Built Environment Forum Scotland
@thebefs.bsky.social
BEFS informs, debates & advocates on opportunities & challenges facing Scotland's built environment. Historic Environment Scotland supported. 🔗 https://www.befs.org.uk
Pinned
Hello Bluesky! Built Environment Forum Scotland (BEFS) is Scotland’s umbrella body for the built environment—historic & contemporary. We draw on expert voices to inform debate & advocate on strategic issues, challenges & opportunities. Supported by HES. Learn more: www.befs.org.uk/
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:
Material Passports can unlock circular economy benefits ♻️ Read our full manifesto:
BEFS 2026 Manifesto: Building Foundations for a Better Scotland
BEFS has drawn together a call to action for the next Scottish Government. Our Manifesto outlines how essential investment is key to unlocking substantial value for public money and driving progress across vital public policy portfolios, including environmental sustainability, skills and economic development, housing, poverty, and health - unlocking the immense potential of our built heritage to deliver warmer homes, local employment, thriving town centres, and much more.
www.befs.org.uk
January 15, 2026 at 11:00 AM
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:
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
#ScotlandManifesto #ScottishBudget
January 14, 2026 at 11:00 AM
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
#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:
Scottish Budget 2026 to 2027
The Scottish Budget sets out the Scottish Government's proposed spending and tax plans for 2026-27, as presented to the Scottish Parliament
www.gov.scot
January 13, 2026 at 4:00 PM
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:
Historic Houses - Director of Policy & Public Affairs
Are you a senior policy and public affairs specialist with a strategic mindset, excellent communication skills and a strong interest in heritage and cultural policy?
www.befs.org.uk
January 6, 2026 at 5:07 PM
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:
Wishing everyone a restorative festive break 🎄
We’ll be back with our first bulletin of 2026 on 21 Jan. Subscribe to the Bulletin here:
Built Environment Forum Scotland
Built Environment Forum Scotland Email Forms
befs.us10.list-manage.com
December 24, 2025 at 9:00 AM
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:
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
Stay updated - subscribe to BEFS Bulletin: befs.us10.list-manag...
#BuiltEnvironment #ScotlandEvents
December 23, 2025 at 4:01 PM
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
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:
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 2026 Manifesto: Building Foundations for a Better Scotland
BEFS has drawn together a call to action for the next Scottish Government. Our Manifesto outlines how essential investment is key to unlocking substantial value for public money and driving progress across vital public policy portfolios, including environmental sustainability, skills and economic development, housing, poverty, and health - unlocking the immense potential of our built heritage to deliver warmer homes, local employment, thriving town centres, and much more.
www.befs.org.uk
December 23, 2025 at 12:00 PM
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:
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...
👉 Read the BEFS response: www.befs.org.uk/wp-c...
December 23, 2025 at 10:00 AM
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...
👉 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:
👉 SURF category winners:
2025 SURF Award Winners Revealed - SURF
The outcomes of the prestigious 2025 SURF Awards for Best Practice in Community Regeneration were announced tonight (04/12/25) at a...
surf.scot
December 22, 2025 at 3:00 PM
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:
👉 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...
Oral: www.scottishparliame...
Written: www.befs.org.uk/wp-c...
December 22, 2025 at 1:00 PM
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...
Oral: www.scottishparliame...
Written: www.befs.org.uk/wp-c...
A milestone reached for tenement maintenance!👇
The Scottish Law Commission has published its report on Tenement law: compulsory owners’ associations -a crucial step forwards in improving the condition of tenement buildings, which make up around 37% of all housing stock in Scotland.
The Scottish Law Commission has published its report on Tenement law: compulsory owners’ associations -a crucial step forwards in improving the condition of tenement buildings, which make up around 37% of all housing stock in Scotland.
December 22, 2025 at 9:00 AM
A milestone reached for tenement maintenance!👇
The Scottish Law Commission has published its report on Tenement law: compulsory owners’ associations -a crucial step forwards in improving the condition of tenement buildings, which make up around 37% of all housing stock in Scotland.
The Scottish Law Commission has published its report on Tenement law: compulsory owners’ associations -a crucial step forwards in improving the condition of tenement buildings, which make up around 37% of all housing stock in Scotland.
📣 Job alert! BEFS is recruiting a new Net Zero Lead to drive a coordinated, strategic approach to Net Zero and ensure the historic environment plays a central role in tackling the climate emergency.
Apply or share 👉
Apply or share 👉
BEFS Vacancies
BEFS seeks dynamic new Director to strategically support the sector.
www.befs.org.uk
December 19, 2025 at 1:01 PM
📣 Job alert! BEFS is recruiting a new Net Zero Lead to drive a coordinated, strategic approach to Net Zero and ensure the historic environment plays a central role in tackling the climate emergency.
Apply or share 👉
Apply or share 👉
New blog hot off the press! Joining the dots for 2026 and beyond (Hazel Johnson, BEFS Director). Reflections on cross-sector collaboration in 2025 + how we build joined-up advocacy ahead of the 2026 Holyrood elections. Read: www.befs.org.uk/late...
#BuiltEnvironment #Scotland
Joining the dots in 2026 and beyond
In the 5th blog in our 'Joining the Dots' series, Hazel Johnson, Director at Built Environment Forum Scotland, reflects on a year of cross-sector collaboration and strategic advocacy. As we approach the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections, Hazel explores how the conversations held throughout the year have revealed encouraging common themes - from breaking down policy silos to embracing whole systems thinking. She examines how BEFS Manifesto 2026 positions the built environment sector as essential to achieving Scotland's climate and wellbeing targets, and looks ahead to the opportunities for collective action in the year to come.
www.befs.org.uk
December 19, 2025 at 11:00 AM
New blog hot off the press! Joining the dots for 2026 and beyond (Hazel Johnson, BEFS Director). Reflections on cross-sector collaboration in 2025 + how we build joined-up advocacy ahead of the 2026 Holyrood elections. Read: www.befs.org.uk/late...
#BuiltEnvironment #Scotland
BEFS Bulletin 388 is out (17 Dec). Our final edition of 2025: sector resilience, building safety + key consultations (incl. Draft Climate Change Plan 2026–2040, closes 29 Jan). Read + share: www.befs.org.uk/late...
#BuiltEnvironment #NetZero #Scotland
#BuiltEnvironment #NetZero #Scotland
BEFS Bulletin 388: Sector Resilience, Building Safety and Season’s Greetings
Get The Latest Built Environment News, Policy Developments, Publications & Consultations
www.befs.org.uk
December 19, 2025 at 9:00 AM
BEFS Bulletin 388 is out (17 Dec). Our final edition of 2025: sector resilience, building safety + key consultations (incl. Draft Climate Change Plan 2026–2040, closes 29 Jan). Read + share: www.befs.org.uk/late...
#BuiltEnvironment #NetZero #Scotland
#BuiltEnvironment #NetZero #Scotland
Scotland now has 33 newly classified towns, according to new data from Understanding Scottish Places; rising from 479 to 509 since 2014; reflects population growth, new housing, and changing settlement patterns, with implications for planning, services and local investment.
December 16, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Scotland now has 33 newly classified towns, according to new data from Understanding Scottish Places; rising from 479 to 509 since 2014; reflects population growth, new housing, and changing settlement patterns, with implications for planning, services and local investment.
Short-term funding creates instability across the heritage and built environment sector: limiting planning, reducing capacity, and placing organisations in constant survival mode.
BEFS calls for SCVO’s Fair Funding principles to be adopted sector-wide.
Read our Manifesto:
BEFS calls for SCVO’s Fair Funding principles to be adopted sector-wide.
Read our Manifesto:
BEFS 2026 Manifesto: Building Foundations for a Better Scotland
BEFS has drawn together a call to action for the next Scottish Government. Our Manifesto outlines how essential investment is key to unlocking substantial value for public money and driving progress across vital public policy portfolios, including environmental sustainability, skills and economic development, housing, poverty, and health - unlocking the immense potential of our built heritage to deliver warmer homes, local employment, thriving town centres, and much more.
www.befs.org.uk
December 16, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Short-term funding creates instability across the heritage and built environment sector: limiting planning, reducing capacity, and placing organisations in constant survival mode.
BEFS calls for SCVO’s Fair Funding principles to be adopted sector-wide.
Read our Manifesto:
BEFS calls for SCVO’s Fair Funding principles to be adopted sector-wide.
Read our Manifesto:
The European Heritage Hub has published five new policy papers offering evidence-based guidance on how cultural heritage can drive climate action, democratic resilience, regional development, and international cooperation.
👉 Explore all five papers:
👉 Explore all five papers:
Hub Publishes 5 Papers to Guide Heritage Policy in Europe and Beyond - European Heritage Hub
The EU-funded European Heritage Hub has published five policy papers on distinct topics pertaining to the cultural heritage sector. These compelling documents are the result of the research and analysis work undertaken by Hub partner KU Leuven through the Policy Monitor and Policy Reviews during the project pilot phase, in…
www.europeanheritagehub.eu
December 16, 2025 at 12:00 PM
The European Heritage Hub has published five new policy papers offering evidence-based guidance on how cultural heritage can drive climate action, democratic resilience, regional development, and international cooperation.
👉 Explore all five papers:
👉 Explore all five papers:
🏢 NEWS! Compulsory owners' associations report released by Scottish Law Commission. Establishing these associations is a key Tenement Maintenance Working Group recommendation. Critical step for 37% of Scotland's housing. Learn more about the Report here: www.scotlawcom.gov.u...
December 16, 2025 at 9:00 AM
🏢 NEWS! Compulsory owners' associations report released by Scottish Law Commission. Establishing these associations is a key Tenement Maintenance Working Group recommendation. Critical step for 37% of Scotland's housing. Learn more about the Report here: www.scotlawcom.gov.u...
Community Land Scotland has launched its 2025–2026 Manifesto, People, Place & Power, setting out proposals for stronger community ownership, local democratic renewal, and action on housing, climate and nature.
👉 Read the Manifesto: www.communitylandsco...
👉 Read the Manifesto: www.communitylandsco...
December 15, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Community Land Scotland has launched its 2025–2026 Manifesto, People, Place & Power, setting out proposals for stronger community ownership, local democratic renewal, and action on housing, climate and nature.
👉 Read the Manifesto: www.communitylandsco...
👉 Read the Manifesto: www.communitylandsco...
Historic Houses has published its five-year review of the Culture Recovery Fund.
Findings show:
• 775 jobs protected
• 100 new jobs created
• 90%+ of projects delivered on time & on budget
👉 Read the report:
Findings show:
• 775 jobs protected
• 100 new jobs created
• 90%+ of projects delivered on time & on budget
👉 Read the report:
Understanding the impact of the COVID-19 Culture Recovery Fund - Historic Houses
Report on the impact of the COVID-19 Culture Recovery Fund on Historic Houses members
www.historichouses.org
December 15, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Historic Houses has published its five-year review of the Culture Recovery Fund.
Findings show:
• 775 jobs protected
• 100 new jobs created
• 90%+ of projects delivered on time & on budget
👉 Read the report:
Findings show:
• 775 jobs protected
• 100 new jobs created
• 90%+ of projects delivered on time & on budget
👉 Read the report:
@planningaidscot.bsky.social has announced its 2026 Community Engagement Skills Training dates, supporting planners & practitioners to deliver effective engagement using the SP=EED® framework.
📍 Edinburgh – 25 Mar
📍 Inverness – 10 Jun
📍 Glasgow – 30 Sep
👉 Book your place: www.pas.org.uk/speed/
📍 Edinburgh – 25 Mar
📍 Inverness – 10 Jun
📍 Glasgow – 30 Sep
👉 Book your place: www.pas.org.uk/speed/
December 12, 2025 at 3:00 PM
@planningaidscot.bsky.social has announced its 2026 Community Engagement Skills Training dates, supporting planners & practitioners to deliver effective engagement using the SP=EED® framework.
📍 Edinburgh – 25 Mar
📍 Inverness – 10 Jun
📍 Glasgow – 30 Sep
👉 Book your place: www.pas.org.uk/speed/
📍 Edinburgh – 25 Mar
📍 Inverness – 10 Jun
📍 Glasgow – 30 Sep
👉 Book your place: www.pas.org.uk/speed/
The Scottish Government has released its Draft Climate Change Plan 2026–2040, outlining actions to cut emissions, deliver warmer homes, improve air quality and support active travel, with a sectoral annex on residential & public buildings.
📢 Consultation open until 29 Jan 2026
📢 Consultation open until 29 Jan 2026
December 12, 2025 at 1:00 PM
The Scottish Government has released its Draft Climate Change Plan 2026–2040, outlining actions to cut emissions, deliver warmer homes, improve air quality and support active travel, with a sectoral annex on residential & public buildings.
📢 Consultation open until 29 Jan 2026
📢 Consultation open until 29 Jan 2026
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
Check the BEFS Calendar for upcoming opportunities: www.befs.org.uk/events/
Stay updated - subscribe to BEFS Bulletin: befs.us10.list-manag...
#BuiltEnvironment
December 12, 2025 at 9:00 AM
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
Check the BEFS Calendar for upcoming opportunities: www.befs.org.uk/events/
Stay updated - subscribe to BEFS Bulletin: befs.us10.list-manag...
#BuiltEnvironment
New @landcommission research shows 96% of participants want further action on land reform, highlighting issues around transparency, concentrated ownership, vacancy, and community involvement.
December 11, 2025 at 4:01 PM
New @landcommission research shows 96% of participants want further action on land reform, highlighting issues around transparency, concentrated ownership, vacancy, and community involvement.
BEFS Head of Policy & Strategy, Derek Rankine, contributed evidence to the LGHP Committee on the Draft Climate Change Plan, followed by a letter supported by RTPI Scotland on planning authority capacity challenges.
Read more:www.parliament.scot/...
#ClimateChangePlan #Planning #Scotland
Read more:www.parliament.scot/...
#ClimateChangePlan #Planning #Scotland
December 11, 2025 at 3:26 PM
BEFS Head of Policy & Strategy, Derek Rankine, contributed evidence to the LGHP Committee on the Draft Climate Change Plan, followed by a letter supported by RTPI Scotland on planning authority capacity challenges.
Read more:www.parliament.scot/...
#ClimateChangePlan #Planning #Scotland
Read more:www.parliament.scot/...
#ClimateChangePlan #Planning #Scotland