Forest Heritage Scotland

Forest Heritage Scotland is a partnership project with Forestry Commission Scotland undertaken as part of the Homecoming Scotland 2009 government initiative.  It will enhance knowledge and inspire exploration of the heritage sites on the national forest estate.

Over 50 heritage sites are being researched and presented via a multi-media website. These sites range from pre-clearance deserted townships, through early industrial sites to surviving remains from the defence of Britain during the Second World War. The website connects the stories of the people who lived or worked at these places to the archaeology that remains.

The website showcases material from RCAHMS collections as well as developing new resources, including audio and film.  It also offers the opportunity for the public to document their own connections to Scotland’s places, by contributing stories and images related to specific sites through the website’s ‘Ancestral Leaves’ section.

A programme of heritage themed events will be undertaken to promote the project during 2009.  The events offer a variety of ways for the public to engage with history including theatre and storytelling, hands-on 'ancient skills' sessions and training in archaeological techniques.

A range of innovative ways of interpreting the past using hands-on resources and RCAHMS archive material will be developed as the project moves towards its conclusion in 2010.