BEFS Bulletin 389: A busy start to 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 

Developing a Roadmap for Circularity in Scotland’s Built Environment
Zero Waste Scotland
Zero Waste Scotland recently undertook research on circularity in Scotland’s built environment and energy infrastructure sectors, and produced systems mapping outputs. The research will be used to develop roadmaps to improve the takeup of circular economy practices in both sectors. Zero Waste Scotland is now seeking views from stakeholders in these sectors to inform development of these roadmaps and linked communications, research, and engagement activities.
*NEW* Closes 23 January 2026 

Visitor Levy (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill
Scottish Parliament
The Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee has put out for a call for views on the Visitor Levy (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill, which was introduced to Parliament on 2nd December. The Amendment makes several changes to the 2024 Visitor Levy (Scotland) Act, including allowing for levies to be set as fixed amounts instead of percentages. The Finance and Public Administration Committee is also inviting evidence on the Bill’s accompanying Financial Memorandum, with the same closing date.
*NEW* Closes 26 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.
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. The findings will help support informed public debate and further consideration in the Scottish Parliament.
Closes 30 January 2026 

Exploring the role of alternative clean heating solutions
UK Government
The UK Government is committed to decarbonising the way we heat our buildings to protect consumers against high energy bills due to volatile global fossil fuel prices, reduce the UK’s dependence on foreign sources of energy and combat climate change. In that process, the UK Government is committed to ensuring there is a good solution for every building and that consumers have access to a range of suitable low-carbon heat technologies. This consultation will be of interest to stakeholders operating in the heat sector, business representative bodies, households, non-domestic buildings, and those with a wider interest in the UK’s net zero ambition.
Closes 10 February 2026 

Onshore Electricity Generation: Increasing threshold for applications under The Electricity Act
Scottish Government
This consultation seeks views on increasing the 50 MW threshold, which determines whether applications for onshore electricity generating stations are decided by Scottish Ministers or by the relevant planning authority.
*NEW* Closes 27 March 2026 

Scottish Building Regulations: Fire Safety review and Compliance: Call for Evidence
Scottish Government
This consultation seeks to obtain the views and opinions of stakeholders on a review of building standards and guidance relating to fire safety, and including work on the compliance plan approach, to help ensure the safety of people in and around Scotland’s buildings. The consultation covers three main areas: the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 Report recommendations on fire safety, including a fundamental review of Section 2 (Fire) of the Technical Handbooks; the compliance plan manager; and the compliance plan approach. The proposed review and changes outlined in the consultation aim to improve safety for the design and construction of all domestic and non-domestic buildings making them safer for those in and around buildings, particularly relating to fire safety and in the event of an outbreak of a building fire when considering the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 Report recommendations. The consultation paper contains full background information.
*NEW* Closes 10 April 2026 

Draft Infrastructure Strategy 2027-2037
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government wants Scotland’s infrastructure to be planned and delivered in a way that supports net zero and environmental sustainability, inclusive economic growth and e economic growth and resilient and sustainable places. The ambition is to create a system that makes best use of existing assets, embraces innovation, and ensures investment decisions deliver long-term public value. However, delivering infrastructure is not without challenges. To meet these challenges, the strategy focuses on three key enablers that can help turn strategic ambition into practical outcomes, ensuring investment choices deliver long-term public value: Public Assets, Place-Making and Private Investment. The  consultation paper contains full background information for respondents.
*NEW* Closes 5 May 2026 

 Consultation Responses

Community Rights to Buy: consultation analysis (Scot Gov 11/12/2025)

Compulsory Purchase Reform
BEFS welcomed the opportunity to comment on the Scottish Government’s 2025 consultation on compulsory purchase reform and noted the importance of mechanisms to sustainably bring derelict or vacant historic and existing built environment assets back into use. BEFS response to this consultation supported bringing legislation into a single statute, noted mixed views in the BEFS Membership on the creation of temporary possession, and provided practical suggestions to encourage early and effective engagement between local governments and owners. (BEFS 16/12/2025)

The Future of Scotland’s High Streets
In response to concerns about the evolution of town centres and high streets in Scotland, the UK Parliament’s Scottish Affairs Committee opened an inquiry into their future. An in-depth BEFS statement highlighted concerns and opportunities for high streets and town centres identified in 2026 BEFS Manifesto consultations and other Member engagements. BEFS elaborated on the potential of approaches that could improve resilience, activity and regeneration, highlighted a number of award-winning case studies, and shared views on how policy-makers can best support aspirations to diversify town centre activity. (BEFS 23/12/2025)

Revised Environmental Standards Scotland Strategy
Environmental Standards Scotland (ESS) consulted on its revised 2026-2031 Strategy to track, and support improvement in, public body compliance with environmental law. In BEFS response, we requested further information on how the new Strategy will handle environmental concerns relating to the interface between the existing built environment and the natural environment. BEFS previously provided an in-depth response to the initial summer 2025 consultation on the Strategy. (BEFS 09/01/2026)

Draft Circular Economy Strategy
BEFS contributed to the Scottish Government’s 2025/26 consultation on its Draft Circular Economy Strategy, which sets out a framework for developing a more sustainable economic model in Scotland in the period to 2045. BEFS agreed with the general thrust of the Draft Strategy and welcomed its identification of the built environment as a priority sector, but shared reservations and open questions about the vision and outcomes, asked for more action on ‘fabric first’ retrofit project activity, and for further detail on the development and delivery of a built environment roadmap. (BEFS 13/01/2026)

Regional Energy Strategic Planning Methodology
The National Energy System Operator published a draft of its Regional Energy Strategic Planning Methodology for consultation. Subject to regulatory approval, the Methodology will be used to produce 11 Regional Energy Strategy Plans in the UK, including one for Scotland. BEFS welcomed the Methodology’s commitment to work closely with relevant stakeholders, to establish thematic working groups to support development, and to provide a place-based digital mapping platform centred on energy system needs, plans, and geographic assets. (BEFS 16/01/2026)

 

Putting people’s memories at the heart of heritage-inspired regeneration (The National Lottery Heritage Fund 26/11/2025)

Statement on Scottish Land & Estates report on Repopulating Rural Scotland (Community Land Scotland 12/12/2025)

Winners of the 2025 Society of Architectural Historians of Great Britain Awards announced (SAHGB 18/12/2025)

Glasgow City Heritage Trust’s Training Grants scheme open for applications (Glasgow City Heritage Trust January 2026)

The Big Think: Place – sector-wide conversation on heritage and place (UK Heritage Pulse January 2026)

Scot Lib Dems call for action to tackle thousands of mouldy homes (Scottish Liberal Democrats 02/01/2026)

Innovation in Action: RICHeS Access Fund Catalyst Projects Award Five Initiatives (UKRI 05/01/2026)

Granton regeneration to lead Scotland’s new era of place-based investment (Scottish Futures Trust 07/01/2026)

SCVO response to Scottish Spending Review and Scottish Budget 2026/27 (SCVO 13/01/2026)

Heritage volunteering supports wellbeing, new research finds (HES 14/01/2026)

Regeneration in the 2026 Scottish Budget: Concern for Communities (SURF 14/01/2026)

Scottish Budget: How does it fare on Housing, Transport, Local Democracy, and Funding? (SURF 15/01/2026)

Costa Carras European Citizens Awards for the Safeguard of Endangered Heritage 2026 – Deadline Extension (Europa Nostra 15/01/2026)

Six things to look out for in the UK government’s upcoming Warm Homes Plan (Nesta 19/01/2026)

Landscape Institute launches new carbon-reduction tools and resources (Landscape Institute 20/01/2026)

 

Publications

Who Stays and Who Leaves? Mapping Arts, Culture and Heritage Careers (Creative PEC 19/11/2025)

Systemic Racism and Scotland’s Housing Emergency Joint Report (Shelter Scotland & CRER December 2025)

Development Trusts Association Scotland Community-led manifesto (DTAS December 2025)

A Manifesto for Planning Reform in Scotland (Planning Democracy December 2025)

The 2026 Scottish Election: Housing Evidence Priorities for a New Government (CaCHE 10/12/2025)

The Felt Experience of Place Resource Kit (Arts & Humanities Research Council 17/12/2025)

SURF 2026 Manifesto for Regeneration – Empowering People, Places and Policy (SURF 08/01/2026)

Edinburgh Planning Map – 2026 Updates (City Scope 11/01/2026)

RICS Scotland manifesto 2026–2031: Surveying Scotland – Building the foundations for a fair, sustainable and prosperous future (RICS 12/01/2026)

Scotland’s first infrastructure Needs Assessment to support a sustainable and thriving future (Scottish Futures Trust 15/01/2026)

 

Affordable Housing Supply Programme: quarterly updates on approvals, site starts and completions (Scot Gov 16/12/2025)

Planning and environmental appeals: guidance for reporters (Scot Gov 16/12/2025)

Planning permission appeals: housing development statistics (Scot Gov 16/12/2025)

Housebuilding and affordable home statistics in the year to end of September 2025 (Scot Gov 16/12/2025)

Empty and Second Homes in September 2025 (Scot Gov 16/12/2025)

Scotland’s Cladding Remediation Programme monthly management information: November 2025 (Scot Gov 16/12/2025)

Correspondence between Màiri McAllan and the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee regarding Green Heat Finance Taskforce response (Scot Parl 17/12/2025)

Planning guidance: biodiversity (Scot Gov 17/12/2025)

Building standards: operating framework for verifiers – April 2026 (Scot Gov 18/12/2025)

Building standards: performance framework for verifiers – 1 April 2026 (Scot Gov 18/12/2025)

Correspondence between Màiri McAllan and the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee regarding Cladding Remediation Pilot programme (Scot Parl 22/12/2025)

World Heritage Sites: Written question (UK Parl 23/12/2025)

Correspondence between Màiri McAllan and the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee regarding cladding remediation programme – Developer Remediation Contract (Scot Parl 24/12/2025)

Investing in Changing Places Toilets (Scot Gov 27/12/2025)

Wellbeing economy governments partnership: annual engagement report (Scot Gov 30/12/2025)

Landlords in Scotland statistics: FOI release (Scot Gov 31/12/2025)

Challenging planning decisions: guidance (Scot Gov 31/12/2025)

Land reform community mapping tool: guidance (Scot Gov 05/01/2026)

Verification During Construction – High Risk Buildings -Verifiers Guidance to Support Implementation of Phase 1 of Compliance Plan Approach (Scot Gov 05/01/2026)

Verification During Construction – High Risk Buildings – The Compliance Plan Approach – Background and Implementation (Scot Gov 05/01/2026)

Correspondence between Ivan McKee and the Finance and Public Administration Committee regarding the Building Safety Levy (Scotland) Bill Stage 1 response (Scot Parl 06/01/2026)

Culture, Media and Sport Committee Oral Evidence: Protecting built heritage (UK Parl 06/01/2026)

Correspondence from Mairi Gougeon and Jim Fairlie to the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee regarding Scottish Environment LINK members’ withdrawal from ARIOB meetings (Scot Parl 07/01/2026)

Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee Report on the Legislative Consent Memorandum on the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Bill (Scot Parl 07/01/2026)

Visitor Levy Amendment Bill published (Scot Gov 07/01/2026)

Planning Performance: High Level Group minutes – December 2025 (Scot Gov 07/01/2026)

Correspondence between Ivan McKee and the Finance and Public Administration Committee regarding The Scottish Aggregates Tax (Applicable Rate of Tax) Regulations 2026 (Scot Parl 08/01/2026)

Correspondence between the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency regarding flood risk assessment processes and their impact on housing development (Scot Parl 08/01/2026)

Desecration of War Memorials (Scotland) Bill – Stage 1 Report (Scot Parl 08/01/2026)

National Planning Framework 4: Delivery Programme V4 (Scot Gov 08/01/2026)

Visitor Levy (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill: Equality Impact Assessment (Scot Gov 08/01/2025)

Budget Bingo: a full house? – key themes in pre-budget scrutiny for 2026-27 (SPICe 08/01/2026)

Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) approved organisation status (Scot Gov 09/01/2026)

Heritage Craft and Building Sector Oral Question (House of Lords 12/01/2026)

Visitor Levy (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill: Fairer Scotland Duty Assessment (Scot Gov 12/01/2026)

Visitor Levy (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill: island communities impact assessment (Scot Gov 12/01/2026)

Scottish Budget 2026-2027 Statement (Scot Parl 13/01/2026)

Scottish Budget 2026-27 (Scot Gov 13/01/2026)

Correspondence between Energy Saving Trust and the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee regarding Home Energy Scotland Grant and Loan Scheme (Scot Parl 13/01/2026)

Planning applications: key agency rapid planning audits (Scot Gov 13/01/2026)

Infrastructure Delivery Pipeline 2026 (Scot Gov 13/01/2026)

Building Standards: Future Changes to the Domestic and Non-Domestic Technical Handbooks (Scot Gov 14/01/2026)

Blog: Future Changes to the Domestic and Non-Domestic Technical Handbooks (Scot Gov 14/01/2026)

Visitor Levy (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill: Financial Memorandum (Scot Parl 14/01/2026)

Cladding Remediation Programme: factsheet (Scot Gov 15/01/2026)

Development plan examinations: list (Scot Gov 15/01/2026)

 

Motions

S6M-20285 
Submitted by: Ivan McKee, Glasgow Provan, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 05/01/2026
That the Parliament agrees to the general principles of the Building Safety Levy (Scotland) Bill.

S6M-20365
Submitted by: Ivan McKee, Glasgow Provan, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 08/01/2026
That the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee recommends that the Visitor Levy (Reviews and Appeals) (Scotland) Regulations 2026 [draft] be approved.

S6M-20366
Submitted by: Ivan McKee, Glasgow Provan, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 08/01/2026
That the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee recommends that the Visitor Levy (Local Authority Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2026 [draft] be approved.

S6M-20414
Submitted by: Sarah Boyack, Lothian, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: 13/01/2026
That the Parliament agrees to the general principles of the Wellbeing and Sustainable Development (Scotland) Bill.

 

Opinion & Comment

Demolition plan at former chapel of religious sect (BBC News 11/12/2025)

Blog: Unlocking the tenement? (CaCHE 18/12/2025)

The best design and architecture of 2025 – from waddling teapots to a museum of razzle-dazzle (The Guardian 22/12/2025)

‘The Cockburn has a reputation for saying no, but honestly it’s not deserved’ (Edinburgh Inquirer 06/01/2025)

MPs question MoJ and MoD property chiefs over “managed decline” of listed structures (Civil Service World 07/01/2026)

How effective are Britain’s ‘heritage at risk’ lists? (Apollo Magazine 09/01/2026)

Blog: Focus group: Sustainability in an era of climate change and declining resources (UK Heritage Pulse 09/01/2026)

Raising taxes on builders won’t solve the housing crisis (The Times 10/01/2026)

Tears at Port Glasgow’s Holy Family as one church closes every week (The Times 11/01/2026)

Sir Tom Hunter moved to tears by high street’s decline (The Times 11/01/2026)

Andrew Neil is right, the state of Glasgow is embarrassing – but it’s not too late (The Times 12/01/2026)

 

Events

Heritage Network– Deep Dive: A Thriving Future for Historic Pools and Lidos
Date & Time: Thursday 22 January 2026; 12:15-2pm
Location: Online
Join the Heritage Network, Future Lidos, and Historic Pools of Britain for an inspiring online event celebrating the unique heritage of Britain’s historic pools and lidos, and exploring how to secure vibrant, sustainable futures for these beloved community spaces. Whether you’re involved in saving a local pool, curious about lido culture, or committed to preserving these special spaces, this session will equip you with practical insights, connect you to others working on similar projects, and inspire action.

IHBC Scotland Branch – Historic Building Legislation & Curtilage in Scotland
Date & Time: Friday 23 January 2026; 10:30am-4:30pm
Location: Sir Walter Scott Hall, Grassmarket Community Project, 86, Candlemaker Row, Edinburgh EH1 2QA
Update your knowledge on historic building legislation and curtilage in Scotland. This event will provide an introduction to heritage planning law and consider the extent of listing including curtilage, with leading expert Dr Charles Mynors. There will also be updates from HES on designations and heritage policy. The event is relevant to those working in the heritage, development, legal and planning sectors.

SHSMG – Promoting Scotland’s Past to Families with Children
Date & Time: Monday 26 January 2026; 3-4pm
Location: Online via Zoom
The Scottish Heritage Social Media Group’s January event features Julie Cumming, Marketing Manager at Dundee Heritage Trust, who has spent over three years attracting families with children to sites like Discovery Point and Verdant Works Museum. Julie will talk about what’s worked and what hasn’t, discuss her strategies for operating with little to no budget, and share her experience when it comes to collaborating with family influencers (including how she reaches out, creates a marketing plan, calculates Return on Investment, and considers the risks). This online event will conclude with a Q&A session.

Historic Environment Scotland – Post-War Edinburgh
Date & Time: Monday 26 January 2026; 2-3pm
Location:  John Sinclair House, 16 Bernard Terrace, Edinburgh EH8 9NX
Using archive material which documents aspects of Edinburgh during the 1940s & 50s, take a look at life in the city as it recovered in aftermath of World War Two. In these years much new housing was needed for the growing population. Rationing remained for some time but there was growing hope, as the capital began to boom. After the talk visitors to John Sinclair House will be able to view archive material and books related to the subject. The talk will be in-person and also available online via Zoom. Booking essential – contact archives@hes.scot.

Landscape Institute – Housing & Regeneration Conference
Date & Time: Thursday 29 January 2026; 8:30am-5pm
Location: Dynamic Earth, Holyrood Road, Edinburgh EH8 8AS
The Scottish Government has set an ambitious housing target of 110,000 affordable homes by 2032 as part of its Housing to 2040 Strategy, as a response to the national housing emergency. To explore how this can be achieved, the Landscape Institute (LI) is hosting national conferences across the UK in 2025 and 2026. This event will examine how a Landscape-led approach can support the delivery of Scotland’s housing ambitions while addressing the climate and nature emergencies, promoting wellbeing, and strengthening communities. It will explore how Landscape-led Planning and design can help to implement the Place Principle, support the National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4), and contribute to the just transition to net zero.

Heritage Network – Heritage Futures Scotland
Date & Time: Friday 30 January 2026; 11am-4pm
Location: Discovery Point, Discovery Quay, Dundee DD1 4XA
A day of learning and networking designed for young people aged 18-30 interested in a career in the heritage sector. Hear from professionals working across the heritage sector, gain practical advice, explore local opportunities, and connect with others who share your interests. Whether you’re into museums, archives, historic buildings, or community heritage, this is your chance to learn more and get involved. This event is part of the UK-wide Heritage Futures series.

SEDA/HES – Stone Futures 4 – Amy Wilson and Geoff Squire: Stone Stories
Date & Time: Monday 2 February 2026; 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 – Business Planning
Date & Time: Tuesday 3 February 2026; 12-1:30pm
Location: Online – Sign up on Eventbrite
Part of the New Futures-Former Places of Worship workshop series. This workshop focuses on guiding participants through the key steps required in developing a robust business plan. This is an essential document to give confidence (to funders, your community and you) that you have a viable and sustainable proposal to ensure the long-term success of an important community asset. The workshop is specifically geared towards business planning for communities taking a former church building into community ownership.

Architecture and Design Scotland – Roundtable discussions
Dates & Times 
Session 1: Thursday 5 February 2026; 1:30-3pm
Location: Page\Park Glasgow, 20 James Morrison Street, Glasgow G1 5PE
Session 2: Thursday 19 February 2026; 1:30-3pm
Location: Online
Session 3: Wednesday 25 February 2026; 1:30-3pm
Location: Edinburgh Futures Institute, 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh EH3 9EF
Following a strategic review of the implementation of architecture policy in Scotland, Architecture and Design Scotland’s role is set to change. The recommendations set out a new remit, positioning the organisation as a centre for excellence that supports sector-wide development through collaboration, insight, and innovation. Practitioners and practices within the architecture, urban design, and landscape architecture sectors are invited to one of three roundtable sessions to hear about forward plans and to allow for comments and questions from the people working in the field. If you would like to join one of these sessions, please reserve your place. If you are interested in attending, but you are not an architect, landscape architect or involved in urban design please note that there will be future ways to engage with their forward programme.

AHSS – Karen Latimer: Rescuing Buildings at Risk in Northern Ireland
Date & Time: Monday 9 February 2026; 6:30-7:30pm
Location: Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL (wheelchair accessible)
Note: Lecture will also be streamed online via Zoom
Karen Latimer OBE is a trustee of Hearth, the largest and most experienced building preservation trust in Northern Ireland.  It has consistently carried out projects that were groundbreaking or challenging and has restored over a hundred buildings at risk of all types for a range of uses, mainly for social housing and community use. Are there lessons to be learnt for Scotland? Tickets available from Eventbrite or on the door, subject to availability: £6 / students £2

SHBT – Evolving Estates: Community and Conservation in the Green Belt
Date & Time: Wednesday 11 February 2026; 6-8pm
Location: Riddle’s Court, 322 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2PG
Speakers: Lindsay Aitken, Chair of Gracemount Mansion Development Trust and Andrew Hopetoun, Chairman of Hopetoun Estates and resident trustee at Hopetoun House. Surrounding the city in the heart of Patrick Geddes’ valley are the fields and agricultural estates which once upon a time provided both its food, and for the luckier few, leisured retreats from its crowds and hubbub. Now they supply cheap land for cheap homes. To Edinburgh’s west and south, eighteenth-century landscapes are filled with new houses, shopping centres and warehouses. Here and there, a mansion or two offers reminders of what was once the city’s hinterland.  This session will bring together diverse stakeholders of this shifting world to discuss the possibilities and problematics that are presented by the largest part of the city: its outer suburbs.

Society of Antiquaries of Scotland – “Sappho Was Right”: Gravestones and Afterlives
Date & Time: Thursday 12 February 2026; 6-8pm
Location: Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL
This lecture explores memorials by or for queer women who campaigned for suffrage in Scotland. Through reading lesbian suffragist grave markers as vehicles of posthumous agency, we can glean evidence of queerness haunting the process of self-memorialisation. Suffrage campaigners were skilled public historians. Through reading their grave markers as evidence of their visual literacy, we can see how queer suffragists harnessed the power of memorials as sites cementing historical narratives.

Development Trusts Association Scotland – Financial Planning
Date & Time: Thursday 12 February 2026; 1-2:30pm
Location: Online – Sign up on Eventbrite
Part of the New Futures – Former Places of Worship workshop series. This workshop will introduce the principles of budget setting, monitoring and effective financial management specifically relevant to community groups in the process of taking a former place of worship into community ownership.

AHSS – Gordon R Urquhart: The Ironwork of James Sellars, Architect
Date & Time: Thursday 19 February 2026; 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
Gordon R Urquhart, historian and author, examines the ironwork designs emanating from the “fertile mind and facile pencil” of Victorian architect James Sellars and explores the often-misunderstood relationship between Glasgow’s architects and its major iron foundries.

Heritage Network – Connect, Collaborate & Grow: Quarterly Local Authorities Networking
Date & Time: Thursday 19 February 2026; 12:30-1:15pm
Location: Online
This is a free event for colleagues working in Local Authorities across the UK. Connect with colleagues who understand the challenges and joys of working on heritage projects in Local Authorities. Share leads, ideas, and opportunities to collaborate or support one another, share project successes and challenges. Chat informally about what’s happening in the sector, what’s coming up, and how to help each other thrive.

Europa Nostra – Secretary General Address
Date & Time: Tuesday 17 March 2026; tbc
Location: Edinburgh
More details to follow

 

Training

GCHT/RIAS – CPD: Conservation Theory and Accreditation
Date & Time: Thursday 5 February 2026; 1-2pm
Location: GCHT Office, 54 Bell Street, Glasgow G1 1LQ
This CPD session offers an overview of the RIAS Conservation Accreditation Scheme. Advanced Accredited Architects Fiona Sinclair and Melanie Hay will guide attendees through the scheme’s background, assessment criteria, the role of conservation theory in practice and the support available, including the RIAS pre-application mentoring programme. Designed for architects looking to advance their career in conservation, the session will provide practical insights into the accreditation process, demonstrate how theory underpins confident and informed design decisions, and highlight how accreditation can enhance professional development and recognition. This session is being held in advance of the upcoming applicant deadline on Friday 27 February 2026 at 5pm.

The Engine Shed – Historic Bricks and Tiles
Date & Time: Tuesday 10 February 2026; 9:30am-1pm
Location: Hybrid – The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling, FK8 1QZ and Online
Scotland has long been perceived to be a country built of stone. Yet, recent research shows brick and other clay products like terra cotta, faience and tiles have contributed significantly to our historic built environment. These three morning talks will explore how fired earth products have contributed to Scotland’s buildings for centuries and how these materials can be repaired and conserved. The sessions begin with a broad overview of brick clay products, their material characteristics and the development of industrial production in the 19th century, followed by a discussion on how bricks and tiles were used in a range of Scottish buildings, their physical properties and variable abilities to withstand weathering and decay processes. Consideration will be given to the repair process stages, reviewing traditional and current repair, restoration and cleaning techniques, and discussing sustainable sourcing of replacement materials. Cost: £45 for the in person morning learning experience; £30 for virtual attendance.

Scottish Lime Centre Trust – Introduction to Plain Lime Plastering
Date & Time: Tuesday 10 February 2026; 9:30am-4:30pm
Location: Merryhill Training centre, Charlestown, Dunfermline KY12 3DR
This one day workshop aims to provide an introductory guide to the preparation and application of plain lime plaster to both lath and masonry backgrounds which abound our historic buildings for internal wall and ceiling finishes. This workshop is aimed at plastering, building and heritage professionals and home owners of tradition buildings with historic plasterwork schemes who are inquisitive as to the necessary preparation of plaster materials, backgrounds (both lath and onto masonry), application techniques and aftercare requirements for achieving successful plain lime plastering (also known as flatwork).

Scottish Lime Centre Trust – Introduction to Stonemasonry
Date & Time: Tuesday 17 & Wednesday 18 February 2026; 9:30am-4:30pm
Location: Merryhill Training centre, Charlestown, Dunfermline KY12 3DR
Taught by a time served Stonemason, this two-day practical course is suitable for all abilities and covers an introduction to tools, techniques and uses of basic stonemasonry. Learners can take away their practice stones at the end of the day. This practical course is designed for those individuals with little or no experience in cutting and dressing natural stone; building contractor working on traditional stone buildings and structures and just want to learn the basic masonry skills for cutting and dressing sandstone; or a semi-skilled operative who needs to add to his skills set and be able to produce stone masonry units to plumb, level and plane with traditional tooling finishes.

The Engine Shed – Stone in Scotland: Past, Present and Future
Date & Time: Tuesday 24 February 2026; 9:30am-4pm
Location: Hybrid – The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling, FK8 1QZ and Online
Stone has been used to create Scotland’s historic built environment for thousands of years. These three morning talks will introduce you to the wide range of stone used in Scotland and share current best practice in stone repairs. There will also be a review of innovative methods of identifying and procuring new stone for conservation and newbuild projects. In the afternoon, the speakers will lead a walking tour around Stirling’s Old Town to discuss a wide range of stone conservation issues.A networking lunch will provide you with the opportunity to continue discussions and explore the Engine Shed. Cost: £85 for the in person full day learning experience; £30 for virtual attendance.

 

Vacancies

BEFS – Net Zero Lead
Salary: £38,000 FTE
Status: 30hrs per week (4 days); permanent – subject to organisational funding
Location: The job is home-working based – the team all currently live in or within a relatively easy commute to Edinburgh and Glasgow.
How can the sector deliver Net Zero, both for itself but also for Scotland? This role is a response to the challenges and opportunities ahead; we see a role for BEFS, positioned as the strategic intermediary for Scotland’s existing built and historic environment, to de-mystify what delivering Net Zero means in practice, supporting the existing work of the sector (and beyond!), building capacity whilst avoiding duplication of effort, and driving a much needed coordinated and holistic approach to Net Zero and the Climate Emergency. To do this, we have created a new role within BEFS Team, to support the sector and increase BEFS ability to integrate our approach to Net Zero into all BEFS strategic and advocacy activity. This role involves leading on BEFS co-ordinated and strategic approach to delivering Net Zero through its own work, and – crucially – connecting existing sector work and research; building Member and sector capacity and coordinating a robust, collaborative and data driven approach, ensuring that the historic environment is recognised as a valuable asset and key player in Scotland’s journey to Net Zero, and in tackling the Climate Emergency. We envisage that this role will evolve and respond to a changing political climate as needed, engaging with the legislative process and working towards ensuring that the sector is equipped to respond to the Climate Emergency in the long term. The Net Zero Lead will work with BEFS Team on the strategic objectives identified in BEFS Manifesto 2026, supporting positive action towards the key policy asks relating to Net Zero. This will involve working closely and collaboratively with existing and new stakeholders and partners, shaping baseline recommendations and Route Map to Net Zero for the sector. The role is also intended to deepen BEFS ability to provide meaningful and active support to the delivery of HES’ Climate Action Plan, Green Recovery Statement, The Skills Investment Plan and the Archaeology Strategy. Apply here.
For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Hazel Johnson: hjohnson@befs.org.uk
Closing Date: Saturday 31 January 2026

Historic Churches Scotland – Director
Salary: £40,000-£50,000 per annum
Status: Full time
Location: Scotland
Historic Churches Scotland is a charity and Building Preservation Trust dedicated to protecting and conserving Scotland’s most significant at-risk historic churches, ensuring they remain open, sustainable, and valued by local communities. As the organisation prepares for a new phase of growth and increased public engagement, they are seeking an experienced and inspirational leader to guide its strategic direction, fundraising, operational delivery, and stakeholder relationships. This is a senior leadership opportunity for a candidate with strong heritage, conservation, or property management experience, combined with excellent financial, governance, and people management skills. The successful candidate will ideally hold a degree or professional qualification in art history, architectural history, architecture, surveying, conservation of historic buildings, or a related discipline. To apply or for further information, please contact Nicole Limmer at Anderson Knight on Nicole@andersonknight.co.uk or 0141 348 7762. Download the full job specification here.
Closing Date: Monday 9 February 2026

Planning Aid Scotland – Opportunities for chartered planners
Becoming chartered is a significant professional milestone, signalling competence and a commitment to public service. Planning Aid Scotland, the national charity working to widen access to planning, offers newly chartered planners a way to put these values into practice through its national planning Advice Service. Volunteers support members of the public with a wide range of planning questions, gaining direct experience that is often hard to find in day-to-day roles. The opportunity is flexible and open to all chartered planners. In return, volunteers receive professional training, access to a video archive, and ongoing support.
Get in touch to find out more at volunteer@pas.org.uk
Closing Date: Not applicable

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

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. Sadly, names are added on a regular basis, hence many are living memorials as well as commemorating those from conflicts past. 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

If you have a sympathy with their vision and have skills which match those being sought, they would love to hear from you. Whilst they can consider wider enquiries, the above listed elements are the current priorities. 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

SHBT – St Ninian’s Manse
Location: Quayside Street, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6EJ
Size: 2,889 sq ft
Availability: March 2026
Tenure: Available as single tenancy or individual floors
With origins dating back to 1493, St Ninian’s Manse is thought to be the oldest building in Leith and is topped by Edinburgh’s sole surviving 17th century timber steeple. It formed part of the original entrance to St Ninian’s Chapel, which was mostly demolished during the 19th century when the site was converted to industrial use as a mill. From 1996 to 2002, SHBT restored both St Ninian’s Manse and the adjacent Quayside Mills, creating desirable waterfront office space whilst also preserving an important historic structure and a key part of Leith’s history. The manse now offers four floors of adaptable office space with period character, modern amenities, and five dedicated parking spaces. Brochure
Enquiries: info@shbt.org.uk

 

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