The University of Queensland

Graduate Student, Architecture

PhD Candidate

School of Architecture

Thesis Title: Scottish Built Heritage at Home and Abroad: Romantic, Enlightened, Independent?

About

My doctoral thesis explores the role of cultural identity politics in the management and use of Scottish heritage architecture in Canada, India and Scotland. 

Academics such as Fiona McLean and Stuart Hall have suggested that Scotland is experiencing a cultural renaissance inspired by its increasing independence from the United Kingdom and its desire to reconnect with its diaspora.  Other scholars have noted that increases in cultural heritage funding can be explained by a nation’s growing sense of identity. 

Using three regions where Scottish culture and heritage is recognised and supported, my thesis explores the present relationship Scotland has with its cultural heritage.  The research is focussed on two themes:

1. The management and protection of transnational heritage within a diaspora
2. The role of heritage in the process of creating or affirming national identity

In order to effectively explore these two themes, a number of heritage sites have been identified in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Ontario in Canada; West Bengal and Gujarat in India, and Midlothian, Ayrshire and the Highlands in Scotland.  These regions were selected for:

1. Numerous and/or highly important Scottish/Gaelic heritage sites
2. A significant level of Scottish/Gaelic cultural activity (eg. St Andrews Clubs and Gaelic societies)
3. Clear support from regional, national and transnational cultural heritage authorities (including international support from Scotland)

Contact Information