📢 Update: We are working with the Scottish Government and @improvserv.bsky.social on online training for elected members – enhancing decision-making across #Scotland and building confidence in the #planning system. 🔗This NEW blog outlines the format and timeframe: blogs.gov.scot/planning-arc...

As we near the end of the year, we have a lot to update you on. In this edition we talk about: -Our AGM -Our visit to Shetland -Dates for Community Engagement Skills Training -Licentiate Mentoring Scheme 🔗Subscribe: subscribepage.io/planningaids... 🔗Read: preview.mailerlite.io/preview/2073...

“Plan with communities, not just for them.” That’s the message shared by our Planning & Projects Officer, Anne Krippler MRTPI, in her article “Planning Together: Moving Beyond the Minimum”, published in the Autumn Issue of The Scottish Planner (p.15). Read here: www.rtpi.org.uk/media/05zait...

Our new article “The enduring importance of town planning in Scotland” has been published. It reflects on Scotland's proud planning tradition and explores how the system is evolving. Read it here: www.pas.org.uk/news/the-end...

We’re delighted our energy consents guide is getting great feedback across Scotland. Dr Fiona Simpson MRTPI, Chief Planner, said: “I think it is excellent – very well presented, with really clear information that will be very helpful for people.” Read the guide here: www.pas.org.uk/wp-content/u...

Support the next generation of planners… We are looking for experienced planners for our Licentiate Mentoring Scheme. Support a Licentiate Planner to respond to an Advice Service case – around 2 hours/month from Jan to June 2026. 📧Contact [email protected] for more info. 🔗Learn more: lnkd.in/eBZKpuYH

📢We’re #hiring: We are looking for an efficient and experienced colleague to join our team as a #Governance & #Finance Officer. You will be responsible for governance, finance, people, and office systems and processes... 📅 Deadline: 15 October 🔗 www.pas.org.uk/news/governance-finance-officer

📢We’re #hiring: We’re looking for a new Chief Executive to lead Planning Aid Scotland into the next exciting chapter. Are you a dynamic & inspiring leader who shares our passion for putting communities at the heart of #planning... 📅 Deadline: 5pm 14 October 🔗 www.pas.org.uk/news/new-chief-executive

♻️⚡️ New Information Sheet on Consenting Processes for Renewable Energy Developments Do you have renewable energy projects in your area and want to understand more about proposals such as a new wind farm, solar farm, hydro scheme or battery storage project? Read here: www.pas.org.uk/wp-content/u...

We’re at the DTAS Conference in Glasgow today! Find our team at Stand 8 to chat all things planning & community engagement. Yesterday's highlights: renewable energy, planning questions & support for Development Trusts. Looking forward to more today. Pop by and say hello! @dtascotland.bsky.social

We’re at the Development Trusts Association Scotland Conference today! Come and meet the Planning Aid Scotland team at Table 8. We’d love to chat about placemaking, community engagement and planning. @dtascotland.bsky.social #DTAS2025

The deadline for the Local Place Plans survey has been extended to 15 Sept. We want to hear from you: - What's working well? - Where is more support needed? - How can the process be improved? Please share widely with your network. Thank you! 🔗 www.pas.org.uk/news/localplaceplancommunitysurvey

Today, we announce a change of leadership at Planning Aid Scotland as Johanna Boyd, our Chief Executive, has announced she will be stepping down from the role at the end of October. 🔗 www.pas.org.uk/news/a-new-chapter/ @johannaboyd.bsky.social

Integrity, impartiality, collaboration, inclusion, innovation – these aren’t just words, but the building blocks for everything we do as an organisation. Why? We believe in an inclusive society where communities are empowered to shape decisions about their place. 🔗 www.pas.org.uk/news/newstrategy

Hear from @johannaboyd.bsky.social on her experience of #leadership, the complexities of leading in the current climate, and the values today’s leaders need to navigate these uncertain times. 🔗 www.pas.org.uk/news/leadership-in-uncertain-times/ #CharityLeadership #ValuesBasedLeadership

Having supported seven communities in 2024 to develop Local Place Plans, it is great to see this work come to fruition with the plans being registered with their respective councils. 🔗Gairloch #LPP is the latest to be registered – read it online: www.pas.org.uk/news/update-on-local-place-plans/

Find out what we've been up to by subscribing to our quarterly newsletter: -Get to know our volunteers -Learn about a new survey on Local Place Plans -Read insights into our Advice Service 🔗Subscribe: subscribepage.io/planningaids... 🔗Read the July newsletter: preview.mailerlite.io/emails/webvi...

In this blog, we meet David, a volunteer who has been invaluable in helping us develop content for our Graduate Training Scheme. David is passionate about playing an active role in his community and got into planning to help create wonderful places. 🔗 www.pas.org.uk/news/meet-david/

✏️𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘆 – 𝘄𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘆𝗼𝘂! Share your experience in our survey and help identify what’s working well, where more support is needed, and how the #LPP process can be improved. Please help by sharing the survey link. 🔗 www.pas.org.uk/news/localplaceplancommunitysurvey/

Recently we brought our SP=EED training to Edinburgh, and what an energising session it turned out to be! Focusing on best practice in community engagement, the training was hands-on and highly interactive, giving participants a chance to learn by doing. #SP=EED #ScotlandTraining

We are pleased to launch the Local Walking and Wheeling Action Plan for Kelty. Developed in collaboration with @fifecouncil.bsky.social and the local community, this plan reflects local priorities. 🎥 Watch the video to see how community voices shaped the plan: www.facebook.com/watch/?v=108...

🟡 Last few places remaining! Join us in Edinburgh on 18 June at 10am for our next SP=EED® training — a full day of learning focused on the best practice in community engagement. Cost: £250 per person Local authority staff: 20% discount available (£200) Book here: forms.office.com/e/XDZ3JH3nkC

If you’re RTPI chartered or have retired from RTPI chartership, you can join Graham and volunteer for our Advice Service – providing free planning advice to members of the public and community groups. This #VolunteersWeek we celebrate our volunteers. ➡️Join us! www.pas.org.uk/what-we-do/volunteering

This #VolunteersWeek, join us in getting to know some of the people at the heart of Planning Aid Scotland, our volunteers! In this blog we meet Arushee, who has volunteered with us on various projects, including in Nairnshire and Stonehaven. www.pas.org.uk/news/meet-arushee/

Our volunteers were an integral part of the Sustaining Choices project, working with our Projects & Training Officer, Diane Cassidy to run engagement events, analyse data and develop maps. As Diane says, “They’re skilled in many areas, not just planning. We’re so lucky to have them.” #VolunteersWeek

Our volunteers gave 900+ hours of their time in 2024/25, generously offering their expertise to help people across Scotland engage with the planning system. This #VolunteersWeek, we would like to celebrate their invaluable contribution. Thank you!👏

A reminder about upcoming training sessions for Planning Aid Scotland volunteers! ➡️2:30pm, 20 May: Flood Resilience and Climate Impact in Planning ➡️12:30pm, 11 June: A Brief History of Planning Please check the newsletter for more information and the links to join.

💬Join us in getting to know some of the people at the heart of Planning Aid Scotland, our volunteers! In this first blog post we meet Graham Marchbank, a retired planner who has volunteered with us for 10 years. ➡️Read his top tips and fun facts on planning: www.pas.org.uk/news/meet-graham/

We presented to @cosla.gov.uk Environment & Economy Board on Elected Member Training. Our Chief Executive Johanna Boyd @johannaboyd.bsky.social and Planning & Policy Manager David Wood shared our routemap and engaged with representatives from 32 Scottish Councils and Heads of Planning Scotland.

Community Engagement Skills Training • Edinburgh – 18 June, 10am (The Crannie) – forms.office.com/e/XDZ3JH3nkC • Glasgow – 1 October, 10am (Edward House) – forms.office.com/e/0ye5beRm3V Cost: £250 per place Build confidence in consulting and engaging communities using the SP=EED framework.

Anne Krippler, our Planning & Projects Officer was delighted to attend the @rtpiplanners.bsky.social Scottish Young Planners' Conference today on 'The Purpose of Planning'. "What a great day – we were encouraged to be bold, speak up, and keep pushing the boundaries of planning." #SYPC25

🚶‍➡️We worked with communities in Ruthrieston, Fa’side, Eskdalemuir and Kelty to develop Local Walking and Wheeling Action Plans—bringing together the thoughts of 650+ people and outlining ways to encourage active travel. ➡️The reports are available on our website: www.pas.org.uk/news/new-action-plans/

Interested in our Licentiate Mentoring Scheme? Following the success of the second round, we take a look at how it works and share some of the feedback we received! Find out what the participants had to say: www.pas.org.uk/.../celebrat....

We have already logged 222 hours of volunteering in 2025! 👏Thank you to everyone who has given their time and expertise to support communities across Scotland–together we can help people have a say in the future of their local area. Interested in joining us? www.pas.org.uk/what-we-do/volunteering/

📢 New Training Alert! 📢 Join our SP=EED® Community Engagement Skills Training and explore innovative techniques that help people of all ages and backgrounds feel heard and involved. Date: Wed 18 June 2025, 10am Cost: £250 Book: forms.office.com/e/XDZ3JH3nkC 🔄 Please share to help spread the word.

Thank you to everyone who attended recent events to finalise walking & wheeling plans in Ruthrieston, Fa’side, Eskdalemuir & Kelty! From guided walks and crafting, to visioning workshops—we worked with the communities to develop action plans to improve their areas: www.pas.org.uk/news/walking-events

📅We will be at Stonehaven Town Hall from 2-7pm on Thursday 20 March to hear your thoughts about the conservation area boundary. 🚶‍➡️As part of the event, we will also lead two walking tours around the conservation area. Everyone is welcome! Find out more: www.pas.org.uk/news/stonehaven

Our Chief Executive, Johanna Boyd @johannaboyd.bsky.social will be speaking at Women in Planning Central Scotland's event tonight! We are delighted to share that Johanna will join an inspiring panel of women to discuss their experiences in the planning profession. #WomenInPlanning #IWD

Come along to 📍 Eskdalemuir Community Hub ⏰10am to 2pm 📅Saturday 15 March to hear about the NEW Local Walking Action Plan and share your views – everyone is welcome! Visit our map to see some of the thoughts and ideas that have been shared with us so far: bit.ly/EskdalemuirMap

The Scottish Public Law Group is holding a FREE seminar next week on Public Law and the Environment. The event is hybrid, taking place at the University of Edinburgh and online. 📅5:30pm Wednesday 19 March 🔗https://splg.co.uk/next-free-lecture-public-law-and-the-environment-19-march-2025/

There’s still time to share your thoughts on how to improve the natural environment around Carn Fearna. 🔗Fill out the online survey by Sunday 9 March: forms.office.com/e/EfSzLV7edE

Join us tomorrow for a discussion on Fa'side’s NEW Local Walking Action Plan. See the plan, ask questions and share your thoughts on improving walking in your community. Everyone is welcome. We hope to see you there! 📅Friday 7 March |⏰10:30am to 2pm |📍 Pencaitland Connections Café

Congratulations to @planningaidscot.bsky.social for becoming a Gold Standard 4-day week employer!🥳🥳 Their dedication to staff wellbeing and quality of service has been central to their move to a 4-day week, so it’s great to see they’ve had overwhelmingly positive results in both areas! 🙌

A reminder to join us next week for the launch of a new walking group and a discussion on the Local Walking Action Plan for Ruthrieston. 📅Friday 14 March | ⏰12pm to 3pm | 📍 Ruthrieston Community Centre

⚠️Don’t forget the deadline for the Future Planners Programme: 19 March. It offers the opportunity for graduates to study towards a fully funded postgraduate degree in Planning, whilst gaining experience working across different areas of the Scottish Government: www.jobs.gov.scot/future-planners

A reminder to join us next week to discuss the newly created Local Walking Action Plan for the Fa’side area. This is your opportunity to see the plan, ask questions and share your thoughts on improving walking in your community. We hope to see you there!

Planning Aid Scotland, on behalf of Statkraft, is hosting an event on improving the natural environment around Carn Fearna. How can we enhance access to facilities, improve walking and cycling routes, protect flora and fauna, and maximise benefits for the local area? 🔗 www.pas.org.uk/news/carnfearna

Join us at 📍Ruthrieston Community Centre ⏰12pm to 3pm on 📅Friday 14 March for an afternoon of walking, crafting and discussion on Ruthrieston’s new Local Walking Action Plan! Find out more about the Sustaining Choices programme: www.pas.org.uk/what-we-do/sustaining-choices/

We’re officially a 4 Day Week Accredited Organisation! 🎉 We’re thrilled to share that we’ve received official accreditation from the #4DayWeek Foundation @4dayweek.bsky.social! We made the decision to permanently adopt a four-day work week — and the results have been overwhelmingly positive.

🚶Thank you to everyone who joined us yesterday at Kelty Community Centre for a guided walk and conversation on the NEW Local Walking Action Plan. A great discussion and helpful engagement on the next steps to improving walking and wheeling in the area!