A tradition at risk? Vernacular thatching in the Highlands and Islands and its shared heritage throughout the Inner and Irish seas | AHRC CDA
Subject: Cultural & Popular Studies
HEI:Â University of the Highlands & Islands
School:Â Institute for Northern Studies
Supervisors: Prof Ullrich Kockel, UHI; Prof Mairéad NicCraith, UHI; Ali Davey, Historic Environment Scotland; Christopher McGregor, Historic Environment Scotland
Keywords:Â Retrofit, Housing, Sustainability, Conservation, Data, Engineering, Heritage
Discipline+Catalyst: Cultural & Museum Studies, Creative Arts & Design
Knowledge Exchange Hub:Â Citizenship, Culture & Ethics, Heritage
Strategis Themes & Priority Areas: Creative Industries/Economies, Cultural and Heritage Studies, Environmental Humanities
About Alex’s Research:
My research will study thatching traditions of the regions surrounding the Inner and Irish Seas, to establish whether a shared identity can be found in its vernacular architecture. Through the lens of intangible cultural heritage, it will seek to understand and value thatching as a form of culture in its own right, by taking a holistic view of the craft from field to roof. By using a ‘journeyman tour’ participant observer methodology, I will examine how skills are passed between craftspeople and generations, and what opportunities and threats practitioners are faced with in an at risk craft. By understanding shared heritages and current challenges in an interregional context, the research hopes to build resilience in and safeguard what is currently an ‘at risk’ craft. This project is a combined doctoral award between the Institute for Northern Studies, and Historic Environment Scotland.
CONNECT WITH ALEX
E-mail: 23018292@uhi.ac.uk