Planning Aid Scotland
@planningaidscot.bsky.social
Helping you navigate Scotland’s planning system since 1993. Free, impartial and confidential advice. Training. Community Engagement. Volunteering.
pas.org.uk
pas.org.uk
📢 Update: We are working with the Scottish Government and @improvserv.bsky.social on online training for elected members – enhancing decision-making across #Scotland and building confidence in the #planning system.
🔗This NEW blog outlines the format and timeframe: blogs.gov.scot/planning-arc...
🔗This NEW blog outlines the format and timeframe: blogs.gov.scot/planning-arc...
Update on Elected Member Training
Scottish Government Blog
blogs.gov.scot
November 26, 2025 at 11:34 AM
📢 Update: We are working with the Scottish Government and @improvserv.bsky.social on online training for elected members – enhancing decision-making across #Scotland and building confidence in the #planning system.
🔗This NEW blog outlines the format and timeframe: blogs.gov.scot/planning-arc...
🔗This NEW blog outlines the format and timeframe: blogs.gov.scot/planning-arc...
As we near the end of the year, we have a lot to update you on. In this edition we talk about:
-Our AGM
-Our visit to Shetland
-Dates for Community Engagement Skills Training
-Licentiate Mentoring Scheme
🔗Subscribe: subscribepage.io/planningaids...
🔗Read: preview.mailerlite.io/preview/2073...
-Our AGM
-Our visit to Shetland
-Dates for Community Engagement Skills Training
-Licentiate Mentoring Scheme
🔗Subscribe: subscribepage.io/planningaids...
🔗Read: preview.mailerlite.io/preview/2073...
November 20, 2025 at 11:15 AM
As we near the end of the year, we have a lot to update you on. In this edition we talk about:
-Our AGM
-Our visit to Shetland
-Dates for Community Engagement Skills Training
-Licentiate Mentoring Scheme
🔗Subscribe: subscribepage.io/planningaids...
🔗Read: preview.mailerlite.io/preview/2073...
-Our AGM
-Our visit to Shetland
-Dates for Community Engagement Skills Training
-Licentiate Mentoring Scheme
🔗Subscribe: subscribepage.io/planningaids...
🔗Read: preview.mailerlite.io/preview/2073...
“Plan with communities, not just for them.”
That’s the message shared by our Planning & Projects Officer, Anne Krippler MRTPI, in her article “Planning Together: Moving Beyond the Minimum”, published in the Autumn Issue of The Scottish Planner (p.15).
Read here: www.rtpi.org.uk/media/05zait...
That’s the message shared by our Planning & Projects Officer, Anne Krippler MRTPI, in her article “Planning Together: Moving Beyond the Minimum”, published in the Autumn Issue of The Scottish Planner (p.15).
Read here: www.rtpi.org.uk/media/05zait...
November 11, 2025 at 4:11 PM
“Plan with communities, not just for them.”
That’s the message shared by our Planning & Projects Officer, Anne Krippler MRTPI, in her article “Planning Together: Moving Beyond the Minimum”, published in the Autumn Issue of The Scottish Planner (p.15).
Read here: www.rtpi.org.uk/media/05zait...
That’s the message shared by our Planning & Projects Officer, Anne Krippler MRTPI, in her article “Planning Together: Moving Beyond the Minimum”, published in the Autumn Issue of The Scottish Planner (p.15).
Read here: www.rtpi.org.uk/media/05zait...
Our new article “The enduring importance of town planning in Scotland” has been published.
It reflects on Scotland's proud planning tradition and explores how the system is evolving.
Read it here: www.pas.org.uk/news/the-end...
It reflects on Scotland's proud planning tradition and explores how the system is evolving.
Read it here: www.pas.org.uk/news/the-end...
November 11, 2025 at 4:05 PM
Our new article “The enduring importance of town planning in Scotland” has been published.
It reflects on Scotland's proud planning tradition and explores how the system is evolving.
Read it here: www.pas.org.uk/news/the-end...
It reflects on Scotland's proud planning tradition and explores how the system is evolving.
Read it here: www.pas.org.uk/news/the-end...
We’re delighted our energy consents guide is getting great feedback across Scotland.
Dr Fiona Simpson MRTPI, Chief Planner, said: “I think it is excellent – very well presented, with really clear information that will be very helpful for people.”
Read the guide here: www.pas.org.uk/wp-content/u...
Dr Fiona Simpson MRTPI, Chief Planner, said: “I think it is excellent – very well presented, with really clear information that will be very helpful for people.”
Read the guide here: www.pas.org.uk/wp-content/u...
November 11, 2025 at 4:00 PM
We’re delighted our energy consents guide is getting great feedback across Scotland.
Dr Fiona Simpson MRTPI, Chief Planner, said: “I think it is excellent – very well presented, with really clear information that will be very helpful for people.”
Read the guide here: www.pas.org.uk/wp-content/u...
Dr Fiona Simpson MRTPI, Chief Planner, said: “I think it is excellent – very well presented, with really clear information that will be very helpful for people.”
Read the guide here: www.pas.org.uk/wp-content/u...
Support the next generation of planners…
We are looking for experienced planners for our Licentiate Mentoring Scheme. Support a Licentiate Planner to respond to an Advice Service case – around 2 hours/month from Jan to June 2026.
📧Contact [email protected] for more info.
🔗Learn more: lnkd.in/eBZKpuYH
We are looking for experienced planners for our Licentiate Mentoring Scheme. Support a Licentiate Planner to respond to an Advice Service case – around 2 hours/month from Jan to June 2026.
📧Contact [email protected] for more info.
🔗Learn more: lnkd.in/eBZKpuYH
October 8, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Support the next generation of planners…
We are looking for experienced planners for our Licentiate Mentoring Scheme. Support a Licentiate Planner to respond to an Advice Service case – around 2 hours/month from Jan to June 2026.
📧Contact [email protected] for more info.
🔗Learn more: lnkd.in/eBZKpuYH
We are looking for experienced planners for our Licentiate Mentoring Scheme. Support a Licentiate Planner to respond to an Advice Service case – around 2 hours/month from Jan to June 2026.
📧Contact [email protected] for more info.
🔗Learn more: lnkd.in/eBZKpuYH
📢We’re #hiring: We are looking for an efficient and experienced colleague to join our team as a #Governance & #Finance Officer. You will be responsible for governance, finance, people, and office systems and processes...
📅 Deadline: 15 October
🔗 www.pas.org.uk/news/governance-finance-officer
📅 Deadline: 15 October
🔗 www.pas.org.uk/news/governance-finance-officer
September 25, 2025 at 9:47 PM
📢We’re #hiring: We are looking for an efficient and experienced colleague to join our team as a #Governance & #Finance Officer. You will be responsible for governance, finance, people, and office systems and processes...
📅 Deadline: 15 October
🔗 www.pas.org.uk/news/governance-finance-officer
📅 Deadline: 15 October
🔗 www.pas.org.uk/news/governance-finance-officer
📢We’re #hiring: We’re looking for a new Chief Executive to lead Planning Aid Scotland into the next exciting chapter. Are you a dynamic & inspiring leader who shares our passion for putting communities at the heart of #planning...
📅 Deadline: 5pm 14 October
🔗 www.pas.org.uk/news/new-chief-executive
📅 Deadline: 5pm 14 October
🔗 www.pas.org.uk/news/new-chief-executive
September 25, 2025 at 12:52 PM
📢We’re #hiring: We’re looking for a new Chief Executive to lead Planning Aid Scotland into the next exciting chapter. Are you a dynamic & inspiring leader who shares our passion for putting communities at the heart of #planning...
📅 Deadline: 5pm 14 October
🔗 www.pas.org.uk/news/new-chief-executive
📅 Deadline: 5pm 14 October
🔗 www.pas.org.uk/news/new-chief-executive
♻️⚡️ New Information Sheet on Consenting Processes for Renewable Energy Developments
Do you have renewable energy projects in your area and want to understand more about proposals such as a new wind farm, solar farm, hydro scheme or battery storage project?
Read here: www.pas.org.uk/wp-content/u...
Do you have renewable energy projects in your area and want to understand more about proposals such as a new wind farm, solar farm, hydro scheme or battery storage project?
Read here: www.pas.org.uk/wp-content/u...
September 24, 2025 at 2:15 PM
♻️⚡️ New Information Sheet on Consenting Processes for Renewable Energy Developments
Do you have renewable energy projects in your area and want to understand more about proposals such as a new wind farm, solar farm, hydro scheme or battery storage project?
Read here: www.pas.org.uk/wp-content/u...
Do you have renewable energy projects in your area and want to understand more about proposals such as a new wind farm, solar farm, hydro scheme or battery storage project?
Read here: www.pas.org.uk/wp-content/u...
We’re at the DTAS Conference in Glasgow today!
Find our team at Stand 8 to chat all things planning & community engagement.
Yesterday's highlights: renewable energy, planning questions & support for Development Trusts. Looking forward to more today. Pop by and say hello!
@dtascotland.bsky.social
Find our team at Stand 8 to chat all things planning & community engagement.
Yesterday's highlights: renewable energy, planning questions & support for Development Trusts. Looking forward to more today. Pop by and say hello!
@dtascotland.bsky.social
August 27, 2025 at 10:39 AM
We’re at the DTAS Conference in Glasgow today!
Find our team at Stand 8 to chat all things planning & community engagement.
Yesterday's highlights: renewable energy, planning questions & support for Development Trusts. Looking forward to more today. Pop by and say hello!
@dtascotland.bsky.social
Find our team at Stand 8 to chat all things planning & community engagement.
Yesterday's highlights: renewable energy, planning questions & support for Development Trusts. Looking forward to more today. Pop by and say hello!
@dtascotland.bsky.social
We’re at the Development Trusts Association Scotland Conference today!
Come and meet the Planning Aid Scotland team at Table 8. We’d love to chat about placemaking, community engagement and planning.
@dtascotland.bsky.social #DTAS2025
Come and meet the Planning Aid Scotland team at Table 8. We’d love to chat about placemaking, community engagement and planning.
@dtascotland.bsky.social #DTAS2025
August 26, 2025 at 9:34 AM
We’re at the Development Trusts Association Scotland Conference today!
Come and meet the Planning Aid Scotland team at Table 8. We’d love to chat about placemaking, community engagement and planning.
@dtascotland.bsky.social #DTAS2025
Come and meet the Planning Aid Scotland team at Table 8. We’d love to chat about placemaking, community engagement and planning.
@dtascotland.bsky.social #DTAS2025
The deadline for the Local Place Plans survey has been extended to 15 Sept. We want to hear from you:
- What's working well?
- Where is more support needed?
- How can the process be improved?
Please share widely with your network. Thank you!
🔗 www.pas.org.uk/news/localplaceplancommunitysurvey
- What's working well?
- Where is more support needed?
- How can the process be improved?
Please share widely with your network. Thank you!
🔗 www.pas.org.uk/news/localplaceplancommunitysurvey
Local Place Plans: A Survey of Community Experiences - Planning Aid Scotland
Share your perspectives on Local Place Plans
www.pas.org.uk
August 13, 2025 at 10:00 AM
The deadline for the Local Place Plans survey has been extended to 15 Sept. We want to hear from you:
- What's working well?
- Where is more support needed?
- How can the process be improved?
Please share widely with your network. Thank you!
🔗 www.pas.org.uk/news/localplaceplancommunitysurvey
- What's working well?
- Where is more support needed?
- How can the process be improved?
Please share widely with your network. Thank you!
🔗 www.pas.org.uk/news/localplaceplancommunitysurvey
Today, we announce a change of leadership at Planning Aid Scotland as Johanna Boyd, our Chief Executive, has announced she will be stepping down from the role at the end of October.
🔗 www.pas.org.uk/news/a-new-chapter/ @johannaboyd.bsky.social
🔗 www.pas.org.uk/news/a-new-chapter/ @johannaboyd.bsky.social
A new chapter… - Planning Aid Scotland
Planning Aid Scotland’s Chief Executive, Johanna Boyd, is stepping down after successfully leading the organisation for three years.
www.pas.org.uk
July 31, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Today, we announce a change of leadership at Planning Aid Scotland as Johanna Boyd, our Chief Executive, has announced she will be stepping down from the role at the end of October.
🔗 www.pas.org.uk/news/a-new-chapter/ @johannaboyd.bsky.social
🔗 www.pas.org.uk/news/a-new-chapter/ @johannaboyd.bsky.social
Integrity, impartiality, collaboration, inclusion, innovation – these aren’t just words, but the building blocks for everything we do as an organisation.
Why? We believe in an inclusive society where communities are empowered to shape decisions about their place.
🔗 www.pas.org.uk/news/newstrategy
Why? We believe in an inclusive society where communities are empowered to shape decisions about their place.
🔗 www.pas.org.uk/news/newstrategy
July 30, 2025 at 12:54 PM
Integrity, impartiality, collaboration, inclusion, innovation – these aren’t just words, but the building blocks for everything we do as an organisation.
Why? We believe in an inclusive society where communities are empowered to shape decisions about their place.
🔗 www.pas.org.uk/news/newstrategy
Why? We believe in an inclusive society where communities are empowered to shape decisions about their place.
🔗 www.pas.org.uk/news/newstrategy
Hear from @johannaboyd.bsky.social on her experience of #leadership, the complexities of leading in the current climate, and the values today’s leaders need to navigate these uncertain times.
🔗 www.pas.org.uk/news/leadership-in-uncertain-times/
#CharityLeadership #ValuesBasedLeadership
🔗 www.pas.org.uk/news/leadership-in-uncertain-times/
#CharityLeadership #ValuesBasedLeadership
July 22, 2025 at 1:45 PM
Hear from @johannaboyd.bsky.social on her experience of #leadership, the complexities of leading in the current climate, and the values today’s leaders need to navigate these uncertain times.
🔗 www.pas.org.uk/news/leadership-in-uncertain-times/
#CharityLeadership #ValuesBasedLeadership
🔗 www.pas.org.uk/news/leadership-in-uncertain-times/
#CharityLeadership #ValuesBasedLeadership
Having supported seven communities in 2024 to develop Local Place Plans, it is great to see this work come to fruition with the plans being registered with their respective councils.
🔗Gairloch #LPP is the latest to be registered – read it online: www.pas.org.uk/news/update-on-local-place-plans/
🔗Gairloch #LPP is the latest to be registered – read it online: www.pas.org.uk/news/update-on-local-place-plans/
July 10, 2025 at 10:08 AM
Having supported seven communities in 2024 to develop Local Place Plans, it is great to see this work come to fruition with the plans being registered with their respective councils.
🔗Gairloch #LPP is the latest to be registered – read it online: www.pas.org.uk/news/update-on-local-place-plans/
🔗Gairloch #LPP is the latest to be registered – read it online: www.pas.org.uk/news/update-on-local-place-plans/
Find out what we've been up to by subscribing to our quarterly newsletter:
-Get to know our volunteers
-Learn about a new survey on Local Place Plans
-Read insights into our Advice Service
🔗Subscribe: subscribepage.io/planningaids...
🔗Read the July newsletter: preview.mailerlite.io/emails/webvi...
-Get to know our volunteers
-Learn about a new survey on Local Place Plans
-Read insights into our Advice Service
🔗Subscribe: subscribepage.io/planningaids...
🔗Read the July newsletter: preview.mailerlite.io/emails/webvi...
July 9, 2025 at 3:25 PM
Find out what we've been up to by subscribing to our quarterly newsletter:
-Get to know our volunteers
-Learn about a new survey on Local Place Plans
-Read insights into our Advice Service
🔗Subscribe: subscribepage.io/planningaids...
🔗Read the July newsletter: preview.mailerlite.io/emails/webvi...
-Get to know our volunteers
-Learn about a new survey on Local Place Plans
-Read insights into our Advice Service
🔗Subscribe: subscribepage.io/planningaids...
🔗Read the July newsletter: preview.mailerlite.io/emails/webvi...
In this blog, we meet David, a volunteer who has been invaluable in helping us develop content for our Graduate Training Scheme. David is passionate about playing an active role in his community and got into planning to help create wonderful places.
🔗 www.pas.org.uk/news/meet-david/
🔗 www.pas.org.uk/news/meet-david/
July 3, 2025 at 2:35 PM
In this blog, we meet David, a volunteer who has been invaluable in helping us develop content for our Graduate Training Scheme. David is passionate about playing an active role in his community and got into planning to help create wonderful places.
🔗 www.pas.org.uk/news/meet-david/
🔗 www.pas.org.uk/news/meet-david/
✏️𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘆 – 𝘄𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘆𝗼𝘂!
Share your experience in our survey and help identify what’s working well, where more support is needed, and how the #LPP process can be improved.
Please help by sharing the survey link.
🔗 www.pas.org.uk/news/localplaceplancommunitysurvey/
Share your experience in our survey and help identify what’s working well, where more support is needed, and how the #LPP process can be improved.
Please help by sharing the survey link.
🔗 www.pas.org.uk/news/localplaceplancommunitysurvey/
July 2, 2025 at 1:53 PM
✏️𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝗦𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘆 – 𝘄𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘆𝗼𝘂!
Share your experience in our survey and help identify what’s working well, where more support is needed, and how the #LPP process can be improved.
Please help by sharing the survey link.
🔗 www.pas.org.uk/news/localplaceplancommunitysurvey/
Share your experience in our survey and help identify what’s working well, where more support is needed, and how the #LPP process can be improved.
Please help by sharing the survey link.
🔗 www.pas.org.uk/news/localplaceplancommunitysurvey/
Recently we brought our SP=EED training to Edinburgh, and what an energising session it turned out to be!
Focusing on best practice in community engagement, the training was hands-on and highly interactive, giving participants a chance to learn by doing.
#SP=EED #ScotlandTraining
Focusing on best practice in community engagement, the training was hands-on and highly interactive, giving participants a chance to learn by doing.
#SP=EED #ScotlandTraining
June 30, 2025 at 9:11 AM
Recently we brought our SP=EED training to Edinburgh, and what an energising session it turned out to be!
Focusing on best practice in community engagement, the training was hands-on and highly interactive, giving participants a chance to learn by doing.
#SP=EED #ScotlandTraining
Focusing on best practice in community engagement, the training was hands-on and highly interactive, giving participants a chance to learn by doing.
#SP=EED #ScotlandTraining
We are pleased to launch the Local Walking and Wheeling Action Plan for Kelty. Developed in collaboration with @fifecouncil.bsky.social and the local community, this plan reflects local priorities.
🎥 Watch the video to see how community voices shaped the plan: www.facebook.com/watch/?v=108...
🎥 Watch the video to see how community voices shaped the plan: www.facebook.com/watch/?v=108...
Redirecting...
www.facebook.com
June 24, 2025 at 10:29 AM
We are pleased to launch the Local Walking and Wheeling Action Plan for Kelty. Developed in collaboration with @fifecouncil.bsky.social and the local community, this plan reflects local priorities.
🎥 Watch the video to see how community voices shaped the plan: www.facebook.com/watch/?v=108...
🎥 Watch the video to see how community voices shaped the plan: www.facebook.com/watch/?v=108...
🟡 Last few places remaining!
Join us in Edinburgh on 18 June at 10am for our next SP=EED® training — a full day of learning focused on the best practice in community engagement.
Cost: £250 per person
Local authority staff: 20% discount available (£200)
Book here: forms.office.com/e/XDZ3JH3nkC
Join us in Edinburgh on 18 June at 10am for our next SP=EED® training — a full day of learning focused on the best practice in community engagement.
Cost: £250 per person
Local authority staff: 20% discount available (£200)
Book here: forms.office.com/e/XDZ3JH3nkC
June 9, 2025 at 10:56 AM
🟡 Last few places remaining!
Join us in Edinburgh on 18 June at 10am for our next SP=EED® training — a full day of learning focused on the best practice in community engagement.
Cost: £250 per person
Local authority staff: 20% discount available (£200)
Book here: forms.office.com/e/XDZ3JH3nkC
Join us in Edinburgh on 18 June at 10am for our next SP=EED® training — a full day of learning focused on the best practice in community engagement.
Cost: £250 per person
Local authority staff: 20% discount available (£200)
Book here: forms.office.com/e/XDZ3JH3nkC
If you’re RTPI chartered or have retired from RTPI chartership, you can join Graham and volunteer for our Advice Service – providing free planning advice to members of the public and community groups.
This #VolunteersWeek we celebrate our volunteers.
➡️Join us! www.pas.org.uk/what-we-do/volunteering
This #VolunteersWeek we celebrate our volunteers.
➡️Join us! www.pas.org.uk/what-we-do/volunteering
June 4, 2025 at 3:47 PM
If you’re RTPI chartered or have retired from RTPI chartership, you can join Graham and volunteer for our Advice Service – providing free planning advice to members of the public and community groups.
This #VolunteersWeek we celebrate our volunteers.
➡️Join us! www.pas.org.uk/what-we-do/volunteering
This #VolunteersWeek we celebrate our volunteers.
➡️Join us! www.pas.org.uk/what-we-do/volunteering
This #VolunteersWeek, join us in getting to know some of the people at the heart of Planning Aid Scotland, our volunteers!
In this blog we meet Arushee, who has volunteered with us on various projects, including in Nairnshire and Stonehaven. www.pas.org.uk/news/meet-arushee/
In this blog we meet Arushee, who has volunteered with us on various projects, including in Nairnshire and Stonehaven. www.pas.org.uk/news/meet-arushee/
June 3, 2025 at 2:54 PM
This #VolunteersWeek, join us in getting to know some of the people at the heart of Planning Aid Scotland, our volunteers!
In this blog we meet Arushee, who has volunteered with us on various projects, including in Nairnshire and Stonehaven. www.pas.org.uk/news/meet-arushee/
In this blog we meet Arushee, who has volunteered with us on various projects, including in Nairnshire and Stonehaven. www.pas.org.uk/news/meet-arushee/
Our volunteers were an integral part of the Sustaining Choices project, working with our Projects & Training Officer, Diane Cassidy to run engagement events, analyse data and develop maps. As Diane says, “They’re skilled in many areas, not just planning. We’re so lucky to have them.” #VolunteersWeek
June 3, 2025 at 10:59 AM
Our volunteers were an integral part of the Sustaining Choices project, working with our Projects & Training Officer, Diane Cassidy to run engagement events, analyse data and develop maps. As Diane says, “They’re skilled in many areas, not just planning. We’re so lucky to have them.” #VolunteersWeek