Social Values Assessment Report: Isle of Iona

Abstract

This report is based on the findings from a rapid, qualitative assessment of the social values associated with the Isle of Iona, an island in the Inner Hebrides, much of which is in the care of the National Trust for Scotland (NTS). The main body of the report provides a brief context to the assessment, outlines the research process and methods, summarises the findings, and considers their potential implications. It also notes the gaps and limitations of the study, suggesting future research directions. The assessment found that Iona’s relatively small size belies the degree of complexity it encompasses, arising from its varied geography, the different communities of identity and attachment, and the density of meanings and social values associated with the island, some of which conflict or compete. Social values are often strongly informed by Iona's history and its spiritual and religious associations, the environment/landscape, people’s social relationships, and the intersection of these, with places assuming different meanings depending on the context in which they are encountered or discussed. The findings are illustrated with material from in-depth semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and existing material that explores the values, experiences and sense of place, community identities (particularly of island residents), place attachment, and sense of belonging associated with Iona. This research was undertaken as one of the pilot studies for the collaborative research project, Social values of NTS heritage places: towards an organisational approach.