REF2021 ICS - Place-making And Community-building Through Ecclesiastical Heritage: Dunfermline Abbey

Abstract

First paragraph: 1. Summary of the impact Stirling researchers’ inter-disciplinary investigation of Dunfermline Abbey, Fife, has directly informed the redevelopment of major heritage attractions in the shared custody of local authorities and conservation agencies. This work has occurred within a context of publicly funded regional and national regeneration initiatives and raised the level of knowledge and awareness of custodians, practitioners, and the visiting public. It has ignited collaboration between these bodies and local groups, contributing to: a reprioritisation of heritage planning; the inclusion of ongoing research within the funding applications and programmes of regeneration initiatives; and an enhanced sense of place and cultural significance which has grown to inspire plans for wider community linkage.