We were saddened to learn of the death of architect Mick Duncan, associate architect of the Scottish Parliament and a significant figure in Scotland’s built environment. www.theguardian.com/... #BuiltEnvironment #Architecture #Scotland

🌞 Community energy in action In Ayr’s Wallacetown, solar panels installed on three schools are set to generate around £1m over 25 years for local projects tackling fuel poverty, carbon reduction and community wellbeing. Read more: www.bbc.co.uk/news/a...?

🎧 New Equality in Housing episode Dr Sacha Hassan joins Gareth Young and Pedro Cameron to explore inclusive placemaking and the housing barriers faced by people with complex needs in Scotland. Listen and download the transcript 👇 housingevidence.ac.u...

New guidance published on RAAC in Scottish homes 🏠 The Institution of Structural Engineers has released RAAC Scottish Residential Property Guidance – Part 1, supporting the initial identification and appraisal of RAAC roof panels in residential properties.

Climate Engagement Fund reopens 🌍 The Scottish Government’s £275,000 fund will support climate festivals, skills development, art exhibitions and community projects to boost climate awareness and action. Applications close 1 March 2026. Find out more and apply 👇

New discoveries in Scotland’s prehistoric landscape! Three previously unrecorded monuments in Perth and Kinross and East Lothian have now been recognised as nationally important.

Reminder: Don't miss out on events and training in Scotland's built environment sector! Check the BEFS Calendar for upcoming opportunities: www.befs.org.uk/events/ Stay updated - subscribe to BEFS Bulletin: befs.us10.list-manag... #BuiltEnvironment #ScotlandEvents

New! Andy Wightman’s analysis of the Rural Land Market Report 2024 highlights ongoing concentration of Scotland’s rural land and growing concerns over transparency in land sales 📊 The report questions use of “Implementation of Missives” to conceal sale prices. Read:

National Trust for Scotland is calling for VAT cuts on building repairs and greater investment in traditional skills to help protect Scotland’s built heritage 🏛️ They argue current policy favours demolition over retrofit. Read more and join the conversation:

Accelerating home-building in Scotland 🏘️ The Scottish Government has launched a consultation on measures to speed up housing delivery, including land assembly, build-out rates and support for SMEs. Closes 30 April 2026. Share your views 👇

BEFS has responded to the UK Government consultation on Alternative Clean Heating Solutions. We highlighted the importance of fabric-first approaches and the careful application of technologies suited to traditional buildings. Read our response 👇 www.befs.org.uk/wp-c...

The Scottish Civic Trust My Place Awards are now open 🏆 Celebrating community-led regeneration, civic champions, climate action and equalities in action across Scotland. 🗓 Closes 29th April Enter or share with your networks 👇 www.scottishcivictru...

BE-ST / Scottish Enterprise are seeking views to help shape the new Built Environment Cluster Management Organisation, supporting innovation, digital construction and decarbonisation. 🗓 Closes 27 Feb 2026 Take part 👇

The Community Wealth Building (Scotland) Bill has passed unanimously. New duties on public bodies to grow, retain and circulate wealth locally, from procurement to skills and community asset ownership. Read more in our latest BEFS Bulletin 👇

Edinburgh has confirmed the first spending programmes from its 5% Visitor Levy. From ~£50m expected annually, £5m will support delivery of 472 homes, alongside funding for venues, heritage assets, public art and responsible tourism. Read more:

BEFS Bulletin 391 is out 📣 Community Wealth Building legislation passed, visitor levy updates, plus the latest built environment news, policy consultations, publications and opportunities. Take a look 👇

🌍 BEFS has responded to the Draft Climate Change Plan (2026–40), welcoming its vision and ambition, but calling for clearer delivery detail and a stronger whole-systems approach across buildings, skills, reuse and place. Read our response → www.befs.org.uk/wp-c...

New report from UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence 🏘️🩺

📩 The Places of Worship Forum (POWF) Newsletter is out. Our featured blog highlights ReACH, responding to the challenge of church closures across Scotland and building a database of 860+ at-risk churches. 📖 Read the blog: ow.ly/KvvQ50YcKZc 🔎 POWF: ow.ly/yEwu50YcKZb l

Museums Galleries Scotland has launched Museums: Scotland’s Stories, Scotland’s Future 🏛️

🏛️In case you missed it - BEFS submitted a statement on the Visitor Levy (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill, supporting a formal three-year review and transparent reporting, while highlighting risks around levy income replacing existing maintenance budgets. Read more 👉 www.befs.org.uk/wp-c...

The Bare Bones Toolkit from Archaeology Scotland brings the Early Neolithic to life for learners of all ages 🪨🦴

Zero Waste Scotland shares practical advice on how built environment businesses can take first steps towards circularity, focusing on reuse, resilience and long-term value without major cost. 🏗️♻️ Read more 👉 www.zerowastescotlan...

IHBC has welcomed the UK Government’s Warm Homes Plan, but is urging a risk-based approach to retrofit, with stronger understanding of traditional building fabric to avoid future failures. Read the IHBC NewsBlog 👉 newsblogs.ihbc.org.u...

🧾 BEFS has published its response to Historic Environment Scotland’s draft Properties and Collections Strategy. We welcome the focus on collaboration and transparency, while highlighting questions on prioritisation, divestment and long-term maintenance. Read more 👉 www.befs.org.uk/wp-c...

895,000 tenement properties. 45% with critical disrepair. The Tenement Maintenance Working Group has 3 evidence-based solutions: ✅ 5-yearly inspections ✅ Compulsory owners associations ✅ Building reserve funds Time to implement them 🏢 Read our full manifesto:

🌍 New opportunity: communities can now submit an Expression of Interest for the UK Inventory of Living Heritage. From crafts and oral traditions, to food and performing arts, nominations are open across the UK. Learn more and take part 👉

📣 Consultation open: Historic Environment Scotland is seeking views on Fair Work across the historic environment. Employers and organisations in receipt of government funding are invited to share their awareness and approach. Take part here 👇

As the 2026 election approaches, sector manifestos are sharpening focus on the existing built environment. The Chartered Institute of Building in Scotland has published From Ambition to Delivery, setting out practical actions on housing, climate change and building safety. 📘 www.ciob.org/industr...

BEFS Bulletin 390 is out 📣 Sector strategies, manifestos, and funding implications for places of worship, plus the latest built environment news, policy updates, consultations and opportunities. Take a look 👇

NEW consultation alert! Scottish Building Regulations: Fire Safety review and Compliance is now open. The consultation seeks views on fire safety standards, compliance plans and responses to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 Report. Closes 10 April 2026 🗓️

BEFS Member Historic Churches Scotland is recruiting a new Director ⛪ A senior leadership role guiding the conservation and future of Scotland’s most at-risk historic churches, with a strong focus on communities, fundraising and strategy. Details and application info 👇 🔗

In case you missed it 📑 The Scottish Government has withdrawn national planning advice, including PAN2/2011 (Planning & Archaeology) and PAN71 (Conservation Areas). Sector concerns remain around clarity and decision-making. More detail in the SG blog 👇 🔗

Reminder: Don't miss out on events and training in Scotland's built environment sector! Check the BEFS Calendar for upcoming opportunities: www.befs.org.uk/events/ Stay updated - subscribe to BEFS Bulletin: befs.us10.list-manag... #BuiltEnvironment #ScotlandEvents"

⏰ Deadline approaching: BEFS is recruiting a Net Zero Lead This new role will drive a co-ordinated, evidence-led approach to Net Zero, connecting sector research, building capacity, and championing the historic environment’s role in tackling the climate emergency.

The Scottish Government’s 2026 to 2027 Budget has been published 📊 Built environment commitments include £7.6bn in capital investment, more carbon-free heating, and action on warm, affordable homes. Read the full Budget 👇 🔗

The Building Safety Levy (Scotland) Bill has been introduced to the Scottish Parliament 🏗️ If passed, it would fund cladding remediation and apply to some new residential developments from April 2028. Read BEFS’s response and statements 👇 🔗 Consultation response: www.befs.org.uk/wp-c...

New blog in our Joining the Dots series 🧩 Dr Scott McGibbon from Pvotal Consultancy explores why skills policy is strategic infrastructure, and how aligned investment, procurement and training can unlock net zero, housing and placemaking ambitions. Read 👉

Climate legislation is essential - but it must be holistic, aligned, & sustained beyond electoral cycles. With 52.9% of Scottish housing pre-1946, we need policies that work for ALL building types, not one-size-fits-all approaches ❌ Read the BEFS Manifesto here:

BEFS Bulletin 389 is out 📬 A busy start to 2026, with a brand new Joining the Dots blog, key news, policy updates, consultations, publications, vacancies and events from across Scotland’s built and historic environment sector. Read it here 👉

Scotland's construction creates 50% of our waste - yet buildings contain valuable, reusable materials with embodied carbon we can't afford to waste. Material Passports can unlock circular economy benefits ♻️ Read our full manifesto:

RICS Scotland Manifesto calls for urgent action on skills to deliver housing, infrastructure & net zero goals. With 10,000+ construction jobs needed by 2028, closer govt-industry collaboration is essential. Read more: www.rics.org/content... #ScotlandManifesto #ScottishBudget

Scottish Budget 2026/27 highlights built environment commitments including carbon-free heating, £7.6bn capital investment & warm, affordable homes. Increased investment in just transition, culture & apprenticeships. Read more:

Historic Houses is recruiting a Director of Policy & Public Affairs. Senior policy specialist with heritage experience? This could be for you. London-based, closing 19 Jan. More details:

Thank you to all our Members, Associates and partners for your continued engagement and support for BEFS work this year. Wishing everyone a restorative festive break 🎄 We’ll be back with our first bulletin of 2026 on 21 Jan. Subscribe to the Bulletin here:

Reminder: Don't miss out on events and training in Scotland's built environment sector! Check the BEFS Calendar for upcoming opportunities: Stay updated - subscribe to BEFS Bulletin: befs.us10.list-manag... #BuiltEnvironment #ScotlandEvents

The 2024 Historic Environment Audit revealed huge data gaps - from volunteering numbers to emissions to social impact. We can't protect what we don't measure 📊 Investing in data collection & research = better decisions for Scotland's heritage. Read our full manifesto:

BEFS has responded to the Scottish Government’s consultation on Compulsory Purchase Reform, supporting stronger tools to bring vacant & derelict historic assets back into use. 👉 Read the BEFS response: www.befs.org.uk/wp-c...

In case you missed it: community-led reuse took centre stage at the 2025 SURF Awards for Community Regeneration. From town-centre living to youth spaces, retrofit & culture, these projects show the power of community spirit. 👉 SURF category winners:

Last month BEFS Director Hazel Johnson gave evidence on the Building Safety Levy (Scotland) Bill. Read BEFS submissions in the Stage 1 report — supporting the levy in principle, small-scale exemptions & wider use of funds. Oral: www.scottishparliame... Written: www.befs.org.uk/wp-c...