BEFS Bulletin 340: Analysis of sector demands, Consultations, Blogs, & More

BEFS News

The team had a visit to BEFS Members The Ridge Foundations, a fantastic charity serving Dunbar and the surrounding villages in East Lothian with jobs, training and support around local heritage, you can read BEFS Director’s personal reflection on the visit, here.

As the clocks go back and weather gets colder the resilience of our buildings becomes ever more apparent. A new survey by the Chartered Institute of Building reports that two in five Scottish residents can’t afford energy upgrades. Whether old or new, there can be housing issues, the poor state of Britain’s new housing is reported in The Guardian and a new BBC documentary series.

This week the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act has received Royal Assent. You can read The Heritage Alliance’s briefing for the Bill in formation, here. It seems that on Assent the Act does have heritage specific clauses, although these may be part of a staged process, and some actions will, in due course require secondary legislation in due course.

BEFS bring you a wealth of events and training this month, including the BEFS/SPAB CPD Conference, Scotland’s Churches in Transition: Planning for the Future. The Heritage Alliance’s Heritage Debate 2023 puts Careers in the spotlight asking, ‘How Can We Future-Proof the Heritage Sector Workforce?’. If you’re interested in heritage careers, have a look at the BEFS/THA/Heriot Watt Heritage Career Guide updated earlier this year. The Scottish Civic Trust are also hosting free Inclusive heritage Training for local civic, heritage and community groups in Scotland.

Consultations of note include: The Improvement Service Call for Ideas on planning system ambitions, and from the Scottish Parliament The Agricultural and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill which will be used to better develop the support that farming and rural communities need. There has already been some small success with lobbying from CIfA and other Members in the sector to get the historic environment acknowledged within the Bill, this can be seen in Part 4 – Power to Provide Support.

And finally, BEFS Conservation Officers Group welcomes new chair Dr Alison McCandlish. You can read more on our blog here and a huge thanks go to outgoing, and foundation, Chair Mark Douglas.

Consultations

Management of burial grounds, application for burial, exhumation, private burial and restoration of lairs: regulation in Scotland
Scottish Government
The consultation paper sets out a range of proposals and approaches with the aim of clarifying and streamlining existing burial practices as well as introducing new provisions; including the management of burial grounds and restoration of lairs.
Closes 17 November 2023

*NEW* Draft Transformation Action Plan Consultation
Construction Leadership Forum
This consultation seeks feedback to develop a Transformation Action Plan. A Transformation Action Plan is intended to support the Just Transition to Net Zero, construction quality, improved construction procurement, investment in jobs, training and ongoing CPD, developed MMC knowledge, and a digitally enabled industry.
Closes 17 November 2023

*NEW* The Agricultural and Rural Communities (Scotland) Bill Consultation
The Rural Affairs and Islands Committee
This consultation seeks input on the Bill which would be used as a framework for Scottish ministers to better develop the support that farming and rural communities need. The committee planning to take oral evidence from late November through to early February before reporting to the Scottish Parliament with its recommendations in spring 2024.
Closes 24 November 2023

*NEW* Call for Ideas on Planning System Ambitions
The Improvement Service / Scottish Government
This consultation seeks to obtain the views on proposed increases to the building warrant fees required to deliver change to strengthen the building standards system and the development of a new building warrant fees model in Scotland.
Closes 30 November 2023

Proposed Desecration of War Memorials (Prevention) (Scotland) Bill
Scottish Parliament
This consultation relates to a draft proposal lodged as the first stage in the process of introducing a Member’s Bill in the Scottish Parliament, to ensure that war memorials in Scotland receive the protection that they deserve by creating the specific offence of desecration of a war memorial.
Closes 19 December 2023

Outline Strategic Plan for Holyrood Park
Historic Environment Scotland (HES)
This survey on the Outline Strategic Plan for Holyrood Park will gather public views to help deliver a new future for the Park that reflects community aspirations, the needs of the City and the inherent value and sensitivity of Holyrood Park.
Closes 19 December 2023

National Parks in Scotland
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government invites individuals, communities and organisations to develop and submit formal nominations for their area to become Scotland’s next National Park.
Closes 29 February 2024

Survey Buildings at Risk Register (BARR)
Historic Environment Scotland (HES)
HES have commissioned Harlow Consulting, a leading research agency in the heritage sector, to undertake an extensive survey to help HES to understand who uses the Buildings at Risk Register, and the impact it is having.

Consultation Responses

Enhancing the accessibility, adaptability and usability of Scotland’s Homes (BEFS 19/10/2023)
BEFS statement supports measures that increase the accessibility and usability of Scotland’s dwellings, improving quality of life and enabling people to stay in their homes for longer – positively contributing to the continued use and occupancy of existing buildings. For any interventions and decisions which impact on traditionally constructed homes and the historic environment, BEFS points to existing guidance on the adaptation of historic or designated properties.

Council tax for second and empty homes, and thresholds for non-domestic rates: consultation analysis (Scot Gov 24/10/23)

Building Community Wealth in Scotland: consultation analysis (Scot Gov 26/10/23)

Mandatory Training on Planning for Elected Members (BEFS 26/10/2023)
BEFS fully supports the proposal for mandatory training on planning for elected members. We would consider that good decision making for people and places recognises the National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) view that ‘Scotland’s rich heritage, culture and outstanding environment are national assets which support our economy, identity, health and wellbeing’, delivering against the spatial principles within NPF4.

News Releases

European Commission opens calls to invest in data spaces for cultural heritage and tourism (Network of European Museum Organisations 09/10/2023)

Scotland’s plumbing and heating apprenticeship to undergo ‘comprehensive’ review (Project Scotland 19/10/2023)

Patrick Harvie reaffirms commitment to Passivhaus standard (Scottish Housing News 20/10/2023)

Two in five Scottish residents can’t afford energy upgrades says Charted Institute of Building survey (CIOB 25/10/2023)

Call for Papers – The Public Country House: ‘Treasure of Quiet Beauty’ or a Site for Public Histories (V&A 27/10/2023)

The Improvement Service has teamed up with LANDCLAN to help bring its Spatial Hub data to the commercial market (Improvement Service 27/10/2023)

Scottish home on RIBA House of the Year shortlist (Scottish Housing News 31/10/2023)

Publications

Youth participation in cultural heritage management: a conceptual framework (International Journal of Heritage Studies 16/10/2023)

Heat Pump Supply – The Social Market Foundation has published a report on the UK heat pump supply chain (Social Market Foundation 18/10/2023)

One Life Two Cultures – African and Caribbean Elders in Scotland have published their new book of experiences of African and Caribbean Scots over the past 50 years. Its publication was supported by the Scottish Civic Trust Diverse Heritage Project and the Year of Stories 2022 Community Stories Fund. (Scottish Civic Trust 23/10/2023)

Applying the Robbins Principle to Further Education and Apprenticeships report on further education, apprenticeships, and inequality (The Resolution Foundation 24/10/2023)

Learning to grow: How to situate a skills strategy in an economic strategy – report focusing on strategically important sectors to the UK, including finance and business, creativity and culture, life sciences, AI, and clean technology. (The Resolution Foundation 24/10/2023)

Glasgow 2030 Tourism Strategy (Glasgow Tourism and Visitor Plan 27/10/2023)

CIPD report; Devolution and evolution in UK skills policy – report comparing and analysing the labour market in across the four nations, with a focus on skills development policy. Notably, the report analyses the plummet of apprenticeship starts in SMEs in England since the introduction of the apprenticeship levy. (The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development 31/10/2023)

Watt’s the plan? – report highlighting the major infrastructure challenges in the UK and and makes recommendations for a new institutional framework to support investment and delivery. (The Resolution Foundation 01/11/2023)

SFT Outcomes – report disseminating the outcomes corresponding to the business objectives outlined in Scottish Future Trust’s 2019-24 Corporate Plan. The report includes new case studies and analyses of infrastructure needs, investments, innovative construction, technology-enabled construction, and more. (Scottish Futures Trust 02/11/2023)

Scottish & UK: Governmental & Parliamentary Publications

Guidance for custodians on how to deal with commemorative heritage assets that have become contested (UK Gov 05/10/2023) Devolved matter in Scotland.

Letter from the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills (Scot Gov 23 October 2023)

Modern methods of construction – what’s gone wrong? The Built Environment Committee has launched an inquiry into the future of modern methods of construction (MMC) (UK PARL Built Environment Committee 24/10/2023)

Letter from Minister for Community Wealth and Public Finance (Scot Gov 25 October 2023)

Ending homelessness together: annual report 2023 (Scot Gov 26/10/2023)

Heat in Buildings: progress report 2023 (Scot Gov 27/10/2023)

Scotland’s Land Use Strategy Annual Progress Report – 2022/2023 (Scot Gov 27/10/2023)

Letter from the Convener to the Minister for Local Government Empowerment and Planning (Scot Parl 27 October 2023)

Building standards: national annual verification performance report 2022 to 2023 (Scot Gov 31/10/2023)

Letter from the Minister for Housing (Scot Gov 31 October 2023)

Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee meeting on the Visitor Levy (Scotland) Bill (Scot Gov 31 October 2023)

Opinion & Comment

Concrete crisis: What is Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC)? (Twentieth Century Society 06/09/2023)

Why is Keir Starmer ignoring the concrete and steel elephant in the room? (Architects Journal 12/10/2023)

Trads Forget the Past at Their Peril (Failed Architecture 06/10/2023)

How local authorities can benefit from working with the community heritage sector (Heritage Trust Network / ACES Terrier Autumn 2023)

Famous Gallowgate tenement from 1771 now comes with climate control (The Herald 10/10/2023)

Britain’s Housing Crisis: What Went Wrong? (BBC Two 17/10/2023)

Cracked tiles, wonky gutters, leaning walls – why are Britain’s new houses so rubbish? (The Guardian 21/10/2023)

More focus needed on climate and social impact of dull buildings – top designer (The National 21/10/2023)

Sue Bridge: Are the purposes of the green belt still relevant for the 21st century? (RTPI 23/10/2023)

Culture secretary fails to clear up confusion over promise to ‘more than double’ arts funding in Scotland (Scotsman 25/10/2023)

Second National Infrastructure Assessment: the good, the bad and the next steps (RTPI 26/10/2023)

Patrick Harvie Scottish Green Autumn Conference Speech (Scottish Greens 30/10/2023)

City of Edinburgh Council set to declare housing emergency (BBC News 02/11/2023)

The Big Read: What can we do to save Scotland’s towns? (The Herald 02/11/2023)

Parliamentary Questions & Answers

Questions marked with a triangle (?) are initiated by the Scottish Government to facilitate the provision of information to the Parliament. Questions in which a member has indicated a declarable interest are marked with an “R”.

Kenneth Gibson, MSP for Cunninghame North, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 18/10/2023
S6O-02633
To ask the Scottish Government what progress it is making on implementing the recommendations on the skills delivery landscape in the report, Fit for the Future: developing a post-school learning system to fuel economic transformation.
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on 26 October 2023

Sarah Boyack, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 20/10/2023
S6W-22334
To ask the Scottish Government when any revisions to its onshore wind carbon calculator will be published.
S6W-22335
To ask the Scottish Government how much peatland has been excavated, according to data within onshore wind applications consented to by the Energy Consents Unit, within the last 10 years.
S6W-22336
To ask the Scottish Government how much peatland has been restored, according to data within onshore wind applications consented to by the Energy Consents Unit, within the last 10 years.
S6W-22337
To ask the Scottish Government how much carbon has been emitted as (a) a direct and (b) an indirect result of development on peatland, according to data within onshore wind applications consented to by the Energy Consents Unit, within the last 10 years.
S6W-22338
To ask the Scottish Government what processes are in place to ensure the accuracy and reliability of data inputted into its onshore wind carbon calculator by a prospective developer
Current status: Answers expected on 17/11/2023

Liam McArthur, MSP for Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: 25/10/2023
S6W-22345
To ask the Scottish Government with which organisations it has consulted regarding the development of a Green Industrial Strategy, as committed to in its Programme for Government 2023-24.
S6W-22346
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide more information on how the First Minister’s commitment to “invest up to £500 million to anchor a new offshore wind supply chain” will be delivered.
S6W-22347
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide a timeline for when it expects to deliver the First Minister’s commitment to “invest up to £500 million to anchor a new offshore wind supply chain”.
S6W-22348
To ask the Scottish Government how it will engage with the renewable energy industry in the delivery of the First Minister’s commitment to “invest up to £500 million to anchor a new offshore wind supply chain”.
S6W-22349
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will outline how the First Minister’s commitment to “invest up to £500 million to anchor a new offshore wind supply chain” will be delivered in conjunction with the £500 million Just Transition Fund.
S6W-22350
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the development of a Green Industrial Strategy, as committed to in its Programme for Government 2023-24.
Current status: Answers expected on 08/11/2023

Alex Cole-Hamilton, MSP for Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: 29/09/2023
S6W-21882
To ask the Scottish Government what action it has taken to ensure that the key stakeholders in the private sector are aware of the issue of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete and know where to go for advice, as referenced in the minutes of the meeting of the Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) Cross Sector Working Group on 14 August 2023.
S6W-21883
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the meeting of the Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) Cross Sector Working Group on 14 August 2023, what action it has taken to “signpost and share information which supports effective assessment and reporting on RAAC as a potential building defect”.
Current status: Answered by Shirley-Anne Somerville on 20 October 2023

Liam McArthur, MSP for Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: 25/10/2023
S6W-22414
To ask the Scottish Government what proportion of the housing stock in each local authority area is comprised of homes within buildings constructed before 1914.
S6W-22415
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answers to questions S6W-21728 and S6W-21745 by Patrick Harvie on 23 and 24 October 2023 respectively, what discussions it has had with Historic Environment Scotland on approaches to retrofitting traditional and listed buildings.
S6W-22416
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answers to questions S6W-21728 and S6W-21745 by Patrick Harvie on 23 and 24 October 2023 respectively, which stakeholders it (a) has had and (b) plans to have discussions with on approaches to retrofitting traditional and listed buildings.
S6W-22417
To ask the Scottish Government what research it (a) has conducted and (b) plans to conduct into the results of various energy efficiency interventions on traditional and listed buildings.
S6W-22418
To ask the Scottish Government what proportion of the housing stock in each local authority area is comprised of homes within traditional buildings.
Current status: Answers expected on 08/11/2023

Mark Ruskell, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Green Party
Date lodged: 25/10/2023
S6W-22436
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on what plans it has to support grassroots music venues across Scotland.
S6W-22437
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on what assessment it has made of any additional revenue raising tools, such as ticket levies on large music events and areas, to support grassroots music venues and the talent pipeline.
Current status: Answers expected on 08/11/2023

Ben Macpherson, MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith, Scottish National Party
S6W-22486
Date lodged: 26/10/2023
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the progress of its Heat in Buildings Strategy.
Current status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 27 October 2023

Jamie Greene, MSP for West Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 27/10/2023
S6W-22459
To ask the Scottish Government for what reason Govan Graving Dock was granted £2.4 million for its restoration, and whether any such grants are being considered for other dry docks in similar states of disuse.
Current status: Answer expected on 10/11/2023

Kate Forbes, MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 30/10/2023
S6W-22531
To ask the Scottish Government, as part of its post-implementation review into short-term let licensing, whether it plans to undertake any stakeholder engagement and consultation ahead of the review, and what the nature of any stakeholder involvement in the review will be.
S6W-22532
To ask the Scottish Government when it will commence its post-implementation review into short-term let licensing; what the scope, remit and nature of this work is; what the timeline is for the completion of the review, and when it plans to report to (a) ministers and (b) the Parliament on its findings.
Current status: Answers expected on 13/11/2023

Neil Bibby, MSP for West Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 30/10/2023
S6W-22536
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the First Minister’s announcement of an additional £100 million for the arts and culture sector on 17 October 2023, how this figure was arrived at; how the funding will be distributed over the next five years, and whether it will be attributed on an annual rolling basis, or using a multi-year approach.
S6W-22537
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will publish a timeline outlining when decisions about the distribution of the additional £100 million for the arts and culture sector will be made, and, if so, when.
S6W-22538
To ask the Scottish Government what the additional £100 million of funding for arts and culture includes, and, in particular, whether it includes an explicit increase to the national performing companies annual budget line for the next five years.
S6W-22539
To ask the Scottish Government when the Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture was first made aware of the First Minister’s decision to announce an additional £100 million for the arts and culture sector on 17 October 2023.
Current status: Answer expected on 13/11/2023

Sarah Boyack, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 30/10/2023
S6W-22527
To ask the Scottish Government how many groups are currently being supported by the Community and Renewable Energy Scheme, broken down by local authority area.
S6W-22528
To ask the Scottish Government how much energy is currently generated in Scotland from community and locally owned sources.
S6W-22529
To ask the Scottish Government how much funding was allocated to groups through the Community and Renewable Energy Scheme in (a) 2019, (b) 2020, (c) 2021 and (d) 2022, also broken down by local authority area.
Current status: Answers expected on 13/11/2023

Daniel Johnson, MSP for Edinburgh Southern, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 28/09/2023
S6W-2185
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the Heat in Buildings Workforce Assessment Project outlined in its Heat in Buildings Strategy.
Current status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 24 October 2023

Miles Briggs, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Conservatives and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 31/10/2023
S6W-22602
To ask the Scottish Government what discussions have taken place regarding the development of an infrastructure levy.
S6W-22603
To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it has had with the UK Government regarding the transfer of powers required to implement its proposed Building Safety Levy.
S6W-22604
To ask the Scottish Government when it plans to publish its proposals for a Building Safety Levy.
S6W-22605
To ask the Scottish Government what work it has undertaken to estimate the costs required for cladding remediation of so-called “orphan” buildings.
S6W-22606
To ask the Scottish Government what formula it plans to use to calculate its proposed Building Safety Levy.
Current status: Answers expected on 14/11/2023

Jackie Baillie, MSP for Dumbarton, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 19/09/2023
S6W-21465
To ask the Scottish Government how much it estimates will be the cost of the removal or remedial action required for reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete within the NHS.
Current status: Answered by Michael Matheson on 4 October 2023

Sarah Boyack, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 20/09/2023
S6W-21288
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of its reported plans to amend the Energy Performance (EPC) system, what consideration it has given to how to deal with properties that are off grid, and whose EPC rating may change depending on gas costs, and whether any such properties will be penalised.
Current status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 4 October 2023

Tess White, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 19/09/2023
S6W-21458
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on the national survey programme of the NHS estate to identify the use of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete in NHS buildings, including the number of buildings at risk and their location.
Current status: Answered by Michael Matheson on 4 October 2023

Liam Kerr, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 29/09/2023
S6W-21921
To ask the Scottish Government when an updated Estates Condition Survey for the college sector will be conducted and completed, in light of the last survey, which was completed in 2017 and estimated that £360 million of work was required in the subsequent five years to bring the college estate to a generally sound (wind and watertight) condition.
S6W-21922
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on what progress has been made in developing and delivering a fully costed infrastructure delivery plan for the college sector.
Current status: Answered by Graeme Dey on 27 October 2023

Miles Briggs, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 31/10/2023
S6W-22599
To ask the Scottish Government when it plans to undertake a review of legislation relating to the Home Report.
Current status: Answer expected on 14 November 2023

Liam Kerr, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 29/09/2023
S6W-21889
To ask the Scottish Government what the resource funding increase of £46 million for the college and university sectors, announced in the Budget statement on 15 December 2022, was specifically intended to be used for; whether it expects colleges and universities to still proceed with that work, in light of the funding being withdrawn, and, if not, what its position (a) was on the importance of this work in December 2022, in light of its decision to allocate an additional £46 million of funding for it at that time, and (b) is on whether this work is still necessary.
Current status: Answered by Graeme Dey on 30 October 2023

Rhoda Grant, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 03/10/2023
S6W-21970
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide a list of the 30 police buildings that Police Scotland plans to dispose of, as detailed in its proposals submitted to the Scottish Police Authority.
Current status: Answered by Angela Constance on 30 October 2023

Alexander Stewart, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 03/10/2023
S6W-21929
To ask the Scottish Government, in light of reports that some local residents were required by Clackmannanshire Council to evacuate their homes, in a majority council-owned block of flats, and move into short-term accommodation due to reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete being found and the flats being deemed unsafe, what immediate action it can take to (a) help provide suitable long-term accommodation and (b) support any proposals for repairs of these properties.
Current status: Answered by Paul McLennan on 18 October 2023

Donald Cameron, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 06/10/2023
S6W-22065
To ask the Scottish Government when it will publish its refreshed Culture Strategy Action Plan, in light of it being delayed from summer 2022 and spring 2023.
Current status: Answered by Angus Robertson on 18 October 2023

Donald Cameron, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 04/10/2023
S6W-22012
To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to develop an artificial intelligence strategy in relation to the culture sector, and how it plans to ensure that any such strategy is safe and ethical in its implementation.
Current status: Answered by Christina McKelvie on 19 October 2023

Miles Briggs, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 03/102023
S6W-21989
To ask the Scottish Government whether it anticipates any workforce pressures in relation to skilled stonemasons in the next 10 years.
Current status: Answered by Christina McKelvie on 19 October 2023

Pam Gosal, MSP for West Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 23/10/2023
S6W-22265
To ask the Scottish Government what assessment it has made of the impact of the decision to reinstate the £6.6 million reduction of the Creative Scotland budget.
Current status: Answered by Christina McKelvie on 01 November 2023

Alexander Stewart, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 05/10/2023
S6W-22038
To ask the Scottish Government, regarding short-term let licensing, what its position is on whether holiday accommodation providers that have multiple similar premises types on the same site should be required to pay a licence fee for each individual accommodation that they provide.
Current status: Answered by Paul McLennan on 20 October 2023

Donald Cameron, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 06/10/2023
S6W-22068
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide an update on its plans to work jointly across the health and culture portfolios to ensure that culture is represented in social prescribing discussions, as set out in its response to the recommendations from the National Partnership for Culture.
Current status: Answered by Christina McKelvie on 20 October 2023

Liam Kerr, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 29/09/2023
S6W-21918
To ask the Scottish Government for what reason its Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan, which had previously been due to be published in Spring 2022, will now not be available until summer 2024.
Current status: Answered by Gillian Martin on 23 October 2023

Liam McArthur, MSP for Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: 25/09/2023
S6W-21719
To ask the Scottish Government how many properties have had energy efficiency measures installed through funding from the Private Rented Sector Landlord Loan scheme since it was introduced.
Current status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 23 October 2023

Liam McArthur, MSP for Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: 25/092023
S6W-21728
To ask the Scottish Government how it plans to apply its proposed energy performance certification reforms to listed buildings, including whether any consideration has been given to (a) exemptions for such properties and (b) changes to regulations governing listed building consent to facilitate net zero retrofitting measures.
Current status: Answered by Patrick Harvie on 23 October 2023

Motions

Apprentice of the Year 2023 Named as Ayr’s Charlie White
S6M-10840
Submitted by: Sharon Dowey, South Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party.
Date lodged: 16/10/2023
That the Parliament congratulates Ayr’s Charlie White on being awarded Apprentice of the Year at the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) Awards; understands that Charlie was presented with this accolade at the APSE Building Maintenance Seminar, incorporating the APSE Apprentice Awards 2023; further understands that Charlie passed his Final Integrated Competence Assessment (FICA) at 98.55%, scoring 136 points out of 138; understands that Charlie is now a fully qualified tradesperson, having completed his four-year apprenticeship; congratulates Charlie on what it sees as a significant achievement, and wishes him the very best in his future career.

Ensuring Scotland’s Skills System is Fit for the Future
S6M-10922
Submitted by: Daniel Johnson, Edinburgh Southern, Scottish Labour.
Date lodged: 23/10/2023
That the Parliament notes the findings of the independent review of the skills delivery landscape, particularly that skills delivery has lacked clear leadership and direction, and substantial structural change is required to ensure that the skills system is fit for the future; regrets that Modern Apprenticeship starts are lower than in 2015-16 at a time when 70% of businesses are reporting skills shortages; is concerned that the proportion of people in employment who participated in job-related training is lower than it was in 2007; notes that net zero targets will require a step change in workforce skills but that the Scottish Government has only allocated 15% of its Just Transition Fund; considers that it is 21 months on from Audit Scotland’s conclusion that urgent action was needed on skills from the Scottish Government and that it is therefore disappointing that no reforms are yet planned; believes that Scotland urgently needs a vision for a flexible and responsive skills delivery system that is fit for the future, and calls, therefore, on the Scottish Government to set out its response to the review of the skills delivery landscape before the end of 2023 and to bring forward legislation on skills reform, as referenced in its Programme for Government, within the parliamentary year.

Supporting Scotland’s Culture Sector
S6M-10917
Submitted by: Neil Bibby, West Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 23/10/2023
That the Parliament values greatly the enormous contribution of the arts and culture sector to Scotland’s national life and economy, noting that the creative industry is estimated to be worth nearly £4.5 billion and 80,000 jobs; recognises what many in the sector have described as a “perfect storm” of crisis in the sector, resulting from years of underfunding as well as the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the cost of living crisis; condemns the Scottish Government’s decision to break its promise to the sector not to cut Creative Scotland’s budget by 10%, and notes the furious reaction in response; notes the commitment from the Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture that Creative Scotland’s funding will be restored in 2024-25, but recognises with concern that Creative Scotland has stated that up to a third of its regularly funded organisations are at serious risk of insolvency in the short term, and over half are financially weak, which will require redundancies or other cost savings, and therefore considers that there is an urgent need for funding now; further notes the announcement made by the First Minister on 17 October 2023 to more than double arts and culture funding over the next five years, but believes that, in the current context, financial certainty for the sector is crucial; calls, therefore, on the Scottish Government to reverse the 10% budget cut to Creative Scotland with immediate effect; further calls on the Scottish Government to set out full details for its proposed increase in the arts and culture budget, including timescales for funding increases, and believes that it is essential that this is clarified ahead of the publication of a refreshed Scottish Government Culture Strategy.

Purchase of Hoy and Sanday Churches
S6M-10944
Submitted by: Liam McArthur, Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: 25/10/2023
That the Parliament congratulates Friends of Sanday Kirk on being awarded £83,730 from the Scottish Land Fund to purchase Cross Kirk on Sanday; understands that the group formed in 2022 after the Church of Scotland announced that Cross Kirk would be slated for closure; further understands that after initially winning a 12-month postponement in the closure of the kirk, a charity was officially formed for the purposes of seeking funds to purchase and renovate the building; commends the group’s intention to turn the building into a multi-use community facility and meeting space, providing a range of essential services for the residents of Sanday; understands that £93,802 from the Scottish Land Fund was also secured by Hoy Youth Hub to purchase and convert St Columba’s Church in Longhope, providing a dedicated space for young people on the island; believes that these projects and facilities will be of immense value to their local communities, and pays tribute to the hard work of all those involved in securing the future of what it sees as these important community assets in Sanday and Hoy.

Welcoming the Contribution of Rural Estates to Scotland’s Wellbeing Economy
S6M-11029
Submitted by: Finlay Carson, Galloway and West Dumfries, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 30/10/2023
That the Parliament welcomes the report, The Contribution of Rural Estates to Scotland’s Wellbeing Economy, by Scottish Land and Estates, which was published in February 2023; believes that this report, for which the research was carried out by BiGGAR Economics Ltd and Scottish Land and Estates, is an innovative example of a whole sector measuring its outputs against Scotland’s National Performance Framework’s National Outcomes, rather than just through traditional economic metrics; considers that the report describes and quantifies how rural estates drive local economic development through agriculture, forestry, tourism, sporting, recreation and renewable energy generation, act as stewards of the natural environment, protect and enhance biodiversity, support the transition to net zero, provide homes and create sustainable new communities, provide a gateway to nature, and function as anchors of communities and support community-led projects; further considers that the report also identifies areas in which there is scope for estates to increase their contributions across the National Outcomes, and provides an improvement framework to complement the research; recognises Scotland’s rural estates as, it considers, key delivery partners of the Scottish Government across a wide range of policy areas, including improving outcomes for people, jobs and nature across the country, including in the Galloway and West Dumfries constituency, and commends the sector for what it sees as its commitment to this innovative work.

Events

For further listings, please see our events calendar. 

Heritage Trust Network – A Future for Your Church: Creating a Church Plan
Date & Time: Friday 3 November; 9:30-11am
Location: Online via Zoom
Heritage Trust Network and Historic Churches Scotland are joining forces to host the next event in this series for any group contemplating the future of their church building. At this event Isobel Milne from The Churches Conservation Trust will explain the key elements of a Church Plan and how to create your own using a helpful template. A copy of CCT’s template will be provided for you to adapt and use at your own church.

Festival of Social Science – Wellbeing wander: Creative Community City Planning with your Senses
Date & Time: Saturday 4 November; 2pm-4pm
Location: Clarice Pears Building School of Health & Wellbeing, Glasgow G12 8TB
A two hour gently paced activity led by Dr Alison McCandlish including a short guided walk and workshop- get some steps in and spend some time using all of your available senses to see, hear and experience Byres Road, exploring and explaining explain urban planning issues which many communities face, with a social science eye. No prior drawing skills needed, all materials provided. Open to professional town planners and related built environment professionals or community activists.

IHBC – Retrofit Workshop with IHBC Scotland branch
Date & Time: Monday 6 November; 10:30am-3.30pm
Location: Glasgow City Heritage Trust, Glasgow
Workshop on retrofit in Glasgow by John Edwards (Edwards Hart – Consultants). Introducing the IHBC Retrofit Toolbox, the value of a holistic approach and of maintenance as well as interventions to meet the standards. Fee £20 includes lunch. Click on to the ‘events’ tab on the webpage to see this event.

Under One Roof – Property Repair and Maintenance Event
Date & Time: Tuesday 7 November; 5:30pm-7:30pm
Location: ESPC Property Information Centre, 107 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 3ES
The aim of this event is to provide tenement owners with the tools required to ascertain building condition, carry out repairs and ensure correct maintenance of their properties. Changes to the law of tenement maintenance are coming – find out what you need to know at the event. Topics covered include property conditions, repair and maintenance processes, funding options, and neighbourhood collaboration.

Scottish Historic Buildings Trust – Cardross Seminary: Fate, Failure or Tragic Myth?
Date & Time: Wednesday 8 November; 6:30pm-8:30pm
Location: Riddles Court, Edinburgh
Dr Diane Watters will summarise the sixty-odd year history of Cardross Seminary as outlined in her book of 2016, and place Cardross within the wider religious, architectural and preservation movements of which it formed an important symbolic part. Its history divides neatly into two: the story of its design and use, and the story of its decline and salvage.

RTPI – Sustainability and resilience through planning – building adaptability to future challenges
Part of the World Town Planning Online Programme
Date & Time: Wednesday 8 November; 8:30am-9:45am
Location: Online
On World Town Planning Day planners and communities all over the world come together to celebrate how good planning improves the lives of people and benefits society at large, creating places where to live, work and play together. You are invited you to join our special online webinar programme as part of our pre National Planning Conference programme.

RTPI – Grampian AGM and Quiz
Date & Time: Thursday 9 November; 5:30pm-9:30pm
Location: Advocates Library, Aberdeen
This in-person AGM will take place in the Advocates Library. The AGM will be followed by the Quiz and an opportunity to catch up with colleagues. Light bites and refreshments will be provided. Please sign up as individuals but teams will be a maximum of four. If you can’t make up a team we can coordinate one.

Society of Antiquaries of Scotland – Changing His Tune: Robert Bruce, Ireland and the Papacy
Date & Time: Thursday 9 November; 6pm
Location: Online
Robert Bruce had been on a mission for over a decade by 1318, intent on forcing a peace treaty out of England acknowledging Scottish independence and his own rights as king. After Bannockburn, ever more extravagant military options were pursued to try to force the issue, a priority that required avoiding direct engagement with Pope John XXII who was determined to stop the violence. The death of Bruce’s heir, his brother Edward, in Ireland in October 1318 changed all that. Join historian Fiona Watson and the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland to hear more about this crucial period in the reign of Scotland’s warrior king.

Institution of Civil Engineers – The Burrell Collection Refurbishment
Date & Time: Thursday 9 November; 6pm-8pm
Location: University of Strathclyde, Lecture Theatre TL455
A presentation by the structural engineer and architect on the Burrell Renaissance project.

The Heritage Alliance – Heritage Debate 2023 Careers at a Crossroads
Date & Time: Wednesday 15 November; 11am-1pm
Location: Online
Now in its 13th year, Heritage Debate brings sector leaders, professionals, volunteers and students together for cross sector insight, connection and to find solutions to key challenges facing the sector. This year’s Heritage Debate is: ‘Careers at a Crossroads: How Can We Future-Proof the Heritage Sector Workforce?’

The Improvement Service and Planning Aid Scotland – Improvement Service for Community Councils – Local Place Plans
Date & Time: Tuesday 21 November; 6pm-7pm
Location: Online
Local Place Plans are a new right enshrined in planning legislation for communities to prepare a plan for their own place. The webinar will provide an overview of Local Place Plans, and how they are different from other types of community-led plan. It will also look at what the key requirements are in terms of preparing a Local Place Plan, and at some examples of Local Place Plans that have already been prepared. There will be plenty of time for discussion so please come along with any questions.

Architecture & Design Scotland – Place Forum: Thinking big, thinking beyond
Date & Time: Wednesday 22 November; 11am-1pm
Location: Online
Join Architecture and Design Scotland for the next Place Forum where they will be looking at whole place design and collaborative approaches. The question they ask is ‘How do we explore and collaborate with place and people to help embrace the ‘scale’ of vision required for the future’ Confirmed speakers include: Brendan Turvey of NatureScot, Lisa MacKenzie and Anais Chanon of ESALA and Alistair Shaw of Falkirk Council.

Scotland’s Towns Conference 2023: Delivering Towns for All
Date & Time: Wednesday 29 November; 9am-5pm
Location: Apex Hotel, Dundee
Join Scotland’s Towns Partnership and around 200 industry stakeholders for this year’s Scotland’s Towns Conference – Delivering towns for all. Scotland aims to deliver places for all – a wellbeing economy – creating equality and opportunity for an economy that ensures our towns, neighbourhoods and communities are thriving, engaging and viable for all.

BEFS/SPAB – Scotland’s Churches in Transition: Planning for the Future
Date & Time: Wednesday 29 November; 9:30am-4pm
Location: The Ramshorn, 98 Ingram Street, Glasgow
SPAB and BEFS are delighted to jointly host this CPD Conference for decision makers across the planning and built environment sector. A huge number of churches are in transition, with some in the process of being assessed and sold on the open market. Changes of use and ownership such as these may often mean the sites will no longer be covered by Ecclesiastical Exemption.

Icon Scotland Group – 2023 AGM
Date & Time: Thursday 30 November; 5:30pm-6:15pm
Location: The Engine Shed, Stirling
Join the Icon Scotland Group committee to discuss everything we’ve been doing in 2023, and everything we have planned for 2024. Tickets are free and you can join us whether you’re an Icon member or considering joining.

Icon Scotland Group – 26th Annual Plenderleith Memorial Lecture
Date & Time: Thursday 30 November; 6:30pm-8:30pm
Location: The Engine Shed, Stirling and Online
Join Icon Scotland for a lecture in memory of Dr Harold Plenderleith, one of the key founders of modern conservation. Our invited speaker is Professor Christina Young, Director of the Kelvin Centre for Conservation and Cultural Heritage Research, University of Glasgow. Christina will reflect on how the Kelvin Centre addresses issues facing the conservation landscape in Scotland and helps promote and support the conservation profession.

Training

Culture & Business Scotland – Going for gold – securing business sponsorships from start to finish
Date & Time: Tuesday 7 November; 9.30am-4pm
Location: Online, on Zoom
This practical course, led by Alice Samtoy, provides comprehensive training to deepen your knowledge and take your corporate fundraising to the next level.

Culture & Business Scotland – Effective copywriting: from blank page to impactful story
Date & Time: Tuesday 14 & Wednesday 15 November; 10am-1pm
Location: Online
Move from a blank page to a compelling case for support in the capable hands of professional copywriter, Allison Traynor. Packed with tips, tools and techniques and delivered in two live classroom online sessions over two days.

Scottish Civic Trust – Inclusive heritage training
Date & Time: Wednesday 29 November; 1pm – 2.15pm
Location: Online
Join the Scottish Civic Trust for a free inclusive heritage training session for local civic, heritage and community groups in Scotland. The session will cover key terms related to inclusion, the benefits of engaging more diverse audiences, mapping possible partners and how to build mutually beneficial partnerships with excluded audiences.

Vacancies 

Scottish Historic Buildings Trust – Director
Salary: Competitive salary commensurate with experience
Status: Full-time
Location: Edinburgh.
Scottish Historic Buildings Trust (SHBT) is a dynamic and innovative charity which plays a unique role in preserving and promoting the nation’s heritage, with over 40 years’ experience delivering complex projects that regenerate neglected historic buildings and give them a sustainable future. SHBT holds a property portfolio of important historic buildings that are available to lease or hire for offices, events and functions. SHBT are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Director to lead this Building Preservation Trust, providing strategic vision, financial management and leadership.

Historic Environment Scotland – Collections Officer
Salary: £23,971 – £26,842
Status: Full-time
Location: Edinburgh and the Lothians.
Historic Environment Scotland are looking for a Collections Officer to join the Collections & Applied Conservation team to manage daily operations at Trinity House Maritime Museum in Leith. You will work with internal and external stakeholders to open the house up to the public and community groups, ensuring a high level of collections care throughout.
Deadline: Monday 6 November 2023

UNESCO – Non-Executive, Culture
Salary: Unremunerated with reasonable expenses reimbursed.
Status: Minimum 20 days per year commitment.
Location: London/Flexible.
The UK National Commission for UNESCO is inviting applications for a pro bono Non-Executive Director (NED) with expertise and experience in the field of Culture (with a focus on World Heritage).
Deadline: Tuesday 14 November 2023

Royal Institute of Architecture Scotland – Head of Outreach
Salary: £38,000 – £42,000
Status: Full-time
Location: Edinburgh, flexible working.
The RIAS seeks a Head of Outreach, to play a pivotal role in driving the success of the RIAS by spearheading the development and implementation of robust public affairs, policy, communications, and awards program strategies.
Deadline: Thursday 16 November 2023

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