BEFS Bulletin 373: HES Funding Awards, Planning and Climate Awareness

BEFS NEWS

BEFS is delighted to be one of seven projects to receive funding through Historic Environment Scotland’s (HES) Partnership Fund. The award will support BEFS in its core activity and work over the next three years, encouraging cross-sectoral and interdisciplinary collaboration to benefit the resilience of Scotland’s historic and existing built environment, and in delivering Our Past, Our Future, Scotland’s strategy for the Historic Environment. With continued HES support BEFS looks forward to working with Members, stakeholders and partners – towards a resilient and sustainable sector and sustainable places for the future!

The Partnership Fund was created in 2021 to help Scotland’s third sector promote, celebrate, and enhance the country’s rich and diverse heritage. Amongst other recipients were BEFS Members Architectural Heritage Fund, Archaeology Scotland, Scottish Civic Trust, Historic Churches Scotland and BEFS associate War Memorials Trust. Learn more here.

This month Historic Environment Scotland published their new 3 year operating plan, setting out the detail of delivering their corporate plan, Heritage For All. Key focuses include opportunities to further harness the contribution of Scotland’s historic environment and for further investment in the wider heritage sector, which generates an estimated £6bn for the Scottish economy. Read the full operating plan on Historic Environment Scotland’s website.

In planning news, the National Planning Improvement team has published a further five case studies generated through the National Planning Improvement Framework process. These studies aim to showcase good practice that others can learn from:

• Children and Young People Engagement by East Lothian Council
• Local Development Plan Early Engagement by Renfrewshire Council
• Conservation and Adaptation by City of Edinburgh Council
• Planning Application Timeline Tool by Fife Council
• Recruiting and Retaining Staff by North Lanarkshire Council

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Please see our Link to Parliamentary Questions and Answers for recent questions regarding housing, heritage, culture and museums.

CONSULTATIONS

Glasgow Visitor Levy Scheme
Glasgow City Council
The Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act 2024 gives local authorities in Scotland the power to introduce a levy that is charged on the purchase of overnight accommodation at a percentage rate. A local authority can determine a number of elements of the Visitor Levy Scheme, including percentage rate set, geographical area where it applies and local exemptions for paying the levy. After initial discussions with a number of key business sectors across Glasgow, the Council would like to gather the views and opinions of all stakeholders, residents and visitors on the proposal which has been developed. To find out more about Glasgow’s proposed Visitor Levy Scheme, please visit their website here.
*NEW* Closes 2 May 2025

Cost-effectiveness of Scottish Public Inquiries
Scottish Parliament
The Finance and Public Administration Committee has launched a consultation on the cost-effectiveness of public inquiries in Scotland, aiming to enhance understanding of how inquiries are established, managed, and how they deliver value for money. The inquiry will explore the purpose and framework for establishing public inquiries, assess their transparency and cost control mechanisms, and consider alternative models and examples of good practice.
Closes 9 May 2025

New Towns Inquiry
UK Parliament
The House of Lords Built Environment Committee has launched a modular inquiry into new towns and expanded settlements. Over a series of short, targeted modules, the Committee aims to discover whether new towns and expanded settlements are an effective means of delivering housing and, if so, how to ensure they are successful. They are now inviting interested individuals and organisations to submit written evidence for our first module, Practical Delivery. The Committee intends to take oral evidence between April and July 2025 and will publish its report on this module later in the year.
Closes 12 May 2025

Planning and Infrastructure Bill: call for evidence
UK Parliament
Do you have relevant expertise and experience or a special interest in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill which is currently passing through Parliament? If so, you can submit your views in writing to the House of Commons Public Bill Committee. The Bill would make changes to the law around planning and infrastructure to support ambitions in the government’s Plan for Change. These ambitions include delivering 1.5 million homes and deciding 150 nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIPs) before the end of the 2024 parliament. The bill would extend to England and Wales, with some provisions for infrastructure also extending to Scotland.
*NEW* Closes 22 May 2025

Climate Change Duties – Draft Statutory Guidance For Public Bodies: consultation
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government is gathering views to help inform new Statutory Guidance for public bodies, to support them in putting the climate change duties into practice. The Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009 (‘the 2009 Act’) places duties on relevant public bodies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contribute to delivery of the Scottish National Adaptation Plan, and to act in the most sustainable way. These duties are known as the climate change duties, or the public bodies climate change duties. Under the 2009 Act, Scottish Ministers are required to provide public bodies with guidance, to support them in putting their climate change duties into practice. Statutory guidance was originally published in 2011 and now requires to be updated. This consultation seeks your views on new draft Statutory Guidance which has been developed for this purpose, and which will replace the 2011 guidance. The consultation paper contains a full draft of the proposed Statutory Guidance. The questions in this consultation are intended to gather your feedback on the content of the guidance. Please read or refer to the guidance while responding.
Closes 23 May 2025

Community Wealth Building (Scotland) Bill
Scottish Parliament
The Economy and Fair Work Committee wants to hear your views on the?Community Wealth Building (Scotland) Bill. This Bill was introduced by the Scottish Government on Wednesday 20 March 2025. The Scottish Government says the purpose of this Bill is to ensure that CWB is implemented consistently across Scotland as an economic development tool. The Bill proposes to do three things: It would place a duty on the Scottish Ministers to publish a CWB statement which sets out the measures they will take to facilitate CWB. It would require local authorities and ‘relevant public bodies’ to publish and implement a CWB plan for their area. It would require ‘specified public bodies’ to have due regard to CWB guidance when developing their corporate plans and associated delivery strategies. The Scottish Government would like to hear views as to whether the Bill might achieve its aims, on the public bodies proposed, potential unintended consequences, and about benefits to local communities.
Closes 23 May 2025

ECHOES Consultation
European Cloud for Heritage Open Science
The ECHOES project is building a shared digital space, the European Collaborative Cloud for Cultural Heritage (ECCCH), designed to support heritage professionals and researchers across Europe. To ensure this platform meets real-world needs, ECHOES has launched a consultation survey to better understand the priorities, challenges, and expectations of the cultural heritage community. The consultation is open to all cultural heritage stakeholders, including professionals, researchers, computer scientists/developers, umbrella organisations and institutions with a vested interest in the development and application of the Cultural Heritage Cloud. Each participation will be instrumental in shaping the future of digital cultural heritage.
*NEW* Closes end of June 2025

CONSULTATION RESPONSES

Community Benefits from Net Zero Energy Developments
In participating in a Scottish Government consultation on the provision of community benefit schemes from onshore and offshore renewables, BEFS drew attention to the rich potential of utilising more resources from a massive and growing industry towards the protection and enhancement of the built and historic environment. BEFS argued that existing Good Practice Principles could be extended to a wider range of renewable technologies, and said regional approaches could be adopted to enable more places to benefit from access to funding. (BEFS 11/04/25)

PETITIONS

The No Galloway National Park Campaign has submitted a response to PE2089: Stop More National Parks in Scotland (Scot Parl 12/03/2025)

The Law Society of Scotland has submitted a response to PE2006: Review and simplify the legislation in relation to dismissal of property factors (Scot Parl 08/04/2025)

NEWS RELEASES

The Quality Scheme for Scottish Attractions, Activities, and Experiences (ASVA 27/03/2025)

New book explores the history of Art Deco design in Scotland (HES 10/04/2025)

Nominations open for 2025 RIAS Elections (RIAS 10/04/2025)

£3.9 million to third-sector organisations (HES 11/04/2025)

John Swinney to launch Programme for Government early (Holyrood 14/04/2025)

AHF Scotland grant programmes have re-opened with additional funding of from HES’s Partnership Fund (AHF 14/04/2025)

PUBLICATIONS

The Risk List 2025: highlighting outstanding 20th and 21st century buildings across the country that are at risk from demolition, dereliction or neglect (C20 09/04/2025)

Circularity: a material development in economic innovation (Zero Waste Scotland and EDAS 10/04/2025)

The UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard Pilot (Net Zero Carbon Buildings 11/04/2025)

Living with Rain – Planning for Everyday Life in Glasgow (RTPI and University of Glasgow 07/04/2025)

SCOTTISH & UK: GOVERNMENTAL & PARLIAMENTARY PUBLICATIONS

Net zero and the UK’s historic building stock (UK Parl 12/02/2025)

Vacant shops to be filled as high streets revitalised (UK Gov 06/03/2025)

Correspondence between Edward Mountain and the Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy concerning the Climate Change Plan (Scot Parl 04/04/2025)

UK Shared Prosperity Fund: grant determinations 2025 to 2026 (UK Gov 08/04/2025)

European structural funding in Scotland-—what’s the latest? (SPICe 08/04/2025)

Single Building Assessment programme: spending information (Scot Gov 09/04/2025)

Place Directors: factsheet (Scot Gov 10/04/2025)

Scottish Housing Market Review: Q1 2025 (Scot Gov 11/04/2025)

Architecture: Professions (UK Gov 11/04/2025)

Communities to nominate UK traditions for new inventory (UK Gov 12/04/2025)

Delivering 1.5m new homes and investing in public infrastructure – Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee publishes written evidence for land value capture inquiry (UK Parl 14/04/2025)

Climate change and the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture Committee – Arts and Culture (SPICe 14/04/2025)

Wind turbine appeal decisions: statistics (Scot Gov 15/04/2025)

The Housing (Scotland) Bill – daily list of amendments (Scot Parl 15/04/2025)

Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records (UK Gov 19/04/2025)

Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee 11th meeting  – Building safety and maintenance, Cladding remediation programme, Housing inquiry, National Planning Framework 4 annual review – clerk’s note (Scot Parl 22/04/2025)

OPINION & COMMENT

Arts funding: Why now is the time for philanthropy (Arts Professional 11/03/2025)

How £1 billion of National Lottery cash has enriched Scotland’s heritage (The Scotsman 08/04/2025)

Planning system over-stretched and under-resourced, says Labour (STV News 09/04/2025)

Revised clean heating plan still ‘undeliverable’, warns plumbing federation (Daily Record 09/04/2025)

Families ‘spending less’ during arts and heritage visits (Arts Professional 09/04/2025)

Swinney to announce government policy plans early (The BBC 14/04/2025)

Swinney: Recession ‘risk’ for Scotland over Trump tariffs (The Herald 14/04/2025)

Threats to nature in Labour’s planning bill (The Guardian 15/04/2025)

Tax breaks, mergers and overseas opportunities: New thinking on arts funding (Arts Professional 15/04/2025)

Ditch ‘dishonest’ just transition and back nuclear energy, Findlay tells Swinney (The Scotsman 17/04/2025)

MOTIONS

S6M-17201
Submitted by: Annie Wells, Glasgow, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party.
Date lodged: 16/04/2025
That the Parliament congratulates all those involved in the successful £1.5 million refurbishment of the Eglinton Street and Salkeld Street rail bridges in Glasgow, led by Network Rail; acknowledges the extensive work undertaken, including the removal and replacement of deteriorating rivets, essential steelwork repairs, and ballast retention measures, which has transformed these 140-year-old structures from deteriorating to dependable; recognises what it sees as the vital importance of preserving historic infrastructure for its heritage value, environmental benefits and cost-effectiveness compared with new construction; believes that the refurbishment, carried out by Network Rail in partnership with principal contractor Story, has significantly enhanced the appearance of these key rail links, while extending their lifespan by at least 20 years, thereby contributing to the reliability of the West Coast Main Line and other major routes in and out of Glasgow, and understands that this project forms an important part of a broader £2 billion bridge modernisation programme designed to improve the resilience, performance and safety of Scotland’s railway network for many years to come.

EVENTS

SPAB – Maintaining Scottish Churches – Pettinain (Lanark)
Date & Time: Monday 28 April 2025; 10am-4pm
Location: Pettinain Village Hall, Village Square, Lanark ML11 8SS
Are you involved in caring for and maintaining a place of worship in Scotland? Caring for a historic building can feel like a never-ending task, but thankfully there are some simple steps you can take to keep your building in good condition and reduce the likelihood of large repair projects further down the line. This free introductory one-day course will explore how your historic faith building works and the practical steps you can take to look after it. You’ll be able to put your new knowledge into action right away, with a practical exercise looking at the host building inside and out to identify maintenance issues and areas of vulnerability. There will also be the opportunity to discuss your building with the course tutors and others attending. Armed with a new understanding of how traditional buildings were constructed, how they work, and how they decay, you’ll leave with the skills and confidence you need to spot and tackle common problems that put your old building at risk.

HES/Engine Shed – Researching Scotland’s Buildings
Date & Time: Thursday 8 May 2025; 9:30am-4pm
Location: The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling FK8 1QZ
A key need when approaching a repair or conservation project is to understand the cultural significance of the building or site. To be able to do this you must be aware of its history and historical associations. The first talks will introduce you to methods for dating and understanding the development of Scotland’s traditional architecture. The morning will conclude with a talk on the ways Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is revolutionising architectural research in Scotland. A networking lunch will provide the opportunity to continue discussions and explore the Engine Shed. You will then be invited to view a display of rare archive material including cast iron foundry catalogues, builders’ treatises, construction textbooks, architectural guides and other unusual items from the HES Archive, the Engine Shed library and the speakers’ personal collections.

Archaeology Scotland – 2025 Summer School
Dates & Times: Tuesday 20-Friday 23 May 2025
Location: Easter Ross & the Black Isle (based in Strathpeffer)
This year’s Archaeology Scotland Summer School will be based in the Ben Wyvis Hotel in Strathpeffer from where members and friends will explore the archaeology of the Black Isle and the glens of Easter Ross. The aim of the first day will be to look at sites and places that reveal what was happening in the Black Isle from about AD 900 to AD 1300. The second day goes back in time first to the advanced architecture of the Neolithic peoples and then forwards into the Iron Age, with hints of what is to come. See here for booking info and more information.

HES/Engine Shed – Documenting Scotland’s Historic Environment
Date & Time: Thursday 22 May 2025; 9:30am-4pm
Location: The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling FK8 1QZ
The recording of buildings is an essential component of heritage management. The primary purpose of this is to establish an accurate record, typically in 3D, of a building as the starting point for key decisions around repair and maintenance. The morning talks will introduce a range of 3D recording techniques, including survey methods and the latest innovations in digital documentation such as laser scanning and photogrammetry. They will also explore the benefits of different techniques and the types of outputs these forms of 3D data capture produce, which can be used for conservation and maintenance projects. A networking lunch will provide the opportunity to continue discussions and explore the Engine Shed. You will then be invited to a hands-on demonstration of photogrammetry techniques for recording buildings. This will take place either inside or outside the Engine Shed, depending on weather.

SPAB – Maintaining Scottish Churches
Dates & Times: Wednesday 28 May 2025; 9:30am-3:45pm
Location: Lochgilphead Parish Church , Oban Road , PA31 8NE Lochgilphead
Are you involved in caring for and maintaining a place of worship in Scotland? Caring for a historic building can feel like a never-ending task, but thankfully there are some simple steps you can take to keep your building in good condition and reduce the likelihood of large repair projects further down the line. In this introductory one-day course, find out how historic faith building works and the practical steps you can take to look after it.

HES/Engine Shed – Level 3 Qualification in Energy Efficiency Measures in Older and Traditional Buildings
Dates & Times:  Wednesday 28 / Thursday 29 May; Wednesday 10 / Thursday 11 September
Location: The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling FK8 1QZ
This 2-day course is accredited by the National Open College Network (NOCN) and delivered by experts leading the way in energy efficiency for traditional and older buildings. The programme includes three modules: recognise the age, nature, and characteristics of older and traditional buildings; evaluate the appropriate options for introducing energy efficiency measures to older and traditional buildings; make recommendations and give advice on introducing energy efficiency measures to older and traditional buildings. The cost is £495 for the two days.

HES/Engine Shed – Introduction to Building Conservation Week
Dates and Times:  Monday 2-Friday 6 June 2025
Location: The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling FK8 1QZ
This 5-day intensive course will be delivered by Historic Environment Scotland conservation professionals at the Engine Shed in Stirling. Through a series of lectures, activities and site visits, this series of informative and enjoyable days will explore the traditional building skills and materials used in conservation and repair projects throughout the Scottish built environment.
The cost is £495 for the full week or £110 per day.

VACANCIES

Edinburgh World Heritage – Director
Salary: £60,000
Status: Full time, permanent. Flexible, hybrid working with a minimum of 2 days per week in the office
Location: Edinburgh
Edinburgh World Heritage are seeking an inspiring and strategic leader to serve as Director. This is a unique opportunity to lead a globally respected organisation dedicated to preserving and enhancing the city’s World Heritage Site while promoting its positive role in a dynamic, living city. Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the Director will be responsible for providing visionary leadership, fostering a collaborative and inclusive organisational culture, ensuring financial sustainability, effective governance and the successful delivery of strategic objectives. They will serve as the primary spokesperson for the World Heritage Site, building strong relationships with key stakeholders. The successful candidate will bring experience in the culture or heritage sectors, strong communication and interpersonal skills, financial and fundraising knowledge, and a passion for Edinburgh’s historic environment. This role presents a chance to make a lasting impact on one of the world’s most celebrated World Heritage Sites.
If you would like to apply to this role, please submit:
– A CV outlining your employment history, academic and professional qualifications
– A cover letter explaining why you are interested in the role and how you meet the requirements of the job description and person specification (no more than two A4 pages)
Applications to be sent by email to comms@ewht.org.uk with the subject line “Director Recruitment 2025”
Closing date: 12pm on Monday 28 April 2025

Stirling City Heritage Trust – Traditional Buildings Inspector/Trainee Inspector
Salary: £28-30,000 for Traditional Buildings Inspector or £26-28,000 for Trainee Inspector (salary and appointment level depending on experience)
Status: Full time
Location: Cameron House, Forthside Way, Stirling FK8 1QZ
The Traditional Buildings Health Check is a proactive building maintenance service operated by Stirling City Heritage Trust (SCHT), providing advice and inspection services to traditional property owners in Stirling.  SCHT are looking to recruit, depending on experience, either a Trainee Inspector or someone with more experience for the TBHC Inspector role. Both are early career roles and will provide extensive support and training. It would suit a person with either a degree in a property related course such as surveying or architecture, or a trades/craftsperson.
As Traditional Buildings Inspector/ Trainee Inspector you would:
– Carry out detailed fabric inspections on traditional buildings in Stirling.
– Use Small Unmanned Aircraft (drone) to aid inspections (training provided if needed)
– Identify, assess and prioritise building defects and repair requirements and present findings in a detailed report.
– Communicate defects and recommendations identified in the report in an online or in person follow up meeting, answering member questions and explaining next steps.
This role is suitable for an individual with:
– Qualification to degree level in a related subject such as surveying, architecture or heritage related; or
– Craft/construction experience of working on typical traditional Scottish buildings with minimum SVQ level 3 qualification (or equivalent) in roofing, stonemasonry or similar traditional building skill; and
– Excellent communication and ICT skills and a flexible approach to the role.
– The ability to self-manage a busy workload and strong organisational skills.
– A passion for Scotland’s traditional buildings and an enthusiastic approach to feed into the development of the service.
If you would like an informal chat about the job, please email Lindsay Lennie to arrange a mutually convenient time.
Closing Date: 12pm on Friday 2 May 2025

Fife Historic Buildings Trust – Administrator
Salary: £23,600 p.a. – pro rata 0.6
Status: Fixed term, part-time
Location: Kinghorn, Fife
Fife Historic Buildings Trust’s (FHBT) mission is to create viable futures for heritage buildings and their communities by inspiring and enabling visionary conservation projects across Fife. Their work is expanding, and this is a great opportunity to bring your skills and experience to FHBT. They are looking for a friendly and organised individual to provide administrative support to staff, and assist with all aspects of administration. This post has been made possible thanks to the Architectural Heritage Fund’s Heritage Development Trust programme and National Lottery players. More info and application details can be found here.
Closing date: Tuesday 13 May 2025

Stirling City Heritage Trust – Manager
Salary: £45-50,000 depending on experience
Status: Full time. The Trust will be applying for HES funding which will extend to March 2031
Location: Cameron House, Forthside Way, Stirling FK8 1QZ
This is a great opportunity to lead one of Scotland’s key heritage organisations. This post is being advertised as the current Trust Manager is retiring in late summer/early autumn 2025. It is anticipated that there will be some overlap to enable the new manager to have a handover period to support the transition into the role. The possible start date for the successful applicant is flexible but likely to be August or September 2025.
As Trust Manager you would:
– Be responsible for all the operational activities of SCHT and act as the pivotal link between SCHT staff, its Board, its funders and key external stakeholder groups.
– Provide strong, decisive, clear and consistent leadership of SCHT.
– Manage the budgets, funding reporting and staff.
– Ensure effective delivery of all SCHT projects.
This role is suitable for an individual with:
– Degree or Postgraduate qualification in Architecture, Building – Conservation, Planning, Building Surveying or other relevant discipline.
– Experience of organisational leadership, staff management and leading a team.
– Technical expertise in building conservation; knowledge and practical experience of traditional building materials, techniques and projects.
– Sound financial management experience and excellent numerical skills.
– A passion for Scotland’s traditional buildings and an enthusiastic approach to feed into the development of the service.
If you would like an informal chat about the job, please email Lindsay Lennie to arrange a mutually convenient time.
Closing Date: 12pm on Monday 19 May 2025

Fife Historic Buildings Trust – Dunfermline City Project Officer
Salary: £32,000 p.a.
Status: Fixed term, full time
Location: Kinghorn & Dunfermline, Fife
Fife Historic Buildings Trust (FHBT) is a charitable building preservation trust, who have helped deliver over £50m in historic environment regeneration projects – supporting town centres, businesses, tourism and local communities. Their mission is to create viable futures for heritage buildings and their communities by inspiring and enabling visionary conservation projects across Fife. They are looking for an enthusiastic and organised individual with good heritage, project management and people skills to develop a pipeline of FHBT projects in Dunfermline and deliver their participation in the Architectural Heritage Fund’s Heritage Development Trust programme. This post has been made possible thanks to the Architectural Heritage Fund’s Heritage Development Trust programme and National Lottery players. More info and application details can be found here.
Closing date: Tuesday 20 May 2025

Fife Historic Buildings Trust – Finance Officer
Salary: £32,000 p.a.
Status: Permanent, full time or job share
Location: Kinghorn, Fife
Fife Historic Buildings Trust (FHBT) is a charitable building preservation trust who have helped deliver over £50m in historic environment regeneration projects – supporting town centres, businesses, tourism and local communities. Their mission is to create viable futures for heritage buildings and their communities by inspiring and enabling visionary conservation projects across Fife. They are looking for an experienced finance officer to control FHBT’s finance systems, including coordinating annual budget setting and annual accounts. More info and application details can be found here.
Closing date: Tuesday 20 May 2025