Local Heritage, Local People

Heritage as a Community Asset

Local Heritage, Local People

Heritage as a Community Asset

produced by Magic Torch

This project was supported by SCVO Direct Grants

In a time when Inverclyde faces so many difculties, it is very easy to understand why heritage is not at the top of anyones agenda. Why should we worry about history when here and now, jobs are being lost? Who cares about industrial landmarks when we see our maternity unit closing? If we are going to be restoring anything, shouldnt it be our schools? These problems, this gradual erosion of our entire community must be fought, on all fronts; as a group Magic Torch have come to believe that promotion of our heritage is one very positive way of doing just that. Our heritage can reconnect us to our community, give us a sense of place, of pride. Its what we have left of who we are, where weve come from. And its the last thing well lose. This report investigates local attitudes to heritage, revealing not only local support for future developments, but also underlining the strong sense of history and community already present within Inverclyde. Outlined, are a number of ideas for future development. We hope it will not be too long before we see some of them in action. Magic Torch would like to thank those who have made this project possible, most particularly Christopher Burrows who prepared and wrote the report. He was active in all aspects of the project; planning, preparation of questionnaires, encouraging groups to return them, collating the data and raising the prole of local heritage at every given opportunity. We would also like to thank all those groups and individuals who took the time and trouble to complete their questionnaires or attend our open forum meetings yours is the most vital contribution of all. Finally we would like to acknowledge the support of SCVOs Direct Grants programme, which funded the entire survey project.

CONTENTS
SECTION 1. BACKGROUND 1.1 Introduction 1.2 Methodology 1.3 Strategic Context 2. COMMUNITY SURVEY 2.1 Heritage Baseline 2.2 Interaction 2.3 Attitude 10 2.4 Aspirations 2.5 SWOT Analysis 2.6 Community Survey: Conclusion 3. HERITAGE DEVELOPMENT 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Review of previous Heritage Developments 3.3 Project 1: Inverclyde Maritime Heritage Trail 3.4 Project 2: Community Mini Museum 3.5 Project 3: Inverclyde Festival of Light 3.6 Project 4: Downriver: The Clyde Experience 3.7 Heritage Development: Conclusion 4. CONCLUSION 7 PAGE 4 4 5 6

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15 15 17 18 20 22 24

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SECTION 1 : BACKGROUND
1.1 introduction
Heritage plays a vital role in the creation of community. Over the centuries local traditions, historical events and the industrial past have accumulated, helping to mould a local character and identity, forging a common bond amongst the people of Inverclyde. In this report the term heritage will be treated as a broad concept outlined in the denition below: Heritage includes many different things and places that have been, and can be, passed from one generation to another. Among these are: Cultural and local traditions; Countryside, Parks and Gardens; Objects and sites that are linked to our industrial, maritime and transport history; Records such as local history archives, photographic collections or spoken history records; Social history including local services and activities, how they were established and developed; Historic buildings and museum collections;
Source : Heritage Lottery Fund

Since 1999 Magic Torch, an Inverclyde based arts and heritage group, have been involved in the promotion of the areas rich cultural heritage, history and folklore. Publications such as Tales of the Oak and Views & Reminiscences and subsequent projects have attempted to both raise awareness of heritage issues and stimulate community involvement in the eld. In January 2003 Magic Torch secured funding, through the Direct Grants programme, to undertake a comprehensive survey of local feeling towards heritage issues within Inverclyde. The subsequent report is the result of this process. It sets out to satisfy the following aims: To identify current trends / issues / local feeling around heritage; To identify areas for future development.

This report highlights the main ndings of the survey in depth; however it is worth making the following brief observations: Between August and November 2003 over 3000 people took part in the community consultation process; 450 questionnaires were completed; the 450 respondents accurately reect the population structure of Inverclyde.

However, the demands of the 21st century along with a need to tackle the areas socio-economic problems have seen heritage increasingly marginalized and threatened. Unless positive efforts are made to promote and preserve Inverclydes past then it will soon be lost to this and future generations. Heritage is a fragile resource, once lost it can never be recreated.

SECTION 1 : BACKGROUND
This represents an extremely successful response, suggesting an existing interest in the community; Approximately 70% of respondents believe the area to have a rich history; Almost half of those surveyed had visited a local heritage facility more than once in the past year; Over 60% of respondents rated local heritage facilities as good or excellent; Yet almost 70% believed that more could be done to promote and preserve the areas heritage; While less than 20% of responses suggested that Inverclyde faced too many p r o b l e m s t o w a s t e time looking at the past, 87% believed that heritage offered the area economic opportunities and 72% thought that it had the potential to bring the community together.

1.2 methodology

The research process for this study has been advised by a major literature review and a trawl for information from the statutory agencies, as outlined in Figure 1. The ndings of this report are based on a variety of primary and secondary data sources. Whilst secondary data sources were used to inform the initial focus and content of the study, the nal document is an interaction of complimentary primary and secondary data.

Figure 1: Methodology

SECTION 1 : BACKGROUND
1.3 strategic context
This report also takes account of a range of other local strategies and plans. These include: A Strategy for Inverclydes Town Centres Wardle McLean Research Report Port Glasgow Area Renewal Plan 2001- 2011 Inverclyde Derelict Land Strategy Inverclyde Community Plan Inverclyde Arts Strategy

This report has been developed following consideration of the local, regional and national policy context in which it will be read. Since the re-establishment of the Scottish Parliament in 1999, national policy has been sympathetic towards the promotion of heritage issues. Indeed, Scotlands National Cultural Strategy cites conserving, presenting and promoting interest in and knowledge of Scotlands history and cultural heritage. as one of its principal policy objectives. At regional level The Glasgow & Clyde Valley Structure Plan highlights the opportunities that exist through capitalising on the heritage associated with the river. Whilst at local level a number of policy documents make reference to the social and economic possibilities that heritage developments may offer Inverclyde. The Inverclyde Local Plan presents tourism as an area offering substantial growth opportunities indicating that the areas built, industrial and maritime heritage are amongst the most likely stimulants of tourist activity and acknowledging the need to promote Inverclydes cultural assets. The Inverclyde Economic Development Strategy (2003-2007) identies a need to Maximise the benefits of local assets and realise the opportunities presented for tourism developments..Promote Inverclyde as an arts and events venue..Market and promote the area.

SECTION 2 : COMMUNITY SURVEY

2.1 HERITAGE BASELINE

Table 1: Provision of heritage facilities in Inverclyde

SECTION 2 : COMMUNITY SURVEY

2.2 interaction
An underlying aim of the community survey was to establish the way in which the community currently interacts with the facilities outlined in Table 1. The results produced a number of ndings outlined below: Almost 50% of those surveyed visited the amenities listed in Table 1 more than once in the past year, whilst 25% made one visit and a further 25% failed to make any visits in the last year; Over 60% of respondents rated facilities as good or excellent, 35% as average and less than 5% as poor; There is a strong positive relationship between an individuals local historical knowledge and the number of times they visit local heritage facilities, the causal nature of this relationship cannot be identied from this research however it is clear that current facilities play some role in promoting an understanding of the history of Inverclyde;
Visits to facilities in the past year Never 43.06% 39.66%

Knowledge of More than 5 times Local History Very Little 5.56% Not Much

Once 30.56% 28.45%

2-5 Times 20.83% 20.69%

Table 2: Cross Tabulation Analysis - Visits to facilities by knowledge of local history

Heritage facilities are failing to appeal to a youth market. Over 50% of under 20s regard the facilities as poor or average, these statistics are supported by a number of comments recorded during the consultation process Inverclydes history is boring it should be made more fun., Museums are not popular and not the way forward.;

Fig 2: Rating of Facilities by Age Group

SECTION 2 : COMMUNITY SURVEY

This results in fewer visits amongst the younger age groups. Over 35% of under 20s never visited the facilities mentioned;

Figure 3: Visits to facilities by Age Group

Access issues exist within socially excluded communities. 42% of people in the Kelburn/ Woodhall/Broadeld S.I.P area never visited heritage facilities compared to 25% of those in Port Glasgow and 25.68% of Inverclyde.

These results show that whilst local heritage services are generally well used and regarded a number of issues exist. These issues are not peculiar to Inverclyde, indeed they have been reected at national level and highlighted in various studies carried out by groups such as Scottish Natural Heritage, Heritage Lottery Fund and the Scottish Museums Council. Firstly, the failure to appeal to a youth market suggests that existing services may not be achieving their aim of providing an understanding and sense of belonging to the youth of Inverclyde. This has implications for civic pride and for future population loss.

Secondly, the fact that heritage services are not being accessed by those in socially excluded areas suggests that they are failing to realise their potential in promoting social inclusion as outlined in the document Centres for Social Change: Museums, Galleries and Archives for All, (Department for Culture, Media and Sport, May 2000) Local authority expenditure on arts and culture is declining across the board as severe financial restrictions lead to cuts in nonessential services. In the future, therefore, local authority heritage services look set to be put under further nancial pressure. One

SECTION 2 : COMMUNITY SURVEY

way to ensure the continuation of heritage provision in this nancial climate is for the growth of community based services. Any future community based initiatives should attempt to tackle the issues outlined above and also be informed by the views of the community.

2.3 attitude

Another aim of the community survey was to gauge local feeling towards heritage issues. By asking respondents to express their opinions on a number of statements it was possible to build a comprehensive picture of the way people in Inverclyde relate to heritage. An analysis of the results provides a number of key ndings: Approximately 70% of respondents viewed Inverclyde as an area with a rich history; 8% of respondents believed that Inverclyde was doing enough to promote its heritage but just under 70% believed that more could be done; 87% of those surveyed believed that the promotion of Inverclydes heritage could provide economic benets and just over 72% believed that the promotion of heritage could unite the community; Whilst almost 20% of respondents considered Inverclyde to face too many problems to waste time looking at the past 63% of those questioned disagreed with this sentiment. The under 20 age group tended to display a more apathetic attitude towards heritage than those in other age groups. This is a worrying trend that may have serious implications for the future of Inverclydes heritage.

Fig 4: Responses of Under 20 age group against Average.

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A number of conclusions can be drawn. Firstly, it highlights a lack of local historical knowledge amongst the under 20 age group. Secondly it shows that many youths feel that they havent beneted from previous or existing heritage projects. Finally it is indicative of a wider disillusionment amongst the youth of Inverclyde, a feeling amongst some that the area has nothing going for it. Indeed this came out clearly in some responses. One respondent commented Inverclydes a shambles! Full of trouble. while another stated that Inverclyde is full of low-lifes, thugs and addicts. Overall, therefore, these results suggest that the majority of the community believe that the heritage of Inverclyde is an under-exploited resource with the potential to provide the community with social and economic benets. However, efforts have to be made to raise awareness of heritage issues amongst the youth of the area and to promote local history as a source of community pride. regeneration. Do you think it is important that efforts are made to mark the maritime history of this area?

Figure 5: Maritime History Pie Chart

2.4 aspirations

Having identied that the residents of Inverclyde were sympathetic towards the issue of local heritage it was essential to discover the ways in which they would most like to see the areas history celebrated. From an early stage it had been obvious that many respondents viewed Inverclydes heritage as inextricably linked to the River Clyde. To this end respondents were asked the following question: Over the next few years Inverclydes waterfront will be undergoing

Such an emphatic response suggests that the community is in no doubt of the historical importance of the river and its associated activities. More importantly it shows that the inhabitants of Inverclyde want to see some form of heritage facility integrated into any future regeneration of the waterfront corridor. In previous efforts to redevelop the waterfront area the consideration of heritage has been conspicuous by its absence. This issue was raised by several respondents, who highlighted their experience of historic docklands in Hartlepool, Liverpool, Bristol, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. Respondents were then asked in which way they

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SECTION 2 : COMMUNITY SURVEY

would most like to see heritage celebrated. The results were as follows: Annual Festival 35% Heritage Museum 20% More than one response 13% Taught in Schools/College 12% Preservation of Historically Important Buildings 7.4% Genealogy Centre 6.4% Heritage Walking Trail 4.8% Monuments 0.7 Other 0.7% A number of conclusions can be drawn from these ndings. The popularity of an Annual Festival reects the success of the Cutty Sark Tall Ships Race held in 1999; Whilst the idea of an Annual Festival is strongly supported by young and female respondents the idea of a Heritage Museum finds support amongst older and m a l e respondents; The second most popular option amongst the under 20 and 20-29 age groups was that local history be taught in schools and college. This suggests a willingness amongst the youth of the community to discover their local roots; Many respondents found it hard to select one option. This is highlighted by the fact that a high proportion indicated support for more than one project. Many of these responses highlighted the links between the various options. For example a heritage museum could also a c t as a genealogy centre and be housed in a preserved building. Finally respondents were asked to select the area of local heritage that interested them the most. The results were as follows: More than one response Local History Industrial Heritage Famous Inverclyde People Migration/Genealogy 6.1% Folklore 3.6% Natural Heritage Built Heritage Other 33% 28.9% 13.6% 9.7%

2.9% 1.2% 1%

The fact that a third of respondents selected more than one option, whilst just under 30% selected the general Local History option suggests that there is an appreciation amongst

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SECTION 2 : COMMUNITY SURVEY

the community that Inverclyde has a rich and varied heritage. It follows that any future heritage development should have a broad focus covering many areas of interest linked together by a common theme.

Strengths Weaknesses Multiple layers of the heritage No formal heritage strategy industry, trade, war, No dedicated museums department 2.5fabric: swot analysis migration in the council L o c a l l y , n a t i o n a l l y a n d No additional Local Authority Comments made in writing through the questionnaire and in person at heritage open nights were internationally s i g n i f i c a n t nance combined with ndings from previously published documents to construct a SWOT analysis. This history Lack of long-term vision tool allows for a simple analysis of the current position with regard to heritage issues as well as Professional heritage expertise Interested groups working in highlighting issues that may arise in the future. amongst volunteers and isolation council staff Private ownership of historic Strong foundation of Heritage waterfront Services Weak links to cultural tourism Track record of hosting large scale Few efforts to tap into heritage heritage events funding Sympathetic local newspaper Weak planning regulations Little integration into primary and secondary school curriculum Opportunities Waterfront views Regeneration of the waterfront Cruise Liner Passengers HLF under subscribed in this area Growth of interest in genealogy Growth of interest in restoration Recognition of potential of heritage in various council documents Threats Negative image of Inverclyde Unsympathetic regeneration Declining population Socio-economic problems Services leaving the area Belief that spending on heritage takes money from essential services Failure to recognise the wider signicance of Inverclydes heritage

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Table 3: Heritage in Inverclyde, SWOT Analysis

SECTION 2 : COMMUNITY SURVEY

The Castles of Inverclyde
It is a common misconception that Inverclyde had few castles. Indeed at one point there were ten castles scattered throughout the district, although little remains of them today, with Newark being the only one still standing in its original state. The oldest one in Greenock was the Castle of Easter Greenock, which stood in the east end of the town, close to where the Knowe Road runs. There was a castle here from around the mid thirteenth century. The original occupants were the Gailbraith family. One notable member of the family was Hugh de Grenok who swore fealty to Edward Longshanks after the battle of Lanark in 1296. The family were survived through the Crawfords, who remained in occupancy at the castle until the late middle ages. Another early castle in the town stood on the site of the Well Park. The Shaw family acquired the Barony of Wester Greenock through intermarriage with the Galbraiths during the reign of Robert III. The Shaws were for a long time the cup bearers of the Scottish Kings, a fact which is commemorated by the covered cups still visible at the Well park. The castle was rebuilt several times, most famously by John Shaw III who built the Mansion House on the site of the older castle where it remained until it was demolished in 1886 during railway tunnelling. In addition, there were Castles situated at Duchal outside of Kilmacolm, Levan on the Cloch Road, Dunrod near IBM and Ardgowan outside of Inverkip. Many of these were in existence during the time of Wallace and the Bruce and their tenants surely played their parts in Scotlands battle for independence.

2.6 community survey : conclusion

The community survey has raised many important issues. The results suggest that the inhabitants of Inverclyde are aware of the areas rich heritage and view it as something of an unexploited resource, a sentiment that is echoed in many local government publications. The majority of residents believe that more should be done to promote the heritage of the area and in particular that the communities

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SECTION 3 : HERITAGE DEVELOPMENT

historical links with its river be celebrated. It is essential that any future projects engage with the youth of the community and attempt to tackle access issues within socially excluded communities. This is as much about involving under represented groups in the development of new facilities and projects as it is about outreach work and targeted marketing. unmarked. H e r i t a g e Ve s s e l s i n I n v e r c l y d e , Inverclyde Initiative, 1987 Inverclyde Heritage Centre, Greenock Employment Action Group, 1987 The Scottish Emigration Centre, Scottish Development Agency, 1986 Previous projects have failed to come to fruition for a number of reasons including; a lack of nancial support, a failure to realise the potential of heritage developments, lack of commitment from external agencies, and severe socio-economic problems. Although Inverclyde still faces many challenging socioeconomic problems a number of the other barriers have been removed. Heritage Lottery Fund now represents a significant source of financial support, strategic policy documents now indicate a real understanding of the value of heritage developments and a grass-roots movement minimises a reliance on external agencies. In the past there have also been successful attempts to celebrate the areas heritage

3.1 introduction

The following series of development proposals will illustrate potential heritage projects. The content of these proposals will be informed by three main factors: The aspirations of the community; Projects that are currently running elsewhere in Britain; Pr e v i o u s h e r i t a g e p r o j e c t s i n Inverclyde. It will also be shown that they can tackle issues of access, relate to the youth of the community and be used as a vehicle for the implementation of wider strategies.

3.2 review of previous heritage developments

Since the late 1980s, a number of public bodies have sought to capitalise on Inverclydes rich heritage. Indeed, many of the proposals have been taken to an advanced stage with the completion of feasibility studies. Unfortunately, over a decade on there exists very little evidence of previous projects, and Inverclydes rich history remains virtually

Inverclyde Heritage Roadshow, 1990 Cutty Sark Tall Ships Race, 1999

Yet, while these projects proved a success in their limited life spans a failure to build on them means that the momentum has been lost, A 3 day wonder of excitementand then its gone. The Glenlee goes back to Glasgow and

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we go back to gap sites and rubble. of 8.3 million for Inverclyde, representing a 9 fold return on the initial investment. It was estimated that this level of expenditure would support a notional 248 jobs for one year. Perhaps the greatest benet, however, was the increase in condence engendered in both the local community and those involved in the event organisation. A much needed feel good factor for a town that has had more than its fair share of hard knocks. In our study respondents were asked to comment on the impact of the Tall Ships in Inverclyde. 12% of responses highlighted the number of visitors it brought to the area, 20% of the replies focused on the positive publicity gained, a further 16% commented on the wider economic benet, whilst 6 and 8% of those polled mentioned the educational and enjoyment value respectively. The largest number of responses, 38%, focused on community pride and for an area such as Inverclyde that is regarded as a fragmented community haemorrhaging population this is extremely signicant. Yet the long-term impact of the event is less certain. The feeling of civic pride gained from this event has dissipated and attempts to follow up the success of the Tall Ships with other festivals have proved less successful. Indeed 69% of respondents felt that not enough

case study: cutty sark tall ships race 1999

In the summer of 1999 Greenock played host to one of the worlds leading sailing events, The Cutty Sark Tall Ships Race. This event is widely regarded as a successful example of a local heritage festival, combining the areas maritime history with other aspects of local arts and culture. Five years on it is still remembered with affection by local residents. The bid to host the event was submitted in 1995 and Greenock Tall Ships Ltd formed at the end of 1996 to oversee its organisation. Delivered through partnership by the local council, Renfrewshire Enterprise, Clydeport, ERDF, Urban Aid, and sponsorship the four day festival held in the last weekend of July 1999 was to prove a great success. Over the weekend 800,000 separate visits were made to the event site with many of these made by people from out-with the Inverclyde area. The impact of the event on the local area was signicant. In economic terms it created new expenditure

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has been done to build on the success of the event, many fearing that the opportunity has now passed. The Tall Ships event, then, has been shown to have had signicant short term impacts for Inverclyde. Yet failure to build on the success of the event means that ve years down the line the benets have all but vanished. This suggests that it is important to mark our heritage in bricks and mortar, building a rolling programme of events around any such development. It would seem, then, that this is a critical time for the heritage of Inverclyde. The redevelopment of the historic waterfront represents a last chance to mark our rich maritime heritage. Unless efforts are made to integrate a celebration of our heritage in any redevelopment package then the opportunity will be lost once and for all. Yet it is not only the maritime heritage of Inverclyde that offers opportunity, the following series of proposals illustrate a wide range of potential projects varying in focus, size, timeframe, and ambition. creation of a maritime heritage trail can be used to combine these two local assets. The provision of interpretative signage throughout the Inverclyde Coastal Walkway should be used to transform the network of paths into a commemoration of the areas rich maritime history. As the waterfront regeneration proceeds the trail should continue to develop, eventually covering the whole stretch of coast from the Custom House to Newark Castle. Planning Gain Mechanisms should be used to ensure that new developments are required to contribute to the extension of the heritage trail with appropriate signage and footpath provision. Heritage Trails have been developed in various locations throughout Scotland. These include the North Calder Heritage Trail, Falkirk Heritage Trail, Govan Heritage Trail and Water of Leith Walkway Justification: The document, A Strategy for Inverclydes Town Centres advocates the establishment of a Greenock Heritage Trail; The Paths for All Partnership provide the following guidance; Paths to Explore, Paths are a major attraction for tourists. They help extend length of stay, spread visits around the year, and disperse tourists to less visited places. They generate income and can be a key element in economic regeneration strategies. Paths are Local , Paths help community development. Involvement in planning and construction is an empowering experience. Moving about the paths promotes social

3.3 project 1: inverclyde maritime heritage trail

The Concept: Inverclyde is renowned for its proud maritime history and heavy industrial past. Yet the area is also blessed with beautiful waterfront scenery. Magic Torch believes the

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Inverclydes Maritime History
The rst shipyard company in Greenock was founded in 1711 by John Scott. Scott had a yard at the mouth of the West Burn where he built herring busses and small boats. Small beginnings for a company which was to take its place among the most famous shipbuilders in the world. By the end of the 1700s, Scotts yard had increased greatly in size and close ties with the Watt family lead to the quick development of steam propelled vessels. In 1806 with the building of the warship Prince of Wales Scotts began a long and prosperous connection with the Royal Navy. By the 1820s there were several yards operating in Inverclyde, many of which were building steam vessels such as the famous Comet built in 1811 by John Wood and Sons of Port Glasgow. In 1839, Scotts launched H.M.S Greenock, the rst Clyde built steam naval frigate and were joined by rms such as Cairds and Woods in their specialising in steam powered vessels. In the late 1850s Robert Steele & Co turned to the building of tea clippers. The late 1800s were a boom time for Inverclydes shipbuilding industry. Many rms such as George Brown & Co specialised in tugs and motor yachts as did Ferguson Brothers of Port Glasgow. Lithgows also began to expand at this time and was eventually to become the largest privately owned shipyard in the world. In the years after the First World War depression hit the industry. This naturally resulted in the closure or amalgamation of many yards. While some companies, such as Scotts continued to produce outstanding vessels, others, including Cairds were less fortunate The outbreak of the Second World War placed great pressure on the yards, ships of all types were in great demand. However, after the war, the industry faced growing competition from abroad, culminating in the great closures of the 1970s and 80s.

interaction, increases awareness of local life, and encourages engagement with local issues. Paths to Health, Paths address the issues raised in Scotlands Health: A challenge to us all by providing for the 30 minutes moderate activity each day recommended by the NHS Scotland. A heritage trail also represents value for money leisure provision being a relatively low cost development accessible to a high proportion of the population; The development of a heritage trail would increase usage of the existing path network but also represents a simple, low cost project that provides a sound basis for future heritage developments. Potential Partners: Paths For All, Paths To Health, Scottish Natural Heritage, Heritage Lottery Fund, Fresh Futures, Inverclyde Council, Voluntary Sector, Argyll & Clyde Health Board, Local Community.

3.4 project 2 : community mini museum

The Concept: The town of Port Glasgow has a rich and varied history that is unfortunately too often overlooked. From the ancient castle of Newark to the once bustling shipyards, the history of the community is one of innovation, determination and an enduring sense of civic pride. In order to help the community enjoy

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and educate themselves in a celebration of their cultural heritage Magic Torch envisage the development of a community mini museum based within the Woodhall/Robert Street area. Whilst helping to raise awareness of local heritage issues this type of initiative is increasingly being hailed as an innovative response to social exclusion. Based on the successful Pollok Kist in Glasgow (www.pollokkist.co.uk) the project will be designed to encourage socially excluded members of society to participate in the work of the museum and to involve them in projects that will promote their inclusion into wider society. Featuring display cases containing personal collections and objects from the Inverclyde archives, community art as well as a small historical library, computers, reminiscence kits and equipment to conduct oral history sessions. This museum will act as the collective memory of the community as well as taking heritage directly to under represented groups. Justication: Access issues identied through the community survey: this project represents a low cost/high impact solution; The success of the Port Gallery project suggested a desire to see the establishment of a permanent cultural facility; The Department of Culture, Media and Sport document Centres for Social Change: Museums, Galleries and Archives for All suggests that through the special combination of enjoyment and learning they offer galleries and archives can provide many opportunities for overcoming social inclusion.; Port Glasgow Area Renewal Plan 2001-2011 identies heritage as one of the towns greatest assets noting that it needs to build on the value that local people assign to their heritage, Looking back to the past is one of the ways of securing a future, of building on the pride

Port Glasgow
Port Glasgow has a rich and varied history that is all too often overlooked. In the 1400s, the powerful and wealthy Maxwell family acquired the western part of the Finlaystone estate and constructed Newark Castle. Over two hundred years later, in 1688, Glasgow Town Council created the free port of New Port Glasgow to make it easier to transport goods to Glasgow. The new port thrived on foreign trade, bringing goods from the West Indies, the Americas and mainland Europe and Ireland. The wealthy merchants of Port Glasgow were involved in the ill-fated Darien Expedition, some of whose ships left from the Port. The so-called Tobacco Lords brought much wealth and prosperity to Port Glasgow, but their success was short lived. Following the devastating effects of the American War of Independence on international shipping, many of the merchants lost their vast fortunes and those who did not were forced to diversify into other ventures such as shipbuilding, sailmaking and rope production. These industries became more important as the Clyde was deepened, allowing cargo ships to travel all the way up to Glasgow. Today, there is little that celebrates the history of this once prosperous and important trading post on

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that local people have in their past to forge a positive identity that will help provide hope for the future. Potential Partners: Inverclyde Council, HLF, Urban II, Social Inclusion Partnership, Community Councils, FCLCI, INCI Theme Group, Key Fund, Safe Communities Scotland, Voluntary Sector, Local Community. in a number of British cities including Glasgow and Edinburgh. Opening Event: Galoshans Held on the weekend falling between Halloween and Guy Fawkes Night this event will mark the opening of the winter festival. Based on the successful Beltane Fire Society festival held in Edinburgh (www.beltane.org) which attracts up to 15,000 people from across the world, this event will act as a celebration of the Inverclyde

3.5 project 3: inverclyde festival of light

The Concept: The success of the Tall Ships event in the summer of 1999 proved that festivals can act as the vehicle for a number of social and economic benets whilst increasing peoples appreciation of the local area and its history. Yet Inverclyde cannot rely on regularly attracting international events. Many communities across Britain have developed successful festivals based on local history. Magic Torch envisages the development of a month long winter festival, the festival of light running throughout November. This festival will in one sense be a branding exercise incorporating existing events such as the annual reworks display and the switching on of the Christmas lights. It will also act as a method of resurrecting old Inverclyde customs. The festival will open and close with weekend events at the beginning and end of November with a programme of complimentary activities running throughout the month. The concept of a winter festival has long been successful in North America and has recently been adopted

Galoshans
Inverclyde is one of the few areas in the country where the word Galoshans is still in use. In the nineteenth century, The Galoshans Book was a chapbook printing of a short play based on the legend of Saint George and the Dragon. Children would dress up and travel from house to house performing their interpretation of this play, it is from this that we derive the term going galoshans Little companies of Galoshans, too, were to be seen rushing from one tenement to another, seeking admission, sometimes indeed insisting on their assumed privilege to perform The Wonderful Tragedy of St. George and The Dragon. Their faces were fearfully camouaged, and their ordinary garb was embellished with various coloured trimmings, and a wooden sword where required. The kitchen floor was the bloodless scene of many an encounter with such swords, but all ended happily; for when Dr Brown, the best old doctor in the town administered to the slain hero his marvellous life-restoring potion saying Rise, Jock, and ght again! everyone was highly gratied , including the actors if the collection was satisfactory. From John Donalds Old Greenock Characters

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tradition of Galoshans and will also incorporate the annual reworks display. A number of activities will seek to revive local Halloween customs culminating in the recreation of a traditional Galoshans play. Modern day events similar to those held in the Banks of the Foyle Halloween Carnival (www.derrcity.gov.uk/halloween) will also be included. Closing Event: Victorian Christmas Market The Victorian Christmas Market would become the highlight of the festive season. Held on the traditional Greenock winter fair weekend the event would incorporate the switching on of Greenocks Christmas lights and would herald the arrival of the festive season. Cathcart and Clyde Squares will be transformed into a winter market evoking memories of Christmas past, a scene from the pages of Dickens Christmas Carol. Jolly stallholders dressed in Victorian garb will be selling traditional foodstuffs, crafts and gifts. Seasonal music and the smell of chestnuts roasting on an open re drift through the chilly night air. Stallholders and members of the chamber of commerce mingle with shoppers in their Victorian nery. After dark the sparkling lights are turned on and add a romantic touch to the scene complimenting the songs of carol singers and the music of local composers such as Neil Dougall and Hamish MacCunn. Street entertainers will act as Old Greenock Characters as the town drummer announces events, and bargains. The Winter Fair
Greenock was rst granted the right to hold a winter fair in 1635. The fair was held annually in the last week of November until around the middle of the 1850s: Seventy years ago, the Winter Fair, which was held in Cathcart Square, and along Cathcart Street consisted of an assembly of stands for the sale of all sorts of commodities; a veritable Paddys Market. Articles of wearing apparel, boots, shoes, and slippers, books, pictures, fruit and of course, confections. There were also shooting stands, with nuts for prizes; and some may remember the huge inverted umbrellas used for the display of prints, small framed pictures, song books and song sheets. As an aged gentleman with an excellent memory informed me, it was a common saying then: lets awa ower to the fair an see if there are ony bargains gaun. From John Donalds Old Greenock Characters

A small fairground will recreate the traditional entertainments of the winter fair and a Victorian Carousel and Helter Skelter will provide enjoyment for the young and young at heart. This event will mark a real family occasion, a true community event and the revival of Greenocks winter fair. This concept has proved popular in other locations throughout Britain. The North Shields Victorian Market is now in its fth year and attracts in excess of 20,000 visitors each year, many coming from out-with the area.

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www.victorianmarket.co.uk Justication: The results of the community survey suggest that local people, and in particular the youth of the area, would support the creation of an annual festival; The results of the community survey suggest that local festivals bring the community together and produce other social and economic benets. These results are substantiated by the Tall Ships impact report that quanties the economic benets of the event; The experience of other towns across Britain suggests the benets of such an event; Major cities such as Glasgow and Edinburgh are realising the opportunities offered by a winter festival; The event will provide people with activities to keep them in the local area during the Christmas shopping period, therefore increasing spending in the local area; This event will also revive the unique local customs of Galoshans and the Winter Fair. Potential Partners: Inverclyde Council, Heritage Lottery Fund, Scottish Enterprise Renfrewshire, Chamber of Commerce, The Oak Mall, Private Sector, Local Arts & Drama Societies, Voluntary Sector, Local Community

downriver : the clyde experience

The Concept: Inverclyde is peppered with abandoned buildings, remnants from its industrial past, monuments to industry. Gradually these buildings are being demolished, removed from the landscape to make way for modern industrial sheds. Yet increasingly these buildings are nding favour with developers who are waking up to their potential as exible spaces. Magic Torch envisage the restoration of the most inspiring of these, The James Watt Dock Sugar House. Of denite local signicance and considered by many to be of international architectural and historical signicance the sugar house should be brought into use as a mixed development offering social and economic benets to the citizens of Inverclyde. Not as up market housing that few locals can afford. Throughout Britain there are numerous examples of the successful restoration of historically significant buildings. Perhaps, the most inspiring of these is Salts Mill in Yorkshire which has been successfully restored to provide gallery space, a retail development and ofce space creating employment for over a thousand local people. Closer to home the historic village of New Lanark has gone from an industrial relic to a thriving community and major tourist attraction within thirty years. Magic Torch view the Sugar House as a building with similar potential for Inverclyde and aspire to a development where a mix of commercial uses support the development

3.6 project 4:

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of a contemporary heritage centre within a sensitively restored historic building. Using the River Clyde as a theme various aspects of Inverclydes past will be explored migration, trade, war, industry - in an interactive manner. Learning from the experience of other museums, including the Museum of Transport in Glasgow, heritage will be brought to life with a human element creating a peoples history of Inverclyde. This will be a facility where people can research, learn about and become involved in the full, rich history of Inverclyde. It will also be regarded as a public space where citizens can enter into dialogue and debate about their heritage and history. Audiovisual and hands-on displays will play a major role whilst the facility will also contain public space, work with local schools as a seat of community learning, act as a research centre for the families of emigrants and become a centre for oral history. Whilst representing a most ambitious project Magic Torch believe that the achievements of communities throughout Britain, highlighted in the BBCs Restoration series, prove that with widespread public and political support and commitment large scale community based projects are not only achievable but engender condence and civic pride in an area. Justication: Retains historic building for public use; Provides for the demand for visitor attractions outlined in several previous publications; Provides a mixed-use development as outlined in the Inverclyde Local Plan; Provides for a permanent celebration of the areas rich heritage; The Regeneration Through Heritage charity and the Glasgow Building Preservation Trust have suggested that the restoration of buildings in deprived areas has helped to attract further investment and promoted regeneration, community empowerment, urban renewal, and sense of place. Potential Partners: Inverclyde Council, Scottish

downriver
From the coming of the Roman Legions to the rule of the Welsh Kings, through a dark age of superstition to the red tides of war, the river has always run, bringing settlers, invaders and travellers to our shores. Templar Knights, Irish immigrants, Nazi spies, exiled Highlanders, Vikings, gypsies, warlocks, mystics, poets and revolutionaries, some passed through, some stayed forever, all of them left their mark on the Clyde and her people. Journey back in time to discover the roots of our community and the secrets of our common heritage. Take a trip downriver...

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Enterprise Renfrewshire, Heritage Lottery Fund, Association of Building Preservation Trusts, Architectural Heritage Fund, Local Institutions, Private Sector, Voluntary Sector, ESF, ERDF, Local Community. On the Waterfront
Over the centuries the people of Inverclyde have helped shape the river to serve human purposes. Its channels have been dredged, deepened and widened to meet our historic industrial and commercial needs. It is clear that we have shaped the river but it is not a one way process. The river has also shaped us. It has dictated how our towns have developed and brought us both industrial prosperity and decline. To understand the full extent of this attachment you must appreciate the local signicance of the Clyde, it appears that the river represents a symbolic landscape to the residents of Inverclyde. In other words it is more than a river; it is a common heritage that everyone in the locality shares, a visible bone between past and present. And for an area such as Inverclyde that has endured so many crushing blows this is vital. Yet it also continues to provide us with hope. As a community we recognise its potential, in the past it has provided us with prosperity and now we look to it for modern economic benet. The river runs in our veins. Even if we move on there will always be a deep rooted connection to the Clyde because it holds a special signicance for the people of Inverclyde. It is more than a river it offers opportunity, advantage, and security. It will always ow but never leave us.

3.7 heritage development : conclusion

The range of projects outlined above highlight a variety of ways in which heritage could be promoted in Inverclyde. While each project has a slightly different focus they all make a contribution to a wider strategy. Whether it is a heritage trail promoting community health or a mini museum championing social inclusion, these projects show that heritage can be used as a vehicle for achieving wider policy objectives. Heritage need not take the lead nor indeed be central to any initiative but can tap into existing social initiatives promoting its relevance in this way. Perhaps the most important aspect of any future development, however, is targeted community involvement from under-represented groups. The community should be involved from the beginning of a project to the end as this has many benets not only for the project itself but also for those involved. In particular the promotion of community involvement can contribute to workforce development by helping to tackle the main skills lacking in the

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SECTION 4 : CONCLUSION
Inverclyde workforce- communication skills, customer handling skills and problem solving. (2002 Labour Market Statement: Inverclyde) This research has shown that the community believes that more should be done to celebrate the rich heritage of Inverclyde. This is a view repeated in numerous policy documents which highlight the areas proud history as one of its greatest assets. Unfortunately very little has been done to exploit this resource. The projects that have been successfully implemented have been shown to produce a range of social and economic benets in their short life times, yet a few years down the line these have all but vanished. This underlines the need for a bricks and mortarstyle development. In order to do this there is a need for a culture change with in Inverclyde, moving away from paying lip service to heritage to an understanding that it is an asset that can be exploited to a number of ends social inclusion, community spirit, economic regeneration, lifelong learning, workforce development, image, tourism, and health. A realisation that the true value of heritage exceeds its obvious intrinsic worth. The case studies outlined in this report have attempted to illustrate the way in which heritage can be used not as an end but as a means, as a vehicle to achieve a wide range of important goals. Towns and cities across Britain have already realised this potential. Indeed, much of Dundees recent revival can be attributed to its use of culture and heritage as a device for economic regeneration and place promotion. Yet there is also a need to understand that the nance for heritage promotion need not drain resources from essential services. A number of potential funding avenues exist, money need not be taken away from schools and housing, a concern of many local people. Throughout the production of this report it has grown increasingly obvious that a section of the community share the frustration that Inverclydes heritage is gradually being eroded. To this end Magic Torch have initiated the development of a local heritage forum, a group that will operate independently and attempt to both safeguard and promote the heritage of Inverclyde. However, it has been shown that successful heritage projects across Scotland have been delivered through a partnership of local people and the key local stakeholders- elected representatives, economic development agencies and local planning departments. It is hoped that this report will encourage these stakeholders to join with the local heritage forum in planning for the future of the areas heritage, provoke consideration into the ways in which heritage can be used as a means of meeting wider policy objectives, and be the starting point for the development of a permanent heritage facility that the area can be proud of.

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SECTION 4 : CONCLUSION
This report comes at a timely juncture, a critical moment for the heritage of Inverclyde. The forthcoming redevelopment of the historic waterfront represents both an opportunity and threat to the rich heritage of the area. Only with a strong heritage group incorporating local stakeholders and members of the community will the heritage be appreciated as an asset by private developers from out-with the area.

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WEBLINKS
The next few years marks a watershed for the heritage of Inverclyde. Do we take a wrecking ball to our past or promote it as a valuable community asset? Architectural Heritage Fund Association of Building Preservation Trusts Caledonian Heritage > Futures Network Heritage Lottery Fund Glasgow Building Preservation Trust Govan Heritage Trail Historic Scotland gov.uk Inverclyde Tourist Group co.uk Magic Torch New Lanark Pollok Kist Regeneration Through Heritage Salts Mill SCRAN Scottish Civic Trust Scottish Museums Council Scottish Natural Heritage www.gbpt.org www.sunnygovan.com www.historic-scotland. http://glimpsesofgreenock. www.magictorch.net www.newlanark.org www.pollok-kist.co.uk www.princes-foundation.org www.saltsmill.org.uk www.scran.ac.uk www.scottishcivictrust.org.uk www.scottishmuseums.org.uk www.snh.org.uk www.ahfund.org.uk www.heritage.co.uk www.heritagefutures.net www.hlf.org.uk

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