Wrestling with Social Value Case Study Report: The Hood Stones

Abstract

This report is based on the findings from a rapid, qualitative investigation into the variety of communities and range of social values associated with ‘the Hood Stones’. These are two sets of stones that spell out the name ‘Hood’ on the hillside above Loch Eriboll in Sutherland, which were placed there by the crew members of H.M.S. Hood in 1934. The report provides some background to the site and research process, summarises the findings, and considers the potential implications. There was a particular focus in this study on reaching non-geographic communities of interest using online platforms. The research was undertaken as part of the collaborative PhD project, Wrestling with Social Value: An Examination of Methods and Approaches for Assessing Social Value in Heritage Management and Conservation.