BEFS Bulletin 392: BEFS Member news, consultations and events

A bit of a spotlight on some of BEFS Members in this edition!

The shortlisted projects in the running for the prestigious 2026 RIAS Awards have been announced. Congratulations to everyone on the list, which sees public projects, social housing and university buildings recognised, with historic buildings including an outdoor swimming pool, a 15th-century tower house and doocot, and National Trust for Scotland properties in the Hebrides given new leases of life through skilled building conservation. Read more, including the full shortlist, here.

The Scottish Civic Trust My Place Awards 2026 are now open. Celebrating the power of communities to shape and strengthen their places across Scotland, the awards include categories for community-led regeneration, retrofit and climate mitigation projects and the inclusion of under-represented audiences. Enter here if you are involved in a local project that has made a real difference or know a group that should be recognised.

BEFS Member Historic Houses has today published their report ‘A Fragile Inheritance: the state of the UK’s Historic Houses’. Based on responses from 338 of Historic Houses own members, the report provides a snapshot of 2025, demonstrating the positive impact these special places have on tourism, the economy and employment. Concerning trends however prevail, with increasing costs, the impact of the pandemic on visitor numbers, a complex planning landscape and tax burdens – all presenting challenges and a risk to their survival.

And finally, BEFS Member organisation Stirling City Heritage Trust are recruiting for trustees. Applicants with an interest in Stirling’s traditional architecture and the importance of maintenance of traditional buildings are invited to apply. Applications from people from a diverse range of backgrounds, age groups, and experience, and with the ability to make an effective contribution to the organisation are particularly welcome. Further information and an application pack are available on their website.

 

Scotland’s island communities: community-led plans and renewable energy
Planning Aid Scotland
This survey aims to gather what training and support is needed for island communities to take part in planning processes. It focuses on community-led planning (such as Local Place Plans) and improving understanding of planning processes for electricity and renewable energy developments. There will be a workshop on 12 March 2026 (7-8:30pm, online). Action from the draft National Islands Plan was laid before Scottish Parliament in December 2025.
*NEW* Closes 15 March 2026

Home Energy Model: Energy Performance Certificates
UK Government
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero is consulting on Energy Performance Certificate assessment reform in England and Wales and views on the new Home Energy Model methodology in particular. The department is particularly interested in comments from retrofit professionals, energy assessors and product manufacturers. The consultation will support the UK Government’s commitments to reach net zero by 2050 and alleviate fuel poverty.
Closes 18 March 2026

Onshore Electricity Generation: Increasing threshold for applications under The Electricity Act
Scottish Government
This consultation seeks views on increasing the 50 MW threshold which determines whether applications for onshore electricity generating stations are decided by Scottish Ministers or by the relevant planning authority.
Closes 27 March 2026

New Inventory of Living Heritage – Expression of Interest
Living Heritage in the UK
Following ratification of the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, the UK government invites communities to nominate their own cultural traditions for the inventories of living heritage in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Categories include oral expressions, performing arts, social practices, nature/land/spirituality, crafts, sport/games, and culinary practices.
Closes 27 March 2026

The Big Think: Place
UK Heritage Pulse
Sector-wide surveys organised by the UK Heritage Pulse, a research consortium convened by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic England, will explore how heritage organisations work with place and what ‘place-based heritage’ means in practice. Monthly surveys on the theme will run in January, February and March and are open to all heritage organisations.
Closes 31 March 2026

Scottish Building Regulations: Fire Safety review and Compliance: Call for Evidence
Scottish Government
This consultation seeks to obtain the views and opinions of stakeholders on a review of building standards and guidance relating to fire safety, including work on the compliance plan approach, to help ensure the safety of people in and around Scotland’s buildings. The consultation covers three main areas: the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 Report recommendations on fire safety, including a fundamental review of Section 2 (Fire) of the Technical Handbooks; the compliance plan manager; and the compliance plan approach. The proposed review and changes outlined in the consultation aim to improve safety for the design and construction of all domestic and non-domestic buildings, making them safer for those in and around buildings, particularly relating to fire safety and in the event of an outbreak of a building fire when considering the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 Report recommendations. The consultation paper contains full background information.
Closes 10 April 2026

Accelerating home-building in Scotland
Scottish Government
This consultation seeks views on possible measures to accelerate the build-out of housing in Scotland, including mechanisms to stimulate the build-out of housing sites with planning permission. Options include land assembly, build-out rates, and fiscal measures. Follows commitment in the Housing Emergency Action Plan to extend planning consultation to cover measures for SMEs and increase volume of delivery.
Closes 30 April 2026

Draft Infrastructure Strategy 2027–2037
Scottish Government
The Scottish Government wants Scotland’s infrastructure to be planned and delivered in a way that supports net zero and environmental sustainability, inclusive economic growth and resilient and sustainable places. The ambition is to create a system that makes best use of existing assets, embraces innovation, and ensures investment decisions deliver long-term public value.However, delivering infrastructure is not without challenges. To meet these challenges, the strategy focuses on three key enablers that can help turn strategic ambition into practical outcomes, ensuring investment choices deliver long-term public value: public assets, place-making and private investment. The consultation paper contains background information for respondents.
Closes 5 May 2026

 

 Consultation Responses

Public Consultation Analysis on Scotland’s Draft Climate Change Plan 2026-2040 (Scot Gov 27/02/2026)

Building standards – proposed changes to Section 3.3 Flooding and Groundwater: consultation analysis (Scot Gov 02/03/2026)

 

News Releases

SCVO’s 2026 Scottish Parliament election manifesto (SCVO February 2026)

RTPI Scotland Planifesto 2026 (Royal Town Planning Institute February 2026)

The Landscape Institute Awards 2026 open for entries (Landscape Institute February 2026)

Preferred developer and development proposal for Egyptian Halls in Glasgow approved (Glasgow City Council 09/02/2026)

Forget Quick Fixes: Why City & Guilds Say Apprenticeships Could Be the Only Way Out of the UK’s Housing Shortage (City & Guilds 09/02/2026)

Buildings at Risk register (BaR)- Call for Entries 2026 (SAVE Britain’s Heritage 16/02/2026)

Chair recruitment for Architecture and Design Scotland is now open (Architecture & Design Scotland 16/02/2026)

Shaping the Future of Heritage Skills and Careers: Insights from Skills Forum Live 2026 (Historic Environment Forum 16/02/2026)

£10 million to revitalise historic places and bring communities closer to their heritage (Heritage Fund 17/02/2026)

Scottish Civic Trust My Place Awards are now open for entries (Scottish Civic Trust 18/02/2026)

16 organisations demand action from Dundee City Council as housing system ‘no longer coping’ (Shelter Scotland 23/02/2026)

First Hampden could be added to list of nationally important sites (HES 26/02/2026)

How Scotland can open up land opportunities (Scottish Land Commission 26/02/2026)

Europa Nostra announces the 7 Most Endangered Heritage Sites in Europe for 2026 (Europa Nostra 26/02/2026)

Anas Sarwar pledged to lead the “biggest housebuilding revolution in the history of devolution” (Scottish Labour 27/02/2026)

 

 

Scottish & UK: Governmental & Parliamentary Publications

Renfrewshire Council invests £1 million to support cultural growth (The Gazette 11/02/2026)

Scottish Government rejects Flamingo Land plans for Loch Lomond (STV News 24/02/2026)

What can we do about Edinburgh’s ‘soulless’ canalside? Edinburgh Quay should be one of the city’s crown jewels, but instead it is pretty vacant (Edinburgh Inquirer 24/02/2026)

Scotland’s plan to install heat pumps ‘too slow’, warn climate advisers (The BBC 25/02/2026)

Largest-ever Dumfries housing development approved (The National 25/02/2026)

Cosla demands next Scottish government ‘scrap and replace’ council tax (The Scotsman 02/03/2026)

Scottish Apprenticeship Week: Construction tops parental preferences for career path (Scottish Construction Now 02/03/2026)

 

Events

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 1pm 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. 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 is 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.

Our New Future – Redefining Risk, Resilience and Regeneration
Date & Time: Thursday 12 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.

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.

Under One Roof – Exploring Building Reserve Funds 
Date and Time: Friday 13 March 2026; 12-1pm
Location: Online
Scotland’s tenements are in a poor state of repair, and the owners’ lack of funds to pay for major repair works is part of the problem. Under One Roof, alongside Gillian Campbell Consulting, has been exploring funding solutions for tenement owners. Mandatory Building Reserve Funds are a potential solution, which would help owners save small amounts of money regularly to pay for big repairs. At this webinar, Under One Roof Chief Executive Mike Heffron and housing consultant Gillian Campbell will discuss the findings of their recent report, funded by the MCS Foundation, on Building Reserve Funds, and the recommendations made to the Scottish Government about how to introduce them. Their conversation will be followed by a Q&A, where you can ask the experts about your own tenement repair funding issues.

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; 5-7pm
Location: Edinburgh City Chambers, 253 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1YJ
RSA Fellows and guests are invited to this event with insights from the Secretary-General of Europa Nostra, Sneška Quaedvlieg-Mihailovic. The subject “Heritage matters” resonates with the wordplay “Design Matters” by the late and respected Bernat Klein, whose Studio is the subject of a collaborative restoration kick-started by the Bernat Klein Foundation, the National Trust for Scotland and the Scottish Heritage Buildings Trust. Heritage is an economic driver. It matters that heritage makes a significant GDP contribution and that huge numbers of volunteers support heritage bodies. Heritage encourages visitors to the UK, and is integral to soft power, national reputation, rural and city economies, given that heritage buildings and sites often host Festivals. Other matters and issues arising include: Response to climate change and sustainability; issues of UNESCO inscription, UK listings; future maintenance, retention or other disposal(s); and issues outlined in Historic Environment Scotland’s “Our Place in Time” (2014) and its subsequent “Our Past, Our Future: The Strategy for Scotland’s Historic Environment” (2023). Following the presentations, there will be a period of Q&A. Europa Nostra is the European voice of civil society committed to safeguarding and promoting cultural and natural heritage. Founded in 1963, it is the largest and most representative heritage network in Europe. The Secretary-General, Sneška Quaedvlieg-Mihailovic, is a leader whose dynamism, energy and charisma are inspirational and respected across Europe and more widely. Please note that this is a ticketed event (£7.50) with a drink token included.

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.

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 & Time: 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

 
RTPI – Scottish Young Planners’ Conference 2026
Date & Time: Friday 24 April 2026
Location: Dynamic Earth, Holyrood Road, Edinburgh EH8 8AS
This year’s Scottish Young Planners’ Conference will explore planning’s critical role in tackling the climate and nature crises. The conference will feature a variety of speakers who will provide critical insights, share best practice examples, and lead practical workshop sessions to enhance delegates’ awareness, knowledge and skills on a range of topics.

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.

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.

 

Training

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 practices 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 a 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.

SLCT – Repairing Traditional Masonry Structures
Date & Time: Thursday 26 March 2026; 9:30am-4:30pm
Location: Merryhill Training Centre, 2 Rocks Road, Charlestown, Fife KY11 3EN
This one-day workshop covers the construction and appropriate repair of traditional masonry structures such as culverts, tunnels, light houses, viaducts, canals, harbours, retaining walls, piers and masonry arch bridges. These structures contribute so much to the richness of our built heritage and many are still in use after 200+ years. But in many cases, we are asking these structures to outperform any of the expectations that their original designers intended, which can leave us with various ‘headaches’ to deal with, without spoiling their beautiful aesthetics. There are now a wide range of lime and natural cement binders along with additives that can be used to emulate both the technical and aesthetic performance of original mortars in repair schemes from re-pointing to stitching cracks and grouting structures to secure them. Download full course description here (PDF)

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.

 

Vacancies

RIAS – Marketing Manager
Salary: £35,000 per annum
Status: Full Time; 35 hours per week (flexible/hybrid working)
Location: RIAS, 15 Rutland Square, Edinburgh EH1 2BE
This is a new role within the organisation, offering the right individual the opportunity to shape and develop the role while working as part of a supportive team. A key objective will be to maintain high member retention levels and create effective new membership recruitment strategies.The role will also focus on developing a marketing strategy for RIAS’s products and services, ensuring that all audience engagement is well researched, planned and delivered effectively. The Marketing Manager will also play a role in coordinating the creation of digital and physical assets that support the promotion of RIAS and its wider offer.
The postholder will collaborate with both the Practice Services and Outreach teams to ensure a joined-up approach to communications and marketing that links with Membership priorities. The role will also support the commercial function of RIAS, including the promotion of commercial products such as sponsorship and the online directory.
Please see the full Job Description here.
To apply for this position, please send your CV and a covering statement (no more than two sides of A4) demonstrating your experience in relation to the job description and required competencies to recruitment@rias.org.uk.
Applications will be shortlisted, and those selected will be invited to interview. Both the application, supporting statement and interview will contribute towards the assessment and final appointment. Applications will be assessed as they are submitted, and candidates may be invited for a first interview before the closing date. First round interviews from 9 March onwards.
Closing Date: Friday 6 March 2026

Loco Home Retrofit – Retrofit Manager
Salary: £33,500 to £37,500 pro rata, depending on experience
Status: Full-time permanent (0.8 FTE may be considered)
Location: Hybrid: Glasgow/site/work from home
Following recent commercial success, Loco Home Retrofit are looking for a new Technical Manager to head up their homeowner support services and relationships with retrofit and renewables contractors. This is an opportunity to take a leading role in an innovative climate action social enterprise. The Technical Manager will report to the Managing Director and will be responsible for leading the delivery and ongoing evolution of retrofit support services for households. Key responsibilities include: delivering the service by carrying out surveys and providing retrofit advice; overseeing service delivery by other team members, ensuring standards are maintained in terms of customer service, technical robustness, health & safety and privacy; leading service improvement for greater technical robustness and productivity; developing and maintaining commercial relationships with retrofit contractors. Applicants must have demonstrated success in delivering projects in housing retrofit/building services/construction. They must have practical expertise in either retrofit fabric and improvements, including risk management in traditional constructions, or heating system design, especially heat pumps, as well as a strong desire to learn about the other.
Read the full job description and person specification here.
Closing Date: 9am on Monday 9 March 2026

Architecture and Design Scotland – Chair 
Salary: £10,482.24 per annum
Status: 4 days a month (48 days per year)
Location: Edinburgh
Angus Robertson, the Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture has launched the recruitment to appoint a new Chair to the Board of Architecture and Design Scotland (A&DS) is entering a significant period of strategic change. While its core mission to champion good design across Scotland continues, the organisation will now take on a more central role in developing the nation’s architecture and design workforce. This includes supporting skills development, growing sector-wide capacity and strengthening their impact across Scotland’s places and communities. Public Appointments Scotland is seeking applicants with the experience and leadership skills to guide the Board during this important transition. Candidates should understand the value of architecture and design in shaping Scotland’s places and be able to inspire the board, build strong relationships and communicate with influence. Full details about the role and how to apply are available on the Public Appointments website. A&DS will also host an online information session with the Scottish Government’s Chief Architect, Sandy Robinson, and Independent Panel member Neena Mahal MBE DL. This will be held online on 25 February 2026 from 6:30-7:30pm. If you would like to attend this event, please register here.
Closing Date: Monday 16 March 2026

Stirling City Heritage Trust – Trustees
Salary: No remuneration
Stirling City Heritage Trust is seeking new Trustees. Founded in 2004, Stirling City Heritage Trust (SCHT) is a Scottish charity and company limited by guarantee funded by Historic Environment Scotland and Stirling Council. The Trust operates the Traditional Buildings Health Check, offers grants for traditional repairs and supports local education projects which promote an understanding of Stirling’s heritage. They also offer energy efficiency advice through their Retrofit Service. The Trust are looking to recruit volunteer Trustees who have an interest in the heritage and historic built environment of the City of Stirling to enhance the Board. Trustees support the Trust staff, raising the profile of the organisation and helping with strategic decision-making. To complement existing Board members, SCHT are particularly seeking individuals who have skills and experience in one or more of the following areas: architectural history, local cultural heritage, retrofit, engineering, traditional skill(s), HR, financial management/accountancy and legal. Applicants should have an interest in Stirling’s traditional architecture and recognise the importance of the maintenance of traditional buildings. SCHT particularly welcomes applications from people from a diverse range of backgrounds and experience, and with the ability to make an effective contribution to the organisation. They are also keen to attract young people to join. Further information and an application pack are available on the SCHT website or by contacting the Trust Manager, Vivienne Whyte, on 01786 498462 or manager@scht.org.uk.
Closing date: Friday 17 April 2026

Planning Aid Scotland – Opportunities for chartered planners
Becoming chartered is a significant professional milestone, signalling competence and a commitment to public service. Planning Aid Scotland, the national charity working to widen access to planning, offers newly chartered planners a way to put these values into practice through its national planning Advice Service. Volunteers support members of the public with a wide range of planning questions, gaining direct experience that is often hard to find in day-to-day roles. The opportunity is flexible and open to all chartered planners. In return, volunteers receive professional training, access to a video archive, and ongoing support.
Get in touch to find out more at volunteer@pas.org.uk
Closing Date: Not applicable

Planning Democracy – Trustees
Planning Democracy are looking for new trustees to join their board. They are particularly interested in recruiting trustees who have skills in the following areas:

• Governance

• Communications (social media, online resources, website management)

However, they are also keen to hear from anyone who feels that Planning Democracy is an organisation they are interested in getting involved with. In return, they are offering training opportunities, learning opportunities, experience in campaigning and advocacy, the opportunity to travel in Scotland and meet new people, as well as being part of a committed group of people.
If you are interested, contact Chair, Helen Todd on info@planningdemocracy.org.uk and they can then send you an application form and/or have a chat.
Closing Date: Not specified

SHBT – St Ninian’s Manse
Location: Quayside Street, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6EJ
Size: 2,889 sq ft
Availability: March 2026
Tenure: Available as a single tenancy or individual floors
With origins dating back to 1493, St Ninian’s Manse is thought to be the oldest building in Leith and is topped by Edinburgh’s sole surviving 17th-century timber steeple. It formed part of the original entrance to St Ninian’s Chapel, which was mostly demolished during the 19th century when the site was converted to industrial use as a mill. From 1996 to 2002, SHBT restored both St Ninian’s Manse and the adjacent Quayside Mills, creating desirable waterfront office space whilst also preserving an important historic structure and a key part of Leith’s history. The manse now offers four floors of adaptable office space with period character, modern amenities, and five dedicated parking spaces. Brochure
Enquiries: info@shbt.org.uk

 

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