Guide to Conversion of Traditional Buildings
The interim publication of the Guide to Conversion of Traditional Buildings provides support and interpretation on the application of the Domestic and Non Domestic Technical Handbooks which take effect on 6 April 2026.
Part of
Letter from Head of Building Standards
To: Local Authority Chief Executives
Cc: Building Standards Managers
20 March 2026
Dear Chief Executives and Building Standards Manager
BUILDING (SCOTLAND) ACT 2003 – NOTICE UNDER SECTION 4(2) AND 4(4) RELATING TO GUIDANCE DOCUMENTS
Under Section 4(1) of the Building (Scotland) Act 2003, which took effect on 1 May 2005 Scottish Ministers are empowered to issue guidance documents that provide practical advice on meeting the requirements of the building regulations. They may also revise any guidance document, either in full or in part.
Guidance documents issued under Section 4(1) of the Act take effect in accordance with a notice issued by Scottish Ministers under Section 4(2) of the Act. This letter, issued on behalf of Scottish Ministers, constitutes such a notice.
From 16 March 2026, the following document is added to the guidance documents of purpose of building regulations:
- Guide to Conversion of Traditional Buildings (Interim Publication)
To support compliance with the Building (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2025, the interim publication will replace fire safety guidance within Guide for Practitioners 6: Conversion of Traditional Buildings. All other sections (excluding Section 2 Fire) continue to remain in effect.
The guidance documents are issued with respect to the provision of Regulations 1 to 15 of the Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004 (as amended). As provided for by Section 4(3) and 4(4) of the Act, this document will cease to have effect in relation to building warrant application when notice is given by Scottish Ministers.
Yours sincerely
Stephen Garvin
Head of Building Standards
Building Standards Division
Contact
Email: buildingstandards@gov.scot