Driving delivery sits at the heart of BE-ST Fest 2026, and in the South of Scotland, the spotlight is on skills as a critical enabler of change.

The South of Scotland faces a significant skills challenge shaped by its rural geography and ageing population. Persistent barriers, including limited access to affordable housing, poor transport connectivity, and underinvestment in training, continue to constrain progress.

This summit will bring together academia, industry, and policymakers around a shared goal: to move from identifying gaps to delivering solutions. By strengthening collaboration, unlocking investment, and aligning education with industry needs, the focus is on building a resilient, future-ready workforce that can drive economic growth and support Scotland’s transition to net zero.

Speakers include:

• Dr Jocelyne Fleming, Scottish Policy and Public Affairs Lead - Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)‍

• Douglas Dickson, Principal and CEO of Dumfries and Galloway College

• Chiara Fingland, Climate Development Officer, Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations

• Izzy Williams, Ryder Architecture

• Julia Muir Watt, Chief Executive, The Whithorn Trust

Date: 23rd September 2026

Location: The Crichton Trust, Dumfries