BEFS Bulletin 395: BEFS Hustings, Parliament in recess, and welcome to BEFS Net Zero Lead!

It has been a busy April for BEFS already!

Starting with big news, we are delighted to welcome Olivia Elinchev to BEFS Team. Olivia joins as BEFS brand-new Net Zero Lead.
Background and need: How can the historic environment sector deliver Net Zero and respond to the climate crisis?
This new role is supported by Historic Environment Scotland and has been developed as a response to the challenges and opportunities ahead; to support the existing work of the sector, building capacity whilst avoiding duplication of effort, and – crucially – driving a coordinated and holistic approach to Net Zero and the Climate Emergency. The role will lead on BEFS co-ordinated and strategic approach to delivering Net Zero, building Member and sector capacity and coordinating a robust, collaborative and data driven approach in ensuring that the historic environment is recognised as a valuable asset and key player in Scotland’s journey to Net Zero.
Olivia’s background in Environmental Geography and Sustainable Policy, and Environmental Protection and Management, alongside extensive experience of public affairs through her parliamentary work with Net Zero and Energy portfolios, will no doubt prove to be invaluable in this work.
BEFS sought Member and stakeholder views on the scope and remit of the post – and our thanks go to everyone that input and contributed along the way. To find out more, or to get in touch with Olivia, visit BEFS website.

Last week saw the sector come together in Edinburgh for BEFS pre-election hustings. The event focused on BEFS 2026 Manifesto and the policy asks therein, sharing the message loud and clear: the historic and existing built environment is a valuable asset, and can be a cross-cutting solution to some of Scotland’s biggest challenges – from the housing crisis to the Climate Emergency.
Our thanks to and to everyone that attended and submitted questions, and to the engaged and responsive panel of six political party representatives, which included former Scottish Ministers Paul McLennan MSP and Patrick Harvie MSP. Panel engagement with BEFS Member questions indicated good levels of cross-party support for exploring some of the BEFS Manifesto policy recommendations – we will continue to monitor party manifestos as they emerge. Huge thanks also to Dr Jocelyne Fleming for expertly chairing the event, and to BEFS Members RICS for hosting us at 10 Charlotte Square.
We look forward to continuing the conversation on behalf of the sector, with all parties represented!

Consultation Responses

UK Government response to the consultation on the Implementation of the new Subscription Contracts Regime – noting that heritage body memberships offering visitor benefits in line with the organisations’ charitable purposes will be excluded from the new rules (UK Gov 02/04/2026)

Scottish Building Regulations: Fire Safety Review and Compliance
BEFS responded to selected questions of a Scottish Government 2026 call for evidence on fire safety in Scottish Building Regulations. The purpose of the consultation is to gather views on fire safety in building standards, in the context of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 Report recommendations and the proposed introduction of Compliance Plan Managers as set out in part three of the consultation paper. BEFS stated that improved clarity of language in fire safety guidance, and providing additional examples and case studies on approaches for historic buildings, could help reduce reported inconsistencies and improve the effectiveness of guidance. (BEFS 10/04/2026)

News Releases

“Heritage Matters”: Europa Nostra highlights longtime link to Scotland and looks ahead to renewed partnerships during visit to Edinburgh (Europa Nostra 18/03/2026)

Icon Launch Conservation Skills at Risk Project (ICON 20/03/2026)

“The new regulatory system must raise the standard of our built environment – and that requires a competence-led approach” (RIBA 20/03/2026)

Trio of Major Funders Back Emergency Heritage Rescue at Bannockburn House (Heritage Network 23/03/2026)

Chartered Institute of Housing Scotland reacts to latest housing statistics (CIH 31/03/2026)

Five disruptions: Can Scotland deliver real housing reform? (RSE 02/04/2026)

Scottish Labour pledge to help first-time buyers get on the housing ladder, with a package of measures to cut upfront costs, help people save for a deposit and bring empty homes back into use (Scottish Labour 04/04/2026)

Scottish Greens would end Flamingo Land exclusive development agreement (Scottish Greens 06/04/2026)

New research to reveal housing associations’ roles in improving Scotland’s economic performance (David Hume Institute 08/04/2026)

FMB Scotland calls for new Scottish Government to appoint construction minister (FMB Scotland 13/04/2026)

Heritage Network Impact 2026: Latest report on community-led heritage regeneration launched (Heritage Network 13/04/2026)

Scottish & UK: Governmental & Parliamentary Publications

Edinburgh short term lets reach 84% refusal rate in last year (Deadline News 02/04/2026)

Scotland’s architecture under threat from adverts warn campaigners (The National 02/04/2026)

Huge Edinburgh advert allowed despite breaching planning rules (The National 08/04/2026)

New research to reveal housing associations’ roles in improving Scotland’s economic performance (SFHA 08/04/2026)

Bernat Klein Studio rescue project shortlisted for major award (The Herald 08/04/2026)

Scotland’s new towns: a crumbling legacy is a Holyrood battleground (The Times 11/04/2026)

Dreaming and Scheming in Post-War Scotland: The allure of Brutal Scotland (Bella Caledonia 13/04/2026)

Marion Forbes: Widening our construction talent pool is a business imperative (Scottish Construction Now 14/04/2026)

Events

Open Call: FuturHist Retrofit Academy – master historic building retrofitting
Location & Dates: Online then Krakow in September 2026
Join an international cohort of experts in the FuturHist Retrofit Academy to master the energy transition of our built heritage. This two-stage programme, co-organised by the FuturHist Horizon Europe project partners offers specialised training on high-performance energy efficiency and innovative conservation-compatible solutions. The programme includes a free 6-week e-learning course (starting April 2026) and an exclusive Summer Academy in Krakow for top performers (September 2026). Gain competitive expertise and future-proof your career in the sustainable heritage sector.
Deadline: Saturday 18 April 2026

Open Call: Hub Peer-learning Visit to Rotterdam
Location & Dates: Rotterdam 17-19 June 2026
The EU-funded European Heritage Hub invites applications for its upcoming peer-learning visit in Rotterdam, The Netherlands in June 2026. This programme offers a unique opportunity to share good practices and acquire skills for addressing environmental, digital, and social challenges related to cultural heritage in local contexts. Rotterdam is the location for the “Holy Houses Festival”, celebrating the city’s religious heritages and creativity, which will be the main focus of the visit; explore what houses of worship mean — today and in the future — to their surroundings in a developing city with ever-changing needs. Read the practice’s Factsheet and for more information, please consult the full call for applications.
Deadline: Sunday 26 April 2026

Open Call: Inclusive European Heritage Residency 2026
Location & Dates: Online then Malta in September 2026
Europa Nostra, the leading European heritage civil society network, and INTO – the International National Trusts Organisation are organising the second edition of the Inclusive European Heritage Residencies from 13 to 19 September 2026, in collaboration with the National Trust for Malta. Around 10 heritage professionals will be selected to gather in Malta to exchange best practices, discuss key challenges, and explore strategies for building strong and resilient heritage organisations.
Deadline: Friday 15 May 2026

Chartered Institute for Archaeologists – Strategic Leadership Summit
Date & Time: Wednesday 3 June 2026; 9am–5pm
Location: The Kings Centre, Osney Mead, Oxford OX2 0ES
CIfA will hold its first Strategic Leadership Summit with the aim of bringing together leaders from across the profession to discuss some of the biggest issues facing archaeology today. The summit’s theme will be Strategic Approaches to Archaeology, and contributors will reflect on the UK’s major strategic vehicles for advancing the archaeological profession’s practices and delivering benefit. The ticket price includes lunch and free access to the post event recordings.

Heritage Network – North UK Mills June Meeting
Date & Time: Thursday 11 June 2026; 10-11:30am
Location: Online
The North UK Mills Group aims to connect and support people and organisations who preserve historic mills, millwrighting skills and milling culture for future generations. Join online for this talk by Graham Brooks, Chair of Warwick Bridge Community Benefit Society in Carlisle, as he asks, ‘Can a watermill be operated profitably?’ Graham will outline the history of Warwick Bridge, including its renovation in 2019 and the setting up of the Community Benefit Society, before diving into the challenges it has faced over the last 6 years and plans for moving forward in 2026 and beyond.

IHBC – Annual School 2026 Newcastle I Adaptive Reuse
Date & Time: Thursday 18 – Saturday 20 June 2026
Location: Newcastle-upon-Tyne (In Person and Online)
The IHBC Annual School in Newcastle explores the theme of Adaptive Reuse through inspiring tours, expert talks, and networking opportunities across this 3-day programme, starting on Thursday with CPD Study Tours of iconic sites including the Byker Wall and Ouseburn, followed by a Welcome Reception at the Baltic Centre. Friday’s Day School, available in-person or online features specialist speakers at the Grade II* listed Common Room, and an Exhibitor Hub. The weekend concludes with the Annual Dinner and Awards at the Royal Station Hotel, followed by study tours on the Saturday for Full School delegates. Booking now open.

Heritage Network – Sustainable Island Heritage
Date & Time: Friday 26 June 2026; 10am-4pm
Location: The St Magnus Centre, Kirkwall, Orkney Islands
Join the Heritage Network in Kirkwall for an inspiring gathering bringing together community groups, heritage professionals, and local changemakers from across the Orkney Islands. An ideal opportunity for networking, the day will celebrate the incredible work happening across the region —showcasing innovative heritage projects, grassroots initiatives, and collaborative efforts that are preserving, sharing and reimagining Orkney’s rich cultural story. Confirmed speakers include Heritage Network members, Boloquoy Victorian Farm & Watermill, and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, who last year announced Orkney as the second place in Scotland to benefit from its ‘Heritage Place’ investment initiative.

Doors Open Days Weekends for 2026
Dates: Saturday and Sunday from 5 – 27 September 2026
Locations: Regional variations

Heritage Network – Conference 2026
Date & Time: Sunday 27 September – Tuesday 29 September 2026
Locations: Belfast & Armagh
The conference emphasis is on the impact of community-led heritage on people and places, explored through the experience of heritage regeneration in the host towns and cities and beyond. As well as a day of compelling presentations, lively discussions and networking, Conference includes tours and visits to fascinating historic sites and ground-breaking projects.

SPAB – Practical Flour Milling
Date & Time: Tuesday 20 October 2026; 9:30am-4pm
Location: Blair Athol Water Mill, Ford Road, Blair Atholl, Pitlochry PH18 5SH
Join SPAB for practical experience of traditional flour milling in a small, friendly group environment. Blair Atholl Watermill is Scotland’s oldest working watermill. This course is supported by the North UK Mills Group. This event is perfect for mill volunteers and trainee millers. It may also be of interest to more experienced millers who wish to develop their skills.

Training

SLCT – C1 Making and Using Traditional Mortars
Date & Time: Monday 20 & Tuesday 21 April 2026; 9:30am-4:30pm
Location: Merryhill Training Centre, Charlestown, Dunfermline, Fife KY12 3DR
This practical workshop will provide attendees with a strong understanding of lime technology and how to approach re-pointing work in traditional buildings. The reasons for using traditional mortars on solid walls will also be explained, to allow you to better advise your clients. The course will guide participants to be able to complete repointing work to traditional buildings to a high standard. The content of this workshop provides the underpinning knowledge required for assessment and accreditation of SQA National Unit H8WT45 – Prepare and Mix Traditional Lime Mortars.
Full course description

The Engine Shed – Conserving Timberwork and Timber Windows
Date & Time: Wednesday 22 April 2026; 9:30am-4pm
Location: Hybrid – The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling, FK8 1QZ and Online
Three morning talks will examine the wealth of timberwork in Scotland’s traditional buildings, from major structural features like joists and rafters, to delicate finishing details like skirting boards, mouldings and panelling.  How these features should be repaired, maintained and conserved will also be covered and there will be a discussion on ways to repair traditional simple sash and case windows. A networking lunch will provide you with the opportunity to continue discussions and explore the Engine Shed. In the afternoon, there will be guided tours of Stirling’s Church of the Holy Rude and the nearby Great Hall of Stirling Castle to inspect their remarkable timber roof structures – one being ancient and the other of recent construction. Cost: £85 for the in person full day learning experience; £30 for virtual attendance.

Icon Scotland – Glass Bonding and Filling Workshop
Date & Time: Tuesday 28 – Thursday 30 April 2026; 10am-5pm (28^th) and 9am-5pm (29^th & 30^th)
Location: The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling FK8 1QZ
This 3-day Workshop is aimed at conservators with previous knowledge but little experience of glass conservation, being objects or stained glass. The course will cover theory about glass degradation, conservation issues, conservation materials and techniques, and hands-on sessions on handling, bonding, mould making and filling flat glass and vessel glass surrogates. At the end of the workshop, participants will have a clear idea of common glass conservation issues, and options and strategies for their conservation.

Introduction to Building Conservation
Date & Time: Monday 1 – Friday 5 June 2026; 9:30am – 4pm
Location: The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling, FK8 1QZ
Five-day intensive course delivered by Historic Environment Scottish conservation professionals are exploring traditional building skills and materials used in conservation and repair projects throughout the Scottish built environment. It includes lectures, activities, and site visits to Stirling Old Town, Doune Castle, Glasgow Cathedral, and Glasgow Necropolis. Topics include approaches to conserving /repairing traditional buildings; stone, lime, slate and lead; climate change effects on heritage; and maintaining Scotland’s castles. Bursaries available for third-year students/recent graduates in building-related subjects (architecture, surveying, engineering, planning) – apply by 9am Tuesday 7 April 2026 to technicaleducation@hes.scot. Successful applicants contacted by Friday 15 May 2026. This course is suitable for graduates, heritage professionals, building practitioners, and anyone responsible for a traditional building.

Planning Aid Scotland – Community Engagement Skills Training Inverness
Date & Time: Wednesday 10 June 2026; 10am-3:30pm
Location: Highland Rugby Club, Canal Park, Clubhouse, Inverness IV3 5SS
This is an interactive workshop on community engagement and how to use the SP=EED framework. The trainers bring extensive community engagement and facilitation expertise to help develop your skills, knowledge, and confidence as a community engagement practitioner. Learn how to undertake meaningful engagement that achieves positive outcomes for communities and projects alike. Discover useful tips and practical tools to help you lead your engagement work with confidence and ease. Engage in a range of different learning techniques to think creatively about engagement. Connect with fellow engagement practitioners, share experiences, and learn from each other in a safe, collaborative setting.

Vacancies