BEFS has launched a new Manifesto, Building Foundations for a Better Scotland, in advance of the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections.
BEFS writes:
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.
Built Environment Forum Scotland (BEFS) has launched its Manifesto in advance of the 2026 Scottish Parliament elections. As the strategic intermediary body for the historic and existing built environment in Scotland, BEFS has drawn together a call to action for the next Scottish Government.
The Manifesto urges the incoming Government to create the conditions for a well-resourced, dynamic, and effective built and historic environment sector; without recognising and leveraging the benefits brought by the sustainable use of Scotland’s existing built assets, critical climate and wellbeing targets will not be met.
The 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.
Interconnected Benefits for People and Places
The built and historic environment, both rural and urban, contributes profoundly to the quality and character of Scotland’s places, its economy, and the wellbeing of its people. Encompassing everything from ancient monuments and historic buildings to townscapes and public spaces, it influences – and is influenced by – many public policy areas.
BEFS five main Manifesto policy areas are designed to demonstrate how a joined-up and strategic approach will deliver towards the long-term benefit of Scotland’s people and places.
15 Practical Policy Recommendations
BEFS Manifesto features 15 practical policy recommendations and calls on cross-party buy in towards implementation in the next term of Parliament – and beyond.
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…More information, including data, evidence and the details of the themes outlined above can be found in BEFS full Manifesto document.
About This Manifesto
BEFS Team would like to thank all Members and stakeholders that contributed their time and expertise to shaping this Manifesto through consultation from March to September 2025
Download the Full Manifesto here.
Download the shorter version here.
