Decolonising Cultural Heritage in an Independent Scotland

Abstract

Cultural heritage theory emphasises the importance of values and significance when considering monuments. Based on an existing heritage values typology, this research provides an appraisal of values and significance for selected monuments, also from the standpoint of different stakeholders. The analysis includes discussion of tensions between memory and forgetting in representation and commemoration, also taking into account postcolonial theory relating to values based on perspectives of different stakeholder groups in a colonial society. Here, selfdetermination independence of 'a people' as also being about decolonisation is considered in the context of a future independent Scotland. The research investigates cultural heritage literature and postcolonial theory and applies these areas of thought to provide for case study analyses regarding selected monuments in the context of a contested cultural environment (i.e., Scotland). The research then extends further by applying cultural heritage values/significance typology via a questionnaire survey undertaken at selected monuments.