BEFS Bulletin 386: Cultivating Resilience – Building Safety, Climate Change Plan and Circularity

Following the recent launch of the 2026 BEFS Manifesto: Building Foundations for a Better Scotland, the BEFS Team have written to 140 relevant policy-makers drawing attention to the 15 key policy asks and sharing the short Manifesto Statement. BEFS is also in active cooperation with Members and stakeholders in advocating collaboratively for shared policy recommendations. A hustings event, in which senior political party representatives will be invited to respond to the BEFS Manifesto and answer questions from BEFS Members ahead of the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections, is in planning for Spring 2026.

BEFS Director Hazel Johnson spoke to the Scottish Parliament’s Finance and Public Administration Committee this month about the Building Safety Levy (Scotland) Bill. The proposed levy on new residential property development is designed to raise income for building safety measures including cladding remediation. BEFS provided the Committee with a statement to complement an earlier consultation response. The evidence session can be viewed on Parliament TV.

Scotland’s Climate Change Plan 2026-2040 was published by the Scottish Government this month. Yesterday, BEFS Head of Policy and Strategy Derek Rankine shared views on the Plan with the Scottish Parliament’s Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee. The Committee is scrutinising the Plan and invited BEFS to provide feedback on its Sectoral Annex for Buildings (Residential and Public). BEFS highlighted key points from a prepared statement and a response to the linked consultation. View the session here.

The Climate Change Plan evidence session touched on the Heat in Buildings Bill. Yesterday, the Scottish Government published the draft Bill, and announced that it will not be introduced in the current term of Parliament as originally planned. A new timeline for the Bill will be set out after the May 2026 elections. View the announcement and draft Bill.

The second edition of a new BEFS Places of Worship Newsletter was circulated this month. Lead items include a blog by Dr Karen Mailley on the Accessing Websters project and an in-depth report from BEFS Places of Worship: Planning Forward conference in Glasgow. The Newsletter also features sector news and upcoming events. Sign up to the Newsletter.

BEFS attended the Heritage Alliance’s 2025 Heritage Debate this month. The focus of the online conference, entitled ‘Closer to Home’, was the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill. The key question was, what implications will changes to local governance and community engagement have on heritage management, funding, project delivery and potential? Conference participants were invited to suggest ‘Placemaking Postcards’ case studies – available online – that demonstrate the effectiveness of local decision-making in heritage.

One of the key policy asks in the 2026 BEFS Manifesto is for increased action in reusing construction materials. A new European Union funded project – CirCoFin – intends to facilitate exactly that. Scotland is one of four European locations selected to pilot a Circular Construction Hub. Zero Waste Scotland will lead on development of a Scottish Hub, with a plan to operate at scale by December 2027. Learn more about CirCoFin.

Staying with continental activity, BEFS is a Member of pan-European cultural heritage champion body Europa Nostra. The non-profit has this month published its Heritage Manifesto for Europe, which calls for “bold and coordinated action” on seven heritage areas in European budgets and policies. Europa Nostra also formally endorsed the Culture Compass for Europe, a European Commission strategic document published on 12 November.

 

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.
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 

Call for Good Practices: Cultural Heritage as an Asset for the Green, Digital and Social Transformation
European Heritage Hub
The European Heritage Hub is seeking local good practices from cities and regions across Europe in heritage within the context of the ‘triple transformation’- green, digital and social transformation of society. The call is open to local and regional administrations of all sizes from across Europe, including Ukraine, Moldova, Western Balkans and the Caucasus region, as well as EEA, EFTA countries and the UK. Ten inspirational practices will be selected, with hosts eligible to organise onsite peer-learning visits in 2026-2027. Thematic areas include heritage and climate, tourism, digital technologies, communities, youth, values, peace, music, EU enlargement, and the Mediterranean. Applications must be submitted in English via the online form.
*NEW* Closes 19 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, MSP. 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 

Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 – Thresholds Review
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government is consulting on proposed changes to the goods, services, works, and community benefit thresholds within the Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014. These thresholds determine which procurement rules apply to public contracts in Scotland. The review considers increasing the goods, services, and works thresholds, and decreasing the community benefits threshold, to ensure they remain appropriate and effective.
Closes 8 January 2026  

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 

Draft Climate Change Plan 2026-2040
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government is consulting on its Draft Climate Change Plan for 2026-2040. The Plan sets out wide-ranging policies and proposals to address and adapt to the current and anticipated impacts of climate change, including by reducing carbon emissions, providing warmer homes, improving air quality, and supporting active travel. It features a road map of actions for the next 15 years and a sectoral annex on residential and public buildings.
*NEW* Closes 29 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.
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

2026-40 Climate Change Plan Scrutiny
BEFS prepared a statement on the Climate Change Plan for the Scottish Parliament Committee for Local Government, Housing and Planning ahead of Head of Policy Strategy Derek Rankine’s appearance at a roundtable session on Tuesday. The statement welcomes elements of the Buildings Annex of the Plan, but calls for wider, whole systems action across public policy, including in the spheres of training and skills, tenement repair and maintenance, retrofit project delivery, heritage project grant programmes, bringing vacant buildings back into use, and data and research. (BEFS 18/11/2025)

Scotland’s Climate Change Plan: 2026-2040
RIAS emphasises the scale of the challenge facing Scotland’s built environment, noting that domestic and non-domestic properties account for 27% of emissions, with 2.72 million homes and 262,000 non-domestic buildings requiring decarbonisation by 2045. At current rates, only 1% of existing housing stock will have been replaced by 2045, while 355,000 new homes will be added. RIAS argues that whilst the technical challenge can be met through net zero direct emissions heating systems and Scotland’s conservation and retrofit skills, profound sector changes are required. Key recommendations include: long-term investment in training and capacity building; improved building regulations to match European standards; planning policy favouring energy-efficient tenement-style development and place-mending over suburban sprawl; measures to tackle 92,536 vacant homes; promotion of decarbonised heat networks; encouragement of low-carbon Scottish-manufactured materials; mandatory five-year building assessments; and creation of a national database of building attributes. RIAS notes the RSL sector demonstrates that regulated improvement of building stock is achievable and argues these successes must extend to private sector domestic and non-domestic properties, with political will and industry capacity being the only limiting factors. (RIAS 18/11/2025)

Building Safety Levy (Scotland) Bill Scrutiny
BEFS provided a written statement to the Scottish Parliament Committee for Finance and Public Administration, to complement BEFS Director Hazel Johnson’s contribution to an evidence session scrutinising a proposed building safety levy on new residential development. BEFS supports the introduction of a levy in principle to support remediation of historical and future building defects, but called for exemptions for repair, maintenance and retrofit projects, and for small-scale development. BEFS also called for a robust and responsive regulatory framework, more investment in data, and cross-UK sharing of learning outcomes on levy implementation. (BEFS 11/11/2025)

Living on the edge? – Shetland and the HerInDep project: an initial survey (International Journal of Heritage Studies 31/04/2025)

A Green, Fair and Growing Scotland: A Mission-Oriented Approach (Future Economy Scotland September 2025)

UK Heritage Pulse Spotlight on: Heritage Crime (Heritage Fund 10/11/2025)

Annual Conference Report: Community Development – Impact on Place, Regeneration and Housing (Community Development Alliance Scotland 18/11/2025)

Heat Pumps: Subsidies written question (UK Parl 05/11/2025)

Historic Environment Scotland: Evidence Session with Cabinet Secretary (Scot Parl 06/11/2025)

Scotland’s Climate Change Plan – 2026-2040 (Scot Gov 06/11/2025)

Scotland’s Climate Change Plan 2026-2040: Island Communities Impact Assessment (Scot Gov 06/11/2025)

Scotland’s climate change plan 2026-2040: children’s rights consideration (Scot Gov 06/11/2025)

Scotland’s climate change plan 2026-2040: Fairer Scotland Duty assessment (Scot Gov 06/11/2025)

Scotland’s climate change plan 2026-2040: equality impact assessment (Scot Gov 06/11/2025)

Scotland’s climate change plan 2026-2040: business and regulatory impact assessment (Scot Gov 06/11/2025)

Public Appointment: Members Appointed to Historic Environment Scotland on an Interim Basis (Scot Gov 07/11/2025)

Planning and Infrastructure Bill – Third Reading (UK Parl 10/11/2025)

Correspondence between Richard Bell and the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee regarding the Legislative Consent Memorandum on the Pension Schemes Bill (Scot Parl 11/11/2025)

Restoration of War Memorials (UK Gov 11/11/2025)

Development plan examinations: list (Scot Gov 11/11/2025)

Wind Turbine Appeal Decisions: Statistics (Scot Gov 11/11/2025)

Delegated Powers in the Building Safety Levy (Scotland) Bill at Stage 1 (Scot Parl 12/11/2025)

Supporting global climate action (Scot Gov 13/11/2025)

Rogue Builders: Westminster Hall Debate (UK Parl 13/11/2025)

Planning and Infrastructure Bill: Commons Consideration of Lords Amendments (UK Parl 13/11/2025)

Correspondence between Ariane Burgess to Local Authority Chief Executives regarding Draft Climate Change Plan 2026-2040 scrutiny (Scot Parl 14/11/2025)

Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill: Stage 2 Amendment Groupings (Scot Parl 17/11/2025)

Natural Environment (Scotland) Bill – Marshalled List of Amendments for Stage 2 (Scot Parl 17/11/2025)

Warmer Homes Scotland Scheme: Performance Data (Scot Gov 17/11/2025)

Heat in buildings: future plans (Scot Gov 18/11/2025)

 

Motions

S6M-19607
Submitted by: Jamie Hepburn, Cumbernauld and Kilsyth, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 07/11/2025
That the Parliament recognises that 9 December 2025 is the 70th anniversary of the designation of Cumbernauld as Scotland’s third new town under the terms of the New Towns Act 1946, having been identified as a suitable location in the Clyde Valley Regional Plan; understands that this is a significant moment in the history of the town; recognises that the area designated included the existing villages of Cumbernauld and Condorrat, with the first part of the new town to be built being in the Kildrum area of the town to provide accommodation for workers at the nearby Burroughs factory; recalls that the inaugural ceremony for the new town was in June 1957, where the sod was cut at Kildrum Farm; appreciates the great sense of community that exists in Cumbernauld through its wide range of organisations and bodies that do great work to promote the town and support its residents; thanks all those who are involved in promoting the 70th anniversary, and wishes all those who live and work in Cumbernauld the best for the occasion and the future.
Current status: Achieved cross-party support

S6M-19663
Submitted by: Liam McArthur, Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: 11/11/2025
That the Parliament congratulates Paul Hewison, of Orkney, on winning the Outstanding Tradesperson award at the 2025 Construction Awards of Excellence in Birmingham, which were hosted by the National Federation of Builders; believes that he earned this award by delivering exceptional work on his projects, demonstrating outstanding skill within his respective trade and consistently making a positive impact through his work; recognises that Paul works at Casey Construction Ltd, which is a family firm based in Kirkwall that has provided high-quality building services in Orkney for more than 40 years; commends Paul for his dedication to his trade; congratulates him on this well-deserved recognition, and wishes him all the best for the future.

S6M-19693
Submitted by: Douglas Ross, Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: 13/11/2025
That the Parliament congratulates Angharad Rogers, Town Centres Development Manager at Moray Chamber of Commerce, who has recently been named the 2025 Scotland Loves Local Awards, High Street Hero for the Highland Region; notes that she was part of the emergency response for businesses in Elgin following the sudden closure of the St Giles Centre earlier in 2025; understands that Angharad’s passion and commitment go far beyond her job description as she brings people together, creates innovative solutions and is unwavering in her mission to make Scotland’s town centres places that residents and visitors alike are proud to enjoy; recognises that Angharad has delivered an impressive range of initiatives and support, which has helped business and charities, increased footfall and fostered community pride by getting vacant properties back into use; notes that Angharad’s work has included collaborating with architects and developers to find solutions for first floor vacant properties, to create more spaces for people to live and work, and applauds Angharad for all her effort and endeavour, which included creating three pop-up shops in Keith to encourage new enterprise, as well as encouraging local businesses to support each other.

Opinion & Comment

Yann Grandgirard on Sustainable World Heritage Cities (Edinburgh World Heritage November 2025)

Garden shed of vaccine pioneer Edward Jenner added to heritage at risk register (The Guardian 06/11/2025)

AI-powered nimbyism could grind UK planning system to a halt, experts warn (The Guardian 09/11/2025)

Fears grow over future of landmark 86-year-old Art Deco cinema in Edinburgh (The Scotsman 09/11/2025)

Love Scotland Podcast Series The Life and Legacy of Bernat Klein (NTS 14/11/2025)

Three Reasons Not to Demolish Edinburgh’s Argyle House (The Edinburgh Minute 14/11/2025)

Events

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: Investment & Innovation
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

SHBT – Tale of Two Streets: Regenerating Princes St and Sauchiehall Street
Date & Time: Wednesday 10 December 2025; 6-8pm
Location: Riddle’s Court, 322 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2PG
Speakers: Terry Levinthal, Director of Edinburgh World Heritage and Niall Murphy, Director of Glasgow City Heritage Trust.
The hearts of cities are often marked by their great streets: theatres of commerce, places for tourists to gawk at, and the settings for civic and institutional performance and display.?Edinburgh and Glasgow are thus characterised, respectively, by Princes Street and Sauchiehall street; each in its own way, architectural set pieces, and each subject to the vagaries of commerce and fashion.? How are the characters of these streets re-produced and managed in response to and for changing times? How can heritage bodies contribute to these characters, balancing at the same time both change and continuity of the city itself?

Society of Antiquaries of Scotland – Carved in Stone: Bringing the Picts to Life
Date & Time: Thursday 11 December 2025; 6-8pm
Location: Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL
Carved in Stone is an illustrated guide to the Picts in late 7th century AD, serving as a source of inspiration for tabletop roleplaying games, storytellers, and anyone interested in Scotland’s past. It covers everything we know (and many things we don’t), touching on languages, kingdoms, faith, hierarchies, cuisine and more. In this panel event, the designer and lead researcher will explore the process, break down the elaborate illustrations, and discuss how they’ve approached bringing the past to life.

Development Trusts Association Scotland – Involving Your Community
Date & Time: Thursday 11 December 2025; 12-2pm
Location: Online
This workshop is focussed on mainstream funders relevant to communities 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.

 

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

Fife College – Green Skills & Retrofit Forum 2025
Date & Time: Wednesday 3 December 2025; 9am-4pm
Location: Fife College, Dunfermline City Campus, Calaiswood Crescent, KY11 8SJ
Delivered in Partnership with CIAT Scotland East & Women in Architectural Technology, Day 1 of Fife College Green Skills & Retrofit Forum 2025 offers a unique insight into retrofit in Fife. The day will include a distinguished panel of experts looking at pivotal areas which impact retrofit delivery in Fife and an informal marketplace area filled with local products and services supporting retrofit delivery in Fife. Learn from the experts how their products and services can support you in delivering retrofit efficiently in your workspace and hear from Fife College staff about how you can access funding to up-skill or retrain your staff and find out more about the courses currently on offer and what is planned for the future.

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

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 at info@planningdemocracy.org.uk
Closing Date: Not specified

War Memorials Trust – Trustees
War Memorials Trust works to protect and conserve the nation’s 100,000 war memorials. They are seeking new Trustees, with the right skills, experience, enthusiasm and commitment, to join the Board and help guide the charity’s efforts. The charity provides advice and expertise to help anyone who looks after a war memorial to manage, repair and conserve it for the benefit of those who live locally, those who are commemorated and their families and the wider population. They also encourage public engagement especially through their website War Memorials Online to which anyone can add information and upload photographs. So, if the Trustee role isn’t for you, you may still be able to contribute by signing up to War Memorials Online.
A skills audit has identified key areas of expertise that the Board needs to enhance as

• fundraising expertise to ensure they are here for the long term

• legal expertise to support the charity deliver its objectives appropriately

This role is home based with board meetings rotating between in-person at the London office and online, although all can be joined online. Some attendance at events or visits to war memorials may be undertaken. Reasonable expenses related to the role will be available. Minimum engagement is for four, two-hour board meetings per year (plus reading of papers beforehand). Additional input will be welcomed and Trustees may be approached by staff, on a collective or an individual basis, between meetings, particularly in relation to their expertise. For full details of the role and how to apply, please go to the War Memorials Trust’s website.
Closing Date: Not specified

 

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