‘Living in a postcard’: creatively exploring cultural heritage with young people living in Scottish island communities

ABSTRACT

This article explores young peoples’ perceptions and connections to their local cultural heritage in the Scottish Western and Northern Isles. Typically considered as heritage-rich contexts, this research project sought to gain an experiential understanding of young peoples’ relationship to local cultural heritage assets; in what ways these hold value for them; and if and how they associate these and other aspects of island heritage with their own sense of identity and belonging. Set against the backdrop of increasing youth migration and depopulation in Scotland’s island communities, insights emerged surrounding cultural advocacy, outward-facing representation and, in particular, the impact of tourism – as experienced by young people living in the diverse island contexts of Stornoway, Shetland and Orkney. Drawing on evidence from three island case studies, I present a studio-based approach for creatively engaging young people in heritage focused research. This article has methodological value for practitioners and researchers seeking to amplify youth-led perspectives on cultural heritage, as well as contextual insights in the areas of relational heritage and place-based identity.

KEYWORDS:

• Young people
• creative engagement
• relational heritage
• place-based identity
• island communities

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Additional information

Funding

This research was funded by the Scottish Graduate School for Arts and Humanities (through UKRI and The Scottish Funding Council). The award number is AH/S012648/1.

Notes on contributors

Marianne McAra

Marianne McAra works in the areas of youth engagement and creative education in a range of different contexts, which includes the Scottish Highlands and Islands and South East Asia. Her research practice is underpinned by human-centred and participatory design approaches, with an interest in experimental creative methods.