BEFS Bulletin – Our Place in Time Update
Get The Latest Built Environment News, Policy Developments, Publications, Consultations And More.
BEFS News
The UK Government has published the Pre-Launch Guidance for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) alongside its Levelling Up White Paper. A summary has been produced by The Heritage Alliance.
Historic Environment Scotland has released a blog post introducing the Our Place in Time 2020-2021 Annual Report, outlining the progress made in delivering Scotland’s historic environment strategy across key agendas. BEFS welcomes the comments from Culture Minister Neil Gray on the vital nature of the historic environment, and looks forward to working with the sector in relation to the formation of a new strategy, fit for the future.
A new £80 million Covid Economic Recovery Fund from the Scottish Government was announced by the First Minister on a visit to Essential Edinburgh with Scotland’s Towns Partnership. Meanwhile, members of the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee visited Govan with SURF – Scotland’s Regeneration Forum to hear more about how the draft National Planning Framework 4 might impact the area.
SURF have also announced a series of Shared Learning Events in May, providing an opportunity to explore successful approaches to regeneration with winners and highly commended projects from the 2021 SURF Awards.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has released its new report, Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability, which starkly underlines the scale of the challenge ahead just four months on from COP26.
The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) has announced the shortlist of 14 buildings in the running for the 2022 RIAS Awards.
The IHBC Marsh Awards 2022 are now open for nominations. The award is designed to recognise the contribution of an individual for their significant learning in traditional building activities and craft skills. Prizes include £500 and a free place at the IHBC’s Aberdeen 2022 Annual School in June. Nominations close 31 March.
The Scottish Civic Trust for four new Trustees to help deliver an exciting and sector-leading range of priorities, aimed at celebrating Scotland’s built environment, taking action for its improvement, and empowering its communities.
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Consultations
NatureScot Consultation: Developing with Nature guidance
Closes 4 March 2022
New realities of retail and ecommerce in Scotland – Call for Views
The Scottish Parliament’s Economy and Fair Work Committee is seeking written views to inform its inquiry on town centres and retail.
Closes 16 March 2022
Local Development Planning – regulations and guidance: consultation
Closes 31 March 2022
Open Space Strategies and Play Sufficiency Assessments: consultation
Closes 31 March 2022
Draft National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) – Public Consultation
Closes 31 March 2022
Consultation Responses
BEFS Response: The Regulation of Energy Efficiency in Existing Non-Domestic Buildings: Call For Evidence (25/02/2022)
Publications
IPCC Sixth Assessment Report – Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability (28/02/22)
Understanding Scotland: A New Survey for Scotland – Environment (Diffley Partnership, Charlotte Street Partners, SRUC, 02/2022)
In the wake of the recent COP26 conference in Glasgow, this report takes the pulse of the Scottish public on fundamental environmental issues and questions.
Rebuilding Heritage – Evaluation Summary
An external evaluation of the Rebuilding Heritage project, finalised in December 2021, has brought valuable insights into the needs of the heritage ecosystem.
20 Minute Neighbourhoods in Rural & Island Scotland: Report from practitioner roundtable(SRA, SR&ITC, SURF, January 2022)
The roundtable found that unintended negative impacts are likely to arise in rural communities when the 20 MN method is applied as part of top-down planning processes.
The economic, social and environmental benefits of stimulating repairs and improvements to the Scottish built environment to aid a green recovery from Covid-19 (Fraser of Allender Institute, 02/2021)
Accelerating the decarbonisation of Scottish infrastructure (Institute of Civil Engineers Scotland 1/03/22)
The report concludes that Scotland is still falling short of targets, and makes five key recommendations to ensure decarbonisation is embedded throughout infrastructure.
Our Place in Time 2020-2021 Annual Report (Historic Environment Scotland, 18/02/22)
Continued progress made in delivering Scotland’s historic environment strategy across key agendas including skills, education, equalities and digital engagement despite ongoing impact of COVID-19.
How Village Churches Thrive: A Practical Guide (Robert Atwell, Gill Ambrose, Helen Bent. Available for pre-order. Publication date: 30/06/2022)
Scottish Government Publications
Scotland’s National Strategy for Economic Transformation (Scottish Government, 1/03/22)
The Strategy sets out the priorities for Scotland’s economy as well as the actions needed to maximise the opportunities of the next decade to achieve our vision of a wellbeing economy.
£300m boost for climate friendly heating (Scottish Government, 21/02/22)
Homes and commercial properties across Scotland will benefit from the establishment of a new £300 million fund supporting the development and roll out of zero emission heat networks.
COVID Economic Recovery Fund (Scottish Government, 21/02/22)
A new £80 million Covid Economic Recovery Fund targeting support for businesses and communities will help Scotland as it moves to a new phase in the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Further support for culture recovery (Scottish Government, 18/02/22)
Culture and events sectors to benefit from £16 million.
News Releases
Scottish architects show solidarity with Ukraine and offer help to students (1/03/22)
The president of the RIAS has declared the organisation’s support for all Ukrainian architects and citizens through ‘these tough and uncertain times’
Dundee Repertory Theatre granted A-listed status (Historic Environment Scotland, 17/02/22)
The Dundee theatre has been given a Category A listing following a six-week public consultation.
Glasgow’s Buchanan Galleries could be ‘demolished’ to create urban neighbourhood (The Herald, 21/01/22)
The owner of the shopping centre is launching a public consultation and says the proposals are a response to the disruption facing retail.
Historic England Announces Grants Opportunities to Uncover the Nation’s Hidden Working Class Heritage (21/02/22)
Everyday Heritage Grants: Celebrating Working Class Histories will fund community-led and people-focused projects that aim to further the nation’s collective understanding of the past.
Women in Planning launch central Scotland branch (Scottish Housing News, 25/02/22)
The existing Glasgow Branch will expand to cover Edinburgh and surrounding areas.
New north-east university course will focus on energy efficiency of buildings (Grampian Online, 26/02/22)
The new course, PG Cert Building Retrofit, has been developed to improve the energy performance of the existing building stock and to help decarbonise and deliver a net zero carbon future.
Winners of Scottish Borders Design Awards announced (Scottish Construction Now, 28/02/22)
The Great Tapestry of Scotland building in Galashiels is among the winners.
Opinion & Comment
Not So Pretty Vacant: Transforming vacant and derelict land in Land Reuse Month – March 2022
Kathie Pollard, Policy and Practice Lead at the Scottish Land Commission highlights missed opportunity to address housing, climate and health challenges.
Stirling City Heritage Trust: Celebrating John Allan: A Man of Original Ideas
Lindsay Lennie explores the significance John Allan has for Stirling and explains why SCHT are remembering him on the 100th anniversary of his death.
Intangible Cultural Heritage support for Year of Stories 2022
Peter Hewitt, MGS’s new dedicated Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) Officer, outlines the support available to successful applicants to the Year of Stories 2022 Community Stories Fund.
Radio: Planning, Housing and Politics (BBC R4, 21/02/22)
Focussing on the system in England, barrister and author Hashi Mohamed investigates how the planning system can adapt so we can build new homes without alienating voters.
Craig Hoy MSP: Concerned over castle closures (East Lothian Courier, 27/02/22)
Western Isles residents demand answers as popular tourist attraction remains closed three years on (P&J, 11/02/22)
MSP Donald Cameron has written to HES regarding the ongoing closure of Dun Carloway Broch on the Isle of Lewis.
Susan Mansfield: What if…?/Annan – what happened next?
Two years after the initial “What if…?/Scotland” workshop in Annan, the participants talk about how their ideas are moving forward.
Catriona Stewart: Glasgow’s built heritage is suffering from neglect and bad choices (The Herald, 21/02/22)
Liz Hamilton, Homes for Scotland: Scotland’s draft National Planning Framework 4 would likely make the housing crisis worse (The Scotsman, 22/02/22)
Parliamentary Questions
Questions marked with a triangle (?) are initiated by the Scottish Government in order to facilitate the provision of information to the Parliament. Questions in which a member has indicated a declarable interest are marked with an “R”.
Dean Lockhart, Mid Scotland and Fife, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 25/02/2022
EPC rating requirements:
S6W-06900 Exemptions
S6W-06901 Timeline for introduction of regulations and enforcement
S6W-06902 Total cost for private rented sector and funding available
S6W-06917: Mark Griffin, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 25/02/2022
To ask the Scottish Government whether it has begun assessing the additional resourcing and skills requirements of the Fourth National Planning Framework (NPF4), and when it will prepare a strategy to address these requirements.
Mark Griffin, Central Scotland, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 25/02/2022 R
The Housing to 2040 strategy:
S6W-06919: Skills audit and succession planning
S6W-06920: Developing next generation of professionals
S6W-06924: Affordability of Build To Rent homes in major cities
S6W-06589: Craig Hoy, South Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party Date lodged: 24 February 2022
Projects funded as a result of the 2020 round of the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund across eight local authorities.
S6W-06743: Daniel Johnson, Edinburgh Southern, Scottish Labour Date lodged: 24 February 2022
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will provide details of (a) how and (b) when the £3 million funding for city centre recovery will be spent, as announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Economy on 10 February 2022.
S6W-06809: Paul Sweeney, Glasgow, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 24/02/2022
To ask the Scottish Government what recourse residents have where Residential Amenity Greenspace, as defined by a Local Development Plan, moves into private ownership and is not being maintained.
Parliamentary Questions and Answers
Questions marked with a triangle (?) are initiated by the Scottish Government in order to facilitate the provision of information to the Parliament. Questions in which a member has indicated a declarable interest are marked with an “R”.
Liam McArthur, Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats, Date Lodged: 02/02/2022
S6W-06099: monitoring and evaluation framework for the Heat in Buildings Strategy
S6W-06098: making public sector buildings net zero by 2030
Answered by Patrick Harvie (18/02/2022)
S6W-06096: Islands Energy Strategy (retrofitting)
Answered by Patrick Harvie (21/02/2022)
S6W-06104: Paul Sweeney, Glasgow, Scottish Labour, Date Lodged: 02/02/2022
To ask the Scottish Government whether it will consider implementing the high quality shopfront design standards developed in Traditional Shopfront Improvement Grant Scheme (TSIG) areas as a future planning requirement in Conservation Areas and in Listed Buildings, as part of the forthcoming update of the National Planning Framework.
Answered by Tom Arthur (25/02/2022)
S6W-06096: Liam McArthur, Orkney Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
Date lodged: 2 February 2022
To ask the Scottish Government whether the Islands Energy Strategy will take account of the reportedly significantly higher costs of retrofitting in island communities.
Answered by Patrick Harvie on 21 February 2022
S6W-06371: Liam Kerr, North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, Date Lodged: 07/02/2022 R
To ask the Scottish Government what proportion of housing stock in the private rented sector it anticipates will not be upgraded to at least an EPC rating of C by the required deadline; whether, as a result, such housing stock will be unavailable to rent, and, if so, what advice it will provide to people about where to find a suitable property to rent.
Answered by Patrick Harvie (21/02/2022)
Other Parliamentary Activity
Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee – Meeting 22/02/22
Transcript of the NPF4 evidence session attended by Tom Arthur, Minister for Public Finance, Planning and Community Wealth, Fiona Simpson (chief planner), Andy Kinnaird (head of planning transformation) and Helen Wood (head of planning performance).
Events
For the full list of BEFS Members’ upcoming events see our events calendar.
Draft National Planning Framework 4: Information & Discussion events
Date & Time: Series of events from 10 February to 10 March
Online
The Scottish Government has opened registration for online events during February and March, facilitated by Kevin Murray Associates (KMA) and PAS (Planning Aid Scotland) to raise awareness and share views about the Draft NPF4, in order to inform and support the preparation of responses to the consultation, which closes on 31 March 2022. Each session will focus on a specific action area, or policy theme from Draft NPF4. A full list of upcoming sessions and booking information is available here.
Thurs 3 March, 4.30 – 6pm – Distinctive Places
Tues 8 March, 4.30 – 6pm – North and West Coastal Innovation
Thurs 10 March, 4.30 – 6pm – Sustainable Place
ACHT: Conservation in Traditional Masonry – The Practitioner’s Perspective
Date & Time: 2 March, 19:00
Online
Hans Norling, director of Masonry and Lime Ltd, will discuss his 20 years in the masonry conservation business in general and his company’s work at Provost Skene House, Aberdeen in particular.
RTPI: Draft NPF4 Engagement Events
7 March, 16:00 – Scottish Young Planners
9 March, 16:00 – Central Scotland Chapter
These interactive events will be looking at the draft National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) which was published at the end of 2021. A panel of speakers will each give a short presentation setting out their thoughts on the draft Framework followed by a panel discussion.
SPAB: Milling Matters – Lifecycles of Textile Mills
Date & Time: 8 March, 12:00
Online
The best use for a building might be its next use, and not the one for which it was built. Textile mills that survive today are almost all in their second or third use, something unimaginable to their builders. Industrial Heritage expert Mark Watson will give his overview of how textile mills can be rejuvenated and put to new purposes.
RTPI: Central Scotland Chapter AGM and Annual Member Meeting
Date & Time: 9 March, 3:15
Online
RTPI members with interests in Central Chapter area are invited to attend the Chapter’s Annual General Meeting 2022. The meeting will provide an opportunity for members to find out more about the role and purpose of the Chapter, forthcoming events and activities and opportunities to help out or join the organising committee.
Falkland Society: Working collaboratively with clients, artists and craftspeople: the wonders of Jupiter Artland
Date & Time: 9 March, 19:00
Online
Ben Tindall will talk about the achievements of this contemporary sculpture park and art gallery (at Bonnington House, 7 km west of Edinburgh) and the threats it now faces.
Scottish Futures Trust: A Place for Everything
Date & Time: 9 March, 10:30
Online
Living well locally is a key ambition of Scottish Government’s Programme for Government. This webinar will help illustrate how the process for improved place-based decision making outlined in the newly-published Place Guide can be put into practice in your own area.
RSA Fellows’ R+EINS Network: NPF4: Any Questions?
Date & Time: 10 March, 18:00 – 19:30
Online
Join a panel including BEFS Director Ailsa Macfarlane and pose your own questions on the draft NPF4. This event, designed and delivered by the RSA Fellows’ Rural + Environmental Issues Network Scotland, is open to all with an interest in any aspect of planning and the NPF4 content, irrespective of their discipline, or immediate professional or personal interests.
SoAoS: Connecting tools and materials in the Dutch Late Neolithic
Date & time: 14 March, 18:00
Location: National Museum of Scotland Auditorium, and live-streamed via YouTube
Archaeological artefacts are frequently studied in isolation and not as part of a toolkit. This lecture will show how a combination of use-wear analysis and experimental archaeology reveals the interconnectivities between different tools and activities, showing details about past human life that otherwise remain hidden.
AHSS: Contrasting Outcomes/Consistent Approach
Date & Time: 14 March, 18:30
Augustine United Church, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh
Join the AHSS Forth & Borders Group for a talk on architecture, sustainability and urban design with Rab Bennetts. Rab will focus on two contrasting projects for the University of Edinburgh – the Potterrow development (2003-18) and the Futures Institute (on going) – revealing a consistent attitude to architecture, urban design and sustainability.
STP: Town Centre Action Plan Series #4 – Climate
Date & Time: 15 March, 14:00 – 15:30
Online
Free to STP Members, £45 non-members.
STP’s 2021 – 2022 CPD events are centred on the Town Centre Action Plan Review recommendations and in this fourth event in the series, we will focus on the theme of Climate. Dr Emilie Wadsworth, Director of Development at the Green Action Trust will provide us with the context around how we work towards achieving Net Zero in our towns and places. We will then get the chance to learn about two real life examples of different models in practice; one urban and one rural.
Training
A&BS: Introduction to Sponsoring Culture – for businesses
Date & Time: 10 March, 10:00 to 12:00
Online
This short session will explore a range of tools and tactics to develop a successful cultural partnership that delivers strong results against business objectives. The session will include recommendations for selecting a partner, ideas for high-impact activation, and tips for structuring your partnership to maximise benefits.
A&BS: Telling It Like It Is – Effective Copywriting
Date & Time: 15 & 16 March, 10am-1pm
Online
This training session is aimed at anyone looking to improve their copywriting skills to support their fund-raising activities. Offering a combination of project-based, hands-on writing exercises with tips, techniques and critical theory, the session explores the five stages of the copywriting process over two half-day sessions. While the training provides a specific focus on writing a case for support, the resulting learning can be applied to all kinds of fundraising communications.
SHBT: Surveying and Inspecting Traditional Buildings
Date & Time: 22 March, 09:30 – 16:00
Location: Jedburgh Town Hall
This full-day working is tailored to industry professionals looking to expand their knowledge of traditional building surveying. Delivered by Frew Conservation for the Jedburgh CARS, the workshop will cover various survey techniques, including structural, high-level and non-destructive investigation methods.
SHBT: Treating Dampness in Traditional Buildings
Date & Time: 22 March, 18:00 – 19:45
Location: Jedburgh Town Hall
This free evening session delivered by Frew Conservation for Jedburgh CARS is ideal for homeowners interested in learning how to identify and treat common problems like dampness in traditional buildings. The session will comprise a 40-minute talk, a 40-minute practical demonstration, and a 30-minute Q&A session.
HES Engine Shed: An Introduction to Solid Walls, Their Repair and Insulation Options
Date & Time: 25 March, 12noon
Online
In this free livestream session, Historic Environment Scotland experts Lila Angelaka and Roger Curtis will talk about solid walls to help you understand more about your older building. Solid walls are one of the defining features of traditional buildings. And they often need the right materials and techniques for their repair and retrofit. This session will look at the role of lime mortars in solid wall construction, and with the need of energy efficiency on everyone’s mind, discuss how they can be insulated.
A&DS: CPD Series on Traditional Building Maintenance
Lunchtime series; last Thursday of the month
Online
31 March: Roof Leadwork delivered by Steve McLennan of the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC)
28 April: Stone Repair and Restoration by Graeme Frame and Marcus Paine of Stone Federation Great Britain (SFGB)
26 May: Roof Slating by Graeme Millar of the NFRC
30 June: Climate Change Adaptation for Traditional Buildings
HES Engine Shed: Energy Efficiency Course
Date & Time: 29-30 March, 09:00 – 17:00
Location: The Engine Shed, Stirling
This two-day course on energy efficiency measures for older and traditional buildings is accredited by the National Open College Network (NOCN). This Level 3 qualification provides an overview of older and traditional (pre-1919) buildings, the range of energy efficiency measures available, how to evaluate their suitability and how to recommend their installation.
Vacancies
Historic Environment Scotland: Training Manager
Hours: 37 hours a week
Salary: £34,303 – £39,873
This post involves leading the delivery of a range of technical training with a focus on the delivery of the High Level Fabric Project. This project has been established to survey, assess and record the condition of the buildings in our care and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. The postholder will initially focus on establishing the delivery of the Diploma in ‘Surveying, Assessing and Recording the Condition of Built Assets for Conservation’ (a bespoke qualification that has been developed by HES) as well as existing traditional building and memorial repair qualifications and training before taking forward other technical course delivery required for this project.
Closing date: 9 March
Perth & Kinross Heritage Trust: Perth Lower City Mills Development Officer
1-Year Fulltime Fixed-Term Contract
Salary: £30,000 p.a.
PKHT have secured Development Phase funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NHLF), to develop a £2.7 million project to fully restore the A-Listed Lower City Mills, Perth, including restoration of its rare working machinery, afford public access, establish a heritage skills and conservation hub and a centre for Scottish mills and milling. This role will lead on the NLHF Delivery Phase submission, with other staff and Trustees.
Closing date: 18 March
Doors Open Days: Volunteer Regional Coordinator
An enthusiastic volunteer or group of volunteers are sought to help coordinate Doors Open Days in the Highlands, Shetland and West Lothian. Doors Open Days is a cultural heritage festival that provides free physical and virtual access to over 1,000 sites and buildings across Scotland every September.
Commitment: A few hours a week June – October
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
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