Historic Scotland (HS) has launched an informal consultation on developing a ‘traditional building charter’, and is seeking initial comments by 18 January.
The draft proposed text for the charter reads as follows:
We, the undersigned,
acknowledging
- the physical and cultural resource embodied in the traditional buildings of Scotland
- the embodied energy of Scotland’s traditional buildings
- the importance of traditional buildings to the distinctive, local look and feel of our town and city centres and our national identity
- the contribution of Scotland’s traditional buildings to the nation’s offer to tourism
agree
- to consider in all instances the impact of our activities on the traditional building stock
- to refrain from any activity which would lead to the unnecessary destruction or replacement of Scotland’s traditional buildings
- to promote whenever relevant and possible the common sense benefits of routine building maintenance, including within our own organisations
- wherever possible, to grasp opportunities to increase understanding and improve the public perception of traditional buildings
Built Environment Forum Scotland, the lead link body in Scotland, writes:
‘Last November BEFS Chairman Cliff Hague attended the Ministerial Summit ‘Stimulating Demand for Traditional Skills’. A number of BEFS members were also in attendance. At the summit the… draft charter was circulated. Historic Scotland’s ambition is to achieve a step change in the understanding of traditional buildings and of the skills needed for their maintenance among both property owners and construction professionals. Historic Scotland is now seeking comments on the draft Charter…. BEFS Board discussed the draft Charter this morning and agreed that BEFS would be minded to sign the Charter (subject to the views of Members) however there are questions that we should raise – such as the audience for the Charter and how will it be monitored.
Responses should be sent by Friday 18 January to: aileen.harding@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
Download the draft charter here: LINK
