Historic Buildings

Beyond Tourism : From Interpretation to Intervention - Repositioning Whithorn as a Traditional Skills and Climate Hub

We propose two-year exploratory project which seeks to reposition Whithorn as a nationally distinctive centre for skills training, rooted in our archaeological collection, demonstrating 1600 years of making with traditional construction skills, and a heritage of sustainable buildings and travel. It will be delivered through a strong partnership model, building on existing delivery of these skills and planned or existing assets. The core innovation is the transformation of the museum and our townscape from primarily interpretative assets, which visitors view, into a living skills campus, offering courses which directly benefit the young, community and visitors. This is a coherent, replicable model for museum-led skills innovation in rural contexts, responding to both local and national priorities for scarce archaeological and heritage construction skills, climate change, demand for different visitor experiences, livelihoods for local people (especially young people), and inclusive growth, while addressing the resilience challenges faced by our rurally remote museum.