BEFS Bulletin 406: Heritage policy, skills in focus and a new BEFS Member

New homes – enhancing accessibility, adaptability and usability: consultation analysis (Scot Gov 15/10/2026)

Building Regulations: Scottish Equivalent to the Passivhaus Standard
The Scottish Government consulted on plans to develop a Scottish equivalent to the Passivhaus standard, and implement it through building regulations. In follow up to earlier consultation and engagement activity, views were sought on proposed energy and environmental performance targets for the new standard, in addition to proposals for an enhanced compliance process. BEFS responded to two questions set in the consultation paper on the potential introduction of the standard through a phased implementation approach and on a voluntary basis. (BEFS 16/10/2026)

Developing Taxonomies for Arts, Culture and Heritage – Executive Summary (Historic England 28/09/2026)

Place Explorer – IMD + CNI, and Heritage Data (PlaceExplorer 28/09/2026)

Slate roof replacement in Scotland: a practical guide (Scottish Slate Roofers October 2026)

Embodied Carbon Policy Framework (Zero Waste Scotland October 2026)

The Culture in Crisis Resource Hub (Culture in Crisis October 2026)

Annual Impact Report June 2025-May 2026 (Society of Antiquaries of Scotland 07/10/2026)

Surveying skills report 2026: investigating the skills gap (RICS 15/10/2026)

For further listings, please see BEFS events calendar

Icon – Conserving LGBT+ History Webinar: Anne Lister’s Journals
Date & Time: Thursday 22 October 2026; 4-5:15pm
Location: Online
Anne Lister was a 19th century diarist and landowner from Halifax, Yorkshire. Considered the “first modern lesbian”, Anne’s diaries were, in part, written in a secret code that she used to write about her romantic relationships with other women. In this online lecture, West Yorkshire Archive Service conservators will talk about the conservation work undertaken to preserve Anne’s diaries and prepare them for digitisation and access as source material for the TV drama Gentleman Jack, based on Anne’s life. All proceeds from this event will be donated to Lavender Menace, an Edinburgh archive of queer books and community space.

Edinburgh World Heritage – Recording poverty and murder in 19th Century Edinburgh
Date & Time: Wednesday 28 October 2026; 6-8pm
Location: Augustine United Church, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL
John Lowrey will speak about the recording methods used in 19th century Edinburgh to capture life within the old town. Focusing on two recording methods created for other purposes, which cast light on the social conditions and the architecture of the Old Town. Between the 1820s and c.1930, the office of the city architect was used to record crime scenes in Edinburgh. Some of these drawings are so accurate that they provide an insight into a type of domestic architecture which doesn’t feature in architectural histories.

Heritage Network – Heritage-Led Regeneration in Perth
Date & Time: Wednesday 28 October 2026; 9:30am-4:30pm
Location: YMCA Tayside, 19 Atholl Street, Perth PH1 5HN
In 2021 Perth was inscribed as UNESCO City of Craft & Folk Art and since then has taken on a £35 million investment prospectus (2025-2040). This event will celebrate the incredible work happening across Perth and Kinross whilst also touching on the challenges which have arisen since 2025. This event will explore how sustainable regeneration supports successful placemaking through a range of perspectives, including: heritage-led regeneration and the reuse of historic buildings; community engagement, volunteering and developing local skills; commercial sustainability, town centre renewal and supporting local businesses; culture, tourism and hospitality as drivers of economic growth; environmental sustainability; and partnership working and innovative approaches to delivering long-term change.

Scottish Landscape Alliance – Annual Event
Date & Time: Wednesday 28 October 2026; 10:30am-3pm
Location: Edinburgh Climate Change Institute, 10 High School Yards, Edinburgh EH1 1LZ
Scotland’s Landscape Alliance invites you to a day of updates, case studies, discussion and engaging workshops exploring how Scotland’s Landscape Charter and their 5-Year Action Plan can continue to shape the future of Scotland’s landscapes. Valuing and taking responsibility for Scotland’s landscapes requires a collaborative approach amongst all organisations and people involved in matters that impact on them. This event will bring together people from across the landscape community to share progress, gather new ideas, showcase inspiring work and build energy and support for future action in embedding the Charter into everyday action. Come ready to share your experience, challenge ideas, make connections and help shape the next chapter of landscape action.

AHSS Strathclyde Group – Glasgow’s Lost Buildings with Peter Drummond
Date & Time: Thursday 29 October 2026; 7-9pm
Location: St. Andrews West Church & Renfield Centre, 260 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 4JP and Online
This session will explore the buildings Glasgow has lost over the years. Peter is a trustee of the National Trust for Scotland, the Building Preservation Trust for Scotland. He serves on the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland’s Practice Board and is a former national chairman of the Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland. He writes and speaks regularly about built heritage.

AHSS – The David Bryce Symposium
Date & Time: Friday 30 October 2026; 9:30am-4:30pm
Location: Edinburgh Futures Institute, 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh EH3 9EF
The Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland (AHSS), in partnership with the Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (University of Edinburgh), is organising a symposium to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the death of the great Scots Baronial architect, David Bryce (1803-1876). The symposium will be held in one of Bryce’s own buildings, the former Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, recently conserved and repurposed as the Edinburgh Futures Institute. It will showcase the latest research on Bryce’s life and work, celebrating him as a key figure in the history of Scottish architecture.

RIAS Live – Renewal by Design
Date & Time: Friday 30 October 2026; 9am-4:30pm
Location: Glasgow City Chambers, 82 George Square, Glasgow G2 1DU
RIAS Live is a one-day conference, bringing together architects and industry professionals from across Scotland and beyond for a dynamic programme of discussion, networking, and learning. This year held in Glasgow, Renewal by Design will explore how an open, thriving architectural profession is key to building a fairer Scotland that works for all. As commercial realities take hold, how can the industry evolve to be more representative and inclusive to the people it serves?

Scottish Council on Archives – Annual Conference 2026: Archives & Records at the Heart of Society
Date & Time: Tuesday 3 November 2026; 9:30am-4pm
Location: Gorgie Suite, Tynecastle Park, 190-192 Gorgie Road, Edinburgh EH11 2NX
Join the Scottish Council on Archives for this year’s conference exploring how archives and records underpin democracy, accountability, creativity, wellbeing & community. Inspired by the theme of The National Archives’ new vision document, launched earlier this year, the conference will highlight the impact of archives and records across every aspect of society. This year there will be voices from across the sector to share how archives and recordkeeping contribute to a more transparent, vibrant and healthier society. Whether you work in archives, records management, conservation, community archives, research, education, or policy — this conference is for you. Tickets are £45 inclusive of booking fee.

BE-ST Fest – 2026
For the past five years, industry leaders, policymakers, innovators and built environment professionals have travelled to Glasgow for BE-ST Fest. In 2026, the festival is coming to you. BE-ST is on the road, coming to communities across Scotland to focus on the real barriers and challenges you face.
BE-ST Fest West
Date: Wednesday 4 November 2026
Location: Sir Jim McDonald Technology & Innovation Centre (TIC), 99 George Sreet, Glasgow G1 1RD
BE-ST Fest South
Date: Wednesday 17 March 2027
Location: The Crichton Trust, Grierson House, Bankend Rd, Dumfries DG1 4ZE

Arc Architects – Graveyard Futures Symposium
Date & Time: Thursday 5 November 2026; 10am-4pm
Location: The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling FK8 1QZ
Scotland’s historic graveyards are important places of heritage, memory, biodiversity and community value, whose care is entering a period of significant change, with changes in the ownership and use of churches and an increased awareness of the importance of greenspace for biodiversity and wellbeing. This one-day seminar will bring together people and organisations from across Scotland to share experience, explore good practice, consider new approaches to their long-term care, creating opportunities for collaboration and helping shape a sustainable future for these remarkable places. This is a hybrid event with limited in person spaces, and the opportunity to join online.

HES – Updating the Historic Environment Policy for Scotland
Date & Time: Thursday 5 November 2026; 11am & Friday 13 November; 1pm
Location: Online
HES is seeking input on the updated Historic Environment Policy for Scotland (HEPS). Alongside the public consultation survey, they are holding two workshops to gain feedback on the updated HEPS. HEPS is a national policy which provides direction for decision making that affects the historic environment. It is being updated to ensure it is fit for purpose to enable good decision making and considers social, economic, legal and climate changes. The workshop will include a presentation on what HES heard in the early evaluation and engagement stages, an opportunity to provide feedback on the draft document and a discussion on considerations for policy implementation.

BE-ST: Accelerate to Zero Awards
Date & Time: Thursday 5 November 2026; 6-11pm
Location: voco Grand Central, 99 Gordon Street, Glasgow G1 3SF
These awards recognise the businesses, organisations and individuals making the biggest contribution to decarbonising the built environment and supporting the just transition to zero carbon. During the ceremony, businesses, individuals, and organisations will be celebrated for their contribution and dedication to decarbonising the built environment across 10 different categories.

AHSS Forth & Borders Group – Contemporary Landscapes of Poetic Reflection
Date & Time: Monday 9 November 2026; 6:30-8:30pm
Location: Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL (wheelchair accessible); and live streamed online via Zoom
In this joint lecture with Scotland’s Garden and Landscape Heritage, art historian Dr Andrew Paterson will introduce the creative practices of two celebrated contemporary artists based in Scotland, the sculptor Andy Goldsworthy and the pioneer of ‘concrete poetry’ Ian Hamilton Finlay, who have both elected to install much of their work outdoors, in both wild and cultivated natural environments, and who invite their audiences into a fresh experience of the natural world that is both thought-provoking and immersive. Tickets: £6 (students £2) and should be booked in advance for both live and streamed events.

Edinburgh World Heritage – The Retrofit Challenge: Net-Zero Meets Heritage
Date: Tuesday 10 November; 12:30pm-1:30pm
Location: A&DS:SpACE located on Level 0 of Edinburgh Futures Institute East Wing, next to Middle Meadow Walk. 1 Lauriston Pl, Edinburgh, EH3 9EF
How can generic energy retrofit approaches be reconsidered to ensure traditional buildings become more energy efficient while retaining their historic character? Join Gary Cunningham, Energy Retrofit and Adaptation Specialist, and Yann Grandgirard, Head of Climate Change at Edinburgh World Heritage, for an exploration of the opportunities and challenges of retrofitting Scotland’s traditional buildings for a net-zero future. Drawing on recent Edinburgh World Heritage pilot projects, Gary and Yann will share practical insights into historic window upgrades, whole house retrofit of tenements, and innovative retrofit solutions developed through the EU and UKRI-funded FuturHist project. Discover how carefully designed interventions can improve comfort and reduce energy use while respecting the heritage values of historic buildings.

SPAB – Church Maintenance for Conservation Officers in Scotland
Date & Time: Tuesday 10 November 2026; 1-4pm
Location: Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 6 Albert Place, Stirling, FK8 2RG
Join SPAB in the stunning Holy Trinity Church, Stirling to learn more about how churches which are being sold will transfer into the Local Authority Planning Systems. This afternoon is for those working in Local Authority Planning Departments in Scotland, including planners, conservation officers and technicians. Regular attendees of the Places of Worship Forum along with local church congregations in the Stirling area are also encouraged to join in.

SHBT – Memory Palace: What Can We Learn from Intangible Cultural Heritage?
Date & Time: Wednesday 11 November 2026; 6-8pm
Location: Riddles Court, 322 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2PG
Are we making the most of the social media appeal of our iconic buildings? Edinburgh knows the pressures of overtourism, driven in part by social media, but the same tools can educate and engage, reaching new audiences near and far. In an age of competitive visibility, can social media give Scotland’s historic buildings an edge? The speakers at this event approach the topic from design research, writing and the traditional arts.

A&DS – Demystifying AI in Architectural Design
Date & Time: Thursday 12 November 2026; 12:30-5pm
Location: A&DS:SpACE, 1 Lauriston Place, Edinburgh EH3 9EF
How is AI changing architecture, and what does it mean for Scotland’s design sector?
Join Architecture and Design Scotland (A&DS) for a thought-provoking discussion on the opportunities and challenges of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI). Hear from leading academics at UCL Bartlett and practitioners at Arup on how AI is reshaping design, workflows and professional practice. Their insights will shape a wider conversation about how AI can help to innovate and enhance productivity for smaller and medium practices in Scotland. A panel featuring Graham Ross of Austin-Smith:Lord and others will bring the conversation into a Scottish context.

Europa Nostra – Exploring the Elizabeth Tower
Date & Time: Thursday 12 November 2026; 5:30-6:30pm
Location: Online
November’s webinar showcases the restoration of the one of the most recognisable buildings in the world, a 2026 Europa Nostra Award Winner for Conservation and Adaptive Reuse. The Elizabeth Tower, commonly known as Big Ben, is the centrepiece of the UNESCO World Heritage site in Westminster. The Tower, designed by Sir Charles Barry and A.W.N. Pugin, has been restored to its original glory while inside, the building has been completely reserviced with access improvements, plaster repairs and redecoration in breathable paint systems. Join Andrew Dobson, Partner and Project Architect from Purcell, for an in depth, behind the scenes exploration of this remarkable restoration. You’ll hear how the most famous clock tower in the world has been preserved for future generations, and how cutting-edge digital recording of the work has created a blueprint for future maintenance.

RSA Debate – Soft Power: Challenges, Opportunities & Solutions
Date & Time: Saturday 14 November 2026; 9am-4pm
Location: French Institute of Scotland, West Parliament Square, Edinburgh EH1 1RN
RSA Fellows and those working in culture, heritage, diplomacy and international relations are invited to this full-day event exploring the future of soft power. As global power dynamics shift, the nature and exercise of soft power is evolving. This event will explore how governments, cultural institutions, educational organisations, heritage bodies and civil society can continue to shape international relationships and contribute to global dialogue. Particular attention will be given to the role of culture and heritage in shaping international perceptions, responding to global challenges, and strengthening connections between countries and communities. The RSA gratefully acknowledge the speakers, sponsors and individual donors whose support has made this event possible.

Heritage Network – Power from the Past: Heritage’s Role in Renewable Energy
Date & Time: Tuesday 17 November 2026; 2:30-4:30pm
Location: Online
Industrial heritage sites across the UK are increasingly being utilised to support the generation and usage of renewable energy. However, bringing renewable energy into heritage environments can raise complex questions: how can we protect and preserve historic places while adapting them for a changing climate? How can the renewable energy sector work together with heritage, rather than compete or restrict one another? And how can these projects contribute to the long-term resilience and regeneration of local communities? This event will explore these questions through practical case studies of heritage and renewable energy working together to support net zero goals, heritage-led regeneration, and preservation of industrial heritage sites.

Scottish Castles Association Archive – Live Launch & Fundraising Dinner
Date & Time: Wednesday 18 November 2026; 7-11pm
Location: Dundas Castle, Edinburgh EH30 9SP
Join the Scottish Castles Association for a special evening at the historic Dundas Castle to celebrate the launch of their new Archive: a digital resource preserving Scotland’s castle heritage for generations to come. Speakers will be Professor Richard Oram, who will be exploring the historical significance of the Archive’s collections and Simon Forder, who will be discussing modern approaches to documenting and recording Scotland’s castles. Tickets are £175 per person. This price includes a drinks reception and a three-course dinner with wine plus a £60 contribution to the Archive, directly supporting the preservation and digitisation of Scotland’s castle heritage.

Heritage Network – In Over Our Heads: Heritage in the Water
Date & Time: Wednesday 18 November 2026; 9am-1pm
Location: Online
Join Heritage Network for a free half-day conference exploring marine heritage and how to plan a successful regeneration project. What do you need to consider when working with marine heritage? What risks and hidden costs should you plan for? And what makes structures in marine and freshwater environments so unique? This session is ideal for community groups and heritage organisations who are planning, managing, or already working with historic marine structures—especially those that are fully or partially submerged.

The Heritage Alliance – Heritage Debate 2026: How Can Heritage Stay Relevant Today?
Date & Time: Wednesday 18 November 2026; 11am-1pm
Location: Online
Now in its 17th year, The Heritage Alliance’s annual Heritage Debate brings sector leaders, professionals and volunteers together to share cross-sector insights, make connections and find solutions to the key challenges facing heritage today. This year’s debate will be asking: How can heritage stay relevant today? This will be a national conversation about the role of heritage in public life; what makes heritage matter, how well do we understand its relevance to people’s lives, and if we are communicating effectively with our audiences what does heritage have to offer? Explore what heritage means to people today, how to share more relevant and engaging stories with audiences, and what’s at risk if we don’t.

Glasgow Archaeological Society – The Monkland and Kirkintilloch: its place in the development of the Scottish public railway network
Date & Time: Thursday 19 November 2026; 7:30-9:30pm
Location: The Humanities Research Hub, 1 University Gardens, Glasgow G12 8QH
Join Glasgow Archaeological Society for their 2026-27 lecture series. Lectures are free for all to attend and there is no need to book in advance. This lecture will be delivered by Don Martin and will focus on The Monkland and Kirkintilloch.

Edinburgh, Lothians and Borders Archaeology Conference
Date & Time: Saturday 21 November 2026; 9am-5pm
Location: Queen Margaret University, Drive, Musselburgh EH21 6UU
This is the annual conference organised by the City of Edinburgh Council, East Lothian Council and Scottish Borders Council. It provides an important opportunity to hear and discuss first hand accounts of the archaeological fieldwork and research being undertaken in Edinburgh, East Lothian, Midlothian and the Scottish Borders. Tickets £30 each, Buffet Lunch £15. Buffet lunch must be pre-booked. Conference only tickets available on the day.

Scotland’s Community Heritage Conversations – Conference 2026: Sharing Our Strengths
Date & Time: Thursday 26 November 2026; 9:30am-4:25pm
Location: The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling FK8 1QZ; and online
Come along to a full day of inspiring presentations, lively discussion, hands‑on workshops, and plenty of chances to connect with peers from across the country. People are at the heart of community heritage, and the health of our cultural, built, natural, and archaeological heritage is intricately tied to the passion, dedication, expertise and energy of the people who care for it. But in the face of ever-growing pressures, how can organisations collaborate and share their skills and experiences in order to create sustainable futures for community heritage? Scotland’s Community Heritage Conversation 2026 will feature presentations and workshops that highlight how collaboration – across communities, generations, cultures, or sectors – creates fresh opportunities for learning and growth, as well as providing attendees with a chance to reflect on their own support strengths and needs.

AHSS Strathclyde Group – Glasgow’s Heritage with Niall Murphy
Date & Time: Thursday 26 November 2026; 7pm-9pm
Location: St. Andrews West Church & Renfield Centre, 260 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 4JP and Online
Niall is Director at Glasgow City Heritage Trust and Chair of the Govanhill Baths Building Preservation Trust. He’s also a trustee of BEFS and co-chair of the Glasgow Built Heritage Commission. His evenings with the AHSS are always entertaining, insightful and a wonderful opportunity to learn more about Glasgow’s built heritage.

SHBT – Price of Admission: Sustainable Economic Models for Scotland’s Built Heritage
Date & Time: Wednesday 2 December 2026; 6-8pm
Location: Riddles Court, 322 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh, EH1 2PG
Should we have a right to access heritage, much as we have a right to roam? And do we ignore the economic case for restoration at our peril, weighing short-term returns against long-term benefit? From churches losing public access to the buildings we cannot afford to keep. The speakers at this event approach the topic from conservation, politics and technical research.

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