BEFS Bulletin 391: Community Wealth Building, Draft Budget, and sector consultations

 

Publications

RAAC Scottish residential property guidance – Parts 1 and 2 (Institution of Structural Engineers 20/01/2026)

Announcing the new Housing Land Agency – More Homes Scotland (CaCHE 26/01/2026)

NatureScot Research Report 1391 – A review of habitat classifications for their potential use in a Scottish planning biodiversity metric (NatureScot 05/02/2026)

Rural Land Market Report Analysis – 2024 (Land Matters 07/02/2026)

New housing agency to deliver simplicity, scale and speed (Scot Gov 22/01/2026)

Building Safety Levy Expert Advisory Group minutes: September 2025 (Scot Gov 03/02/2026)

Building Safety Levy Expert Advisory Group minutes: July 2025 (Scot Gov 03/02/2026)

Correspondence between Ivan McKee and the Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee regarding the Building Safety Levy (Scotland) Bill  (Scot Gov 03/02/2026)

National Asset Transfer Action Group minutes: August 2025 (Scot Gov 03/02/2026)

Building Safety Levy Expert Advisory Group minutes: September 2025 (Scot Gov 03/02/2026)

Building Safety Levy Expert Advisory Group minutes: July 2025 (Scot Gov 03/02/2026)

Correspondence between Ivan McKee and the Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee regarding Building Safety Levy (Scotland) Bill amendments (Scot Parl 03/02/2026)

Carbon Emissions and Energy: Skilled Workers in Retrofit: Written Question (UK Parl 04/02/2026)

Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee Report on delegated powers in the Community Wealth Building (Scotland) Bill (as amended at Stage 2) (Scot Parl 04/02/2026)

Housing (Scotland) Bill: government response (Scot Gov 04/02/2026)

Hydrogen: planning and consenting guidance (Scot Gov 05/02/2026)

Finance and Public Administration Committee Report on the Scottish Budget 2026-27 (Scot Parl 05/02/2026)

Place Directors: factsheet (Scot Gov 05/02/2026)

Building Safety Levy Expert Advisory Group minutes: November 2025 (Scot Gov 05/02/2026)

Building Safety Levy Expert Advisory Group minutes: January 2026 (Scot Gov 05/02/2026)

Community Wealth Building (Scotland) Bill: Briefing Prior to Stage 3 (Scot Parl 05/02/2026)

Correspondence between Màiri McAllan and the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee regarding Energy Performance Certificate Reform (Scot Parl 06/02/2026)

Correspondence between Màiri McAllan and the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee regarding the proposed Rural and Island Housing Grant Scheme (Scot Parl 06/02/2026)

Draft Climate Change Plan 2026-2040: scrutiny by the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee (Scot Parl 06/02/2026)

Report on visitor levy regulations considered on 3 February 2026 (Scot Parl 06/02/2026)

Social Housing Net Zero Fund: progress reports – February 2026 (Scot Gov 06/02/2026)

Ecocide (Scotland) Bill – Daily list of amendments for 6 February 2026 (Scot Parl 06/02/2026)

Correspondence between Màiri McAllan and the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee regarding Heat in Buildings, Cladding Remediation and Housing (Scot Parl 09/02/2026)

Correspondence between Màiri McAllan and the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee, regarding the Draft Climate Change Plan 2026–2040 (Scot Parl 09/02/2026)

Correspondence between Ivan McKee and the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee, regarding clarification on the Visitor Levy (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 09/02/2026)

Written submission from the Scottish Association of Landlords regarding Awaab’s Law, PRS MEES and Council Tax (Variation for Unoccupied Dwellings) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2026 (Scot Parl 09/02/2026)

Importance of Natural Capital to the Scottish Economy – Marine and Terrestrial (Scot Gov 09/02/2026)

Importance of Natural Capital to the Scottish Economy – Regional Analysis (Scot Gov 09/02/2026)

Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee meeting minutes (Scot Parl 10/02/2026)

Climate Engagement Fund (Scot Gov 10/02/2026)

Planning permission appeals: housing development statistics (Scot Gov 10/02/2026)

Supporting community climate action (Scot Gov 10/02/2026)

Additional written submission on the Visitor Levy (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill from the Holiday and Residential Parks Association (HARPA) (Scot Parl 10/02/2026)

Public appointment: Members appointed to the Scottish Fuel Poverty Advisory Panel (Scot Gov 10/02/2026)

Investing in local economies (Scot Gov 10/02/2026)

Correspondence between Daniel Johnson and the Secretary of State for Scotland, regarding Scotland’s City and Regional Growth Deals (Scot Parl 10/02/2026)

Warm Homes Plan: Listed Buildings (UK Parl 11/02/2026)

Energy Saving Trust written submission on energy efficiency standards in the private rented sector (Scot Parl 11/02/2026)

Existing Homes Alliance written submission on housing regulations (Scot Parl 11/02/2026)

Visitor Levy (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill – Stage 1 information and documents (Scot Parl 11/02/2026)

Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee Stage 1 Report on Visitor Levy (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill (Scot Parl 11/02/2026)

Correspondence between Inverclyde Council and the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee regarding Council Tax (Variation for Unoccupied Dwellings) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2026 (Scot Parl 11/02/2026)

Correspondence between Highland Council and the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee regarding Council Tax (Variation for Unoccupied Dwellings) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2026 (Scot Parl 12/02/2026)

Association of Local Authority Chief Housing Officers written submission on housing regulations (Scot Parl 12/02/2026)

Correspondence between Kate Forbes and the Finance and Public Administration Committee regarding National Performance Framework update (Scot Parl 16/02/2026)

Correspondence between Aberdeenshire Council and the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee regarding Council Tax (Variation for Unoccupied Dwellings) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2026 (Scot Parl 16/02/2026)

Cladding Remediation Programme: factsheet (Scot Gov 16/02/2026)

Delivering warmer homes that are cheaper to heat (Scot Gov 16/02/2026)

Budget (Scotland) (No. 5) Bill – Stage 2 amendments (Scot Parl 17/02/2026)

Visitor Levy (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill: Research Briefing (Scot Parl 17/02/2026)

 

Motions

S6M-20814
Submitted by: Ivan McKee, Glasgow Provan, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: 16/02/2026
That the Parliament agrees to the general principles of the Visitor Levy (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill.

Opinion & Comment

Aberdeen City Heritage Trust – Keep the Story Going: Importance of Good Design & Respecting Our Heritage
Date & Time: Tuesday 24 February 2026; 7-8pm
Location: Online
Part of the Aberdeen Heritage Lectures 2026 collection, architect Annie Kenyon, discusses The Importance of Good Design & Respecting Our Heritage. Annie set up her architecture practice, ak|a in 2006 after working in practices in London and Edinburgh. The practice has gained a reputation for excellence in design and service, on projects ranging from extensions and new builds to conservation and small scale developments. Passionate about retaining our local vernacular, Annie and the team focus on creating architecture that is contemporary in spirit, yet rooted in tradition. Aberdeen City Heritage Trust recognises the support of Historic Environment Scotland and Aberdeen City Council.

Under One Roof – Tenement Buildings Insurance Webinar with Mill Architects and Howden Insurance
Date & Time: Wednesday 25 February 2026; 12:30-1:30pm
Location: Online via Microsoft Teams
Keeping your tenement building adequately insured is a crucial part of building maintenance and a legal obligation. But how do you know if you have the correct individual buildings insurance? Which parts of the building should it cover? How do you know if your coverage is enough in the event of a building collapse or other serious damage? Join this free webinar to hear from the experts about individual buildings insurance policies for tenements. Speakers will be Jo Parry-Geddes, Director of Mill Architects, and Alexandra Richards, Development Executive at Howden Insurance.

Architecture and Design Scotland – Chair Recruitment Information Session
Date & Time: Wednesday 25 February 2026; 6:30-7:30pm
Location: Online
On 16 February 2026, the Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture started its recruitment to appoint a new Chair to the Board of Architecture and Design Scotland. Architecture and Design Scotland, the Scottish Government, and Public Appointments Scotland are hosting an online information session for candidates interested in applying for the upcoming Chair position. Interested candidates can register for the event here.

Europa Nostra – Announcing 2026 List of 7 Most Endangered Heritage Sites in Europe
Date & Time: Thursday 26 February 2026; 10-11:30am
Location: Online via zoom. Registration is compulsory.
The final list of 7 Most Endangered sites 2026 will be unveiled during this online event, featuring representatives from Europa Nostra, the European Investment Bank Institute and the European Commission. There will also be contributions from representatives of the organisations that nominated the 7 listed sites, which the Board of Europa Nostra selected from among the sites previously shortlisted by the Advisory Panel of the 7 Most Endangered Programme.

Culture Counts – Scotland’s Cultural Future: Culture Hustings for the Next Parliament
Date & Time: Thursday 26 February 2026; 7-8:30pm
Location: Online
Hear Scotland’s main political parties set out their plans for supporting our cultural lives in the next parliamentary term. What can we expect from Scotland’s main political parties following the forthcoming election this May? Join via livestream to hear party representatives respond to key issues facing the cultural sector. Submit your questions and key concerns in advance to help shape the evening’s content. This is a non-selective hustings, aiming to create a safe and respectful space to talk about the issues faced by the culture sector and how the candidates hope to provide solutions if elected.

SEDA/HES – Stone Futures 5 – Stonut and Brochs
Date & Time: Monday 2 March 2026; 1-2pm
Location: Online
Across the autumn and winter, Scotland East Region, Scottish Ecological Design Association (SEDA) and Historic Environment Scotland (HES) are excited to launch a new lunchtime CPD seminar series dedicated to one of the most enduring yet ever evolving materials in our built environment: Stone. From its role in the earliest architecture to its potential in a low carbon future, stone carries its story of resilience, craft and innovation. This series will open up fresh perspectives on how stone can shape tomorrow’s buildings whilst drawing from its rich history. Whether you’re a technologist, architect, designer, engineer or simply curious about the possibilities of this timeless material, these seminars are designed to inform, challenge and inspire. All seminars: 1pm on the first Monday of every month.

Aberdeen City Heritage Trust – Scotland’s Churches: Reading a Building
Date & Time: Tuesday 3 March 2026; 7-8pm
Location: Online
Part of the Aberdeen Heritage Lectures 2026 collection, Ian Davidson discusses How to look at an old building and understand its development, using church architecture as a case study. Ian Mitchell Davidson is a Chartered Building Surveyor and Heritage Consultant, Hon. Prof at RGU, elected Guardian for the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, Trustee of Historic Churches Scotland and a member of the RICS Building Conservation Advisory Group. He is an Accredited Historic Building Professional. After almost 35 years with the National Trust for Scotland, he formed his consultancy in 2017 and has supported local communities, owners, developers, professionals and institutions in the care of historic buildings throughout Scotland. Aberdeen City Heritage Trust recognises the support of Historic Environment Scotland and Aberdeen City Council

Development Trusts Association Scotland – Community Right to Buy
Date & Time: Tuesday 3 March 2026; 12-1:30pm
Location: Online – Sign up on Eventbrite
Part of the New Futures – Former Places of Worship workshop series. The Community Right to Buy is a means for geographical communities to acquire land and buildings. As churches listed for disposal across Scotland enter the open market, the Community Right to Buy may prove an effective tool for communities, allowing them to purchase their former place of worship. This workshop will cover key information regarding the Community Right to Buy processes.

Under One Roof – Damp and Mould Webinar with Dundee City Council
Date & Time: Wednesday 4 March 2026; 12-1pm
Location: Online
Awaab’s Law is coming to Scotland. As part of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2025, this important legislation will change the way that social and private landlords deal with damp and mould in their flats. Damp and mould are serious problems affecting Scotland’s tenements, damaging buildings and harming human health. Join this free webinar with Dundee City Council, to find out how this new law will affect you and your tenants, and what you can do to prevent and treat damp and mould in your properties.

Under One Roof –Taking Care of Your Tenement: In-Person Info Session with Glasgow City Heritage Trust
Date & Time: Thursday 5 March 2026; 6-7:30pm
Location: Kinning Park Complex, 43 Cornwall Street, Glasgow G41 1BA
Worried about a leaky roof? Concerned about damp in your flat?  Not sure how to talk to your neighbours about joint repairs? Then join Glasgow City Heritage Trust (GCHT) and Under One Roof for a free and informative event aimed at owner-occupiers, landlords or anyone who wants to learn more about maintaining and managing their historic tenement flats. Topics covered will include tenement maintenance and management, communal repairs and what to consider when undertaking works. There will also be a chance to hear about GCHT’s historic environment grants programme and whether you might be eligible for funding.

Aberdeen City Heritage Trust – Building Maintenance Essentials and Places of Worship
Date & Time: Saturday 7 March 2026; 9:30am-12:15pm (walking tour: 1-2:30pm)
Location: Aberdeen Arts Centre, 33 King St, Aberdeen AB24 5AA
Come and spend a Saturday morning finding out about caring for your traditional building, whether that be an individual granite home, a flat in a granite tenement, a community hall or a place of worship. This event is suitable for house or flat owners, property managers, including those in charge of tenements, community/public buildings and places of worship of traditional construction. Conservation Accredited Chartered Surveyor, Ian Davidson, Craig Wilson of RGU and Douglas Campbell of Aberdeen City Heritage Trust will be contributing. This is followed up from 1 pm with a short History and Maintenance Walking Tour ending at St Andrew’s Cathedral in King Street.

AHSS – John Lowrey: Architecture and Urbanism in late Georgian Edinburgh: History, Modernity and Style
Date & Time: Monday 9 March 2026; 6:30-7:30pm
Location: Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL (wheelchair accessible) & live streamed via Zoom
John Lowrey is a senior lecturer in architectural history at Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (ESALA), part of Edinburgh College of Art within Edinburgh University.  He has specialised in the study of classical architecture in Scotland and in the architectural history of Edinburgh. He is currently working on a new book exploring the topics of his lecture title.

Aberdeen City Heritage Trust – Geology, Industry & Architecture: Science & History of North East Granite
Date & Time: Tuesday 10 March 2026; 7-8pm
Location: Online
Part of the Aberdeen Heritage Lectures 2026 collection. Natural stone has been a favoured building material since the early days of human habitation in Scotland, and is still in fashion for modern architecture. A rich and diverse legacy of building with stone has created the unique historic character of our towns, cities, monuments, places of worship and infrastructure. In Aberdeen & Aberdeenshire, the famous granite city has found its name and character in the stone bedrock on which it is founded. This lecture will be delivered by experts from the British Geological Survey (BGS), Dr Stephen Parry and Paul Everett. Aberdeen City Heritage Trust recognises the support of Historic Environment Scotland and Aberdeen City Council

SHBT – Nature-led Conservation: Can Heritage Survive Without Nature?
Date & Time: Wednesday 11 March 2026; 6-8pm
Location: Riddle’s Court, 322 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2PG
Speakers: Dr David Mitchell, Director of Cultural Assets at Historic Environment Scotland and Diarmid Hearns, Head of Public Policy, Risk and Environment with the National Trust for Scotland. At the top of Patrick Geddes’ valley section are the hills: the scene of only sparse and temporary human habitation: shepherds, walkers, windmills and dams, shooting ranges and drives, and forest. We often conceive of ‘nature’ as the opposite of ‘culture’ (be it urban or agricultural), but of course, the hills, for all their apparent emptiness, are as tightly managed and as man-made as any city street. Nature is a cultural construct. As such, it has a heritage all of its own – histories of farming, walking, imagining, and centuries of care. This session will consider what happens when these forms of conservation meet one another, and speculate upon what might, and could, happen.

Society of Antiquaries of Scotland – At the Far End of Everything: A Likely Ahrensburgian Presence on Skye
Date & Time: Thursday 12 March 2026; 6-8pm
Location: Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL
Stone tools found on the Isle of Skye have been dated to the Late Upper Palaeolithic (LUP), around 11,500 – 11,000 years ago. Based on reconstructions of local glacier formation and sea level data, an enigmatic group of stone circular structures which lie below modern sea level are estimated to date to the same time period. These discoveries mean that the west coast now represents the largest concentration of evidence for these pioneer human populations anywhere in Scotland and reveals how early humans of this period ventured much further north than previously believed.

SURF – Empowering People, Places, and Policy – SURF Hustings and Conference
Date & Time: Thursday 12 March 2026; 9:30am-3:30pm
Location: Paisley Town Hall, Abbey Close, Paisley PA1 1JF
A key focus of discussion will be the four manifesto topics , and you will get a chance to grill the party representatives at a morning hustings session. There will also be a chance to learn from over a decade of  evidence from SURF’s Alliance for Action place-based programme.

Aberdeen City Heritage Trust – Building Communities through Regeneration- The Work of the Heritage Network
Date & Time: Tuesday 17 March 2026; 7-8pm
Location: Online
Part of the Aberdeen Heritage Lectures 2026 collection, Sarah Pearce, Heritage Network discusses Building Communities through Regeneration, The Work of the Heritage Network. Sarah is the Development & Outreach Manager at Heritage Network and has been the lead in Scotland since 2018. With a background in Architectural History, Sarah’s daily focus is on supporting community groups across the country who are reusing historic buildings, connecting people with the expertise they need. Aberdeen City Heritage Trust recognises the support of Historic Environment Scotland and Aberdeen City Council

Under One Roof – Damp and Mould webinar with Falkirk Council
Date & Time: Tuesday 17 March 2026; 12-1pm
Location: Online via Microsoft Teams
Awaab’s Law is coming to Scotland. As part of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2025, this important legislation will change the way that social and private landlords deal with damp and mould in their flats. Damp and mould are serious problems affecting Scotland’s flats, damaging buildings and harming human health. Join this free webinar with Falkirk Council to find out how this new law will affect you and your tenants, and what you can do to prevent and treat damp and mould in your properties.

FuturHist & INTBAU – From Heritage to Energy Transition. Passive Retrofit Strategies for Heritage Buildings
Date & Time: Tuesday 17 March 2026; 10-11:30am
Location: Online via Zoom
This webinar will explore examples of passive solutions in historic buildings, focusing on insulation systems and window solutions. Experts Marianna Muchorowska (Innsbruck University) and Alexandra Troi (Eurac Research), will share their knowledge and experience gathered in the deliverable “Conservation compatible passive retrofit solutions”.
Register here.

Europa Nostra – Secretary General Address
Date & Time: Tuesday 17 March 2026; tbc
Location: Edinburgh
More details to follow

AHSS – Sarah Jane Storrie: Heritage with Purpose; Adaptive Reuse and Community-Centred Design
Date & Time: Thursday 19 March 2026; 7:30pm
Location: St Andrew’s West Church & Renfield Centre, 260 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 4JP
Note: Lecture will also be live-streamed via Zoom
Join Sarah Jane Storrie, a founding director at Studio SJM Architects, as she shares insights gained from over twenty years of experience in the adaptive reuse of historic structures. Holding RIAS Conservation Accreditation since 2013, she examines how careful conservation and repair, partnered with imaginative and pragmatic adaptive reuse of heritage assets, can act as a catalyst for regeneration and benefit the wider community in terms of tangible and intangible heritage.

Our New Future – Redefining Risk, Resilience and Regeneration
Date & Time: Thursday 19 March 2026; 5:30-8:30pm
Location: Material Source Studio Scotland, 180 W George St, Glasgow G2 2NR
Beyond Net Zero – who carries the risk, who builds the future, and how do we get there? Hosted by Sam Patterson and New Future, in partnership with the ASBP and STBA this panel discussion asks a critical question: How can Scotland’s built environment move beyond Net Zero to build a future that works for people, places, and the planet, and ensure the workforce is equipped to deliver it? Hear from experts in finance, policy, materials, public delivery, and retrofit to explore what it will really take to deliver a sustainable and equitable built environment, beyond targets alone. More info here.

Under One Roof – Taking Care of Your Tenement: Drop-In Q&A Session with Glasgow City Heritage Trust
Date & Time: Thursday 19 March 2026; 5:30-7pm
Location: Kinning Park Complex, 43 Cornwall Street, Glasgow G41 1BA
Join Glasgow City Heritage Trust (GCHT) and Under One Roof for a drop-in Q&A session aimed at anyone who wants to learn more about maintaining and repairing a historic tenement. This is a chance to bring your questions and speak one-to-one with the experts. Whether you have a specific issue to discuss or just want to have a quick chat about looking after your tenement, please stop by. If you do have a specific building repair query, please bring photos so their teams can best assist you. This event is free, and questions will be answered on a first come/first serve basis.

Aberdeen City Heritage Trust – Transatlantic Tradesmen: Aberdeen Granite Workers in North America
Date & Time: Tuesday 24 March 2026; 7-8pm
Location: Online
Part of the Aberdeen Heritage Lectures 2026 collection, Prof. Marjory Harper, University of Aberdeen discusses Transatlantic Tradesmen: Aberdeen Granite Workers in North America. Marjory Harper is Professor of History at the University of Aberdeen, and Visiting Professor at the Centre for History, University of the Highlands and Islands. She has devised and directed an award-winning online Master’s Programme in Scottish Heritage. Her research focuses on British (particularly Scottish) emigration since 1800. Two of her monographs have won international prizes, and she has published around 100 articles and book chapters. Aberdeen City Heritage Trust recognises the support of Historic Environment Scotland and Aberdeen City Council.

Heritage Network – North UK Mills Group – Tour of Preston Mill 
Date: Tuesday 24 March 2026; 10:30am-12:30pm
Location: Preston Mill, East Linton, EH40 3DS
Join the North UK Mills Group at Preston Mill to see this watermill grind grain for the first time in nearly 40 years. There has been a mill on site since the 16th century, and the current structure dates to the 18th century. Fraser MacDonald of the National Trust for Scotland will explain the labour, skill, and technical work necessary to bring the millstones back to life.

Heritage Network – Heritage Works – Arts, Culture and Placemaking in a Historic City
Date & Time: Tuesday 24 March 2026; 9:30am-4:30pm
Location: The Quaker Meeting House, 7 Victoria Terrace, Edinburgh EH1
Against Edinburgh’s backdrop of medieval closes, Georgian crescents, and world-renowned arts and culture festivals and programming, the event shines a spotlight on the opportunities and challenges of cultivating thriving public realms rooted in heritage. Bringing together local authorities, heritage bodies, cultural practitioners, arts professionals, and community stakeholders, this symposium delves into the unique potential of historic cities; places where centuries of architectural legacy meet contemporary creative ambition.

FuturHist & INTBAU – From Heritage to Energy Transition. How Active Systems Can Support Heritage Buildings
Date & Time: Tuesday 24 March 2026; 10-11:30am
Location: Online via Zoom
This webinar will discuss active solutions with experts Federico Trentin (Eurac Research) and Marianna Muchorowska (Innsbruck University). They will highlight the key learnings from the deliverable “Conservation compatible solutions for HVAC and RES integration in Historic Buildings“.
Register here.

SAVE THE DATE/EARLY BOOKING OPEN NOW 

Archaeology Scotland – 2026 Summer School 
Date & Time: Tuesday 19 – Friday 22 May 2026
Location: Corran Esplanade, Oban, Argyll, PA34 5PZ

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. Booking now open.

The Engine Shed – Stone in Scotland: Past, Present and Future
Date & Time: Tuesday 24 February 2026; 9:30am-4pm
Location: Hybrid – The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling, FK8 1QZ and Online
Stone has been used to create Scotland’s historic built environment for thousands of years. These three morning talks will introduce you to the wide range of stone used in Scotland and share current best practice in stone repairs. There will also be a review of innovative methods of identifying and procuring new stone for conservation and newbuild projects. In the afternoon, the speakers will lead a walking tour around Stirling’s Old Town to discuss a wide range of stone conservation issues. A networking lunch will provide you with the opportunity to continue discussions and explore the Engine Shed. Cost: £85 for the in person full day learning experience; £30 for virtual attendance.

The Engine Shed – Lime Mortar: Principles and Practices
Date & Time: Tuesday 17 March 2026; 9:30am-4pm
Location: Hybrid – The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling, FK8 1QZ and Online
Lime is a traditional bedding, pointing and finishing material in Scotland’s historic built environment. These three morning talks will start with the basic principles of processing raw limestone or shells into mortar and plaster. The speakers will also share current best practice and the innovative techniques used to identify (and replicate) parts for conservation and repair projects. A networking lunch will provide you with the opportunity to continue discussions and explore the Engine Shed. In the afternoon, the speakers will lead a walking tour around Stirling’s Old Town to discuss a wide range of conservation issues. Cost: £85 for the in person full day learning experience; £30 for virtual attendance.

SLCT – Above Eaves Level Masonry Repairs and Traditional Roofing Basics
Date & Time: Friday 20 March 2026; 9:30am-4:30pm
Location: Merryhill Training Centre, 2 Rocks Road, Charlestown, Fife KY11 3EN
A one-day workshop aimed at contractors, building on the knowledge and skills gained on ‘C1 Making and Using Traditional Mortars’. The workshop aims to enable participants to complete seamless rebuilding and repair of traditional masonry to match the original work. You will gain a conservation ethic and be able to develop repair strategies suitable for a variety of traditional masonry types. This course deals with: the consolidation of rubble walling; rebuilding stone replacement walling, and undertaking masonry repairs at roof level. This workshop provides the underpinning knowledge and a practical rehearsal for the assessment of National Units H8 WV 46 ‘Consolidation and Repair of Masonry Structures’. Please click here to download PDF copy of the course description (142KB). This practical course is aimed at building contractors and those undertaking repair work to masonry structures who have completed ‘C1 Making and Using Traditional Mortars’.

Planning Aid Scotland – Community Engagement Skills Training Edinburgh
Date & Time: Wednesday 25 March 2026; 10am-3:30pm
Location: The Crannie, 9 Cranston Street, Edinburgh EH8 8BE
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.

The Engine Shed – Scottish Roofing: Materials and Practices
Date & Time: Tuesday 31 March 2026; 9:30am-4pm
Location: Hybrid – The Engine Shed, Forthside Way, Stirling, FK8 1QZ and Online
Natural slate, lead and iron have been used to cover (and sometimes decorate) traditional Scottish buildings for generations. These three morning talks will introduce you to the methods and materials traditionally used in Scotland for roofing, followed by a discussion on the prospects for reopening Scotland’s first working slate quarry since the 1950s. A networking lunch will provide you with the opportunity to continue discussions and explore the Engine Shed. In the afternoon, the speakers will lead a walking tour around Stirling’s Old Town to observe a wide range of roof repair and conservation issues. Cost: £85 for the in person full day learning experience; £30 for virtual attendance.

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