Built Environment Forum Scotland, the link group NGO built and historic environment bodies in Scotland, has commenced lobbying on key issues for its members.
BEFS says:
The Scottish election on Thursday 5 May is likely to be dominated by the economy. The economic situation that has arisen over the past two years has resulted in cuts to services and jobs and increased pressure on both government and household budgets. The contribution of the built and historic environment can bring a fresh approach to resolving this situation.
We all recognise that the current economic climate makes for difficult times. However, it is precisely now when finances are constrained that the built and historic environment can play its part in regenerating the economy and revitalising our sense of well being.
The built and historic environment is a huge economic driver. Its importance to the tourism and leisure industries is well known. Equally important is the role that the historic character of buildings and areas plays in attracting start-up enterprises and international businesses. But it’s not all about money. Scotland’s places should be recognised for their own sake and the part they play in encouraging a sense of citizenship and building community spirit. That sense of place which we all know – even if it can, at times, be difficult to articulate: the streets that we live in, the parks where we sit and watch the world go by, the landmarks that make communities feel like home – can help in building the confidence and self-belief needed to help us climb out of economic difficulties.
BEFS Director, Craig Stirrat, said: “Our vision for Scotland is that by 2020 there is an ethos across government, the private and the third sectors of delivering quality outcomes for Scotland’s uniquely distinctive villages, towns, cities and cultural landscapes; a collaborative approach which puts local communities at the heart of local places, fully engaged in the sustainable management and development of their local areas. This is a vision that we believe is shared by the people of Scotland and one that we hope will be delivered by those elected on May 5th.”
