BEFS Bulletin 385: Building connections, consultations and more

Earlier this month BEFS was pleased to be a delivery partner for the Building Connections: Shaping the Future of Construction conference, which took place at The Engine Shed in Stirling, as part of BE-ST Fest ’25. Organised alongside Historic Environment Scotland, CIOB, RIAS, and RICS the event was part of the Skills Investment Plan delivery for the sector and brought together construction industry representatives – from tradespeople to architects, planners to contractors – to explore practical solutions to skills gaps, pipeline challenges, and the conservation of our historic buildings. Creating these spaces and enabling honest and frank conversations, exploring the shared issues spanning the professions, will be crucial in driving real change.

One of the highlights was Scott McGibbon’s thought-provoking provocation on the paradoxes inherent in Scotland’s construction sector:

• We demand innovation ? But we punish risk while rewarding repetition

• We call for collaboration ? But we design contracts that divide

• We value skilled trades ? But we exclude them from decision-making

Scott challenged us to view these as “wicked problems”— complex, interconnected challenges that require adaptive and transformative systems thinking.

Some takeaways noted by BEFS team on the day included:

• The need for a clear message that unifies the sector’s perspective on skills and training challenges;

• Pilot projects to demonstrate collaborative procurement approaches and show economic benefits;

• Granular, actionable data is essential;

• Focus on retrofit and traditional building skills as a mainstream opportunity for training and skills development;

• Seek a more collaborative approach across different government departments and industry stakeholders;

• Create more flexible, stackable competency frameworks that allow skills transfer between sectors;

• Lobby for more investment in skills training, particularly for net zero and retrofit work.

The overarching theme was the need for a clear shared voice, and a systemic and collaborative approach to addressing skills challenges in the construction and heritage sectors. The discussions at the Engine Shed were the first step – we look forward to continuing to work together, seeking shared approaches and solutions to these collective issues. Watch this space!

 

Forestry and Land Scotland Draft Corporate Strategic Plan 2026 – 2030
Forestry and Land Scotland
Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) is consulting on its next Corporate Strategic Plan which sets out the proposed direction of travel and priorities for the organisation. The consultation seeks views from all who have an interest in the national forests and land (forests and land owned by Scottish Ministers on behalf of the people of Scotland), particularly on corporate outcomes and priorities which will frame delivery of work over the next five years. Consultation responses will inform development of the final version of the Corporate Strategic Plan.
*NEW* Closes 21 November 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 

Draft Circular Economy Strategy
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government is committed to moving from a linear “take, make and dispose” economic model to a circular economy where materials and goods are valued and kept in use for as long as possible. This draft circular economy strategy sets out the rationale and benefits of a more circular economy within the wider economic framework and describes the overall vision to 2045 and the outcomes that they are working towards. The consultation paper contains full background information for this consultation.
Closes 13 January 2026 

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.
Closes 23 January 2026 

The Future of Council Tax in Scotland
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) are seeking views on the future of council tax in Scotland. This consultation forms part of a joint programme of work seeking to build consensus on reforms to council tax, which has remained largely unchanged since its introduction over 30 years ago. Key areas under consideration include: updating the market reference point (currently based on 1991 values) to reflect current market values; exploring approaches to revaluation, including localised revaluation where band thresholds could differ by council area to reflect local housing markets; introducing options for new council tax bands at the top and bottom of the scale to ensure the system is more progressive and proportionate; and considering transitional measures such as phased implementation and deferral options to help households adjust to changes, as well as reductions to support lower-income households. The findings will help support informed public debate and further consideration in the Scottish Parliament.
*NEW* Closes 30 January 2026 

Measuring the Values of Arts, Culture, and Heritage
Heritage Strategies International
Heritage Strategies International is part of a team lead by Historic England in a research effort called ‘Developing Taxonomies for Arts, Culture and Heritage.’ The project is funded by the UKs Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). This international survey is a means to learn from experts and advocates in Arts, Culture, and Heritage what might be measured, the importance (or not) of measuring values, and to learn what similar work on creating categories of values is being used elsewhere in the world.
No closing date specified 

 

 Consultation Responses

SURF’s response to the Community Right to Buy consultation (SURF 01/10/2025)

Energy Performance of Buildings (Scotland) Regulations 2025: technical consultation analysis (Scot Gov 10/10/2025)

Community Benefits from Net Zero Energy Developments: Analysis of responses to the consultation exercise (Scot Gov 22/10/2025)

Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture Research Strategy
BEFS participated in a national consultation towards the proposed 2027-32 Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture Research Strategy. BEFS welcomed the Strategy’s inter-linking of important core missions supported by a robust governance model and diverse funding mechanisms, but called for a strengthening of its stated aspiration to, “enhance rural and island communities”. BEFS suggested the Strategy make commitments around undertaking research into: productively reusing vacant and derelict land; maintaining and enhancing the rural heritage assets that are drivers of tourism; and supporting living well locally through effective place-making. (BEFS 24/10/2025)

PDR to Support Provision of New Homes
The Scottish Government consulted on potential changes to Permitted Development Rights (PDR) with regard to addressing the housing emergency by supporting the construction of new homes in rural areas and town centres. BEFS response urged caution and consideration of potential unintended consequences resulting from expansion of PDR, and argued that plans for new-build housing developments, including those seeking to replace existing buildings in rural regions and urban centres, should continue to be handled by planning application. (BEFS 27/10/2025)

The Conservation Officers Group (COG) also took part in this consultation. A COG submission statement drew attention to practical implementation issues with the proposed PDR changes. It also asserted that PDR was not appropriate for listed buildings, conservation areas and town centres. The COG response is available here. (COG 27/10/2025)

 

European Heritage Excellence Day 2025 spotlights innovation, creativity and community engagement (Europa Nostra 12/10/2025)

Systems Mapping of Scotland’s Built Environment and Energy Infrastructure Sectors (Zero Waste Scotland 20/10/2025)

Building a Connected Scotland (Scottish Community Alliance 30/10/2025)

Heritage Careers Week champions traditional skills for next generation (HES 31/10/2025)

Edinburgh World Heritage Legacies in Stone wins funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund  (EWH 31/10/2025)

Engaging the everyday: the concept and practice of ‘everyday heritage’ (The International Journal of Heritage 2024)

More than Bricks: the Human and Economic Impact of Social Homes (Shelter September 2025)

Smarter Transformation Issue 3 – Autumn 2025 (BE-ST October 2025)

UK Heritage Pulse Survey Report: Operational use of Artificial Intelligence (Heritage Pulse 23/10/2025)

Local government performance: Spotlight on culture and leisure services (Audit Scotland 23/10/2025)

Impact Report 2025 (Heritage Network 29/10/2025)

Towards a Shared Understanding of Housing Affordability: Short Life Working Group, 2022-24 (CaCHE 30/10/2025)

Pathways to a sustainable future: Exploring the synergy between sustainability and circular economy (Sustainable Futures December 2025)

Affordable Housing Supply Programme: resource planning assumptions (Scot Gov 21/10/2025)

Wind turbine appeal decisions: statistics (Scot Gov 21/10/2025)

Draft circular economy strategy: strategic environmental assessment (Scot Gov 21/10/2025)

Draft circular economy strategy: island communities impact assessment – pre-consultation interim report (Scot Gov 21/10/2025)

Community benefits from net zero energy developments consultation: engagement findings report (Scot Gov 22/10/2025)

UK House Price Index figures for Scotland 2025 (Registers of Scotland 22/10/2025)

Scottish Statutory Instruments relating to administration of the Scottish Aggregates Tax (Scot Parl 23/10/2025)

Land Reform (Scotland) Bill – Daily list of amendments for 23 October 2025 (Scot Parl 23/10/2025)

Scottish Housing Market Review Q3 2025 (Scot Gov 24/10/2025)

The Scottish Government – Affordable Housing Delivery Targets: Letter to UK Government (Scot Gov 25/10/2025)

Planning and the Housing Emergency Delivery Plan – Actions Update (Scot Gov 28/10/2025)

Short Term Lets Licensing Statistics Scotland to 30 June 2025 (Scot Gov 28/10/2025)

Built Environment Sector Oral Question (House of Lords 28/10/2025)

Cladding Remediation Programme: factsheet (Scot Gov 28/10/2025)

Land Reform (Scotland) Bill: Stage 3 Debate (Scot Parl 28/10/2025)

Housing statistics: Scottish Landlord Register data (Scot Gov 28/10/2025)

Scotland’s Cladding Remediation Programme update: Q3 2025 (Scot Gov 28/10/2025)

Correspondence between the Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee and Shona Robison regarding the Building Safety Levy (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 28/10/2025)

Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee: Official Report (Scot Parl 28/10/2025)

First Minister: “Fair transition to net zero vital for Scotland’s economy” (Scot Gov 29/10/2025)

Correspondence between Gillian Martin and Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee regarding Draft Climate Change Plan timeline (Scot Parl 30/10/2025)

Planning permission appeals: form and guidance (Scot Gov 30/10/2025)

Report on pre-budget scrutiny 2026-27: responding to long-term fiscal pressures (Scot Parl 30/10/2025)

Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1 Debate (Scot Parl 30/10/2025)

Climate Action Secretary at COP30 (Scot Gov 31/10/2025)

Land Reform (Scotland) Bill – 2nd Marshalled List of Amendments for Stage 3 (Scot Parl 31/10/2025)

Land Reform (Scotland) Bill – 2nd Timed Groupings of Amendments for Stage 3 (Scot Parl 31/10/2025)

Pre-Budget Scrutiny 2026-27 (Scot Parl 31/10/2025)

Improving island resilience (Scot Gov 03/11/2025)

Motions

S6M-19410
Submitted by: George Adam, Paisley, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 24/10/2025
That the Parliament congratulates the town of Paisley on being crowned Scotland’s Town of the Year by Scotland Loves Local; acknowledges what it sees as the hard work and investment from Paisley First Business Improvement District, Renfrewshire Council and the Scottish Government into the town in recent years; notes the success of Paisley’s local cultural events such as the Halloween and food and drink festivals, and understands that Paisley, like many urban centres in Scotland, was hit badly by online shopping, out-of-town retail parks, the cost of living crisis and the loss of the textile industry, and now serves as a example for urban renewal in Scotland through both major investment and cultural renewal.
Current status: Has not yet achieved cross-party support

S6M-19422
Submitted by: Gillian Martin, Aberdeenshire East, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 27/10/2025
That the Parliament agrees to the general principles of the Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill.
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Thursday, 30 October 2025

S6M-19421
Submitted by: Mairi Gougeon, Angus North and Mearns, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 27/10/2025
That the Parliament agrees that the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill be passed.
Current status: Taken in the Chamber on Tuesday, 04 November 2025

S6M-19454
Submitted by: Gillian Martin, Aberdeenshire East, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 28/10/2025
That the Parliament agrees that the relevant provisions of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, introduced in the House of Commons on 11 March 2025, and subsequently amended, relating to a new clause on wind generation stations that may affect seismic array systems, inserted after clause 28, so far as these matters fall within the legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament and alter the executive competence of the Scottish Ministers, should be considered by the UK Parliament. Motion For Debate.
Current status: Due to be taken in the Chamber on Thursday 30 October 2025

Opinion & Comment

Blog: Landscape in Focus – Glenan Wood (Archaeology Scotland October 2025)

Planning Without Growth: book review (SURF 01/10/2025)

Landmark report finds “blatant and uncompromising sexism” in UK architecture

(Dezeen Magazine 21/10/2025)

Jocelyne Fleming: We’ve talked about collaboration —now we’re putting it into practice (Scottish Construction News 22/10/2025)

Paisley named Town of the Year for ‘remarkable’ revival (BBC News 24/10/2025)

‘It looks like a mill’: new Royal Dornoch clubhouse stirs up locals (The Times 26/10/2025)

Blog: Stage 3 Briefing on the Land Reform (Scotland) Bill (Land Matters 26/10/2025)

Right to buy in reverse: how Brighton is tackling its social housing crisis (The Guardian 26/10/2025)

Reuse, reuse, reuse: How Denmark has embraced sustainable construction (Architects’ Journal 03/11/2025)

Blog: Dùthchas and the Road Home (Land Matters 03/11/2025)

Events

AHSS – Aonghus Mackechnie: ‘If a landscape ‘speaks’, can we hear it?
Date & Time: Monday 10 November 2025; 6:30-8:30pm
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.

Development Trusts Association Scotland – First Steps to Community Ownership
Date & Time: Tuesday 11 November 2025;12-1:30pm
Location: Online
A general workshop on the first steps to take when bringing a church into community ownership. This event is part of the New Futures Programme – Former Places of Worship event series. New Futures is a three-year programme (January 2025-December 2027) funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic Environment Scotland and Development Trusts Association Scotland to provide enhanced support to community groups considering taking on a former place of worship across Scotland. This programme was launched in direct response to the significant and unprecedented number of former places of worship which are due for disposal over the next several years. This workshop is open to any community group interested in taking ownership of a former place of worship but will be of most help to those at the beginning of the process. For questions and enquiries, please email Louise Paterson, Churches Programme Officer.

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.

Aberdeen City Heritage Trust – Maintenance Week Aberdeen 2025
Dates & Times: Tuesday 18 November – Saturday 22 November 2025
Location: See individual Events
This series of presentations, both online and in-person as part of Maintenance Week, offers an opportunity for property owners and managers to access information on building maintenance, repair and retrofit as it relates to traditionally constructed property.
Built Heritage: Appropriate Maintenance and Repair
Lucy Stewart of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings SPAB explores the benefits of regular building maintenance, why it is critical in keeping buildings in good condition and how a stitch in time saves nine.
Organising Tenement Maintenance and Repair
Under One Roof provides advice on: Who is responsible? How to get things done? How to organise repairs and when to call the professionals.
Retrofit & Traditional Buildings
Calum Maclean will provide insights into how to go about retrofitting traditionally constructed and historic buildings.
Building Maintenance Essentials
Come and spend a Saturday morning finding out about caring for your traditional building, whether that be an individual granite home, a flat in a granite tenement, a community hall or even a Place of Worship.
History and Maintenance Walking Tour
Aberdeen has a fascinating and architecturally rich city centre. Find out more about how the city centre developed in the C19th and how the Trust best look after this important legacy.

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.

Under One Roof – Navigating building maintenance for landlords, with Argyll and Bute Council?
Date & Time: Wednesday 19 November 2025; 12-1pm
Location: Online
Join Under One Roof and Argyll and Bute Council for a short lunchtime webinar on Navigating Building Management and Maintenance. Get help with understanding your responsibilities as a landlord and discuss the proper procedures for working with your neighbours to maintain your building. After the presentation, there will be a chance for you to ask your questions to tenement expert, Jacqueline Omoniyi.

Development Trusts Association Scotland – Planning and Your Church
Date & Time: Thursday 20 November 2025; 1-2:30pm
Location: Online
This workshop on engaging with the planning system in regards to former places of worship is brought to you by Planning Aid Scotland. This event is part of the?New Futures Programme – Former Places of Worship event series. New Futures is a three-year programme (January 2025-December 2027) funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic Environment Scotland and Development Trusts Association Scotland to provide enhanced support to community groups considering taking on a former place of worship across Scotland. This programme was launched in direct response to the significant and unprecedented number of former places of worship which are due for disposal over the next several years. This workshop is open to any community group interested in taking ownership of a former place of worship but will be of most help to those at the beginning of the process. For questions and enquiries, please email Louise Paterson, Churches Programme Officer.

AHSS – Dominic D’Angelo: ‘Greek’ Thomson and the Watson Street Warehouses
Date & Time: Thursday 20 November 2025; 7:30-9:30pm
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.

RIAS – BookshopLATES… Glasgow from Above
Date & Time:?Thursday 27 November 2025; 6:30-7:30pm
Location: RIAS Bookshop, 15 Rutland Square, Edinburgh EH1 2BE
Come along and explore the architectural and industrial heritage of 21st-century Glasgow with architect Rosalie Menon and photographer Alistair Leith. From ornate Victorian buildings to post-industrial redevelopment projects, their recent book documents the perpetual evolution of the city’s urban environment.

STP – Scotland’s Towns Conference
Date & Time: Thursday 27 November 2025; 8:30am-5:30pm
Location: Technology and Innovation Centre, University of Strathclyde, 99 George Street
Glasgow G1 1RD
As Glasgow marks its 850th year, Scotland’s Towns Conference 2025 brings together leaders, practitioners, and communities to explore how investment and innovation can deliver sustainable economic growth for towns and cities across the country. Come along to discuss, learn, and connect, whilst exploring how towns and cities can build resilient, inclusive, and liveable places that power Scotland’s economy for the next generation.

Icon Scotland – Tour of the McManus Galleries and Collections Unit
Date & Time: Thursday 27 November 2025; 1:30-2:30pm
Location: McManus Galleries, Albert Square, Meadowside, Dundee DD1 1AD
Rebecca Jackson-Hunt, Conservator for Leisure and Culture Dundee, will provide a tour looking at recent case changes in the galleries and a behind the scenes look around the Collection Unit, focusing on next year’s costume exhibition.

Icon Scotland – 2025 AGM
Date & Time: Thursday 27 November 2025; 5-5:45pm
Location: Dundee Science Centre, 14 Greenmarket, Dundee DD1 4QB
Join the Icon Scotland Group committee to discuss everything they’ve been doing in 2025, and everything planned for 2026. Tickets are free and you can come along whether you’re an Icon member or just considering joining.

Icon Scotland – Plenderleith Lecture 2025: Looking back, looking forward: 50 years as a conservator
Date & Time: Thursday 27 November 2025; 6-8:15pm
Location: Online, and in person at Dundee Science Centre, 14 Greenmarket, Dundee DD1 4QB
This year’s guest speaker is Clare Meredith ACR (Emeritus) FIIC. Clare has worked as a conservator for 50 years and will share a personal review of her professional life and talk about the evolution of conservation since the 1980s, including being part of the SSCR (which became Icon Scotland in 1985), as well as what the future of this profession might hold. The lecture will be followed by a drinks reception, and the opportunity to chat with other conservators.

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.

SEDA/HES – Stone Futures 3 – Embodied Carbon of Slate
Date & Time: Monday 1 December 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 up 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.

Development Trusts Association Scotland – Involving Your Community
Date & Time: Tuesday 2 December 2025; 1-2:30pm
Location: Online
This workshop is focussed on involving your community in the process of taking on a former place of worship. This event is part of the New Futures Programme – Former Places of Worship event series. New Futures is a three-year programme (January 2025-December 2027) funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic Environment Scotland and Development Trusts Association Scotland to provide enhanced support to community groups considering taking on a former place of worship across Scotland. This programme was launched in direct response to the significant and unprecedented number of former places of worship which are due for disposal over the next several years. This workshop is open to any community group interested in taking ownership of a former place of worship but will be of most help to those at the beginning of the process. For questions and enquiries, please email Louise Paterson, Churches Programme Officer.

Zero Waste Scotland – Roadmap to circularity: the Built Environment
Date & Time: Wednesday 3 December 2025; 9:30am-4pm
Location: The Social Hub Glasgow,15 Candleriggs, Glasgow G1 1TQ
Join Zero Waste Scotland in this session which addresses circularity in the Built Environment sector. Zero Waste Scotland are currently developing sector specific roadmaps, each of which will have a set of interventions designed specifically to address circularity in the Built Environment sector. A system thinking approach has been taken, which has included the development of system maps for each sector. These maps tell us the most important factors influencing businesses in these sectors and we are looking for stakeholders to help identify the correct interventions to address these. This requires input from stakeholders across the economy who influence the sector including finance, insurance, public organisations, skills and standards. This event is part of a series of online and in-person stakeholder engagement events taking place so if you are unable to join this in-person event please join one of the future online events to be published on Eventbrite.

AHSS – Luis Albornoz-Parra: The Building Stones of Edinburgh
Date & Time: Monday 8 December 2025; 6:30-8:30pm
Location: Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL (wheelchair accessible)
Note: Lecture will also be streamed online via Zoom
Edinburgh is renowned for its dramatic stone architecture. What are the sources and types of building stone?? Why and how does the stone decay and should the stone be conserved or replaced? Luis Albornoz-Parra of the British Geological Survey will bring some samples for identification and?will make suggestions as to where in the city you might see them. Tickets available from Eventbrite or on the door, subject to availability: £6 / students £2

 

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; 9:30am-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.

STBA & IHBC – Technical Panel: BS 40104- Domestic Retrofit Assessment – implications for traditional and heritage buildings
Date & Time: Friday 14 November 2025; 09:30-10:30
Location: Online
Hosted jointly by the STBA and IHBC Technical Panel: BS 40104:2025, which has recently launched, and provides a comprehensive, risk based methodology for assessing dwellings before retrofit works are carried out, ensuring projects are based on sound, standardised practice. Join their experts as they introduce the new standard and describe its implications to assessing and retrofitting traditional and heritage buildings.

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.

SLCT – Sheep Wool Insulation Masterclass
Date & Time: Friday 28 November 2025; 10am-3pm
Location: Charlestown Workshops, 2 Rocks Road, Charlestown, Fife KY11 3EN
This one-day masterclass about using sheep wool as a natural insulation material is for homeowners, contractors, and anyone interested in healthier, more sustainable building solutions. The day begins with an introduction to natural building materials and the reasons we might choose them: from lowering environmental impact to improving indoor air quality; followed by an exploration of how issues like damp and breathability affect traditional buildings, and why using the right materials, in the right way, really matters. The day concludes with consideration of the range of products, with the chance to handle samples and compare them, and in the afternoon, there will be a demonstration of how to cut and install SheepWool insulation into a wall structure. Cost: £75.00 + VAT

HES – Launch of Fire Safety Management Short Guide – CPD Training for Dutyholders and Designers
Date & Time: Thursday 4 December 2025; 9:30am-4:30pm
Location: The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling FK8 1QZ
Book your place on this free event on fire safety management in traditional buildings, for dutyholders, designers, and others with a legal responsibility for fire safety. Launching the new HES publication, Short Guide 14: Fire Safety Management in Traditional Buildings for Dutyholders, this event will include presentations from the authors and contributors of the Guide, including Senior Technical Officer Lila Angelaka. You will also hear from leading experts in the sector, including the HES Health & Safety team who deal with managing fire risk in their Estates.

Vacancies

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

National Trust for Scotland – Project Delivery Manager (Mackintosh Illuminated)
Salary: £40,707 – £44,847 per annum
Status: Full time; 40 hrs per week; permanent position.
Location: Flexible with time to be spent at the main properties, home working, and hot desking available at NTS premises regionally.
The National Trust for Scotland is seeking a Project Delivery Manager for the Mackintosh Illuminated Project. National Trust for Scotland (NTS) is the largest membership Charity in Scotland, with a mission to protect, care for, share and speak up for Scotland’s magnificent heritage, including its historic buildings, landscapes, footpaths and collections. The Mackintosh Illuminated Project comprises a major capital conservation project at the A Listed Hill House in Helensburgh and an ambitious programme to raise awareness and appreciation of the work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and his artist designer wife, Margaret MacDonald to an international audience. The Project therefore spans oversight of construction works, project management, skills training, conservation, historical research, interpretation, engagement and community relations. The project also encompasses the Trust’s other CRM property – the Mackintosh at the Willow Tea Rooms on Sauchiehall St in Glasgow where facilities and expertise already exist but will form part of a new exploration and exhibition of their work. The Project Delivery Manger will work alongside and support the Project Director in project planning & scheduling, budget monitoring, project administration, and progress reporting. This role ensures that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. Whilst a key part of a small, skilled team the role will have a direct responsibility for leading on critical aspects of the project delivery. This role has been supported by funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
More information can be found here.
Closing date: 4pm on Friday 7 November 2025

Historic Churches Scotland – Project Development Officer, St Margaret’s Church, Braemar
Salary: £50,000 per annum
Status: 18 month fixed-term contract
Location: Flexible homeworking, with frequent travel to Braemar
Historic Churches Scotland (HCS) is seeking a Project Development Officer for the St Margaret’s Braemar – Regenerating a hidden Scottish masterpiece project. HCS works in partnership with communities to save historic places of worship at risk through sale, disuse or decay. HCS is working in partnership with St Margaret’s Trust to secure the future of St Margaret’s Church Braemar. HCS is the owner of St Margaret’s Braemar, and St Margaret’s Trust is the day-to-day operator of the building. The partnership’s principal aim is to repair, conserve, and repurpose the Category A listed St Margaret’s Church in Braemar for the benefit of the community. This is being met through developing St Margaret’s as a high-quality visitor attraction celebrating the heritage of the village, providing a unique performance and exhibition venue, together with information for visitors to the village and surrounding area. SMT’s strapline is St Margaret’s Braemar: Performance – Arts – Heritage. This is the first stage of a two-stage project.
The Project Development Officer is responsible for the overall delivery of the Development Phase of this two-stage project, to the agreed scope, timescale and budget, including the delivery of community heritage activities in support of the project. The full job description is available here.
If you have any questions regarding the position, please email: contact@historicchurches.scot
This role has been supported by funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
To apply, please send your CV and covering letter to: contact@historicchurches.scot
Closing Date: 9am on Monday 10 November 2025

RTPI Scotland – Intern Project Officer
Salary: £22,932 pro rata per annum
Status: Part-time; 21 hours per week. 9 month Fixed Term Contract
Location: Edinburgh office (with hybrid working)
The RTPI is offering a recently graduated or current student planner the opportunity to join the RTPI Scotland team as Intern Project Officer, providing support to their diverse areas of work, including policy, research and member and stakeholder liaison. It’s an exciting time to join the RTPI Scotland team as Scotland continues to navigate the implementation of planning reforms brought in by the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019. This is your opportunity to be part of an organisation that’s shaping the future of planning and empowering planners to build a better world. As RTPI Scotland’s Intern Project Officer, you will support the RTPI, and the RTPI Scotland team in particular, on matters of policy, public affairs, research, events, and editorial of the Scottish Planner (RTPI Scotland’s quarterly journal). You will work collaboratively with RTPI colleagues in the Scotland, Policy and Public Affairs, and Practice and Research teams, as well as with various RTPI member committee’s and networks, to deliver a range of projects and programmes.
Applications: To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter that refers to the criteria in the person specification. More information can be found here.
Interview dates: Interviews will be held during the week commencing 24 November 2025
Closing Date: Monday 10 November 2025

Planning Democracy – Trustees
Planning Democracy are looking for new trustees to join their board. They are particularly interested in recruiting trustees who have skills in the following areas:

• Governance

• Communications (social media, online resources, website management)

However, they are also keen to hear from anyone who feels that Planning Democracy is an organisation they are interested in getting involved with. In return they are offering training opportunities, learning opportunities, experience in campaigning and advocacy, the opportunity to travel in Scotland and meet new people, as well as being part of a committed group of people.
If you are interested, contact Chair, Helen Todd on info@planningdemocracy.org.uk and they can then send you an application form and/or have a chat.
Closing Date: Not specified

 

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