Culture And Memory

Convalescent Coast: Rest, Revival and Resilience. Exploring and activating Dunoon's Victorian heritage

Through delivering this project, we will use Dunoon's Victorian heritage to spark meaningful conversations about health, economy and environment in our community today. By uncovering the stories of health reformers, tourism pioneers and soft drink producers, we will create new resources and experiences that connect people with the places and ideas that shaped this coastal town. Through participatory research, co-designed interpretation and heritage-inspired product development, we will engage diverse audiences with intangible heritage that risks being lost. Our vision will build a more connected, resilient community where local heritage organisations work collaboratively, where residents and visitors engage meaningfully with place, and where heritage becomes a catalyst for sustainable economic development. We will demonstrate how small, rural towns can use their distinctive stories to build inclusive wellbeing economies. Ultimately, we envision Convalescent Coast as heritage-led community development, activating heritage to respond to challenges facing Scotland's coastal communities today.