Social Values Assessment Report: Battle of Bannockburn site

Abstract

This report is based on the findings from a rapid, qualitative assessment of the social values associated with the National Trust for Scotland’s Battle of Bannockburn site, which is part of the historic battlefield where the Scottish and English armies met on 23-24 June 1314. 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 encompassed all aspects of the property – the visitor centre, the monuments, and the landscaped fields and woodlands – finding that these elements serve multiple functions for a variety of communities and are experienced and valued differently. This plurality can create an ambiguity regarding what the site as a whole represents and who it is for. Different meanings and activities are largely focused on different areas of the property (e.g. commemorations at the monument cluster, play in the woods and fields) and/or at different times; however, different expectations, narratives and values can result in tensions. The findings are illustrated with material from interviews, group discussion, and participant observation (on site and online). This assessment was undertaken as one of the pilot studies for the collaborative research project, Social values of National Trust for Scotland heritage places: Towards an organisational approach.