Almost half a million traditional buildings across Scotland could benefit from new guidance designed to make their conversion safer while helping historic properties remain useful for generations to come.
The Guide to Conversion of Traditional Buildings has been published to help owners, developers and professionals adapt older buildings for modern use while addressing fire safety, accessibility and energy efficiency.
It is the first guidance of its kind in almost two decades and forms part of the response to lessons learned following the fatal Cameron House Hotel fire in 2017.
Traditional buildings can present challenges that are very different from modern construction, particularly where alterations made over many years have created concealed spaces or where older forms of fire protection remain in place.
The new guidance aims to ensure those risks are properly understood when buildings are converted, while recognising the environmental and cultural value of retaining Scotland’s existing building stock rather than resorting to demolition.
Public Finance Minister Hannah Mary Goodlad said:
“The safety of everyone who lives in, works in or visits a traditional building must always come first.
“The Fatal Accident Inquiry into the Cameron House fire showed clearly how hidden risks in older buildings, like concealed voids and outdated fire protection, can have devastating consequences.
“This guidance is our direct response, ensuring that anyone converting a traditional building has the tools and understanding they need to protect lives.
“It also reflects our wider ambitions to support sustainable, low-carbon development by making the most of our existing building stock rather than defaulting to demolition and new build.
“I want to thank everyone who contributed their expertise to this guidance.
“By working together, government, industry and heritage specialists can ensure Scotland’s traditional buildings remain safe, sustainable and fit for the future.”
Historic Environment Scotland says traditional buildings remain among the country’s most valuable assets, shaping everything from Scotland’s cities and towns to its rural communities.
Colin Tennant, Interim Director of Cultural Assets at Historic Environment Scotland, said:
“Scotland’s traditional buildings are some of our most valuable national assets.
“They shape the character of our towns, cities and rural communities and embody centuries of craftsmanship, cultural heritage and local identity.
“Reusing and adapting these buildings is vital to protecting our historic environment, while also supporting economic prosperity and community wellbeing through regeneration.
“This guidance will help support the safe, sustainable and informed conversion of traditional buildings across Scotland.
“It is the product of a truly collaborative approach which reflects the collective expertise of professionals from across the building standards, fire safety, engineering and conservation sectors.
“By learning from past events, understanding the unique risks associated with historic construction, and applying proportionate and informed solutions, we can protect people, retain cultural significance and ensure that these remarkable buildings continue to serve future generations.”
For a country whose character is so closely tied to its traditional buildings, the challenge is not simply preserving them as pieces of the past, but finding safe and practical ways to make sure they remain part of Scotland’s future.
