Interpretation at heritage sites: Culloden Battlefield, UK

Urquhart, Ellis

Abstract

This chapter presents a case study that explores heritage interpretation within the context of Culloden Battlefield, UK. The case will initially consider the challenges and issues inherent to the interpretation of sensitive heritage before exploring the interpretative practices at Culloden itself. Culloden Battlefield is a five-star visitor attraction, managed by the National Trust for Scotland. It shares the story of the final Jacobite Rising and battle which took place in 1746. The interpretative approach adopted at Culloden aims to present an interactive, stimulating and sensitive experience. This included not only showcasing authentic objects but also providing a fully immersive experience to help visitors relate to this undoubtedly difficult period of Scottish history. A common theme to the interpretation at Culloden is immersion. While Culloden features several tools to immerse visitors, they also have invested in tools to aid visitor comprehension and understanding of the historic battle itself.

Citation

Urquhart, E. (2022). Interpretation at heritage sites: Culloden Battlefield, UK. In A. Fyall, B. Garrod, A. Leask, & S. Wanhill (Eds.), Managing Visitor Attractions. (3rd edn). London: Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003041948-28

• Acceptance Date: Feb 19, 2021
• Online Publication Date: May 31, 2022
• Publication Date: 2022-05
• Deposit Date: Feb 23, 2021
• Publisher: Routledge
• Edition: 3rd edn
• Book Title: Managing Visitor Attractions
• Chapter Number: 23
• ISBN: 9780367486198
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003041948-28
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/2746439
• Publisher URL: https://www.routledge.com/Managing-Visitor-Attractions/Fyall-Garrod-Leask-Wanhill/p/book/9780367486136