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2. Introduction
Aims of the research and background to the study
2.1 To be able to fully enjoy the diversity of the cultural experiences available in Scotland, access to the venues where these events are taking place is fundamental. The First Minister (previous administration), in his 2003 St Andrew's Day Address on future cultural policy stated: "In transport we will look at ways of creating easier access for people to the cultural events and buildings in their area, and around Scotland. One of the biggest barriers to people attending is not the perception of arts or fear of entering a formidable building, although they can be factors, but in physically being able to travel to it. That's a challenge for the transport team as much as the cultural sector."
2.2 In 2007 Steer Davies Gleave was commissioned by the then Scottish Executive to carry out research to explore the relationship between transport and culture further by undertaking a study to gauge the current level of public transport provision for access to cultural venues and events, and to identify where existing limitations in provision may be improved. In short, the work aimed to explore the role of transport as a barrier to participation and attendance in cultural activity throughout Scotland, and make recommendations on how to improve accessibility by public transport in particular, whilst considering other modes (walking, cycling and community transport) where relevant.
2.3 The brief for this study identified the following as objectives for the research:
- To map key cultural sites and events within Scotland and identify the scope and limitations of existing transport provision to/from these sites/events
- To identify key cultural sites/events which are only accessible by private transport or have poor or limited public transport availability and explore the reasons for this (for example which locations/type of location/type of event/site are less likely to have public transport access than others and why?)
- For these key sites/events, assess how much of a barrier transport is perceived to be in relation to non-transport related barriers (for example cost, lack of awareness of event, time and social constraints etc.)
- Explore how we might overcome existing limitations in public transport provision to cultural sites and events, including:
- Identification of innovative examples currently used across Scotland (including community-based initiatives, dedicated and non-dedicated transport options)
- Lessons learned from established events run within Scotland regarding transport and accessibility related planning (for example T-in the Park, Rock-Ness, etc.)
- Lessons learned from examples out with Scotland, including international comparisons with countries that may have similar geographical make-up
- Provide advice on how resources and other action may be targeted most effectively to overcome limited public transport availability within different locations/contexts and the contributions different stakeholders can make (including an exploration of who currently takes responsibility for funding transport for different types of event)
Methodology
2.4 The methodology for this study was developed in response to the key aims of the research (above) and in close consultation with the Advisory Group, which comprised of representatives of the Transport, Tourism, Cultural Policy and Social Research Divisions within the Scottish Government, Scottish Arts Council, Visit Scotland and Confederation of Passenger Transport.
2.5 The approach to the study involved the following key steps:
- A review of the policy background, across transport, tourism, cultural policy and sustainable development
- Structured interviews (using tailored interview pro-formas) with a range of key stakeholders and key players, to scope out the main issues to be addressed
- A good practice review of approaches to enhancing access to cultural activity by public and sustainable transport elsewhere - this review focused on areas and countries comparable to Scotland in terms of geography, rurality and population density
- Initial mapping of a selection of cultural sites and events across Scotland to gain an overview of accessibility by public transport, and to help inform the selection of potential case studies
- Selection and study of 8 case studies to examine the issues of public transport access in more detail, in consultation with the Advisory Group for the study
- Testing of initial findings and recommendations with a "Reference Group" workshop, comprising individuals from previous in-depth interviews, case studies, and the study Advisory Group. A note from this workshop was circulated to all invitees and attendees
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