BEFS Bulletin 397: Election news, traditional materials and re-use

The big news this bulletin is the result of last week’s elections. Derek Rankine, BEFS Head of Policy and Strategy, provides his take on what may come:

“Getting more champions in Holyrood who really care about historic buildings and understand the built environment.” Talking at the BEFS hustings event in Edinburgh, Sam Gallacher of Scottish Historic Buildings Trust spoke for many BEFS Members on their hopes from the Scottish Parliament elections. With the dust starting to settle following last week’s results, and ahead of Parliament reconvening tomorrow, we can take a brief look at whether those wishes were fulfilled.
There is some room for optimism. Of the 65 returning MSPs, many have previously worked with BEFS on built environment issues and have been actively involved with exploring challenges and developing opportunities through relevant Bills, consultations, debates, Committees and working groups. Some of the 64 new MSPs talked up local heritage and visited projects and groups in their campaigning. At the BEFS hustings event, and in the party manifestos, there are valuable acknowledgements and commitments relating to the 15 BEFS Manifesto policy recommendations.
With six parties having at least 10 MSPs, there is a notable cross-party spread from what the Scottish Parliament Information Centre described as a “fragmented result”. The SNP, which won 58 seats, is expected to continue as minority government. Leader John Swinney has said he will this week invite four of the other five party leaders to talks on potential areas of cooperation. Over the next six months, BEFS will be delivering an MSP engagement plan to further raise awareness of Members’ built environment priorities and support cross-party action. We are hopeful of developing even more champions in Parliament from new and returning MSPs. We look forward to working closely with BEFS Members on making the case for the existing built environment!

Historic Environment Scotland has launched their Traditional Materials Framework (TMF), a new publication setting out a clear delivery framework to guide work on sustainable supply and best practice use of traditional building materials in Scotland. Access to essential materials can be fragile, especially in the current context of the aftermath of a global pandemic, disruption to supply chains, and growing impacts from climate change. The TMF sets out to update our understanding of the main challenges and opportunities facing traditional materials today.

In case you missed it, one for the coffee break: cross industry group Don’t Waste Buildings has called on the UK government to incentivise the reuse of empty buildings. The report The Reuse Dividend: Unlocking Economic Growth from Britain’s Existing Buildings presents a landmark international study showing how other countries are unlocking billions from building reuse – warning that Britain is missing out on billions of pounds of potential economic growth.

And finally, BEFS is a member of The Archaeology Forum, a UK-wide group of bodies that work together to champion the investigation, management, and interpretation of the historic environment. The Archaeology Forum has refreshed its web presence; hosted by the Council of British Archaeology, the webpages include informative resources, useful tools and signposting on the work and Membership of the Forum, the policy landscape, and the value of archaeology. We recommend a visit!

 

News Releases

New report finds that nine in ten heritage workers would recommend their career (Historic Houses 20/04/2026)

Local Place Plans in Shetland: how communities are shaping the future of their areas (Planning Aid Scotland 30/04/2026)

Housing Regulator renews its commitment to including tenants and service users (Scottish Housing Regulator 30/04/2026)

Northern Ireland Heritage Delivers 2026 Report published (Heritage Delivers NI 01/05/2026)

New Business Plan sets out focus to accelerate investment and deliver sustainable infrastructure across Scotland (Scottish Futures Trust 12/05/2026)

 

Scottish & UK: Governmental & Parliamentary Publications

Cladding in Scotland: What Every Tenement Owner Should Know (CityLets News 15/04/2026)

‘Unusual’ Brutalist bank building granted listed status (BBC News 16/04/2026)

Dr Simon Gilmour: Scotland’s lucrative heritage at ‘serious risk’ of being ‘squandered’ as funding crashes (The Scotsman 26/04/2026)

Regeneration Across the Political Spectrum: 2026 Manifesto Analysis (SURF 27/04/2026)

Offers being assessed for Rum’s derelict Kinloch Castle (BBC News 28/04/2026)

Amid a heritage skills crisis, St Paul’s wants to bring its craftspeople into the light (Building 28/04/2026)

Access approval paves way for long-awaited Mavisbank restoration (Scottish Construction Now 30/04/2026)

Uncovering Edinburgh’s forgotten lives, one stair at a time: 10 Picardy Place (Tenement Town 04/05/2026)

Four major parties make manifesto commitments on tenement reform (Scottish Housing News 05/05/2026)

5,000-year-old artificial island hidden in Scottish loch predates Stonehenge (Archaeology News 05/05/2026)

CITB urges offshore workers to start career in construction (Construction Management 06/05/2026)

Built environment raw material extraction poses nature risk, highlights report (Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining 06/05/2026)

Renewable energy hub planned for Scottish coal museum (BBC News 12/05/2026)

‘Secure the culture brief’: Swinney faces arts industry cabinet demand (Herald 12/05/2026)

Alliterative summer school takes Architecture Fringe from margins to mainstream (Urban Realm 12/05/2026)

World’s first international football stadium given protected status (BBC News 13/05/2026)

 

Events

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 14, 21 & 28 May 2026; 10am-2pm
Location: Various; see individual events below
A series of SURF Award Shared Learning Workshops are taking 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 remaining workshops are:

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

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.

DTAS – New Futures Workshop: Heritage and Contents
Date & Time: Thursday 21 May 2026; 1-2:30pm
Location: Online
Part of the New Futures: Former Places of Worship workshop series. This workshop will focus on how communities may recognise the heritage importance of a former place of worship when considering community ownership. During this workshop you will hear presentations from Research in Action on Church Heritage (ReACH) and Keep Scotland Beautiful.

Archaeological Research in Progress Conference 2026
Date & Time: Saturday 23 May 2026; 9am-5pm
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.

Legacies in Stone – Online Conference Celebrating Graveyard Friends
Date & Time: Sunday 24 May 2026; 12:30-3:30pm
Location: Online
Ever wondered what it takes to save a historic mausoleum or how folklore can bring a graveyard to life? Step “behind the scenes” of caring for historic graveyards with stories, insights, and practical lessons from Graveyard Friends across Scotland. Whether you are a dedicated volunteer or a local history enthusiast, this session offers something for everyone – exploring everything from digital tour apps and green burials to the technical “how-to” of gravestone repair. Talks will be delivered via Zoom and a conference link will be emailed to participants in advance.

HES – Managing Change on Place and Landscape: Early engagement workshops
Dates & Times:  Tuesday 26 May 2026; 1-2pm & Wednesday 3 June 2026; 4-5pm
Location: Online
Historic Environment Scotland is starting work on a new Managing Change Guidance Note on Place and Landscape, and is inviting decision-makers, agencies, organisations and professionals working on place, landscape, planning, rural development, agriculture, forestry, and land use related issues to take part in early engagement workshops. The guidance will form part of HES’s Managing Change in the Historic Environment series, which provides practical advice to support good decision‑making about the historic environment. It responds to a growing demand for practical guidance on managing change that transforms whole places and landscapes, rather than individual sites or assets. It will promote a holistic approach to the environment, recognising the interrelationship between cultural and natural values.

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.

DTAS – Dundee Gathering: New Futures: Former Places of Worship
Date & Time: Thursday 28 May 2026; 10am-4pm
Location: Glasite Hall, King Street, Dundee DD1 2JB
Part of the New Futures: Former Places of Worship event series. This event aims to raise awareness of churches that are due to be sold in Dundee and surrounding areas. The day will bring various groups and support organisations together to discuss what needs to be considered when taking these significant heritage assets into community ownership and will provide an overview of the help available.

New Future – The People’s Emergency Briefing: Glasgow and the Built Environment & Panel Discussion
Date & Time: Monday 1 June 2026; 6pm
Location: Glasgow Film Theatre, 12 Rose Street, Glasgow G3 6RB
New Future, in partnership with Glasgow Film Theatre, Atelier Ten, Architecture Fringe and Architects Declare, present this post-election public screening of The People’s Emergency Briefing, followed by facilitated discussion with local councillors, newly-elected MSPs, and representatives from Scotland’s built environment sector. In November 2025, more than 1,200 MPs, peers and leaders from business, culture, faith, sport and the media gathered at Westminster Central Hall for a landmark national briefing delivered by leading UK experts. That briefing has now been adapted into a new public film, The People’s Emergency Briefing, designed for community screenings across the UK followed by structured local discussion. This post-election screening and panel discussion will be open to all, but with a specific focus on the implications for our built environment sector.

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.

DTAS – New Futures Drop In: Fundraising
Date & Time: Tuesday 2 June 2026; 12-1:30pm
Location: Online
Part of the New Futures: Former Places of Worship workshop series. This event will provide a chance for community organisations looking to take ownership of a former place of worship to share their experiences of fundraising and learn about examples of different fundraising methods.

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.

SURF – 2026 Awards Launch
Date & Time: Thursday 4 June 2026; 1-1:45pm
Location: Online
At this event you will hear more about the 2026 SURF Awards process and the 5 Award categories. Attendees will hear from former SURF Award Winners with their top tips for a successful application. If you have ever considered entering (or re-entering) the Awards or want to know more about this year’s process and what is involved, or to hear directly from projects who have gone through the process, then this event is definitely for you.

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 six 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.

Historic England – Digital Emissions – should heritage organisations worry about them, and how can we lower them?
Date & Time: Thursday 18 June 2026; 1-2pm
Location: Online
In this webinar, Claire Marchetti, Carbon and Sustainability Manager for Historic England will discuss how the organisation is addressing the environmental impact of its digital activity. The webinar will look at the challenges identified, the technical changes underway, how to use procurement to support ambitions, and how staff are engaged in reducing digital emissions. There will also be a look at practical steps heritage organisations can take to reduce their digital carbon footprint while embracing the benefits digital ways of working offer, helping the sector move toward a more sustainable, low carbon future.

AHF – 50th Conference: Heritage – Radical. Reimagined. Revitalised.
Date & Time: Thursday 18 June 2026; 2-8pm
Location: St Bartholomew’s Hospital, West Smithfield, London EC1A 7BE
The Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) is celebrating 50 years of transforming historic buildings and supporting communities across the UK. Join real estate professionals, heritage practitioners, social enterprise developers, policymakers, funders, and researchers as together they consider the potential for heritage-led regeneration to improve our communities in the next 50 years and beyond. This afternoon and evening event will bring together diverse voices and approaches to consider how heritage can help transform local communities and economies, shining light on proven models from around the UK and exploring policy changes that could supercharge adaptive reuse in the UK.

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.

DTAS – New Futures Workshop: Listed Building Consent
Date & Time: Tuesday 23 June 2026; 1-2:30pm
Location: Online
Part of the New Futures: Former Places of Worship workshop series. This workshop will clarify the situations were Listed Building Consent may be required and will provide an overview of the application process, specifically relevant to community organisations looking to take a former place of worship into community ownership.

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.

DTAS – New Futures Drop In: Involving Your Community
Date & Time: Thursday 2 July 2026; 1-2:30pm
Location: Online
Part of the New Futures: Former Places of Worship workshop series. This event will provide a chance for community organisations looking to take ownership of a former place of worship to share their experiences of getting their community involved. The Churches Advisors of the New Futures: Former Places of Worship programme will share top tips on how to ensure meaningful community engagement.

 

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 Atholl 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.

SLCT – 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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