Caerlaverock Castle Is Set To Be Centre Heritage Project

In January The Stove Network, in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland (HES), launched an interactive community consultation for this new creative learning project, ‘Creative Caerlaverock’.

Phase two of the project launches on 24th June –working to support wider inclusion with Scotland’s historic environment sector.
This ambitious project is working with key stakeholders across the region to develop new and innovative approaches to heritage learning.
Focusing primarily on a community engagement process which sought to bring new opportunities for learning groups who are underrepresented or not currently engaged with heritage, and those working in the sector, together to unearth imaginative possibilities for one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks, Caerlaverock Castle.

The work carried out in phase one, was documented and delivered as a report to HES, with
recommendations on how to develop the project further ensuring future stages of Creative
Caerlaverock engages key demographics with their local heritage across the region.
Now in its second phase the project team are working closely with key target audiences, including those identified as either marginalised or disadvantaged, through the first phase of consultation, to help build a new approach to heritage learning, to support accessibility, diversity and inclusion within the sector.

Sal Cuddihy, Project Manager says of the project.
“Creative Caerlaverock is a creative learning and inclusion project working across arts, heritage, and sciences, to develop skills, increase confidence and support wellbeing through storytelling, history, creativity, and technology. Through the targeting of priority local audiences, the project aims to engage these groups and support equality through providing inclusive access and participative opportunities.”
DJ McDowall, Creative Engagement Lead adds:

“Thanks to the enthusiastic participation of members of our key target audiences during Phase 1 of our consultation process, we have identified key themes which now allow us to trial more relevant and diverse opportunities for inclusivity and learning. These key themes, outlined in the report we delivered to HES at the end of Phase 1, include living history, themed interactive tours, ecology, plus the gathering and retelling of stories which will provide a platform for exploring lesser-known histories, and ensuring greater representation of underrepresented local communities in the stories / history associated with Caerlaverock Castle.”

Craig Fletcher, Head of Learning and Inclusion at Historic Environment Scotland:
“This project will develop the potential of Caerlaverock Castle and its grounds as an inclusive creative learning hub for the local area and a steppingstone to the wider heritage of Dumfries and Galloway. Delivering through partnerships and embedding a co-design approach that puts learners needs, opinions and ideas at its core will create exciting and inspiring engagement opportunities that support wider outcomes and local priorities.”