BEFS Bulletin 356: Planning, Heritage Careers and a Summer Break
Get The Latest Built Environment News, Policy Developments, Publications & Consultations
BEFS NEWS
The new 2024-2025 Heritage Careers Guide, compiled by Professor Ian Baxter in association with The Heritage Alliance and BEFS, is now available. This comprehensive resource lists a range of useful places to check for vacancies in the heritage sector, aiming to support students and job seekers in finding employment opportunities. The guide has been updated with new links and is freely available for viewing, downloading, and sharing.
With the recent changes in Westminster leadership, BEFS notes new pledges on housing delivery south of the border, with conversations about upcoming planning reform very much in the news. Topics discussed at the recent meeting between newly appointed UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Scottish First Minister John Swinney at Bute House, and Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ speech outlining plans to ‘fix the foundations’ of the UK economy could have implications for Scotland. While focusing on growth, planning reform, and infrastructure development, the Chancellor’s proposals, including changes to the National Planning Policy Framework and onshore wind policies, primarily target England. However, the emphasis on economic growth, increased housing targets, and infrastructure investments may influence policy discussions and decisions north of the border. BEFS will closely monitor any developments, assessing potential impacts on or opportunities for Scottish planning policies, on Scotland’s existing built environment, and any consequent shifts in the Scottish Government’s approach to planning, development, and economic strategy – and will keep members apprised of significant changes in this area.
A further note on planning – BEFS, on behalf of the Conservation Officers Group (COG), has written to the Minister for Public Finance, Ivan McKee and Chief Planner Fiona Simpson highlighting concerns around the recent implementation of phase 3 of Permitted Development Rights (PDR) in relation to Conservation Areas. Issues highlighted include increased pressures on planning authorities, loss of positive gains achieved through previous investment of public funds/grants, and ongoing work such as Heat in Buildings legislation and the EPC review, which could significantly interact with the detail and implementation of the PDR3 amendments.
As Edinburgh gears up for its festival season urbanists and heritage and built environment enthusiasts have a wealth of relevant events to explore. The Academy of Urbanism’s Young Urbanist Kathie Pollard has curated a selection of programmes from the Edinburgh Art, Book, and Fringe festivals that may interest those in the sector. From Thomas Heatherwick’s insights on design to explorations of local postcodes and global urban challenges, the festivals offer a unique opportunity to engage with urban issues through various cultural lenses. For full details and booking information, visit the Urbanist’s pick of the Edinburgh Art, Book and Fringe festival programmes.
Finally, we want to remind our readers and members that BEFS is following its summer bulletin schedule. This will be our last bulletin before the summer recess. To keep you abreast of any crucial developments, keep your eyes peeled for a concise summer update on 21st August, bridging the gap until our regular bulletin schedule resumes in September.
We’re grateful to have reached 1000 subscribers and counting – thank you for your continued support and engagement! We wish all our readers and members a pleasant and restorative summer ahead.
CONSULTATIONS
Review of charity regulation
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government ran a consultation in 2019 about proposals the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) had made on improvements to the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005. In response to that consultation, it was noted that some respondents wanted a wider review of charity regulation. This consultation aims to understand if people still feel that way and if so, what they think should be the purpose and parameters for a review.
Closes 22 July 2024
Cultural engagement in Scotland: what is it and why does it matter?
Scottish Government
This survey has been developed to help the Scottish Government understand how people describe and enjoy culture, and what matters most to them. They are seeking views on the things that you enjoy doing and if you experience any challenges in accessing different activities and places. Scottish Government will use this information to better understand what everyday culture looks like and how it fits in your lives.
*NEW* Closes 29 July 2024
Tenement law: compulsory owners’ associations
Scottish Law Commission
In March 2018, a Scottish Parliament Working Group was convened to explore what actions could be taken to improve the condition of Scotland’s tenements. The Scottish Law Commission’s project follows from a reference under the Law Commissions Act 1965 received on 10 January 2022 from the (then) Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Housing and Local Government (Shona Robison MSP). The reference asks for recommendations to be made to implement the Working Group’s recommendation that all tenements should have an owners’ association. Consultation is critical in all law reform projects to ensure that the final recommendations would, if implemented, result in law which is just, principled, responsive, and easy to understand.
Closes 1 August 2024
Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee Pre-Budget Scrutiny 2025-26
Scottish Parliament
The Committee wants to gather views from individuals, groups and businesses operating in the culture sector to help make recommendations to the Scottish Government ahead of its Budget for 2025-26. The consultation focuses on planned budget increases, the culture strategy action plan, progress on innovative funding solutions, Creative Scotland’s multi-year funding programme and fair work.
Closes 9 August 2024
Flood resilience strategy
Scottish Government
Scotland’s climate has changed significantly and will continue to change for decades to come, resulting in the need to learn to live with and adapt to flooding in Scotland. The Flood Resilience Strategy will set out what needs to be done in the long term to create a flood resilient Scotland. The consultation paper sets out the principles guiding the strategy and the three key themes of people, places, and processes. These have been developed following a series of workshops and engagement with communities, practitioners, and researchers in 2023. The consultation paper contains full background information.
Closes 13 August 2024
Climate Change Targets Bill
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government has announced it will introduce legislation to amend its approach to setting targets for carbon emission reduction and move to a system of 5-yearly carbon budgets and away from a system of annual targets. This new legislation is expected to propose a new framework for re-setting interim emission reduction ambitions. The legislation is also likely to change the date by which the next Climate Change Plan (CCP) – the Government’s strategic delivery plan for meeting emissions reduction targets – is due. The Net Zero, Energy and Transport (NZET) Committee has agreed to carry out pre-legislative scrutiny in view of the Scottish Government’s stated intention to “expedite” the Bill through the Parliament and is inviting views for their consideration.
*NEW* Closes 16 August
Crofting consultation 2024
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government is determined to ensure that crofting legislation enables and supports the sustainability of crofting, of crofters and crofting communities, and allows crofting to modernise, innovate, diversify, and adapt to help meet today’s and tomorrow’s challenges. This consultation seeks views on a range of proposals for crofting reform which will help to create opportunities for new entrants, encourage the active management and use of crofts and common grazings, and support rural population. The consultation paper contains full background information, including references to current legislation.
Closes 2 September 2024
Compulsory Purchase Reform
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government have committed to reform and modernise compulsory purchase legislation. As a first step, they have established an advisory group to help support the reform programme. The group, to be co-chaired by the Chief Planner and Roseanna Cunningham, brings together several expert practitioners with first-hand experience of the compulsory purchase process. They recognise, however, that a range of organisations have an interest in this area and are consulting broadly and are keen to hear from a wide range of voices as the work moves forward.
Please get in touch at CPO.Reform@gov.scot
VAT and Listed Buildings Survey
Historic Houses
Historic Houses, in collaboration with Harlow Consulting, has launched a survey to assess the impacts of VAT on the repair, maintenance, and restoration of heritage buildings. The survey aims to gather evidence to support the case for a potential VAT rebate scheme for listed buildings open to the public for at least 28 days a year. Owners or managers of listed buildings that operate as heritage attractions are encouraged to participate. The survey covers topics such as property details, VAT impacts, building condition, repair costs, and community engagement. If you have any questions about this survey, please contact James Legard at Harlow Consulting or Sarah Roller at Historic Houses.
CONSULTATION RESPONSES
Wellbeing and Sustainable Development (Scotland) Bill – Consultation Feedback (Scot Gov 09/07/2024)
NEWS RELEASES
Architecture and Design Scotland launches “Value of Design” campaign (Architecture & Design Scotland 27/06/2024)
PUBLICATIONS
New chancellor, new rules: How Rachel Reeves can improve the framework for fiscal policy making (Institute for Government 07/07/2024)
National Planning Framework 4: Guidance from the Courts (Morton Fraser MacRoberts 08/07/2024)
Heritage Careers Guide 2024-2025 (Ian Baxter, BEFS, The Heritage Alliance 13/07/2024)
SCOTTISH & UK: GOVERNMENTAL & PARLIAMENTARY PUBLICATIONS
Correspondence between the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee and Ivan McKee regarding an update on the government’s work to conduct a Local Governance Review (Scot Parl June 2024)
Correspondence between the Local Government, Housing and Planning and Ivan McKee regarding the annual review of NPF4 (Scot Parl 26/06/2024)
Correspondence between the Judicial Office For Scotland and the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee regarding the Housing and Property Chamber of the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Scot Parl 27/06/2024)
Correspondence between the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee and COSLA, City of Edinburgh Council, South Lanarkshire Council, West Dunbartonshire Council, Scottish Borders Council, Local Authorities and Fife Council regarding the terms of an inquiry into the housing emergency (Scot Parl 28/06/2024)
Community right to buy – Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation: model template and guidance (Scot Gov 05/07/2024)
Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC): Management Sub-group minutes – January 2024, Management Sub-group minutes – February 2024 and Management Sub-group minutes – April 2024 (Scot Gov 05/07/2024)
Speech: Chancellor Rachel Reeves is taking immediate action to fix the foundations of our economy (UK Gov 08/07/2024)
Culture Fair Work Taskforce minutes: May 2024 (Scot Gov 08/07/2024)
Public appointment: Members reappointed to the Highlands and Islands Enterprise Board (Scot Gov 08/07/2024)
Construction pipeline forecast tool: CPN 2/2024 (Scot Gov 08/07/2024)
Correspondence between the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee and Jamie Hepburn regarding an update on the Scottish Elections (Representation and Reform) (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 08/07/2024)
Planning and Architecture: Compulsory Purchase Reform (Scot Gov 09/07/2024)
Building standards – Futures Board Programme: workstream information (Scot Gov 09/07/2024)
Research to Inform National Planning Framework 4: Planning and Climate Change Guidance Report Issue 3 (Scot Gov 09/07/2024)
Members reappointed to the Crown Estate Scotland Board (Scot Gov 12/07/2024)
Members reappointed to the Board of National Galleries of Scotland (Scot Gov 12/07/2024)
Planning, Infrastructure and Place Advisory Group: terms of reference (Scot Gov 12/07/2024)
Planning and environmental appeals: quarterly performance statistics (Scot Gov 12/07/2024)
Correspondence between Paul McLennan and the Social Justice and Social Security Committee regarding issues raised on housing and homelessness (Scot Gov 12/07/2024)
SPICe Briefing: One land, many functions: exploring ‘integrated land use’ (SPICe 12/07/2024)
OPINION & COMMENT
Scottish wind farms call for greater government subsidies (The Herald 08/07/2024)
‘Levelling up’ phrase to be erased, says minister (BBC News 09/07/2024)
Ministers warned £9bn needed for new homes to end housing emergency (The Herald 10/07/2024)
UK ministers preparing king’s speech containing at least 30 bills to include devolution, housebuilding and green energy (The Guardian 11/07/2024)
Governments working together to save Grangemouth (BBC News 12/07/2024)
How Scotland’s homes keep getting less affordable (BBC News 15/07/2024)
PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Link to Parliamentary Questions and Answers
EVENTS
For further listings, please see BEFS events calendar
Scottish Government – Crofting Reform Meetings
Date & Time: Wednesday 3 July – Thursday 15 August 2024
Location: Scotland (various)
People across Scotland are being invited to have a say on how crofting is reformed and the Scottish Government is hosting an extensive programme of meetings stretching from Oban to Shetland. The consultation, which runs until 2 September 2024, seeks views on a range of proposals for crofting reform. Your views will help to create opportunities for new entrants, encourage the active management and use of crofts and common grazings, and support rural population.
Scotland’s Heritage Hub Project – The Future of Community Heritage in Scotland: Summer Get-Together
Date & Time: Tuesday 23 July 2024; 3-5.45pm
Location: Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, EH1 1EL
Everyone is welcome to come along to look back on Scotland’s Heritage Hub Project so far and share some ideas about the future. Over recent months discussions have been held about the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland’s plans for developing a new space for people to learn about and contribute to Scotland’s heritage. You can read about some of these here. This event, will bring together some of the contributors and unpack some of the interesting ideas and proposals, including a brand new resource developed by Emily Johnston (FSAScot), PhD researcher at the University of Edinburgh.
Scottish Parliament & Scotland’s Futures Forum – Festival of Politics 2024
Date & Time: Monday 19 – Friday 23 August 2024
Location: Scottish Parliament Building, Horse Wynd, Edinburgh EH99 1SP
The Scottish Parliament’s Festival of Politics is a five-day programme of over 30 events, in the home of Scottish politics at Holyrood. The 20th Festival promises informed debate and inspiring topics on a range of social, political, and environmental issues facing the world today. Leading experts from the worlds of politics, the arts, business, the media, academia and the third sector will assemble for a deep dive into issues dominating the news agenda. Join in and have your say.
Keep Scotland Beautiful – National Conversation on Heritage and Place.
Date & Time: Tuesday 20 August 2024; 1-2pm
Location: Online (MS Teams)
Hear from those taking positive action to protect and improve Scotland’s heritage and places and be inspired to get involved. This free event will showcase the work of Keep Scotland Beautiful’s Our Heritage, Our Future project, considering how communities can actively engage with local heritage using place planning techniques, community-focused heritage training, and school engagement. This event is part of the series of National Conversations which will bring together influential, knowledgeable, and inspiring people and organisations to share experiences, insight and learning across the four strategic themes that Keep Scotland Beautiful works towards.
Heritage Trust Network – High Street Regeneration: Finding new uses for old buildings.
Date & Time: Wednesday 21 August 2024; 9.30am-4.30pm
Location: The Art Department, 2-10 Causeyside Street Paisley PA1 1UQ
Empty buildings on our high streets often stir up passion in communities and feature in news headlines, however things aren’t as bleak as they may seem like communities are breathing new life into these buildings and reactivating their local areas. Join the Heritage Trust Network at the Art Department, a theatre space in a former department store in Paisley, to hear from those who have been there, done it and bought the t-shirt or who have kept an eye on UK high streets’ changing fortunes.
Scottish Heritage Social Media Group – How to Develop a Social Media Strategy
Date & Time: Wednesday 28 August 2024; 3-4pm
Location: Online (Zoom)
Join David Fettes, Social Media Manager at the National Trust for Scotland, to hear about the creation of the Trust’s social media strategy and learn about a framework and key takeaways that you can implement in your own strategy.
SURF Conference 2024 – Navigating Uncertainty: Community Regeneration and Resilience in Scotland
Date & Time: Thursday 29 August 2024; 10am-4pm
Location: COSLA Conference Centre, Edinburgh
SURF’s 2024 Annual Conference tackles the pressing challenges facing community regeneration in Scotland. Against a backdrop of national and international crises, constrained budgets, and potential public asset closures, the conference will explore strategies for resilience and regeneration. Drawing on 25 years of SURF Awards experience, discussions will focus on directing resources effectively, ensuring public benefit in asset management, and leveraging community-level responses. The event promises insights into navigating these uncertain times while fostering hope and practical solutions for Scotland’s communities.
For more information and booking, visit the SURF website.
Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) – Carbon management conversations: examples and application of the PAS 2080 standard
Date & Time: Thursday 29 August 2024; 9am-1pm
Location: University of Strathclyde Technology and Innovation Centre, Glasgow (hybrid event – also available online)
This event will showcase major developments in carbon management through debate, case studies, and best practice from industry experts. Learn about the PAS 2080 standard for carbon management in infrastructure and the built environment and hear how it is being applied to projects and organisations across Scotland. The event features insights into the 2023 update of PAS 2080, case studies on its application, and discussions on the future of carbon management in the industry. Speakers include experts from WSP, University of Strathclyde, and AECOM.
For more information and booking, visit the ICE website.
Heritage Trust Network – Conference 2024
Date & Time: Sunday 29 September – Tuesday 1 October 2024
Location: Dunfermline
Heritage Trust Network is bringing its conference to Dunfermline in 2024. Conference is always the highlight of the year, a fun and friendly mix of inspirational speakers, lively discussions and fascinating tours and visits to historic sites and community projects. Dunfermline has been chosen as the venue because of its fascinating mix of historic sites and the way local organisations are working together to make the most of its heritage assets following the granting of city status in 2022. The incredible philanthropic legacy of Andrew Carnegie is woven through the city’s cultural infrastructure. Network member, Fife Historic Buildings Trust, has recently been granted three-years of funding to help it develop restoration and re-use projects in Dunfermline.
National Churches Trust – Building Sustainable Futures for Scottish Churches : Meet the Funders
Date & Time: Friday 1 November 2024; times tbc
Location: Paisley Abbey, Abbey Close, Paisley PA1 1JG
Join the National Churches Trust at Paisley Abbey to chat with funders and advisers all under one roof. They are there to help support all aspects of the work within your church building, whether it is from community, heritage, faith, tourism, or climate action sectors. Whether you are a congregation looking to repair a roof or to expand your community outreach; or a community organisation considering how to prepare a business plan and get advice on which insurance you will need, there will be someone there to help. Meet with the experts across the sectors and chat with churches, communities and organisations who have already tackled the challenges you are facing. A detailed programme is being compiled. Check this page for updates or sign up for updates below.
TRAINING
SPAB – Limeworking at Saddell Castle
Date & Time: Saturday 27 July 2024; 10am-4pm & Sunday 28 July 2024; 9am-3pm
Location: Saddell Castle, Saddell, PA28 6QS Kintyre
Join SPAB Scotland for this weekend event at Category A listed Saddell Castle. Under the guidance of experts, you’ll learn traditional limeworking techniques and carry out real repairs on a live site, as part of a major conservation project run by the Landmark Trust. Richard Fraser and the team at LimeRich will be your tutors for the weekend. You will learn about hot mixing of lime mortar and harling, apply the harling and, if time allows finish with some lime washing. It’s not every day you get to say you repaired a castle. Places are limited, so book yours now!
SLCT – Introduction to Stonemasonry
Date & Time: Tuesday 27 & Wednesday 28 August 2024; 9.30am-4.30pm
Location: Merryhill Training Centre, Charlestown, Dunfermline KY11 3DR
Taught by a time served Stonemason, this course is suitable for all abilities and covers an introduction to tools, techniques and uses of basic stonemasonry. Learners can take away their practice stones at the end of the day.
SLCT – Introduction to Maintaining Traditional Buildings
Date & Time: Friday 30 August 2024; 10am-3pm
Location: Merryhill Training Centre, Charlestown, Dunfermline KY11 3DR
This course provides the perfect starting point if you are considering undertaking some simple repairs yourself. The course 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 is also an excellent opportunity to speak to the SLCT’s expert tutors about your project.
C&BS – Sponsorship Matters: Managing Ethics and Risk
Date & Time: Tuesday 3 September 2024; 9.30am-12.30pm
Location: Online
A new training session to support fundraisers with concerns about ethics, due diligence and risk management around sponsorship.
£85 + VAT for C&BS members. £125 + VAT for non-members
C&BS – Fundraising Matters: Introduction to Fundraising
Date & Time: Tuesday 10 September 2024 & Tuesday 17 September 2024; 9.30am-12.30pm
Location: Online
This introductory course, led by Pam Judson, gives you the best possible foundations for starting your fundraising career.
£120 + VAT for C&BS members. £190 + VAT for non-members
C&BS – Board Matters: Thinking of Joining a Board?
Date & Time: Thursday 12 September 2024; 12-1pm
Location: Online
Do you care about the culture sector and want to play a part in its future? Then being a board member or trustee just might be for you. This webinar with Catriona Reynolds will help you understand what being on the Board of a cultural charity is all about.
FREE for C&BS members. £35 + VAT for non-members.
VACANCIES
Salary: £20,160 per annum (equivalent to £33,600 full time)
Status: Part time (0.6 FTE, 21 hours per week); 2 Years (Fixed Term)
Location: Home based in Scotland, with travel throughout the country
Are you passionate about helping churches near you to remain open and thrive? If you can respond to enquiries and engage with stakeholders, you could make a massive difference to the churches, chapels, and meeting houses in Scotland as a Cherish Support Officer. Join the team in Scotland working to keep churches open and in use. In partnership with the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Cherish project supports capacity building and improving the condition of places of worship across Scotland. The Support Officer is responsible for the content and delivery of support and advice, and grant assessments, in collaboration with the wider Church Engagement team. The role involves giving presentations to church volunteers, helping them to care for their historic church buildings; building local connections and partnerships, and contributing to sector forums.
Download the information pack for more details.
Closing date: Friday 2 August 2024 at 5pmScottish Historic Buildings Trust – Trustee Roles
Scottish Historic Buildings Trust seeks four new trustees with expertise in areas such as strategy, finance, heritage conservation, marketing, fundraising, property development and asset management. Help shape the future of this leading organisation dedicated to preserving Scotland’s historic buildings. 3-year term, 4 meetings per year. For more information visit www.shbt.org.uk. To apply, email CV and cover letter to maggie.wright@mwa.co1000 readers and counting!
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