The aim of this project was to provide a better understanding of the links between the geological, built and cultural heritage in the region for the local communities and visitors alike.
The cultural development of Dumfries and Galloway is strongly linked with the geology but the gradual decline of the quarrying industry has resulted in closures and reduced employment in the area. It is recognised that the geological heritage of the area can have a part in developing Dumfries and Galloway as a visitor destination so securing the physical, economic and social well-being of the area.
There had been no on-site interpretation of the geological heritage of the region. Solway Heritage identified Geological Interpretation as a key target in its Strategy 2000-03. It was proposed that features could be created in areas where they would draw attention to a stone that was important to that particular location and community. Interpretation would be needed to explain how the rock was formed and why and where it was used. Initial funding had been approved through the Landfill Tax Credit Scheme, and Scottish Natural Heritage had offered specialist advice.
Support from the Scottish Executive's Aggregates Levy funding of the Community Environmental Renewal Grant scheme allowed the project to progress. The development process relied on partnership working with specialist advisors, representatives of local communities and local agencies.
Outcomes
Four features (one less than the target of five) have been developed. Each feature consists of a large rock with carved text and a panel to raise awareness of a locally distinct stone quarried nearby.
5,000 leaflets were published explaining the links between geology and the built and natural environment.
It is hoped that the features and distributed leaflets will improve the image and understanding of the role of stone in the development of Dumfries and Galloway. Although one feature did not come to fruition the project acted as a catalyst for the community concerned and they are now actively developing a heritage project linked to the quarry.
It was anticipated that a second phase to this project will build on work to date and develop additional geological interpretation in the region.
There is a geology guide book providing information of a specialist nature that is suited to those who have a good geological knowledge. The aim of this project was to develop information for those who do not have a deep understanding of geology but have an interest in their surroundings and would enjoy visiting interesting places. The title chosen for the leaflet was 'Rock Journey - come on a journey through time to discover how south-west Scotland was made'. The leaflet includes a geological map of the region, description of the changing conditions that led to the formation of rock and suggested places to visit.
Sites were identified though discussion with people who had local knowledge of geology in the area. Sites were visited and were chosen against criteria such as being accessible to the public and being enjoyable to visit by a wide range of people.
The format and content of the leaflet was developed by Solway Heritage. Expert guidance and specialist advice for the content of the leaflet was received from Scottish Natural Heritage and the National Museums of Scotland. The text was widely circulated for comment and was revised when required. The graphic design was carried out by the Graphics Section of Dumfries and Galloway Council and it was hoped that this style could be used in future phases of the project.
Rock features
It was proposed that stone features be created within settlements that have close association with nearby quarries. The features make a link between the geology, the communities, buildings and monuments, and a nearby quarry.
The five settlements initially identified were Annan, Creetown, Dalbeattie, Dumfries and Rowanburn. The feature at Rowanburn was not completed due to a difficulty in finding suitable limestone and concern that interpretation would draw visitors to a now dangerous quarry. The stone features involved sourcing, transport or positioning of large, heavy rocks and presented differing problems that led to the project taking much longer than anticipated to complete.
Summary
This Geological Interpretation project has created an easy to use guide to the geology of Dumfries and Galloway and four stone features. The guide is in the form of a colourful and engaging leaflet to reveal the rocks found in the region and the places you can see or learn more about them. Opportunity to distribute the leaflet occurred with Doors Open Day 2003 (which had a stone theme), and Dalbeattie Granite Festival and Scottish Geology Festival also taking place in September 2003. The leaflets will also be available through Museums in the region and the National Museum of Scotland.
Contact
Solway Heritage
Campbell House
The Crichton
Bankend Road
Dumfries
DG1 4ZB
Telephone: 01387 247543
Email: solway.heritage@solwayheritage.freeserve.co.uk