Built Environment Forum Scotland

ICYMI! BEFS Members SURF have analysed the main parties manifestos' stances on local democracy, housing, regeneration, and more in a recent blog. With a new government forming, stay on top of what the parties have committed to. Read it here: bit.ly/4txudr8

From industrial parks to thriving neighbourhoods? Urban Retrofit explores how diversification can deliver homes, jobs, green space & sustainable communities while reusing the existing built environment. Read the article here: bit.ly/4noXu5B #UrbanPlanning

Five days remain to respond to the UK Parliament Tourism Inquiry consultation. If you'd like to have your say about the role of culture and heritage in attracting visitors to the UK, you can respond here: bit.ly/49CbcML #scottishtourism #heritage

BEFS Bulletin 397 is out! 📣 In this edition you'll find new consultations, reviews of party manifestos, and a busy events calendar for the late spring and summer ahead. Catch up here: bit.ly/49KoBm1

The NPF4 is our national planning framework - a static PDF in a digital age 📄 Make it interactive: ✅ Live guidance updates ✅ Linked policies ✅ Case studies ✅ Searchable. 21st century planning needs 21st century tools 💻 Read our full manifesto: bit.ly/48NuMW2

ICYMI! If you're looking for a general overview of what it’s like to work with heritage, BEFS Members Historic Houses have released a report mapping the career opportunities and journeys of the heritage sector. Read the report here: bit.ly/4cCbrbk #heritagecareers

Are you curious about what funding for culture might look like in the EU Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028-34? The interim budget report was adopted on 29 April. Read more about the budget proposals here: bit.ly/4wbCpjn

Congratulations to BEFS Member The Architectural Heritage Fund celebrating its 50th anniversary! BEFS Derek Rankine was pleased to attend a celebratory gathering and '50 Years of Reimagining Heritage' exhibition in Glasgow's The Briggait last week. The exhibition runs to 16 May.

The Tenement Action Group (TAG) have had their recommendations for tenement law reform to support flat owners endorsed by four political parties. Read the story here: bit.ly/4ewEksf

Trad. skills aren't "niche" - they're: ✅ Essential for Net Zero ✅ Secure careers (huge demand) ✅ Well-paid (skilled shortage) ✅ Creative & impactful. We need culture shift: celebrate craft, show career paths to young people👷‍♀️ Read our manifesto: bit.ly/48NuMW2

Don’t Waste Buildings have released a report, The Reuse Dividend, exploring the opportunities for economic growth and regeneration through investing in retrofit and reuse of buildings. Read the case studies and evidence here: bit.ly/4uiN3Tz

BEFS Members Historic Houses have launched a new platform for heritage careers - Work In A Castle. This online community aims to connect and signpost jobs across the heritage sector. Explore the platform here: bit.ly/4cEsU3d #heritagecareers

BEFS is delighted to welcome The Heritage Alliance as our newest Member - England's largest heritage coalition with over 200 organisations. Learn more about THA here: bit.ly/41YK6LT Want to become a BEFS Member? bit.ly/42nf7cF

BEFS Bulletin 396 is now live! 📣 This edition features a busy events calendar, more manifestos, and a recap of BEFS Working Group COG in Perth! Read it here: bit.ly/4mVhegW

Don't miss the opportunity to have your say in the Scot Gov Draft Infrastructure Strategy 2027-2037, closing 5 May. Have your say on public assets, place-making and private investment ✅ Respond here: bit.ly/4eN1xX7 #BuiltEnvironment

Lost capacity across built environment: 📉 28.6% planning budget cuts 📉 38% fewer archaeological officers 📉 58% more engineers needed by 2027. Preventative spend on skills NOW prevents costly disasters LATER 💰 Read our manifesto: bit.ly/48NuMW2 #BEFSManifesto2026

Traditional skills crisis: stonemasons booked months ahead, joiners declining work, college courses closing, ageing workforce 👴 Yet we need these skills for 52.9% of our housing & Net Zero targets 🎯 Read our full manifesto: bit.ly/48NuMW2 #BEFSManifesto2026 🧱

What built environment commitments are the main parties making in the run-up to next month’s Scottish Parliament elections? Read BEFS review of party manifestos here: bit.ly/41Md4hP

The Conservation Officers Group, a local government forum facilitated by BEFS, had a successful visit to Perth last week, supported by P&K Council, P&K Heritage Trust, Culture P&K, and Perth Theatre & Culture Hall. Learn more about COG here: bit.ly/4mFTKMV

Have you read BEFS Manifesto yet? Read it today to get an overview of BEFS strategic steer and vision for the historic and existing built environment in Scotland. Read it here: bit.ly/4cjWv1q #heritage #builtenvironment