BEFS Bulletin 383: BEFS welcomes new Trustees

 

Heritage and Placemaking Survey: Call for Case Studies
The Heritage Alliance
The Heritage Alliance is planning to publish a report exploring how the heritage sector is helping to create vibrant, creative, thriving and sustainable places for people to live, work and enjoy, which will feed into their upcoming Heritage Debate 2025. They are interested in identifying impactful case studies on ‘placemaking’; everything from heritage-led regeneration to engaging local communities with heritage, from growing local capacity in heritage skills to bringing historic buildings back into use and much more. To plug evidence gaps, they are especially interested in case studies on heritage and housing, in particular affordable and social housing. Case studies can be submitted via this form.
*NEW* Closes 17 October 2025 

Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture Research Strategy 2027-32
Scottish Government
The Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture (ENRA) Research programme is a multidisciplinary portfolio of research. It is structured in five-year cycles to enable long term strategic research and provide clarity on research priorities and programme structure. This consultation is of the draft version of the 2027-32 ENRA Research Strategy, and questions for examination cover the Strategy core mission, challenges, investment, impact, research areas, and more.
Closes 24 October 2025 

Permitted Development Rights to Support Provision of New Homes
Scottish Government
This consultation linked to the housing emergency will investigate views on the role permitted development rights (PDRs) can play in helping to address it. The consultation will explore whether action on PDRs and housing delivery, particularly with regard to town centres and rural areas, could alleviate capacity pressures in the planning system. The Scottish Government is also seeking views on PDRs in the context of the deployment of heat networks and domestic air source heat pumps.
Closes 27 October 2025 

HES – Talking About Heritage Survey 2025
Historic Environment Scotland
Scotland’s heritage belongs to us all – from stone circles and high streets to tenements and schools. Heritage makes communities special and it’s everything we inherit from the past that shapes who we are today as well as influencing our future. Talking About Heritage is a national conversation. The results of this survey will have an impact on how HES think about and care for heritage in Scotland. Discover other ways to get involved here.
Closes 7 December 2025 

Compulsory Purchase Reform
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government is carrying out a programme of work to reform and modernise Scotland’s compulsory purchase system. Following a commitment in the Programme for Government 2024/25, a consultation has been published on a comprehensive package of proposals and options for change; to make compulsory purchase simpler, more streamlined and fairer for all parties. The consultation has been informed by extensive engagement with a range of stakeholders, including a practitioner advisory group chaired by the Chief Planner and Roseanna Cunningham. A number of questions on compulsory sale orders and compulsory lease orders are also included in the consultation paper. Any questions about the consultation: CPO.Reform@gov.scot.
Closes 19 December 2025 

Properties and Collections Strategy: Towards Sustainable Stewardship
Historic Environment Scotland
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has published a draft Strategy document entitled: Properties and Collections Strategy: Towards Sustainable Stewardship. This draft Strategy explains how HES plans to care for the Properties and Collections in its care over the long term and why change is needed. Scotland’s historic environment is facing growing challenges, including climate change, rising costs, and a shortage of traditional skills. The Strategy explains how HES will respond to these challenges, make the most of opportunities, prioritise what matters most, and work with communities to protect and use the Properties and Collections in ways that benefit everyone.
*NEW* Closes 23 January 2026 

 

 Consultation Responses

Community Right to Buy Review
BEFS response to a Scottish Government consultation on options to enhance Community Right to Buy processes is based on feedback from several Member bodies that support community owners of historic buildings. BEFS said sustainably bringing significant vacant historic and existing built environment assets into reuse through community ownership mechanisms, in circumstances where other approaches are not available or viable, is highly beneficial. The response highlights the potential of merging compulsory purchase rights, of considering the current use and condition of subject buildings in tandem, and of investigating the complexities particular to denser urban areas. BEFS also draws attention to the dynamics for places of worship, and the scope to fully align the mechanism with Community Wealth Building action plans. (BEFS 05/10/25)

Supporting Scotland’s Transition – Land use and Agriculture
BEFS was disappointed to see the historic environment omitted as a key land and agri-environmental deliverable of the draft strategy outcomes when there is huge potential through cross-portfolio investment and towards holistic approaches. A reuse, repair, and maintenance approach to assets and sites is a key part of the just transition, especially with regards to environment and adaptation outcomes. We noted that Scotland’s historic and natural capital should be understood as inherently connected, and that the value of these portfolios be measured in tandem. (BEFS 05/10/25)

Draft Fourth Land Use Strategy
BEFS responded that investment into holistic and up-to-date data on the Scottish land portfolio is needed, and that this needs to be reviewed against national and local wellbeing and economic health. We noted that a consistent definition of integrated landscapes is needed to move forward to appropriately deliver the LUS4. BEFS also highlighted that the historic environment is a key deliverable of Scotland’s land use strategy, and that funding is a core influential factor in land use integration. (BEFS 05/10/25)

 

Urgent funding needed to address planning recruitment crisis, warns built environment leaders (RTPI 23/09/2025)

Community Innovation Practitioner funding scaled to empower co-creation and innovation across all 4 Nations including transforming empty retail spaces into creative hubs in Dundee (Creative Communities 30/09/2025)

Tribute to Sir Terry Farrell (1938-2025): architect, urbanist and champion of conservation and contextual design (Twentieth Century Society 30/09/2025)

Launch of the NLHF funded Alf Webster Museum of Stained Glass (AWMSG 30/09/2025)

Technology future for former sugar refinery as project shares in £1,563,608 of funding from Scottish Land Fund (National Lottery Community Fund 30/09/2025)

Landscape Institute response to the New Towns Taskforce Report (Landscape Institute 30/09/2025)

Scottish Tourism Alliance launches Holyrood Election Manifesto (STA 02/10/2025)

Introduction to the National Visitor Levy FAQs (STA 02/10/2025)

 

6 free-to-access training sessions from Place at the Table and Imagine If – produced for the Scottish Community Councils Network: for any community group running or considering running a Local Place Plan (Place at the Table September 2025)

National Housing Strategy: Ideas to Change the Housing System  (Nationwide Foundation September 2025)

People in Place Network: Recording and materials featuring presentations from Grow Green Scotland and Historic Environment Scotland (SURF 25/09/2025)

Our Past, Our Future – Annual Reports (HES 29/09/2025)

UK Heritage Pulse. The Big Think: Resilience – What Did We Learn (UKHP 30/09/2025)

Landscape Carbon Overlay to the RIBA Plan of Work (Landscape Institute 02/10/2025)

 

Culture, Media and Sport Committee: Protecting built heritage inquiry – written submissions, oral evidence transcripts and correspondence (UK Parl 09/09/2025)

Correspondence between Ivan McKee and the Economy and Fair Work Committee regarding Subordinate Legislation and Economic Assessment (Scot Parl 22/09/2025)

Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee (Draft) Report (Scot Parl 23/09/2025)

Public appointment: Chair appointed to Historic Environment Scotland (Scot Gov 23/09/2025)

Housing (Scotland) Bill: Stage 3 Debate (Scot Parl 23/09/2025)

Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee (Draft) Report (Scot Parl 23/09/2025)

Communities to seize control over high streets and restore pride (UK Gov 24/09/2025)

Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee Report on the Climate Change (Local Development Plan) (Repeals) (Scotland) Order 2025 [draft] (Scot Parl 24/09/2025)

Development plan examinations: list (Scot Gov 24/09/2025)

Housing (Scotland) Bill—Timed Groupings of Amendments for Stage 3 (Scot Parl 24/09/2025)

Autumn Budget Revision 2025-2026: supporting document (Scot Gov 25/09/2025)

Housing First: monitoring reports (Scot Gov 25/09/2025)

Land Reform (Scotland) Bill — Stage 3: Daily List of Amendments for 25 September 2025 (Scot Parl 25/09/2025)

Satisfaction with Local Authority Cultural Services in Scotland (2024) (Scot Gov 25/09/2025)

Notification Direction to ensure that NatureScot are engaged appropriately on development proposals affecting World Heritage Sites inscribed for their natural heritage criteria (Scot Parl 25/09/2025)

Housing (Scotland) Bill — Stage 3: 2nd Groupings of Amendments (Scot Parl 25/09/2025)

Housing (Scotland) Bill — Stage 3: 2nd Marshalled List of Amendments (Scot Parl 25/09/2025)

Correspondence between the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee and Màiri McAllan regarding building safety and maintenance (Scot Parl 26/09/2025)

Correspondence between the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee and Finance and Public Administration Committee regarding the Building Safety Levy (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 26/09/2025)

New UK Town of Culture competition to celebrate our national story (UK Gov 29/09/2025)

Quarterly Housing Statistics in the year to end of June 2025 (Scot Gov 30/09/2025)

Social housing delivery passes 100,000 (Scot Gov 30/09/2025)

Preventing homelessness and improving housing standards (Scot Gov 30/09/2025)

Housing statistics quarterly update: new housebuilding and affordable housing supply (Scot Gov 30/09/2025)

Housing statistics: Scottish Landlord Register data (Scot Gov 30/09/2025)

Housing Statistics for Scotland Quarterly Update: New Housebuilding and Affordable Housing Supply to end June 2025 (Scot Gov 30/09/2025)

Affordable Housing Supply Programme: quarterly updates on approvals, site starts and completions (Scot Gov 30/09/2025)

Correspondence between Màiri Mcallan and Ivan McKee to the planning authorities regarding SME homebuilders and development on smaller sites (Scot Gov 30/09/2025)

Housing Statistics for Scotland Quarterly Update: New Housebuilding and Affordable Housing Supply to end June 2025 (Scot Gov 30/09/2025)

Debate on motion S6M-18992 regarding the Housing (Scotland) Bill at stage 3 (Scot Parl 30/09/2025)

Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee Official Report: Energy Performance Certificates (Reform) (Scot Parl 30/09/2025)

Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee Report on Delegated Powers in the Crofting and Scottish Land Court Bill at Stage 1 (Scot Parl 01/10/2025)

Housing Investment Taskforce: September 2025 (Scot Gov 01/10/2025)

Correspondence between the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee and Graeme Dey regarding the Committee work programme (Scot Parl 01/10/2025)

Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee Report on Delegated Powers in the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill (as amended at Stage 2) (Scot Parl 02/10/2025)

Land Reform (Scotland) Bill – Daily list of amendments for Stage 3 (Scot Parl 02/10/2025)

Crofting and Scottish Land Court Bill (Scot Parl 02/10/2025)

Scottish Social Housing Tender Price Index (SSHTPI) quarterly report: September 2025 (Scot Gov 02/10/2025)

Heat in Buildings: progress report 2025 (Scot Gov 02/10/2025)

Cladding Remediation Programme: factsheet (Scot Gov 02/10/2025)

Economy and Fair Work Committee. Stage 1 Report on the Community Wealth Building (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 03/10/2025)

Rural Affairs and Islands Committee Stage 1 Report on the Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 03/10/2025)

Land Reform (Scotland) Bill – Daily list of amendments for Stage 3 (Scot Parl 03/10/2025)

Cladding Remediation Programme: progress bulletins – September 2025 (Scot Gov 06/10/2025)

 

Motions

S6M-19078
Submitted by: Bob Doris, Glasgow Maryhill and Springburn, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 25/09/2025
That the Parliament congratulates the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) on its 50th anniversary in 2025; understands that a quarter of people in Scotland live in social housing and that SFHA members are not-for-profit organisations that provide safe, warm and affordable rented homes for life to over 600,000 people throughout Scotland; further understands that having a secure and affordable home can have long-lasting positive impacts on health, education and employment; recognises that housing associations and co-operatives provide a range of services to tenants, including general housing, sheltered and amenity housing, care and specialist support services, help, advice and support on employment, energy and social security related issues, alongside a whole range of community investment programmes; notes the recent publication of independent research by SFHA, Shelter Scotland and CIH Scotland, which indicates that during the next parliamentary term, from 2026 to 2031, more than 15,000 homes per year will be required to meet projected housing needs; further notes other research by SFHA that indicates that housing association homes generally perform the best of any tenure on the Scottish Housing Quality Standard and are the most energy efficient homes, and calls on the Scottish Government to continue to work with SFHA and its member housing associations and co-operatives to deliver even more homes and services for communities and tenants across Scotland, so that everyone in Scotland is housed in a quality, warm and affordable home.

S6M-19253
Submitted by: Murdo Fraser, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 06/10/2025
That the Parliament recognises that future economic growth is reliant on providing the right opportunities to create good jobs that allow businesses to expand; notes with concern the findings of the recent Audit Scotland report, highlighting a 20% real-terms cut in funding to the college sector over the past five years, and believes that this has a negative impact on the economy and limits opportunities for young people to get ahead; acknowledges the concern from business representative groups about the future of apprenticeships, and the harm that a restriction in apprenticeship numbers causes to job creation in Scotland, and calls on the Scottish Government to restore funding to Scotland’s colleges and raise the number of modern apprenticeship places from 25,507 in 2024-25 to at least the 34,000 identified by Skills Development Scotland as necessary to meet Scottish economic growth ambitions.

 

Opinion & Comment

Under One Roof Guest Blog: Everyone needs good neighbours (Safe Deposits Scotland September 2025)

Industrial strategy, property and the creative industries – Professor Christopher Smith (Arts Professional 22/09/2025)

Street artist investigated over ‘distressing’ mural on listed flats (BBC News 26/09/2025)

Edinburgh Council approves plans for controversial statue of Dr Elsie Inglis (Deadline News 01/10/2025)

Thumping ambition – and demolition: 10 high-rises that changed modern Britain (The Guardian 01/10/2025)

Historic Environment Scotland embarks on ‘difficult and emotional’ decisions over future of 300 properties (The Scotsman 06/10/2025)

Scotland’s historic buildings must not be ‘left to rot’ as tough choices loom (The Scotsman 07/10/2025)

AHSS – Lawrence Weaver and the Romance of Scottish Architecture
Date & Time: Monday 13 October 2025; 6:30pm
Location: Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL (wheelchair accessible). Note: Lecture will also be streamed online via Zoom
Lawrence Weaver (1876-1930) has been described as ‘the first architectural critic in the modern sense of the word’. Between 1905 and 1917 he published 42 articles about Scottish architecture in Country Life – describing 18 castles and palaces, and ten buildings designed or restored by Robert Lorimer. The professional partnership and close friendship between the two men benefited both, introducing Weaver to the romance of Scottish architecture and making Lorimer’s work widely known. Tickets available from Eventbrite or on the door, subject to availability: £6 / students £2

SCHT – Retrofit Event: Meet the Suppliers
Date & Time: Wednesday 15 October 2025; 11:45am-3:45pm
Location: The Barracks, Conference Centre, Stirling, FK8 1QZ
Join Stirling City Heritage Trust for a chance to meet suppliers of Retrofit Solutions, hear about their products and meet the Traditional Buildings Health Check team. There will be presentations from 12:15pm-1:15pm from suppliers relating to their organisations or products along with a Q&A session that you won’t want to miss. The SCHT team will have a range of DIY products available as well as HES publications. TBHC staff will also be on hand to discuss Retrofit Grants and Building Repair Grants. To register your attendance (essential) follow this link.

V&A – Great Expectations Conference
Date & Time: Tuesday 21 October 2025; 10:45am-5pm
Location: Online; In-person at the V&A South Kensington, Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL
A major gathering to confront the challenges facing our historic churches, chapels and meeting houses. Sponsored by Ecclesiastical Insurance. The UK’s historic churches, chapels and meeting houses are part of our cultural and heritage landscape – but for how much longer? Fragile finances, declining congregations, rising repair bills, and ever-expanding expectations of what they can and should provide mean that they face an uncertain future. How to reconcile great expectations with limited resources? How can these remarkable buildings continue to serve their communities, inspire new generations, and remain part of our shared cultural fabric?Together with partners from across the sector, the V&A and National Churches Trust are enabling a conversation that brings together people who wouldn’t usually find themselves in the same room – heritage experts and planners, parishioners and policymakers, conservationists and creatives.

Under One Roof – Navigating Common Repairs, with Helensburgh CARS
Date & Time: Wednesday 22 October 2025; 12-1pm
Location: Online
Want to find out about organising repairs in the common areas of your building? Join Under One Roof and Helensburgh CARS for a webinar to discuss the proper procedures for organising repairs, from understanding your maintenance responsibilities, to working with your neighbours, to enforcement procedures, and to understanding the role of the factor. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session with tenement expert, Education and Training Officer Jacqueline Omoniyi.

AHSS – Niall Murphy: Glasgow 850
Date & Time: Thursday 23 October 2025; 7:30pm
Location: St Andrew’s West Church & Renfield Centre, 260 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 4JP
Note: Lecture will also be live-streamed via Zoom
As Glasgow celebrates 850 years, Niall Murphy of Glasgow City Heritage Trust reflects on the city’s rich history, exploring its political and cultural evolution and the heritage that shapes its identity today. This lecture offers a compelling journey through Glasgow’s past, revealing how its legacy continues to influence the present and future. Tickets available from Eventbrite or on the door: £6 / students £2 / season ticket for all 5 lectures: £25.

Building Connections: Shaping the Future of Construction
Date & Time: Friday 24 October 2025; 9:30am-4pm
Location: The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling, FK8 1QZ
This event is dedicated to identifying practical solutions to challenges facing the construction industry today, with a focus on pipeline, skills, and training issues. Building Connections, delivered as part of BE-ST FEST, brings together representatives from across the sector to address key issues like skills shortages, project delays, and the conservation of existing and historic buildings. This is your opportunity to connect, share insights, and explore practical solutions for a stronger, more resilient industry. Whether you’re a tradesperson, architect, contractor, site manager, structural engineer, surveyor, or planner, this is your chance to explore real-world solutions.

Under One Roof – Navigating Tenement Building Repairs with North Ayrshire Council
Date & Time: Tuesday 28 October 2025; 12-1pm
Location: Online
Join Under One Roof and North Ayrshire Council for a short, lunchtime webinar on tenement building repairs. Learn about: proper procedures for organising a repair in your tenement building; the difference between individual, mutual and common areas of your tenement building; and relevant legislation and enforcement. There will be time after the presentation to ask questions, and get answers from tenement expert, Jacqueline Omoniyi.

Scotland’s Landscape Alliance – Delivering for Scotland’s landscapes through Scotland’s Landscape Charter
Date & Time: Thursday 30 October 2025; 10:30am-3pm
Location: Edinburgh Climate Change Institute, High School Yards, Edinburgh EH1 1LZ
In June 2025 Scotland’s Landscape Charter was launched and endorsed by the Scottish Government. It highlights the importance of our landscapes to people, place and nature. This is also the 25th anniversary of the European Landscape Convention (ELC) and the SLA aim to deliver and reinvigorate Scotland’s commitment to the ELC through the promotion and adherence to embedding the Charter into everyday landscape action that demonstrate the tangible importance of the Charter to their work objectives. This event aims to engage with a wide range of stakeholders to shape a short term annually updated action plan to support the implementation of the Charter’s vision and principles and to reinforce the good policy and tools that exist around land, people, culture and landscape. Tickets free and available on Eventbrite from 24 October onwards.

EFI – AI in the City Public Forum
Date & Time: Thursday 30 October 2025; 6-7:30pm
Location: Edinburgh Futures Institute, 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh EH3 9EF
AI for Collective Intelligence (AI4CI), Architecture and Design Scotland (A&DS) and Edinburgh Futures Institute (EFI)  invite you to a public forum on ‘AI in the City’. Join expert panellists in geocomputation, city planning, smart design, AI ethics and integration, moderated by journalist, broadcaster and presenter Stephen Jardine. Explore how AI is shaping the design and management of urban and rural spaces, and discover current developments. This event offers the public direct access to expert insights and the chance to ask pressing questions. Stay informed on the opportunities, risks, and community impacts of AI in city living, building, and planning.

SEDA/HES – Stone Futures 2 – Specifying Stone and Stone Bricks
Date & Time: Monday 3 November 2025; 1-2pm
Location: Online
Across the autumn and winter, Scotland East Region, Scottish Ecological Design Association (SEDA) and Historic Environment Scotland (HES) are excited to launch a new lunchtime CPD seminar series dedicated to one of the most enduring yet ever evolving materials in our built environment: Stone. From its role in the earliest architecture to its potential in a low carbon future, stone carries its story of resilience, craft and innovation. This series will open fresh perspectives on how stone can shape tomorrow’s buildings whilst drawing from its rich history. Whether you’re a technologist, architect, designer, engineer or simply curious about the possibilities of this timeless material, these seminars are designed to inform, challenge and inspire. All seminars: 1pm on the first Monday of every month.

BE-ST Fest Summit – Scaling Solutions: A Viable Path to a Sustainable Future
Date & Time: Wednesday 5 November 2025; 9am-5pm
Location: Paisley Town Hall, Abbey Close, Paisley PA1 1JF
The UK’s biggest festival for a zero-carbon built environment will play host to transformative discussion and knowledge exchange on breaking through barriers to accelerate our journey to net zero carbon. Is net zero achievable? Some argue the costs are too high, the technology isn’t ready and that other priorities should come first. BE-ST Fest 2025 will tackle these debates head on. This isn’t a conference made up of hopeful visions alone, it’s about the reality of real change, the risks, trade-offs, and the strategies that work. This is a space for honesty, collaboration and innovation. Not idealism for its own sake but progress grounded in what works.

The Heritage Alliance – Heritage Debate 2025
Date & Time: Thursday 6 November 2025; 12-2pm
Location: Online (via Zoom)
Topic: Closer to Home: Is Local Decision-Making the Future of Heritage?  Now in its 16th year, Heritage Debate brings sector leaders, professionals and volunteers together to share cross-sector insights, make connections and find solutions to the key challenges facing heritage today. This year, Heritage Debate will tackle one of the most significant shifts in governance affecting the sector in a generation. With local government reorganisation on the horizon, new mayoral powers emerging, and communities gaining new rights to shape their places, the question being asked: is bringing decision-making closer to home the key to unlocking heritage’s full potential? Listen to an expert panel examining what bringing power closer to home really means for the places we cherish and the communities that sustain them. More details on speakers will be announced soon.

AHSS – Aonghus Mackechnie: ‘If a landscape ‘speaks’, can we hear it?
Date & Time: Monday 10 November 2025; 6:30pm
Location: Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL (wheelchair accessible)
Note: Lecture will also be streamed online via Zoom
In this joint lecture with Scotland’s Garden and Landscape Heritage,?Professor Aonghus MacKechnie will take us on a tour of Scotland, geographically, over time, and across political and cultural movements. From the medieval West Highlands and Gaelic society, the talk ranges through Early Modern Scotland, the exploitation of history and the ‘signage’ used by the Stewart monarchy, through to post-1660s classicism; moving then on to the Ages of Romanticism and Improvement, and that of militarism after the Battle of Sheriffmuir in 1715. Tickets available from Eventbrite or on the door, subject to availability: £6 / students £2

Historic Houses – The Historic Buildings Parks & Gardens Event
Date & Time: Tuesday 11 November 2025
Location: The QEII Conference Centre, Broad Sanctuary, Westminster, London SW1P 3EE
The Historic Buildings, Parks and Gardens Event (HBPGE) has been running for over 35 years, and is open to everyone in the historic buildings, landscape conservation and heritage sectors. Owners, guardians, volunteers, professionals management staff and advisers involved with historic buildings (private, commercial, industrial, Grade I listed buildings, cathedrals, churches, manor houses, windmills, historic town centres), parks, gardens and historic landscapes. All are welcome to enjoy Historic Houses guest speakers, live demonstrations, short talks, an opportunity to meet experts and a free SPAB advice surgery.

SHBT – Seaside City: Revisiting the History of Edinburgh’s Coastline
Date & Time: Wednesday 12 November 2025; 6-8pm
Location: Riddle’s Court, 322 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2PG
Speakers: Jonathan Gardner, contemporary archaeologist and critical heritage studies researcher and Tamsin Grainger, a Walking Artist and writer.
Stretching from the River Almond to the River Esk, Edinburgh’s remarkable coastline runs from one of the few Roman ruins in Scotland to buried quarries and beaches made entirely from the rubble of the city’s demolished buildings. Through docks and ports to beach resort, nature and culture, past and present are brought together in diverse ways. This part of the city has enjoyed something of a revival of interest over the past few years: esplanade, beach, and shore making new lungs for the city. How might engaging with this oldest and most ephemeral boundary of the city help us re-imagine it anew?

Edinburgh Lothian & Borders Archaeology Conference 2025
Date & Time: Saturday 15 November 2025; 9am-4:30pm
Location: Queen Margaret University, Musselburgh, East Lothian
This is the annual conference organised by the City of Edinburgh Council, East Lothian Council and Scottish Borders Council. It provides an important opportunity to hear and discuss firsthand accounts of the archaeological fieldwork and research being undertaken in Edinburgh, East Lothian, Midlothian and the Scottish Borders. Tickets £30; Lunch £13.

Scotland’s Community Heritage – Conversations 2025: Routes to Resilience
Date & Time: Wednesday 19 November 2025; 9:15am-4:15pm
Location: Hybrid – The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling, FK8 1QZ and Online
This day-long hybrid conference is an opportunity to connect with heritage professionals and community groups, sharing challenges, celebrating successes and exploring resilient futures together. Expect speakers, Q&A sessions, panel discussions and workshops, all available to attendees joining online or in person. There will also be opportunities to get involved and share your news with the ever popular One Minute Mayhem slot or by displaying a digital poster.

AHSS – Dominic D’Angelo: ‘Greek’ Thomson and the Watson Street Warehouses
Date & Time: Thursday 20 November 2025; 7:30pm
Location: St Andrew’s West Church & Renfield Centre, 260 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 4JP
Note: Lecture will also be live-streamed via Zoom
Two years before he died, Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson designed a pair of warehouses in Watson Street for shopkeeping brothers Gavin and William Millar, as part of their planned expansion to become ‘the Largest Furniture Department in Scotland’. Dominic d’Angelo, Chair of The Alexander Thomson Society, looks at how both buildings ended up as lodging houses, and, on their 120th anniversary, the fire that would claim 40 lives. Tickets available from Eventbrite or on the door: £6 / students £2 / season ticket for all 5 lectures: £25.

RIAS – LIVE 2025
Date & Time: Friday 21 November 2025; 9am-4:30pm
Location: Dynamic Earth, Holyrood Rd, Edinburgh EH8 8AS
RIAS are proud to host the single largest annual gathering for architects in Scotland, as an opportunity to bring people together to discuss how architects can use and develop their skills, and be a key part of Scotland’s future as a green, resilient and healthy nation. This year will be the third RIAS Live – a one-day event being held in Edinburgh where insightful presentations are met with opportunities to discuss, debate and contribute.

Society of Antiquaries of Scotland – Society AGM and Finlaggan: Archaeology versus History
Date & Time: Saturday 29 November 2025; 11am-2:30pm
Location: Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL
The place of Finlaggan in Islay as an historic centre of importance has now been explored archaeologically. This presentation focuses on how this has enabled a deeper understanding of the documentary record and leads to exciting new interpretations of medieval and later history. The Archaeology of Finlaggan, Islay is now available for pre-order. Copies will also be available for purchase at the lecture. Note: This event will begin at 11am with the Society’s AGM, which is open to everyone but mainly targeted at Fellows. The lecture, open to all, will begin at 1:30pm and last for around an hour, including a Q&A. You do not have to attend the AGM in order to attend the lecture.

Edinburgh’s First Burghers: Revealing the lives and hidden faces of Edinburgh’s Medieval citizens
Date & Time: On now until Sunday 30 November 2025
Location: St Giles Cathedral, High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1RE
Free to enter public exhibition celebrating the 900th Anniversaries of both St Giles Cathedral and the City of Edinburgh to explore the lives of medieval burials excavated by CEC Archaeology Service in 1981. The exhibition brings together new biomolecular approaches (DNA and isotope analyses) and state-of-the-art facial reconstruction and animated projections located throughout the Cathedral. It explores the lives of the earliest burial phases dating back to the foundation of the Cathedral and Edinburgh’s Burgh in the 12th century AD, two 15th Century pilgrims and a group of women interred within the Lady Chapel during the 15th and 16th centuries.

 

 

The Engine Shed – Climate Change, Energy Efficiency and Adaptive Re-use of Buildings
Date & Time: Thursday 16 October 2025; 9:30am-4:30pm
Location: Hybrid – The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling, FK8 1QZ and Online
Come along to discuss climate change and the significant issues impacting Scotland’s historic environment. There will also be an examination of the basic principles of making traditional Scottish buildings more energy efficient, with insights into current practical techniques. Cost: £75 for the in person full day learning experience; £60 for virtual attendance.

SLCT – Repairing Traditional Masonry Structures
Date & Time: Friday 17 October 2025; 9:30am-4:30pm
Location: Merryhill Training Centre, Charlestown, Dunfermline, Fife KY11 3DR
Taught by a blend of theory and practical ‘hands-on’ sessions, this one-day course covers the construction and appropriate repair of traditional masonry structures such as culverts, tunnels, light houses, viaducts, canals, harbours, retaining walls, piers and masonry arch bridges using natural stone and the range of lime and early patented cements that have been used in the past as bedding and pointing mortars. There are now a wide range of lime and natural cement binders along with additives that can be used to emulate both the technical and aesthetic performance of original mortars in repair schemes from re-pointing to stitching cracks and grouting structures to secure them. Download full course description here (PDF)

SLCT – Climate change & our built heritage: Protection, Prevention & Preservation
Date & Time: Friday 31 October 2025; 9:30am-4:30pm
Location: Charlestown Workshops, 2 Rocks Road, Charlestown, Fife KY11 3EN
What on earth we can do to protect our buildings? Currently, we are all waking up to the growing realisation that our traditional building stock needs to be more resilient in defending windier and wetter conditions during the Autumn and Winter months with storms bringing in peak rainfall and flooding) and likewise the vagaries of hotter and dryer Summers. This Masterclass showcases expert led sessions with building professionals who are stepping up the mark and making real decisions in prolonging the life of our built heritage.

C&BS – Prospect Research for Fundraising
Date & Time: Wednesday 5 November 2025; 9:30am-12:30pm
Location: Online
Do you want to find new donors but aren’t sure where to start? This hands-on course, led by Emma Lacroix, introduces the tools, techniques, and strategic thinking behind effective prospect research and supporter identification. Designed for those new to prospect development or looking to sharpen their approach, this live classroom session will help you better understand who your potential supporters are, where to find them, and how to prioritise your efforts for maximum impact. The session will also explore how to integrate prospect research into your wider fundraising strategy and build a pipeline that supports long-term growth.

The Engine Shed – Heritage Science
Date & Time: Tuesday 11 November 2025; 9:30am-4pm
Location: Hybrid – The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling, FK8 1QZ and Online
Conservation scientists at Historic Environment Scotland use a variety of analytical techniques to understand how materials decay over time and how certain interventions might affect their integrity and longevity. This introduction to the applied use of material science in heritage conservation in Scotland will help you understand how analytical scientific techniques can enhance understanding of the nature of traditional building materials and can explain how they decay over time; discover how petrographic analysis is used to determine the chemical composition and physical structure of natural building stone and how this helps identify new sources of material for repair; and learn about the range of analytical techniques used to monitor moisture ingress in traditional buildings and how thermal efficiency of a building may be measured. Cost: £75 for the in person full day learning experience; £30 for virtual attendance.

MC Consulting –Cash for Culture
Date & Time: Wednesday 12 November 2025; 09:30am-5pm
Location: Edinburgh
This intensive one-day seminar will explore proven solutions to the challenge of how to raise money to support vital work in local authorities, focusing on the opportunities from trusts and foundations, HNWI, commercial sponsorship and more. This session is designed to provide practical advice and insight on how to access the private funds available, plus discussion about some of the challenges with ethics, accountability and charitable structures. With examples of what’s worked and what’s not, explore how to meet capital challenges and secure those all important revenue funds. Cost: £299

Heritage Network – Carbon Literacy Training
Date & Time: Thursday 13 & 20 November 2025; 10am-12:30pm
Location: Online
Carbon Literacy is a key way for organisations to gain an awareness of the causes and impacts of climate change and an understanding of carbon emissions. It provides a great foundation for individuals, teams and organisations to begin to take steps towards reducing their carbon emissions and become more environmentally sustainable. As a sector,?this training will help to collectively make a difference through taking responsibility and committing to lowering emissions. The focus of Carbon Literacy is about empowering people to act. To become certified as Carbon Literate you must pledge to undertake an individual and group action that will help you and your organisation to achieve net zero. The £15 (member) and £30 (non-member) charge for this course covers your Carbon Literacy Trust certification fee. If you have any questions, please email Samya Kelly.

The Engine Shed – Using Archives to Explore Scotland’s Brick Heritage
Date & Time: Monday 17 November 2025; 2-3pm
Location: Hybrid – The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling, FK8 1QZ and Online
This talk will use Historic Environment Scotland’s Archives material to discuss the role of the brick in building Scotland’s heritage. Scotland has excellent examples of traditionally constructed brick buildings. From the iconic Templeton’s Carpet Factory in Glasgow to the windswept North Unst lighthouse, brickwork is an important part of our built heritage.

The Engine Shed – Traditional Building Maintenance with optional Stirling maintenance walk
Date & Time: Thursday 20 November 2025; 9:30am-3:30pm
Location: Hybrid – The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling, FK8 1QZ and Online
Learn about the practicalities of detailed and regular inspections of traditional buildings and discover how a robust maintenance plan can stave off decay and expensive repairs. This full-day experience includes a tour of Stirling’s historic Old Town. The team will point out a range of maintenance issues within the city and discuss the perils of ignoring the warning signs of fabric decay. Cost: £75 for the in person full day learning experience; £30 for virtual attendance.

SPAB – Repair of Old Buildings Course
Date & Time: Monday 24-Friday 28 November 2025; 10am-4pm
Location: Online
Join SPAB for the online version of their popular Repair of Old Buildings Course. Presented by leading building conservation professionals, this course explores British and international approaches to the conservation of old buildings. The programme is underpinned by the SPAB philosophy of repair and maintenance, as set out in the SPAB Approach. Through a series of recorded lectures, virtual site visits and online Q&A sessions you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of the repair, maintenance and conservation of old buildings. The online format means you’ll benefit from an extended learning period from 27 October until January, so you can study at a time and place that’s right for you. You’ll also be able to interact with the specialists, site visit hosts and other participants via the live, online Q&A sessions throughout the week of 24 – 28 November. The Repair of Old Buildings Course is recognised by the IHBC for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and RIBA for Career Learning. The course includes one year of membership to the SPAB.

The Engine Shed – Heritage Planning
Date & Time: Wednesday 26 November 2025; 9:30am-4:30pm
Location: Hybrid – The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling, FK8 1QZ and Online
Members of Historic Environment Scotland’s Heritage Team will discuss how they manage change to Scotland’s built heritage, both in strategic terms as well as practical matters. This includes how proposals to alter listed buildings or build new developments in conservation areas are reviewed, considered and determined both fairly and transparently. A networking lunch will provide you with the opportunity to continue discussions and explore the Engine Shed. The full-day experience includes an afternoon tour through Stirling’s Old Town to discuss recent developments in the conservation area, key buildings of concern for the council and other matters affecting the significance of the city’s historic townscape. Cost: £75 for the in person full day learning experience; £30 for virtual attendance.

 

Vacancies

Scottish Borders Council – Landscape Architect
Salary: £34,907.25 – £37,695.84 per annum
Status: Permanent; part-time: 28 hours per week
Location: Hybrid work from home/Main Building, Council Headquarters, Newtown St Boswells, Melrose TD6 0SA
Exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and committed professional, for the post of Landscape Architect within the Heritage and Design Team. You will provide specialist technical landscape and design advice in the delivery of the Council’s statutory responsibilities in relation to the natural and built environment throughout the Scottish Borders. The Scottish Borders has a rich and varied rural environment, and landscape input is required on a wide range of projects, in particular for planning applications associated with the landscape and visual impact of windfarms and other forms of renewable energy. The landscape supports agriculture, forestry, mature woodland and outdoor recreation as well as a rich and diverse wildlife. You will be at the heart of a committed team of brilliant and valued environmental specialists, covering landscape, trees, ecology, heritage and design and archaeology, working together to advise on the built and natural environment and Placemaking within the Planning, Housing and Buildings Standards Service. You will provide advice and guidance on a wide range of developments including renewables; windfarms, solar power and battery storage; forestry applications and housing proposals, and also input into Policy development for the LDP. You will provide advice on climate adaptation on landscapes and places and will help to deliver the Council’s programme of Capital Works and projects. This is an interesting, busy, and diverse portfolio of work which requires a dynamic, innovative, and creative individual.
Informal enquiries may be made to Debbie McLean by telephone on 01835 825209 or by email at Deborah.McLean@Scotborders.gov.uk. For more information and applications see the full job description here.
Closing Date: Wednesday 15 October 2025

Fife Historic Buildings Trust – Project Officer
Salary: £32,000 per annum (pro-rata at 0.8 FTE /4 days per week), fixed term to March 2028
Status: Part-time  (0.8 FTE)
Location: Kinghorn Town Hall, St Leonard’s Place, Kinghorn, Fife KY3 9TJ
Fife Historic Buildings Trust (FHBT) are looking for an enthusiastic and organised individual with good heritage, project management and people skills to work with the existing Project Manager on new and existing FHBT projects across Fife. FHBT are an independent charitable Buildings Preservation Trust formed in 1997. Their mission is to create viable futures for heritage buildings and their communities by inspiring and enabling visionary conservation projects. Fife has a particularly rich and varied heritage with over 6,200 listed buildings and 48 conservation areas. FHBT have helped deliver over £50m in historic environment regeneration projects in Fife, supporting town centres, businesses, tourism and local communities. FHBT’s services are in demand, and there are many opportunities to develop projects that provide opportunities for engaging people and organisations across Fife with their heritage. This is a new part-time fixed term post, funded by Historic Environment Scotland, to increase capacity within the existing FHBT team to develop existing and new historic environment regeneration projects in Fife, principally the restoration and re-use of historic buildings at risk. You do not necessarily need to have formal qualifications or training in this area. You might have a background in archaeology, listed buildings, conservation, building surveying, architecture, community projects, or other areas.
Download the job description, including details of how to apply to join this fantastic team: Opportunities – Fife Historic Buildings Trust.
If you have any questions before applying, please contact opportunities@fifehistoricbuildings.org.uk.
Closing date: 5pm on Friday 7 November 2025

 

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