We designed and delivered engaging heritage interpretation and a Heritage Trail across ten historical sites on the West Ardnamurchan Peninsula. The interpretation and heritage trail was co-designed with the local Ardnamurchan History and Heritage Association, local community members and Archaeology Scotland.
Key outcomes:
- Series of creative workshops
- Heritage trail co-designed with the West Ardnamurchan Community
- 12 Interpretation boards and installations
- Interactive interpretive website and digital trail map
- Six fictional historical characters, to tell stories and narratives from the past
- Archive photographs and stories collected and presented
Connection to the local community was a key part of our process, enabling us to understand local challenges surrounding the interpretation work and its impact. The project highlights local stories and themes that require sensitivity and careful consideration to deliver a successful outcome that creates a shared sense of place and meaningful content for locals and visitors alike.
Throughout the development of the interpretation content, the icecream architecture team collaboratively worked with local groups and the community to develop a comprehensive overview of each site and to build a picture that tells past stories using the right tone for local people.
Drawing out themes from engagement from local people, the team set a unique tone and brand identity for the interpretation, referencing the landscape that strongly influences the local identity of the peninsula.
We created historical characters as a visual and relatable vehicle to communicate historical narratives spanning thousands of years, from Prehistoric times until today. The historical characters tell over 70 unique stories related to the ten interpretation locations.
The timeline was colour-coded and applied to all interpretation outcomes, including the design of monoliths and the website. Every interpretation location features stories from multiple time periods; the visual timeline colour-coding allows links between places, historical time periods, between the physical and digital content, and represents each site's history visually.
This project was part of the Adopt-a-Monument Scheme run by Archaeology Scotland, encouraging the local community to participate in improving the condition, accessibility, and interpretation of their local heritage.
