Castle Futures

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

The 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.

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.

2

Inclusivity

Represent Scotland’s diverse communities in heritage spaces.

Our Vision

1

Accessibility

Remove physical and social barriers to participation

3

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, Additional Support Need providers, and cultural organisations.

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

  • Explored best practice through case studies like Our Movement, Our Stories (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.

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 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.
A room with wooden window shutters, a modern TV on a stand, and a black metal candle holder with five lit candles.

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.