Castle to cathedral to cashmere: an evaluation.

Reid, Peter; Tait, Elizabeth

Abstract

The Castle to Cathedral to Cashmere Partnership has delivered a significant heritage experience to the centre of Elgin. The partnership has been led by The Moray Council and has involved the City of Elgin Business Improvement District, Elgin Fund, Historic Environment Scotland, Moray College/University Highland & Islands, Johnstons of Elgin, the Elgin Benevolent Trust, Highlands & Islands Enterprise, Moray Speyside Tourism, Robert Gordon University and Elgin Museum. Special advisors have also been involved. The partnership has successfully brought to life over one thousand years of history using various media including website with mobile technologies and social media, 3D interactive modelling and high-definition scanning, interpretation at over 25 sites, signage (utilising QR codes to link to online resources), enhancements to the public realm including access works as well as a significant programme of activities and events which have involved around twenty partner organisations and volunteers. The ultimate object of the project has been to enhance the town centre experience for visitors and locals by delivering high quality and easily accessible interpretation of its heritage and by improving public spaces and the physical environment of the town centre through improved access and public art. In doing so, Castle to Cathedral to Cashmere has sought to improve the visitor experience but also to engage the community in learning about its own history and heritage of the town. These can lead to longer 'dwell-time' in the town centre and ultimately lead to economic, social and cultural impacts.

Citation

REID, P.H. and TAIT, E. 2017. Castle to cathedral to cashmere: an evaluation. Aberdeen: Robert Gordon University.

• Report Type: Research Report
• Publication Date: Dec 31, 2017
• Deposit Date: Mar 20, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Mar 20, 2018
• Publisher: Robert Gordon University
• Keywords: Elgin; Moray; Elgin Cathedral; Mills; Textile industries; Museum; Visitor experience
• Public URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10059/2814
• Contract Date: Mar 20, 2018