What built environment commitments are the main parties making in the run-up to next month’s Scottish Parliament elections? Read BEFS report on the back of our successful hustings event in Edinburgh with RICS Scotland & the CIOB - and a review of party manifestos: https://bit.ly/41Md4hP
The Conservation Officers Group, a local government forum facilitated by BEFS, had a successful visit to Perth last week, supported by P&K Council, P&K Heritage Trust, Culture P&K, and Perth Theatre & Culture Hall. Learn more about COG here: https://bit.ly/4mFTKMV
Have you read BEFS Manifesto yet? Read it today to get an overview of BEFS strategic steer and vision for the historic and existing built environment in Scotland. Read it here: https://bit.ly/4cjWv1q #heritage #builtenvironment
Europa Nostra are hosting a residency opportunity for 10 heritage professionals in Malta, with a focus on inclusive European heritage. Would you like to exchange best practices & explore strategies for building resilient heritage organisations? Read more: https://bit.ly/4tSg74b
Scot Gov has published a blog outlining the accomplishments from the first year of the National Planning Hub, a partnership with the Improvement Service. If you would like to learn more about the Hub, its delivery, and next steps, you can do so here: https://bit.ly/4sypFAc
BEFS has published a new consultation response on our website on fire safety and building standards regulations. We advocate for clarity of language and case studies to help illustrate the needs of historic buildings. Read our response in full: https://bit.ly/4tHWqf4
BEFS Bulletin 395 is out now! 📣 Featuring a recap of our pre-election Hustings last week, and a warm welcome to BEFS Net Zero Lead! Read it here: https://bit.ly/4mwugBw
Dates for your diary! BEFS Members such as Archaeology Scotland, The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, and the Heritage Network are organising conferences this year. Make sure you secure your places today and find other events of interests here: https://bit.ly/4tG8SfF
Don't miss this! BEFS Members AHF are hosting their 50th anniversary exhibition in Glasgow from 30 April to 16 May, telling the story of how heritage reuse can transform and impact communities. Read more here: https://bit.ly/3OB21VF
Scot Gov has published two strategies on Climate Change and the Environment. BEFS has fed into both over the years to make sure the built environment sector voice is heard. Find both in our latest Bulletin: https://bit.ly/4tG8SfF
Tuesday this week BEFS held our 2026 pre-election hustings with an engaged and responsive panel. A great turnout and a stimulating discussion! Many thanks to the panellists for their engagement, to Dr Jocelyne Fleming for chairing, & to BEFS Members RICS for hosting us #hustings
32 projects across Scotland will benefit from a total of £36m from the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund, announced by Scot Gov. The grant will be used to bring 21 disused or derelict sites back into use. Read the full announcement here: https://bit.ly/3PYidAC
The Scottish Government have published their review of the Community Rights To Buy consultation, which includes recommendations for each topic covered. You can read the announcement and find the review here: https://bit.ly/4bZbBJF
The current review of the National Performance Framework proposes incorporating more international learning, and parliamentary evidence and scrutiny - aiming to guide application across all governmental policy areas. Read more about the update here: https://bit.ly/4ttE0yR
BEFS are now concluding our 2026 pre-election Hustings event - it's been a day of energising sector advocacy with the political party representatives present. Thank you to everyone who participated. BEFS will produce an event report available on our website. Watch this space!
BEFS Hustings! BEFS Director Hazel Johnson is opening the event and introduces BEFS Manifesto themes. Panelist introductions and our hustings Q&A to come!
BEFS will be hosting our 2026 pre-election Hustings today, at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors! The team is looking forward to a full day of sector advocacy with the panel of candidates, with our manifesto themes in focus. Read it here: bit.ly/3OhD9SG
Did you spot UNESCO's Culture for All gender equality toolkit for policymaking? This toolkit illustrates what it looks like to put gender equality at the centre of culture and arts policy, and how it benefits the sector at large. Read it here: https://bit.ly/4v5wkV1
Historic Environment Scotland have increased their maximum grant award by £250,000, as of 1 April. Every £1 invested generates a return of £5.24 - investment pays off for the Scottish economy! Read HES announcement in full: https://bit.ly/4vlOUsa
The Scottish Government recently announced an upcoming review of Modern Apprenticeships funding, to be concluded in 2028. Read more here: https://bit.ly/3PQwMGn #Apprenticeships #Heritage
Scot Gov released the Circular Economy Strategy for Scotland last week, a strategy that we have fed back on since 2019. You can read our consultation responses here: https://bit.ly/4s8XHdT and the Scot Gov strategy and announcement here: https://bit.ly/410NqFN #CircularEconomy
Do you work with the Scottish museums sector? Museums and Galleries Scotland are looking for feedback on their seven year strategy. Read more here: https://bit.ly/3Q0reJv
BEFS Members the Landscape Institute have released their joint manifesto with the British Association of Landscape Industries. Landscape-led development, skills investment, and planning are in focus. Read their manifesto here: https://bit.ly/4v4UO0n
Did you spot BEFS Members CIfA's consultation on their archaeological investigation and recording of standing buildings or structures guidance? Don't miss the opportunity to feedback to CIfA before the deadline 17 April! Read more: https://bit.ly/4c06n0p
BEFS Bulletin 394 is now live 📣
This edition features sector funding news, two new Bills, and plenty of reading from the Scottish Government!
Catch up here: https://bit.ly/4tG8SfF
Are you looking to become a trustee or board member this year? You'll find a number of vacancies in our Bulletin, including from Stirling City Heritage Trust, Architecture & Design Scotland, Planning Democracy. Read more: https://bit.ly/47xXjOU #Volunteering #BuiltEnvironment
Did you spot this announcement for the sector? Earlier this month the Government announced a £2.2m boost in volunteering grants, with a focus to increase participation by minoritised communities. Read the full announcement here: https://bit.ly/4bPlEkE #BuiltEnvironment #Volunteering
Don't miss the opportunity to have your say in the Scot Gov Fire Safety Review consultation, closing 10 April. This topical issue requires the input of the built environment sector. Respond here: https://bit.ly/3NqVhJF #BuiltEnvironment
