Patch featuring a knight with a shield, a woman, and a horse, surrounded by images of a woman with curly hair, a knight, and medieval scenes.

Castle Futures

Co-design access to creative learning and heritage at Stirling Castle

About the Project

The HES Renaissance Project, led by Historic Environment Scotland in partnership with Artlink Central, is transforming Stirling Castle’s learning spaces into a vibrant, accessible, and inclusive hub. This multi-phase initiative combines research, consultation, and creative engagement to ensure heritage learning meets the needs of diverse communities.

Our Vision

  • Accessibility: Remove physical and social barriers to participation.

  • Inclusivity: Represent Scotland’s diverse communities in heritage spaces.

  • Creativity: Use co-design and arts-based approaches to engage learners of all ages and abilities.

Phase 1: Research & Scoping (2023–2024)

What We Did

  • Mapped current learning facilities and usage.

  • Consulted with local schools, ASN providers, and cultural organisations.

  • Audited accessibility challenges in the Nether Bailey and wider site.

  • Explored best practice through case studies like OMOS and Meet Your Maker.

Key Insights

  • High demand for learning services (25,000 visitors pre-pandemic).

  • Significant barriers for ASN schools and groups with complex needs.

  • Opportunities for self-led learning resources and a Maker Space.

  • Need for improved signage, lighting, toilets, and sensory-friendly spaces.

Recommendations

  • Prioritise infrastructure improvements (ramps, lighting, Changing Places toilets).

  • Develop inclusive interpretation and wayfinding.

  • Implement staff training on accessibility and inclusive communication.

  • Co-design programmes with local communities.

Phase 2: Engagement & Co-Design (2024–2025)

What We Did

  • Delivered creative engagement with four partner groups:

    • Craighalbert Centre – Sensory storytelling kits for children with complex needs.

    • LGBT Youth Scotland – Masquerade Ball project exploring queer history.

    • Stirling Young Carers – Short films reimagining castle stories for social media.

    • Larbert High School – Textile banner inspired by castle heritage.

  • Hosted exhibitions and sharing events, including Stirling Culture Night.

  • Developed practical recommendations for accessibility and inclusive programming.

Key Outcomes

  • Sensory kits and virtual tours for outreach.

  • Modernised learning offer to include diverse narratives.

  • Strengthened partnerships with schools and community groups.

  • Proposed Tapestry Studio as a permanent creative learning hub.

Legacy & Future

The Renaissance Project sets a blueprint for inclusive heritage engagement:

  • Infrastructure upgrades for accessibility.

  • Creative learning hubs for community and school partnerships.

  • Ongoing co-design with diverse groups to shape future programmes.

A small gallery or exhibit room with three people sitting on a bench, looking at a display. The display features a quilt with circular patterns, and there is a table covered with a rainbow-colored cloth showcasing various items including toys and decorations. A sign on the table reads "Stirling Castle Renaissance Project." There is a wall-mounted TV showing an image, and decorated windows with wooden shutters in the room.
Display with a rainbow flag table covered with colorful masks, candles, and informational materials, alongside a smaller table with a unicorn communication board, documents, and a decorativeitem.
A room with wooden window shutters, a modern TV on a stand, and a black metal candle holder with five lit candles.
A young woman with curly red hair smiling while standing in front of a display with fabric or artwork inside circular frames, set up on a black folding frame.