The Built Environment Forum Scotland has appointed Craig Stirrat as its new Director
News Release 18 May 2010

Craig Stirrat will take up the reins at the umbrella body, which represents both voluntary and professional bodies in Scotland which are involved in sustaining both the historical and contemporary built environment.

Craig has an impressive track record, having built up considerable experience over 26 years working in the Scottish local authority built environment sector and is the immediate past Chair of the Chartered Institute of Housing Scotland.

The role of Director of BEFS is a new and challenging one, requiring the Director to work with the Board of BEFS to forge key relationships with BEFS members, Historic Scotland, Scottish Government and the wider built and historic environment community in both the public and private sector.

Craig said: "I relish and welcome the challenge of helping voluntary and professional organisations to work together to shape the future of the contemporary and historic environment in Scotland."

"I am delighted that the BEFS board has offered me the role of Director and I look forward to starting in June".

"I continue to be inspired by the Victorian "Leonardo da Vinci of his day" - Patrick Geddes - who I read of whilst studying Town & Country Planning, and I believe that Geddes notion of synergy, sympathy and synthesis provides us with a good starting point for sustaining our places for both the current and future generations, particularly in the current local and global economic situation. Most importantly, I shall be listening to the views of BEFS members to ensure we champion the Built Environment."

Craig's career ranges from having been a student placement with Fountainbridge Housing Association during their 1980's tenement rehabilitation programme to leading on major service improvements as Head of Planning & Policy for Adult Services with Aberdeen City Council.

He has worked with committees and working groups of various organisations as well as holding many office bearer roles on the Board of the Chartered Institute of Housing Scotland. Craig holds a BA (Hons) in Sociology and Social Anthropology, a Post Graduate Diploma in Housing Studies, a MSc in Total Quality Management & Business Excellence and he is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH).

BEFS Chair Robin Burley said: "We are delighted to announce that Craig will take over at the helm of BEFS. Craig will bring proven leadership skills to the job along with in-depth knowledge of the Scottish Built Environment and we are confident that he can help us develop the clear strategic direction which BEFS needs."

"This is a critical time for the Built Environment in Scotland and Craig has the skills we are looking for to grow and develop our organisation. We very much look forward to Craig taking up his new role."