Summary of the impact

Sites of medieval carved stones attract thousands of visitors per year to Scotland. Katherine Forsyth's research at Glasgow has led the redevelopment of some of the most important collections of stones open to the public, unlocking carvings never displayed before and transforming the visitor experience of these ancient cultural icons. Her research transformed Historic Scotland's current policy on the management of carved stones, which applies to around 1,800 monuments and has redesigned the visitor experience at Iona Abbey, which attracts 50,000 visitors per year.

Summary of the impact

This case study builds upon co-director Professor Howard Williams' expertise in archaeologies of memory and mortuary archaeology through the archaeological fieldwork of Project Eliseg (hereafter PE). This project has transformed academic and popular understandings of a unique and striking ancient monument by: (i) creating a network of strategically designed outreach activities engaging the public with archaeological fieldwork at early medieval stone monuments, (ii) disseminating the research to a range of audiences via traditional and new media, and (iii) instigated strategies for the heritage management and conservation of an internationally important heritage site.

Summary of the impact

Stephen Driscoll's archaeological research has driven conservation and regeneration campaigns in the Glasgow area of Govan, raising public awareness of Govan's important cultural heritage resources and its status as one of the earliest sites of Christian worship in Northern Britain. His work has been instrumental in achieving Scheduled Ancient Monument status for Govan Old Churchyard, has influenced urban regeneration efforts — in particular the formal establishment of the Govan Conservation Area by Glasgow City Council — and has helped to establish a sustainable future for Govan Old Church as a museum housing significant early medieval sculpture.

Summary of the impact

Archaeological survey and excavation focussed on the `Heart of Neolithic Orkney' World Heritage Site (WHS) have had beneficial impacts on the historic environment. The landscape approach of the research has had a local impact on planning policy, contributing to preservation and interpretation of the historic environment, and a global impact in application of the research approaches to other World Heritage Sites. Extensive public engagement in the research has enhanced cultural understandings of the past/Neolithic and of archaeological heritage management issues and made a significant contribution to sustainable economic development in Orkney, increasing tourism around archaeology and supporting local businesses.

Summary of the impact

The University of Southampton's long-term archaeological research at Avebury forms the basis upon which national and international heritage organisations such as the National Trust and UNESCO manage and preserve one of the most important prehistoric landscapes in the world. Local councils have used the research findings to inform their own policy and planning decisions. Research disseminated through museum exhibitions, public engagement events and publications has resulted in increased public interest and understanding of the site, stimulating greater tourism and local economic benefit.

Summary of the impact

Bangor University's research into inscribed stones and stone sculpture in Wales c.AD400-1150 has impacted on the Welsh Government leading to the establishment of an `At Risk List' for early medieval stone monuments to aid better protection, changes in national records and changes in heritage management policies and practices. Publications in this field have also impacted on the cultural heritage of Wales through advice on monument interpretation to encourage wider audiences and tourism development, exhibitions and engagement with the media, benefitting audiences both in Wales and globally.

Summary of the impact

The University of Bradford's internationally renowned research in North Atlantic archaeology at Old Scatness, Shetland has provided a sustainable legacy for the region, enhancing awareness of Shetland's past. This innovative heritage project is a partnership between the University and the Shetland Amenity Trust and has been critical to new developments in heritage presentation on the islands. The heritage project at Old Scatness pioneered a blend of site preservation and reconstructed buildings combined with an interpretive approach that provides visitors with a stimulating and interactive experience. The consideration of what was a hitherto unknown archaeological area as a World Heritage Site demonstrates the international significance of the research and its impact.

Summary of the impact

Glasgow archaeologists' work on key battle sites in Europe uncovered the remains of a mass grave from World War I, leading to the identification of 250 Australian soldiers and commemoration of the site and the soldiers by the families, their countries and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Excavations in Flanders and northern France allowed the public to learn about the hidden history of the Western Front, where tens of thousands of Allied soldiers lived in underground tunnels. Through such work and sustained public engagement, battlefields are now recognised as sites of national and international historical and cultural importance. This recognition has been translated into policy, with the inventory of Scottish battlefields compiled by the Glasgow archaeologists underpinning the Scottish Government's 2009 policy on the preservation of battlefields, which affords them, for the first time, a status similar to that of historical monuments or listed buildings.

Summary of the impact

Specialising in Neolithic archaeology, Professor Colin Richards communicates his research beyond academic audiences to the public through museum and community exhibitions, public lectures, newspapers and television. His work has raised local and international awareness of archaeology in Orkney, and tourism through, for example, the reconstruction of archaeological sites thereby contributing to the UNESCO World Heritage status of Orkney. His research has shaped the international profile of these heritage resources through the regional World Heritage research framework, and public presentation of monuments within the World Heritage Area. Richards' research also underpinned specialist evidence at a public windfarm inquiry, the outcome of which contributed to Orkney Island Council windfarm development Policy.

Summary of the impact

Garrow's Stepping Stones project is investigating the spread of the Neolithic via the islands of the `western seaways', including Guernsey, Scilly Isles and South Uist. This research, which is ongoing, has already had direct impact on:

1. Museums on those islands, where a series of exhibitions and open days relating to the project have increased public interest in the museums and provided increased knowledge of collections to the curators;
2. Schools and teachers who have benefitted from the creation of completely new resources supporting prehistory teaching, a previously neglected area;
3. The general public, increasing knowledge of the significance of local heritage and prehistory; and
4. Public policy makers, informing historic environment management plans and coastal heritage development and protection planning and policies.