facilitate the provision of information to the Parliament.
Question S5W-21277: Kezia Dugdale, Lothian, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 29/01/2019
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is regarding the banning of most domestic wood burning stoves by 2022, in light of plans by the UK Government to do so.
Answered by Roseanna Cunningham: 14/02/2019
Events
For the latest information about BEFS Members’ events see our events calendar.
Talks at the Lane present Colm Moore on Temporal Architecture
Date & time: Thursday 28 February; 18:30
Venue: Custom Lane, 1 Customs Wharf, Leith EH6 6AL
Custom Lane invites you to join Colm Moore of Clancy Moore Architects to discuss their practice as part of the Talks at the Lane series.
Date & time: Monday 4 March; 18:30
Venue: St Andrew’s & St George’s West Church, 13 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2PA
Since the second, devastating fire at Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s Glasgow School of Art, the project to restore this iconic building has been seismically changed in timescale and expansiveness – but in the underlying intent to restore to the City it’s much cherished and creative ‘castle on the hill’. Liz Davidson’s lecture will explore the aftermath of the fire and the ways in which the restoration team have re-examined their approach to the much greater challenge ahead of them.
All welcome – admission £5 (free for students), no booking required.
Archaeological Science: looking to the future
Dates & times: Monday 11 March; 18:00-19:00 in Edinburgh & Tuesday 12 March; 19.00-20.00 in Lerwick.
Venues: Monday in the National Museum Scotland auditorium, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF (use Lothian Street entrance); Tuesday in the Shetland Museum and Archives, Hay’s Dock, Lerwick, ZE1 0WP.
The application of science as a tool for analysing and interpreting archaeological remains is becoming much more commonplace. From the first measurements of the radiocarbon dates almost 70 years ago, providing an increasingly robust understanding of the chronology of the past, through to ancient DNA and isotopes, giving an insight into people’s diet and where they come from. This lecture will explore some of the challenges and opportunities of working with science in archaeology, before looking towards where we might see advances in the future.
Lecture given by Dr Lisa Brown FSA Scot MCIfA, Archaeological Science Manager at Historic Environment Scotland.
Date & time: Tuesday 12 March; 10:00 – 16:00
Venue: Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Terrace, Edinburgh, EH1 2JL
The way we heat our buildings is going to change dramatically in the coming years. The new Planning (Scotland) Bill, Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategies and district heating regulations will have a significant impact on how planning approaches energy and place, with the potential to improve air quality, reduce carbon emissions and create new, local economic opportunities.
Zero Waste Scotland is hosting a free workshop to help planners understand more about the changing policy landscape and how these changes might be addressed in practice. The session is free for all planning professionals, whether in the public or private sector.
Date & time: Thursday 14 March; 08:30 – 17:10
Venue: DoubleTree by Hilton Dunblane Hydro, Perth Rd, Dunblane, FK15 0HG
Join RICS CPD Day, Dunblane to enhance your capabilities and knowledge around today’s ever-changing market trends, legislation and technical guidance. Learn from leading industry professionals and take away practical solutions which can be implemented into your daily practice – benefiting both your business and personal professional development. The conference offers a choice of 18 breakout sessions to allow you to tailor the day specifically to your personal CPD needs, network with colleagues and peers in your region and put your questions to leading experts in their field.
RTPI Scotland Young Planners Conference 2019
Date & time: Wednesday 20 March; 09:00–17:30
Venue: Apex Hotel, Dundee
Our 2019 Young Planners’ Network conference takes place in the beautiful city of Dundee. This year we will be looking at how young planners can ‘deliver great places now and for the future’. A jam packed line up with some of the most esteemed built environment professionals in the country will be complemented by afternoon workshops, helping improve and refine skills critical for your development as a professional planner. We are expecting another sell-out event so don’t delay and book tickets today.
Our Past, Our Future: Young People & Heritage
Date & time: Wednesday 27 March; 09:30-17:00
Venue: AK Bell Library, Perth
This one-day conference at the AK Bell Library in Perth will bring together a range of speakers to share their experiences working on different heritage engagement projects across Scotland. We will reflect upon activities undertaken during the Year of Young People (2018) and explore how best to support young people’s interest in the past as they become the heritage caretakers of the future. The keynote address will be given by Dr Jeff Sanders who has delivered high-profile projects for the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, including the successful Dig It! engagement programme since 2015.
Best practice approaches to place-based regeneration: A SURF Award Shared Learning Workshop
Date & time: Thursday 2 May; 10:00-13:30
Venue: The Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1SR
This free half-day SURF Awards workshop event in the Storytelling Centre provides an opportunity to explore successful current approaches towards regenerating Scotland’s places with three winning projects from the ‘Most Improved Place’, ‘Housing’ and ‘Community Led Regeneration’ categories highlighted in the 2018 SURF Awards process.
Rhind Lectures 2019 – Hadrian’s Wall: A Study in Archaeological Exploration and Interpretation
Date & time: Friday 10 May (6pm-8pm), Saturday 11 May (11am-5pm) and Sunday 12 May (2pm-5pm).
Venue: National Museum Scotland auditorium, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF (use Lothian Street entrance).
Hadrian’s Wall was written about even when it was still in use as a frontier. Interest continued through the next 1000 years, but it was the spirit of enquiry generated by the Renaissance which led to more focussed study. Once archaeological excavations started, the pace quickened. Now we have an enormous data base even though only about 5% of the Wall has been examined. To understand our interpretations of Hadrian’s Wall today, it is necessary to start in the 1840s, and in particular consider the work and influence of John Collingwood Bruce (Rhind lecturer in 1883). The first two lectures in this series of six will review the excavations and surveys, theories and flights of fancy since that decade. The next two lectures concentrate on the different phases of activity on the Wall and through them seek understanding of how the Wall operated. The impact of the Wall on local people and the landscape is the subject of the fifth lecture, while in the final talk the state of Hadrian’s Wall today is considered, with time for questions.
Lectures given by Professor David Breeze OBE, FSA, Hon FSA Scot, FRSE, Hon CIfA.
Date & time: Wednesday 15 May; 10:00-13:30
Venue: The Glasgow Women’s Library, 23 Landressy Street, Bridgeton, Glasgow G40 1BP
This free half-day SURF Awards workshop event in the Glasgow Women’s Library provides an opportunity to explore successful approaches towards tackling barriers to employability facing young people in Scotland. The winning and highly commended projects from the ‘Youth Employability’ category highlighted in the 2018 SURF Awards process will provide comment on their experiences and transferable learning.
Date & time: Thursday 30 May; 10:00-13:30
Venue: Paisley Arts Centre, 15 New Street, Paisley PA1 1EZ
This free half-day SURF Awards workshop event in Paisley Arts Centre provides an opportunity to explore successful approaches towards linking creative arts and culture into regeneration initiatives. The winning and highly commended projects from the ‘Creative Regeneration’ category highlighted in the 2018 SURF Awards process will provide comment on their experiences and transferable learning.
IHBC Annual School – Nottingham 2019
Dates: Annual School: Thursday 4 – Saturday 6 July; Day School: Friday 5 July
Venue: Nottingham Conference Centre, Burton Street, Nottingham NG1 4BU
The Institute of Historic Building Conservation will hold its 21st Annual School in Nottingham, hosted by the IHBC East Midlands Branch. This year’s school focuses on the theme of ‘Heritage, Risk & Resilience: confronting conservation calamities, exploring:
- Heritage challenges and insights into solutions for Fire | Flood | Structural Failure
- Case studies – Technical, practical and strategic advice
- Planning for the worst: dealing with the aftermath
The Annual School includes three exciting days of:
- Tours – Nottingham, Leicester, Derby & the East Midlands
- CPD support: Up to 20 hours Continuing Professional Development linked
- Business opportunities: Sponsors, exhibitors, networks & supporters
Training
Dates and time: Monday 25 February-Friday 1 March or Monday 3-Friday 7 June; 08:30 – 17:00 daily
Venue: RICS, 125 Princes Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4AD
A facilitative and evaluative approach to mediation in the built environment. Highly practical and intensive, the RICS Mediation Training Programme will prepare you to mediate the most complex disputes to the highest standards across land, property, construction and infrastructure.
Our expert trainers will provide you with in-depth, practical coaching and you will receive feedback from both your trainer and your peers.
CPD: 50 hours
Conservation of Non-Ferrous Metals
Dates: Wednesday 6 – Wednesday 20 March (3 days)
Venue: Forth Valley College, Drip Road, Stirling FK8 1RD
Discover the issues associated with non-ferrous metals in Scotland’s historic built environment. Study materials including bronze and brass, their cultural significance and how they’ve been used in traditional buildings. You will get an overview of the cultural significance of non-ferrous metals in Scottish architecture from the medieval period to the 20th century, and the diversity of items manufactured in non-ferrous metals. Learn the fundamental characteristics and physical properties of non-ferrous metals, and the metallurgical processes for producing alloys. This course will also teach you current conservation principles and how to undertake appropriate repairs, from an initial survey, through to specification, procurement and on-site repair of existing or installation of new material – all according to best current principles of best conservation practice.
Cost: £330
To register your interest: email technicaleducation@hes.scot
A Place for all Mortars Masterclass
Date: Friday 15 March
Venue: Charlestown Workshops, Fife KY11 3EN
This masterclass aims to demonstrate that there is a place for all mortars by explaining more about the mortars we have available today. These range from hot mixed mortars, closely replicating historic mortars, to formulated ready mixed mortars. We have a huge variety of lime binders available to us today compared to the fairly limited range on offer when the lime enlightenment first began. Research and analysis has helped us understand why we should specify mortars to closely replicate those originally used, however, modern pressures force us to look at mortars more practically. This masterclass looks at all mortars and the advantages and disadvantages of various applications.
Date: Saturday 16 March
Venue: Merryhill Training Centre, Fife KY11 3DR
Learn the skills to help you carry out your own mortar pointing repairs.
This popular one day workshop is aimed at those who would like to undertake repointing works as part of a renovation project or simply as general maintenance to traditional masonry structures. A practical ‘hands on’ training day, attendees will learn to undertake repointing works to with confidence. This course will give a sound understanding of traditional building technology, repair techniques and the materials to use when carrying out repointing. Attendees are encouraged to bring along images of their projects to discuss with the SLCT tutor on the day.
Historic Glass and Glazing Conservation
Dates: Wednesday 27 March – Wednesday 10 April (5 days)
Venue: Forth Valley College, Drip Road, Stirling FK8 1RD
This course will explore a range of issues associated with the manufacture, use and conservation of plain and decorative glass, and traditional glazing systems, in Scotland’s historic built environment. You will get a historic overview of these materials, for their early beginnings in the Roman period and early 17th-century glassmaking industries, to technological advancements and innovation in their manufacture today. Study the science of glass manufacture, its composition, and its physical properties. Students will learn how to carry out archival research in order to identify the artist, craftsman or studio responsible for the original work and thereby establishing the cultural significance of the work or site. This course will teach you current conservation principles and how to undertake appropriate repairs, from an initial survey, through to specification, procurement and on-site repair of existing or installation of new material – all according to best current principles of best conservation practice.
Cost: £405
To register your interest: email technicaleducation@hes.scot
Vacancies
Edinburgh World Heritage is looking to appoint a Grants Officer. The role will involve providing support for the successful delivery of the Conservation Funding Programme (70% of the role) and delivery of the maintenance programme (30% of the role).
Main responsibilities will include:
– Providing technical advice and support
– Promoting ongoing maintenance
– Ensuring that all grant documentation is compliant at every stage of the project cycle
Closing date for applications: 5pm, Wednesday 27 February
Prince’s Foundation Building Craft Programme
Applications are now open for the Prince’s Foundation Building Craft Programme, where you will work with a wide range of building crafts and expert craftspeople to take your skills to the next level.
The Foundation believe it is crucial to preserve these valuable skills, which are gradually being lost as the average age of workers in the Historic Buildings sector approaches retirement age. The course is designed for craftspeople looking to bridge the gap between basic qualifications and becoming a master craftsperson working in the heritage sector.
Deadline: Friday 1 March
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