Historic Environment Scotland becomes SFHA supporting associate member
HES will support Scotland’s housing associations and co-operatives to achieve shared priorities relating to the ongoing maintenance, use, and reuse of existing buildings and the associated skills needed to help achieve national net-zero targets.
Historic Environment Scotland (HES), the charity and lead public body established to investigate, care for and promote Scotland’s historic environment, has become a supporting associate member of the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA).
Being a supporting associate member will enable HES to support Scotland’s housing associations and co-operatives to achieve shared priorities relating to the ongoing maintenance, use, and reuse of existing buildings and the associated skills needed to help achieve national net-zero targets. It will provide a platform to further promote the value and benefit of heritage and culture in place-making, shaping local identity and connecting people to the areas where they live and will foster greater collaboration with SFHA members and communities across Scotland.
Heather Macnaughton, Partnership Manager at HES, said, “We are delighted to become a supporting associate member of SFHA and are particularly keen over the next year to learn with the sector and evidence successful outcomes in relation to energy efficiency in pre-1919 dwellings, retrofit and conservation-led regeneration.
“We also need to focus on developing the next generation workforce with the specialist skills required to support these programmes and make sure we can maintain and revive our historic places.
“We are also keen to increase awareness of the advice, support and funding available – both directly and through heritage sector partners – to support projects which include a heritage aspect. This may be to maintain or develop a physical asset of significance, the gathering, recording and sharing of stories which have shaped our places or new opportunities to learn and celebrate our heritage.”
Sally Thomas, SFHA Chief Executive, said: “Having HES as a supporting associate member will bring many benefits to SFHA and our members, including support in tackling climate change and having access to technical expertise in relation to the conservation and maintenance of traditional buildings. Over the coming year, we will provide opportunities for engagement and shared learning.”