BEFS Bulletin 396: News and events, party manifestos, and a new Member

In the lead up to the 2026 Scottish Parliament election, all main parties have now published their manifestos. But what commitments and changes are they planning to make with regard to the existing built and historic environment? Some good news for readers that are struggling to keep up – BEFS has been tracking the policy positions that parties are setting, to support advocacy around our 2026 BEFS Manifesto for the Built Environment. In a new blog, Derek Rankine, BEFS Head of Policy and Strategy, presents a summary of the key party commitments relating to culture and heritage; net zero and the climate emergency; repair, maintenance and retrofit; training and skills; and planning and place-making. You’ll also find handy links to party manifestos. Read the full article on BEFS Website.

Earlier this month BEFS team took the Conservation Officers Group (COG) – a forum for those working in Scottish local government with a remit for heritage and conservation – on tour! The group visited Perth and learned about Perth & Kinross Council’s approach to heritage conservation, the work of Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust, and the redevelopment of Perth Town Hall to house Perth Museum and local archaeological case studies. You can find out more about COG and BEFS role in supporting local authority planning teams through knowledge sharing and good practice here. Our thanks to everyone that came along and contributed to the visit!

BEFS is delighted to welcome The Heritage Alliance as our newest Member! Bringing together over 200 independent organisations, The Heritage Alliance is England’s largest coalition of heritage interests, working to champion the needs, aspirations, and achievements of their members and the wider heritage sector, south of the border. We look forward to working with The Heritage Alliance to amplify our shared advocacy efforts, ensuring that the unique challenges and opportunities of the historic environment are recognised by both the Scottish and UK Governments. Want to know more about how to become a BEFS Member? Visit our website or get in touch!

 

News Releases

Key insights from studying Scotland’s standing stones (HES 12/03/2026)

Work In A Castle (Historic Houses April 2026)

Edinburgh College becomes first college in Scotland to fully decarbonise one of its campuses (Edinburgh College 01/04/2026)

EU long-term budget 2028–2034: Developments for culture (NEMO 14/04/2026)

Prehistoric Village Discovered in Glasgow by Community Volunteers and Schoolchildren (Heritage Network 14/04/2026)

Designating former Lads’ Institute, Ratcliffe Terrace, Edinburgh (HES 16/04/2026)

European Commission and Europa Nostra announce the winners of Europe’s top heritage awards 2026 (Europa Nostra 21/04/2026)

Revitalisation of Dunfermline’s Heritage to Support Growing Visitor Economy (AHF 22/04/2026)

Griff Rhys Jones launches the Victorian Society’s Top Ten Endangered Buildings list 2026 (The Victorian Society 22/04/2026)

Obituary: Oliver Barratt MBE (1941–2026): A Life in Service of Edinburgh (Cockburn Association 23/04/2026)

 

Scottish & UK: Governmental & Parliamentary Publications

Finalised MEES expected to cost social housing sector £16bn (Inside Housing 02/04/2026)

Decline in build-to-rent starts in Scotland largest in UK (The Herald 15/04/2026)

Contracts on two retrofit schemes referred to Serious Fraud Office (Inside Housing 15/04/2026)

Abandoned Britain. The story of the UK in six empty buildings (The Guardian 16/04/2026)

Inside the rescue of Bernat Klein’s forgotten modernist gem (The Times 16/04/2026)

Heritage is created, not inherited – as Korean pop culture shows (The Conversation 21/04/2026)

Petition to save home of one-of-a-kind Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre (Yahoo News 21/04/2026)

Sir Mark Jones ‘preparing to step down’ as HES chair (The Herald 22/04/2026)

North east debate: where does the region fit in the 2026 Holyrood election? (Prosper 22/04/2026)

Reporting of emergency hazards rises sharply as Awaab’s Law takes effect (Inside Housing 22/04/2026)

Scottish Government supports HES chair amid resignation reports (Deadline News 23/04/2026)

Campaigners urge for planning reform after Princes Street advert row (The National 23/04/2026)

Podcast: 2026 Scotland and Wales Election Analysis Ep 12: The Scottish Manifestos (Fraser of Allender Institute 27/04/2026)

 

Events

SCVO – Meet the Funder with the Architectural Heritage Fund
Date & Time: Tuesday 5 May 2026; 10-11:00am
Location: Online
During this free webinar, attendees will hear directly from Andres Hitches Davies, Investment Manager and Gordon Barr, Development Manager, from the Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF), about their funding programmes and how they support community‑led organisations to explore, develop, and bring new life to historic buildings across Scotland.

People, Planet, Pint – Dear Grey Place: How to uncover the nature hiding on your doorstep
Date & Time: Tuesday 5 May 2026; 6-8pm
Location: Committee Room No.9, 18 John Street, Glasgow G1 1JQ
Join this People, Planet, Pint, Present event in Glasgow to learn more about urban biodiversity. This event is your chance to learn more about weird and wonderful topics related to sustainability, by taking big ideas and serving them up as pint-sized knowledge in the relaxed setting of a local pub.  Hear from inspiring individuals and experts on topics you might never have discovered otherwise. At this session, discover exciting ways to record nature and monitor biodiversity on a local and national level, with Aimée Moretti, who works for The Conversation Volunteers and delivers citizen science engagement across Scotland.

The Architectural Heritage Fund – 50^th Anniversary Exhibition
Date & Time: Thursday 30 April – Saturday 16 May 2026
Location: The Briggait, 141 Bridgegate Street, Glasgow G1 5HZ
Celebrating the AHS 50th anniversary, this exhibition presents 50 Years of Reimagining Heritage, telling the story of the difference heritage reuse can make in people’s lives and in communities. Across the year, the exhibition will travel to each part of the UK; Cardiff from 23 June to 11 July & London from 21 October to 4 November. By showcasing these extraordinary stories, the hope is to inspire more people to get involved in saving local historic buildings to improve places, empower people, and secure a sustainable future for built heritage.

SURF – Shared Learning Workshops
Dates & Times: Thursday 7 – Thursday 28 May 2026; 10am-2pm
Location: Various; see individual events below
A series of SURF Award Shared Learning Workshops will take place in May. At these events attendees will have the opportunity to learn from SURF Award winners and highly commended projects, before opening to a wider policy discussion with national partners. The 4 workshops are:

• Removing barriers to employability (7 May, Edinburgh)
• Housing led regeneration initiatives (14 May, Edinburgh)
• Place-based regeneration approaches (21 May, Govan)
• Taking a creative approach to regeneration (28 May, Glasgow)

SPAB – Scotland Social: Meet the Scholars
Date & Time: Friday 8 May 2026; 7pm
Location: Bennet’s Bar, 8 Leven Street, Edinburgh EH3 9LG
Meet the current cohort of SPAB Scholars and have a relaxed catch up with members, volunteers and friends. Space has been reserved in the historic Bennet’s Bar on Leven Street and the SPAB Scholars hope to see you there!

IHBC Scotland Branch – Exploring Historic Lime Finishes
Date & Time: Friday 15 May 2026
Location: Stirling City Centre
Join the IHBC to explore historic lime finishes evident around Stirling City Centre. The walking tour will look at evidence surviving for historic finishes such as harling and different pointing types to better understand how buildings were finished historically and how this can inform their future conservation. The tour will be led by expert Dr Tim Meek, former lime practitioner and co-author of HES Technical Papers 31 and 33. Check IHBC Scotland LinkedIn for future booking announcements

Archaeology Scotland – 2026 Summer School 
Date & Time: Tuesday 19 – Friday 22 May 2026
Location: Corran Esplanade, Oban, Argyll, PA34 5PZ
The 2026 Summer School will explore the archaeology of Lorn’s glens and coast. The event, open to members and non-members, features guided tours of Neolithic to Reformation sites.

Archaeological Research in Progress Conference 2026
Date & Time: Saturday 23 May 2026
Location: Robert Burns Centre, Mill Road, Dumfries DG2 7BE (and online)
The event is being organised by Archaeology Scotland in partnership with the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland and Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Archaeology Service. It aims to cover archaeological research in progress from around Scotland covering all periods. Tickets and a full programme coming soon.

SCVO – Creating community: village halls and community spaces conference
Date & Time: Wednesday 27 May 2026; 10am-4:30pm
Location:  The Pyramid at Anderston, 759 Argyle Street, Glasgow G3 8DS
Village halls are often the heart of a community; places for people to gather, learn, access services and have fun. This one-day conference will allow people running village and community halls across Scotland to do the same – to connect, share ideas, and inspire each other. At this conference, you’ll get to: connect with fellow hall workers and volunteers; share stories, tips, and experiences; and discuss difficulties you’ve faced or are facing, whilst inspiring others with creative solutions to common village hall issues.

European Cultural Heritage Summit 2026
Date & Time: Wednesday 27 to Saturday 30 May 2026
Location: Nicosia, Cyprus
The European Cultural Heritage Summit 2026 will be held from 27 to 30 May in Nicosia, Cyprus, under the patronage of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The Summit is organised by Europa Nostra and the Hub in Nicosia with the support of the European Union, the Deputy Ministry of Culture of Cyprus, The A.G. Leventis Foundation and the Municipality of Nicosia. The Nicosia Summit will highlight the key role of cultural heritage for building much-needed bridges and synergies between Europe and the Middle East and the wider area of the Mediterranean.

Under One Roof – Introduction to Tenement Maintenance
Date & Time: Tuesday 2 June 2026; 12-1pm
Location: Online, via Microsoft Teams
Together with conservation experts at Mill Architects and Edinburgh World Heritage, Under One Roof will explore the importance of maintaining tenement buildings and the unique repair issues historic tenements can face, and share our knowledge of how to work with neighbours to organise and pay for repairs in the shared, or ‘common,’ areas of your building. Edinburgh World Heritage will also explain how they can support tenement property owners during the repairs process with funding guidance and opportunities.

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.

Under One Roof – Managing common repairs webinar with East Lothian Council
Date & Time: Tuesday 9 June 2026; 12-1pm
Location: Online, via Microsoft Teams
Do you own a flat in East Lothian? Join this free lunchtime webinar! Learn about the proper procedure for managing common repairs in tenement building, with discussions about how to understand your titles and responsibilities, and how to work with your neighbours to organise and pay for repairs together. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session, where you can ask an expert speaker about your own repair issues.

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.

Under One Roof – Damp and mould in tenement flats webinar with East Lothian Council
Date & Time: Thursday 18 June 2026; 12-1pm
Location: Online, via Microsoft Teams
Awaab’s Law is coming to Scotland, changing the way that social and private landlords deal with damp and mould in their flats. If you are a landlord in East Lothian, find out how you can tackle the problem of damp and mould at this free lunchtime webinar. Learn about updates to legislation, and expert information on how to deal with damp and mould in common areas of your building. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A, where you will have the chance to ask an expert about your own damp and mould issues.

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.

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.

Under One Roof – Understanding mandatory owners’ associations webinar with East Lothian Council
Date & Time: Thursday 2 July 2026; 12-1pm
Location: Online, via Microsoft Teams
Working together with your neighbours to take care of your building can be challenging, but being part of an owners’ association can make the process much easier. At this free lunchtime webinar, learn about the benefits of joining an owners’ association, with expert advice on how to set one up in your own building, and explanation about the proposed changes to the law to introduce mandatory owners’ associations. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session, where you will have the chance to ask an expert speaker your own questions about owners’ associations.

 

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

Doors Open Day – Applications to participate: Edinburgh and East Lothian
Date and location: Saturday 26 & Sunday 27 September 2026; Edinburgh & East Lothian
Applications are invited to take part in Doors Open Day 20256. There are three criteria which need to be met for a venue to take part: The venue should be open on the regions designated weekend; the event must be free; and the event should include something different from your usual offering – common examples include a tour, talk, exhibition, workshop, or a simple colouring activity. You can use the annual theme to design your event/activity – this year’s theme is Heritage at Risk: Revive, Resist, Reimagine. more details can be found here (use of the theme is not a requirement).
To take part please email EdinburghDoorsOpen@cockburnassociation.org.uk.
Deadline: Sunday 21 June 2026

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

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.

Scottish Lime Centre Trust – Introduction to Stonemasonry
Date & Time: Thursday 25 & Friday 26 June 2026; 9:30am-4:30pm
Location: Merryhill Training Centre, Charlestown, Dunfermline KY11 3DR
Taught by a time-served Stonemason, this 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; and/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.

Vacancies & Opportunities

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