BEFS Bulletin – Prioritisation within built heritage
Get The Latest Built Environment News, Events, Vacancies, Consultations And Publications In Our News Bulletin.
BEFS News
People want built heritage in all its forms, to: receive the care, protection and examination needed; for heritage to be able to facilitate the greatest benefits; and for those benefits to be widely accessible and understood. But what are those benefits – academic, social, economic, cultural? And in a period of continued constraint in public funding can we have it all, for everything? BEFS invites those open to exploring strategies for the prioritisation of built heritage to put forward methodologies for robust and open discussion. Find out more.
BEFS has produced a briefing paper for the Local Government and Communities Committee to inform their discussion of Stage 2 of the Planning (Scotland) Bill. Find our more here.
BEFS recently submitted a response to the Government consultation on the Culture Strategy (open until 19th September). BEFS consulted widely with members and also worked extensively with Museums Galleries Scotland, Heritage Lottery Fund, National Trust Scotland and Historic Environment Scotland on shared concerns relating to the visibility of heritage within a strategy designed to be inclusive of all forms of culture.
The Scottish Government has published the Scottish Household Survey 2017. Key findings show that the number of adults who visited historical or archaeological places increased by 7 percentage points between 2012 and 2017 (28% to 35%) and after cinema attendance is the most popular.
Formal consultation is now open for Historic Environment Scotland’s draft policy for historic environment-related planning issues. Communities, local authorities, developers and heritage sector stakeholders are invited to comment on the draft Historic Environment Policy (HEP), a key document for decision-makers in the planning process and others managing heritage assets. Consultation on the draft HEP runs until Monday 3rd December. The survey can be accessed here.
Historic Environment Scotland has also launched the public consultation on its new draft Corporate Plan 2019-22.
Dr Sara Thomas, Scotland Programme Coordinator at Wikimedia UK. shares her enthusiasm for the photo competition Wiki Loves Monuments and encourages entries from Scotland, in our first blog.
Richard Rodger, Emeritus Professor at Edinburgh University and Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences, argues that Edinburgh New Town had little to do with town planning, in our second blog this week.
Consultations
Scottish Building Regulations: Review of Energy Standards: ‘Call for Evidence’
Closes on 14 Sep 2018.
Barclay Implementation: A consultation on non-domestic rates reform
Closes on 17 Sep 2018.
A Culture Strategy for Scotland
Closes on 19 Sep 2018.
Building Standards Compliance and Fire Safety – a consultation on making Scotland’s buildings safer for people
Closes 26 Sep 2018.
Help HES write the next chapter in its story – Public consultation on draft Corporate Plan 2019-22 launched
Closes 2 November 2018.
Historic Environment Policy Consultation
Closes 3 December 2018.
Publications
Housing Beyond 2021 (SG 05/09/18)
Scotland’s People Annual Report: Results from the 2017 Scottish Household Survey (SG 04/09/18)
Age, Home and Community – The Next Phase (SG 30/08/18)
Cultural Value Scoping Project (AHRC 08/18)
Priced Out: Home ownership and public service workers (UNISON 08/18)
Scottish Government News Releases
More money for self-build homes (SG 07/09/18)
£4 million loan fund open for applications. People across Scotland who want to build their own homes will be able to apply to the self-build loan fund from today.
Delivering for today, investing for tomorrow (SG 04/09/18)
A major reform of mental health services, investment in infrastructure and legislation to underpin a Scottish National Investment Bank are at the forefront of the Scottish Government’s priorities for the year ahead.
Helping older people to live independently (SG 30/08/18)
Strategy will address isolation, loneliness and improve access to housing. Older people are being helped to understand how their housing choices will impact on their lives as they age. A refreshed joint strategy between the Scottish Government and COSLA, which champions independent living for older people within their community, has been launched.
News Releases
Creating a training programme that really does have an impact on productivity (CITB 13/09/18)
Improving productivity is of crucial importance for the survival of the construction industry and the economic well-being of the UK. It is clear that training has a role to play, but who should be trained in what and how? Whole Life Consultants Ltd and Experian are working with the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) to create a trailored training programme. Have you say by completing this short survey:
Scottish Heritage Angel Awards finalists unveiled (HES 12/09/18)
The rescue of a historic picture house in Campbeltown, restoration of an early 20th century Japanese Garden at Cowden and a project to promote archaeology in Caithness are among the finalists for the Scottish Heritage Angel Awards 2018, as the shortlist was revealed today (Wednesday 12 September).
V&A Dundee is ready to open its doors (DCMS 12/09/18)
Iconic cultural institution arrives in Scotland causing great excitement. Scotland Secretary David Mundell has hailed the arrival of the V&A Dundee, which opens on Saturday ( 15 September).
We are now making our final approach… (EWH 11/09/18)
The APPROACH project is dotting its i’s and crossing its t’s after a whirlwind two years in the making.
The project has created four 3D models of the historic centres of Edinburgh, Lublin, Granada and Budapest.
The European Saints That Made Scotland (HES 07/09/18)
Discover some of the European saints who have shaped Scottish history including a bloody tale of feuding Norwegian cousins, a gruesome gift for a Pictish king and the origins of our patron saint.
Young women explore heritage with Action for Children and the Scottish Civic Trust (SCT 04/09/18)
The Scottish Civic Trust is working with Action for Children to support the Heritage and Inclusion Project, which reduces the levels of isolation felt by young women from Black and Minority Ethnic backgrounds by helping them discover diverse history and heritage.
Europa Nostra welcomes and contributes to the 10 European initiatives of EYCH 2018 (EN 03/09/18)
The European Commission, in collaboration with key partners, is running long-term projects around 10 themes, called the 10 European Initiatives, so as to build a lasting legacy of the European Year of Cultural Heritage (EYCH) 2018.
Scotland’s Most Beautiful High Street (STP 31/08/18)
Scotland’s Towns Partnership has once again teamed up with environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful and The Herald on Sunday to find Scotland’s Most Beautiful High Street. Any organisation or individual can enter their high street, and so we call on local authorities, business improvement districts, development trusts, community councils and any other local group to apply.
SURF Awards Application Deadline Approaching!
So if you know of or work with a great project or you think the area that you live/work in is worthy of the ‘Most Improved Place’ title them put them forward for an Award! It is a straightforward application form! This year the 5 categories are: Community Led Regeneration; Youth Employment: Overcoming Barriers; Scotland’s Most Improved Place; Housing; Creative Regeneration. The closing date for applications is 5pm on Monday 17th September.
Social landlords continue to show strong performance against the Scottish Social Housing Charter (SHR 30/08/18)
Scottish social landlords continue to show strong performance across most of the standards and outcomes of the Scottish Social Housing Charter. This is the main finding of a new report published today by the Scottish Housing Regulator.
New innovation fund for places of worship (HLF 28/09/18)
Places of Worship: Inspiring Ideas opens today. It’s a new strategic funding initiative that welcomes applications from projects looking to explore innovative ideas and test new approaches to managing, caring for, and funding historic places of worship, of all faiths and denominations.
Opinion & Comment
A Place of Pilgrimage (Alexander McCall Smith for HES 12/09/18)
RICS President: Time is now to future proof Scotland’s built environment (RICS 10/09/18)
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”.
Question S5W-18273: Alex Cole-Hamilton, Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats, Date Lodged: 17/08/2018
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the (a) use and (b) value of properties renovated through the (i) Town Centre Housing Fund and (ii) Empty Homes Loan Fund; how many properties renovated through each fund (A) are and (B) are not classed as affordable, and what information it has on the subsequent rental and sales value of each property that received funding.
Question S5W-18606: Lewis Macdonald, North East Scotland, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 05/09/2018
To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it gives to local authorities regarding what constitutes affordable housing.
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-18098: Graham Simpson, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 08/08/2018
To ask the Scottish Government what the vetting process is for people declaring that they are fit and proper to register as a property factor; what the minimum requirements are for an individual to pass the fit and proper test, and how many people have been unable to register as a property factor due to failing to pass the vetting process since the register came into force in each year since 2012.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (30/08/2018)
Question S5W-18094: Graham Simpson, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 08/08/2018
To ask the Scottish Government whether it provides an approved contractor list for energy efficiency contractors.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (30/08/2018)
Question S5W-18096: Graham Simpson, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 08/08/2018
To ask the Scottish Government how it will support owner-occupiers who are unable to obtain a loan for funding energy efficiency measures.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (30/08/2018)
Question S5W-18090: Graham Simpson, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 08/08/2018
To ask the Scottish Government how it will implement energy efficiency measures in mixed-tenure tenements for social rent and private rented sector properties if shared approval for costs by all owners is not achieved.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (30/08/2018)
Question S5W-18095: Graham Simpson, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 08/08/2018
To ask the Scottish Government what quality assurance measures are in place to ensure that members of the public receive the most appropriate energy efficiency measures and that they pay the smallest possible price for the work when using public funding routes.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (30/08/2018)
Question S5W-18092: Graham Simpson, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 08/08/2018
To ask the Scottish Government when it wil begin consultation on owner-occupied properties being mandated to comply with energy efficiency measures and any related financial penalties for owner-occupiers who do not comply.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (30/08/2018)
Question S5W-18097: Graham Simpson, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 08/08/2018
To ask the Scottish Government how many Property Factor Enforcements Orders have not been complied with each year under the First Tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber); how many of these have been referred to Police Scotland and/or the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, and how many of these referrals have been taken to court, broken down by the outcome.
Answered by Ash Denham (17/08/2018)
Question S5W-18091: Graham Simpson, Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 08/08/2018
To ask the Scottish Government whether it is considering penalties for private rented sector landlords that fail to comply with energy performance certificate (EPC) regulations and, if so, whether it will provide details of these.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (30/08/2018)
Question S5W-18139: Donald Cameron, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 09/08/2018 R
To ask the Scottish Government what modelling work it has undertaken to analyse the cost of reaching an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) (a) B and (b) C rating for a domestic/residential building.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (30/08/2018)
Question S5W-18273: Alex Cole-Hamilton, Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats, Date Lodged: 17/08/2018
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the (a) use and (b) value of properties renovated through the (i) Town Centre Housing Fund and (ii) Empty Homes Loan Fund; how many properties renovated through each fund (A) are and (B) are not classed as affordable, and what information it has on the subsequent rental and sales value of each property that received funding.
Answered by Kevin Stewart (04/09/2018)
Motions
Motion S5M-13683: Gordon Lindhurst, Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 30/08/2018
Celebrating the Sixth Edinburgh Traditional Building Festival
That the Parliament congratulates the Edinburgh Traditional Building Forum on delivering the sixth Edinburgh Traditional Building Festival from 14 to 17 August 2018, which was sponsored by the Construction Industry Training Board; recognises the work done by the forum in celebrating Edinburgh’s traditional buildings; notes that the festival featured demonstrations of traditional building skills, including masonry, slate roofing, lead roofing, lime mortars, plastering and painting and decorating, as well as a series of talks and tours; further notes that the event was open to members of the public to offer advice, with the aim of highlighting the importance of the appropriate building skills in the repair and maintenance of traditional buildings; believes that practical demonstrations of traditional building skills provide a platform to promote these key skills; recognises that the festival was a collaboration between the National Federation of Roofing Contractors, Architecture and Design Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland, the Built Environment Forum Scotland, the Stone Federation Great Britain, Edinburgh World Heritage Trust, the British Geological Survey, Scottish Lime Centre Trust, Heriot-Watt University and the University of Edinburgh; believes that this collaborative approach plays a vital role in widening the public’s understanding of the importance of maintaining Scotland’s traditional buildings with the right knowledge and skills; understands the particular relevance of highlighting traditional buildings and the skills needed to maintain them within the city of Edinburgh, where they play such a key role as part of Edinburgh’s UNESCO World Heritage Site status, and thanks each of the organisations for their ongoing efforts to protect and maintain Scotland’s historic built environment.
Events
For the latest information about BEFS Members’ events see our events calendar.
Conserving the Assets of Our Past – RIAS Autumn Seminar
Date: Tuesday 2 October 2018
Venue: The Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh, 1.00pm to 5.00pm
Cost: RIAS Conservation Accredited members and members of Practice Services: £24 inc. VAT; RIAS member: £30 inc. VAT; Non-members: £42 inc. VAT.
There is still time to book your space for the RIAS Autumn Conservation seminar. Topics will include development of the HES Asset Management Plan, HES Corporate Plan consultation, inspecting tenements and church quinquennials, practical advice on survey specification for digital documentation and the restoration of the Great Pagoda at Kew Gardens.
For a programme and booking form click here. If you would like to book a place, please complete the booking form and email it to Gemma.Sinclair@rias.org.uk.
DIGIFEST
Date: 8 – 20 October 2018
Venue: The Engine Shed, Stirling, FK8 1QZ
DigiFest 2018 is an exciting new two-week festival showcasing the latest in digital innovation. Join us for over 100 workshops, talks and activities. DigiFest brings together cutting edge digital technology from across the globe. From families to professionals, there’s something for everyone. Come along to explore virtual worlds and enjoy 3D experiences. For full details please see the Engine Shed website.
Booking essential for some workshops | T: 01786 234 800 | Family friendly | Least technical.
DIGIDOC
Date: 10 – 12 October 2018
Venue: The Engine Shed, Stirling, FK8 1QZ
At our two day international conference taking part during DigiFest, speakers from Ubisoft, Atlantic Productions, Tippett Studio and many others will share the very latest innovation in digital documentation and visualisation. The conference will showcase ground-breaking work from all over the world, and for the first time ever, you can also join us for a special DigiDoc Research and Innovation Day on Wednesday 10 October. Gain an exclusive preview of the latest research that will be influencing our futures.
Booking essential | T: 01786 234 800 | Professional | Quite technical.
Destination High Street: restoring vibrancy to Scotland’s towns
Date: Wed. 7 November, 09.30-17.30.
Venue: The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, 2 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3NY
This conference, organised jointly by the Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland (AHSS) and the Scottish Civic Trust (SCT) will explore the challenges faced by Scotland’s high streets and smaller town centres. Speakers will examine projects and schemes aimed at regenerating high streets and the conference will bring together experts on the subject tackling the issue from a range of perspectives. This is a rare chance to hear from people working at the cutting-edge of practice and policy.
Training
APD – Conservation Principles & Ethics
Dates: 18 September; 1 day a week for 4 weeks: 42.5 taught hours.
Venue: The Engine Shed, Stirling, FK8 1QZ.
Study the broad principles and ethics of heritage conservation, both today and over the past 300 years, to learn how best to tackle issues of building decay. This course is included as part of our Advanced Professional Diploma. Taught through lectures and field trips.
Price: £315. Booking essential | T: 01786 234 800.
CPD – Care of Metals in Traditional Buildings
Date: 28 September, 09.30am – 16.30pm.
Venue: The Engine Shed, Stirling, FK8 1QZ.
This event is designed to provide practitioners and specifiers the confidence to deal with metals on heritage sites. The focus of this course will look at ferrous and non-ferrous metals in an ancient monuments context but the technical principles are applicable to any traditional building.
Topics covered will include materials identification, condition assessment, developing a conservation and maintenance plan and executing works. The event will include both theory and practical experience.
Price: £54.00 Historic Scotland members, £54.00 Concessions, £60.00 Non-members. Booking essential | T: 01786 234 800.
Making & Using Hot Mixed Mortars
Date: 28th September.
Venue: Merryhill Training Centre, Fife KY11 3DR.
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.
Introduction to Indigenous Earth Building Traditions and Techniques EB1
Date: 3 – 4 October 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.
Maintaining Traditional Buildings
Date: 5 October 2018.
Venue: Charlestown Workshops, Fife KY11 3EN.
A must for anyone who owns or is responsible for a traditional building.
This course provides the perfect starting point if you are considering undertaking some simple repairs yourself or will enable you to speak your builder’s language and be confident that you are being given the correct advice. This seminar will outline the maintenance that traditional buildings require and attendees will gain an understanding of traditional building techniques and the correct materials to use when undertaking repairs. This will also be an excellent opportunity to speak to the Scottish Lime Centre Trust’s expert tutors about your project, attendees are welcome to bring along photos and mortar samples for some specific advice.
Lime Pointing
Dates: 6 October 2018 and 24 November 2018.
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.
Webinar: HR Tips and Tricks for Success
Date & time: Wednesday 10 October 2018, 09.30 – 10.30.
Location: Webminar – remote.
As part of our Business Briefing series, learn how to do things right for your organisation, team (including volunteers) and stakeholders by taking part in this interactive HR focused webinar. In this session The HR Dept will explore ways in which you can understand the risks and pitfalls of managing people in an arts, cultural and heritage business. We will cover the full employee and volunteer lifecycle from new starts to leavers, as well as giving an overview of your legal responsibilities for HR.
Introduction to Being a Board Member
Date & time: Wednesday 10 October 2018, Registration: 10.15 | Event: 10:30 – 16:30.
Venue: A&BS, 1st Floor Rosebery House, 9 Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh EH12 5EZ
This seminar is for new board members/trustees in the charitable arts & heritage sector (and those who would like a refresher) to understand your roles and responsibilities, covering:
• Setting the scene – understanding charitable structures
• The dividing line between your role and that of the professional staff
• Demystifying your legal and financial responsibilities
• Effective meetings and the role of the chair
• The board and artistic issues
• The difference you can make as an advocate for the organisation
Sponsorship: Developing Creative Partnerships
Date & time: Thursday 11 October 2018, Registration: 10:15 | Event: 10:30 – 16:30.
Venue: A&BS, Rosebery House, 9 Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh, E12 5EZ
This ‘how-to’ guide to sponsorship will take you through the key steps to sponsorship from attracting a business to nurturing and developing long lasting cultural and business partnerships. If you have little experience or just want a refresher on this area of fundraising, then this seminar is aimed to help you on your journey to sponsorship success. Peppered with sponsorship stories gathered from Arts & Business Scotland match funding programmes. This training is a revised version of Introduction to Sponsorship.
Business Briefing: Building a Vibrant Sales & Service Culture
Date & time: Wednesday 24 October 2018, Registration: 08.45 Event: 09.00 – 10.30
Venue: A&BS, Rosebery House, 9 Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh, E12 5EZ
Vibrant sales cultures do not happen by accident. They require strategic planning, and most of all proactive and skilful management. It’s all about making ‘your best your best everywhere’ and you will only achieve this through the way you manage your fundraising function. This is for you if you are a business owner, charity, social enterprise, community interest company, sales manager or fundraiser; anybody who is charged with growing their business.
Vacancies
Membership & Marketing Officer
Stirling City Heritage Trust is a Scottish charity and company limited by guarantee funded by Historic Environment Scotland and Stirling Council. Set up in 2004, it is one of 7 City Heritage Trusts operating in Scotland. The Traditional Buildings Health Check is a unique project offering a proactive repair and maintenance service to owners of traditional properties in Stirling. This membership service is not-for-profit and is funded by Historic Environment Scotland. This is a unique opportunity to work on the first project of its kind in Scotland.
Closing Date: Monday 24th September 2018, 12 noon.
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