THE PASSAGE OF TIME
P A S T
My chosen site is in the heart of Aberdeenshire in the small rural village of Oyne. The site is just a couple miles from where I grew up and was a favourite day out for me throughout my childhood. The Northeast of Scotland is best known for the Oil and Gas Industry but more recently is becoming renowned for Renewable Energy. The region is developing ground breaking technologies including sustainable and low carbon energy and is at the forefront of the hydrogen economy. Local schools and universities are educating the next generation about the future of the energy sector.
ARCHAEOLINK PREHISTORIC PARK AND VISITOR CENTRE 1997-2011
Archaeolink was built to connect to the ancient archaeology of the region. It provided visitors with a chance to step back in time and learn about how life was once lived, through activities, workshops and guided tours. The name Archaeolink was intended to suggest a popular bridge into the past of archaeology in a landscape of breath taking beauty. (Welch,2014)
Sketch by Cullinan Studio
The visitor centre was designed to blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape of the Garioch valley. The building has a grass roof which rises over the main exhibition space creating a conical hill and a platform to view the local scenery. It was designed to need no heating in winter by trapping heat underground. The centre was mostly powered by solar energy through the glass walls. These had automatic external blind systems to prevent glare and overheating. (Welch, 2014)
Photos from Cullinan studio
Photos from Cullinan studio 1997
WHY WAS THE SITE CHOSEN? “The archaeological landscape is astonishingly rich, with no less than seven iron age forts surmounting sharply delineated conical hills in the immediate vicinity including Berryhill Fort on the site itself, and with the vast backdrop of the Bennachie ridge, a string of summits once held in Pictish legend to be a sleeping giant.� (Welch, 2014) Archaeolink was full of activities for families and groups. Activities included watching Roman marching, prehistoric cookery, witnessing stone circle rituals, exploring the origins of ancient traditions and hearing local legends of kelpies and giants. One of most memorable events was the burning of the Wicker man every autumn. I interviewed members of the local community and former employees to establish how Archaeolink influenced their lives during the years it was open and subsequently on its closure. Photo by Nicholas Kaye
IN ITS HEYDAY
WHAT DID ARCHAEOLINK MEAN TO YOU? Title
“I was many things, tour guide, activities leader, all coming under interpretation. I loved working there, was an amazing experience. It was an amazing place where everyone, including volunteers, were just so enthusiastic and smiling and just happy to be there.
“Everyone enjoyed themselves not just kids but adults too! It mad a change from computer games it got the kids outside and trying new things which was great.”
I can honestly say it was the best job and experience I have ever had.” “I loved going there it was usually with friends or family so it was a fun day out. The sand pit was great and making flour was always fun!”
“It was a great place to stroll around and relax as the kids played and learnt about the way life used to be.”
“My Grandkids loved it! The cinema theatre and the film about the area full of old myths were really great.”
“I enjoyed going there because with young children it was fun, different, educational and plenty of outdoor space to run around.”
“I used to love going to Archaeolink as a child as it really gave you a unique and hands on way of learning about history. Going to the days where everyone dressed up and participated in lots of fun activities is a great memory that I still remember today.”
SITE CLOSURE
Aberdeenshire tourist attraction Archaeolink to close “An Aberdeenshire tourist attraction is set to close, in the wake of councillors deciding to end a six-figure annual subsidy.” (BBC News, 2011) Aberdeenshire Council to pull plug on Archaeolink “..an ailing tourist attraction which was closed two years ago after lurching from one financial crisis to another.” (Urquhart, 2013)
Anger as travellers set up camp at landmark A MOTHBALLED tourist attraction in the heart of Aberdeenshire has been taken over by travellers and declared a “no-go zone” for local residents. (reporter, 2013)
Request to declare Archaeolink, Oyne Surplus to requirements “It is proposed that Archaeolink be declared surplus to requirements. In accordance with the Surplus Property Procedure the availability of the property will be circulated to other Council Services and if there is no internal interest inthe property it will be circulated to the Public Sector Property Group.” (Archer, 2013)
DO YOU THINK ARCHAEOLINK WAS SUCCESSFUL? Title
“It was good the first few times but exhibits never changed. Big events like the burning of the Wicker man were great but often free which is maybe what caused it to close? Café was also pretty bad. ”
“I think it was successful in engaging children in local history.”
“Sadly I don’t think it was as successful as it needed to be. Partly because it didn’t evolve. Once you had been a few times there wasn’t much new to see/do”
“It was successful on certain days, events, etc. But some days we had only one or two family’s in.”
“I think it was successful in the sense that it was usually busy when I was younger but from a business point of view the cafe was never great which was a shame”
“For those who came , visited, did the activities, whether members of public or school visits it was a success as even even today people I have talked to still remember their school trip there.”
WHAT DO YOU THINK CAUSED IT TO CLOSE?
“I think it closed because of funding, wasn’t making enough money, to keep it open.”
“I think that the fact it was out in middle of nowhere, that not a lot of places took the flyers, that it wasn’t the easiest place to get to if you’ve never been before, were key parts in why it closed.”
“Not enough tourists! Estimated 100,000 visitors never happened. There was 50,000 in first year then decline every year since. Made no money so had no money to change exhibits or even maintain the site.”
“I think it closed because people lost interest in it. It was always the same exhibitions never changed.”
“It was probably something that you wouldn’t go to more than once or twice a year and it was in a remote location.”
“Not enough passing trade and the café was not good. Big windows framed the outside from café which could have easily been very atmospheric and modern. The food wasn’t good either!”
“Not enough people. I think if it had been sited on the A 96 it would have got more passing trade. Also in the beginning the cafe wasn’t open to non visitors.”
DO YOU THINK THE CLOSURE AFFECTED THE LOCAL COMMUNITY?
“I don’t think it has affected the local community when it closed as the popularity was from people outside the local community. “ “I think anything closing down will have a detrimental effect on the community and especially something that made education fun and interactive.”
“Not really”
“Not hugely.”
“And of course it affected the locals, there were amazing activities and theme days for them and the kids to come and experience, it was a huge centre in a small village, but now it’s just a shell that they don’t use and hasn’t been turned into something they can use.”
“It would have affected some members of the public with smaller children because they don’t have a local place to go for a day out. Older people who used to go such as myself were disappointed with its closure because we had fond memories and it’s sad to see it get all over grown and unused.”
“It definitely caused friction in the community from day one. Some miss it others are glad it’s not eating up the tax payers money. Well it still is costing £30,000 a year in maintenance! It needs to be used or sold.”
Since Archaeolink closed in spring 2011, local residents have expressed concern over what might become of the site and the deterioration of the former attraction due to lack of use. The Community Association said that the iconic design of the Archaeolink building is “something to be cherished and only by bringing it back into everyday use can its future be protected. There is a strong desire for the facility to be given a new lease of life which will benefit the community.�
P R E S E N T
2014 Title
PLAN 1:500 EXISTINGEXISTING BUILDINGBUILDING PLAN 1:500
EXISTING BUILDING SECTION 1:500
2014 Title
1:1000 SITE MODEL
I made a full site model at 1:1000 to explore the key areas of the site. The model has given me a better understanding of the sites layout and gradient, which will help me now develop my project.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE THE SITE TO BE USED FOR?
“I think it is a really unique site and could be used for a sports centre or fun activities centre like quad biking etc.”
“The site should be used for something for children, a park or place where families can go for a day out.”
“I think the site would be perfect for cooperate events like banquets mixed with history or an educational centre.” “Personally I would love the site to be used the way it was, a living history museum offering a place for different groups to put on day events, for big seasonal events as well, and if that didn’t happen then something beneficial to not just the village, but the whole area.”
“The site could be used for anything ... space to rent for birthday parties, offices, day care anything just to bring life back into the place.”
“I loved going there it was usually with friends or family so it was a fun day out. The sand pit was great and making flour was always fun!”
“Child care! The only nursery in village closed in August so there is a big need for this. The centre could also be used at night for the community to make use of the cinema and restaurant etc”
1:200 MODEL OF EXISTING BUILDING
SITE PLAN 1:2000
The main areas I want to explore are the visitor centre and immediate outside space of the building. I would also like to explore the opportunities of Berryhill and linking it to the local village community.
SITE ANALYSIS
Archaeolink once flourished with visitors who stepped back in time to explore how life was once lived. However, due to financial difficulty and lack of local government funding, Archaeolink had no choice but to close its doors. My research, interviews and local knowledge has led me to believe that Archaeolink was unsuccessful due to lack of visitors and interest. The Village of Oyne is not a thriving tourist hub, therefore there is not enough passing trade or visitors. Local communities enjoyed visiting the site. However, if Archaeolink was going to survive it needed an increase in tourist interest or other community funding. I feel the site should now be used in a way that will benefit the local community and put it back on the map for all the right reasons. I will now explore the opportunities and develop the most suitable use to bring the site back to life and the success it deserves.
F U T U R E
PROPOSAL
The North East of Scotland has rich prehistoric and historic heritage including many iron age forts and standing stones. Many archaeological businesses, charities and courses are run in the region. On the site there is Berryhill fort remains and many others historical ruins and remains within a 5 mile radius of the site.
School Pupils will come and learn about sustainability through practical interactive workshops. They will learn about the future by looking at the past and local history in order to gain a deeper understanding of the topics relating to sustainability. Year groups will do workshops relating to their studies and work in tandem with the aims of the Curriculum for Excellence. During evenings and weekends workshops will run involving Robert Gordon’s University, University of Aberdeen and other establishments involved in sustainability and energy efficiency. The centre will be open to the public at weekends and festivals will run throughout the year celebrating the natural world.
EXISTING EDUCATIONAL CENTRES
“The Scottish Lime Centre Trust promotes the knowledge and traditional skills required for the conservation, repair and maintenance of the historic built environment. We work nationally and internationally to provide advice, guidance and traditional skills training for anyone dealing with a historic structure, be it an A-listed castle or a garden wall.” (The Scottish Lime Centre Trust , 2014)
“Centre for Alternative Technology is an education and visitor centre demonstrating practical solutions for sustainability. We cover all aspects of green living: environmental building, eco-sanitation, woodland management, renewable energy, energy efficiency and organic growing.” (CAT, 2014)
“The Findhorn Ecovillage situated in the beautiful Findhorn Bay of Moray is a synthesis of the very best of current thinking on sustainable human settlements. Within the ecovillage, sustainable values are expressed in the built environment with ecological houses, innovative use of building materials such as local stone and straw bales, beauty in the architecture and gardens, and applied technology in the Living Machine sewage treatment facility and electricity-generating wind turbines.” (Findhorn Ecovillage, 2014)
“The Scottish Traditional Skills Training Centre was established in 2006 in response to the growing crisis we are facing in the absence of the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the current and future conservation, regeneration and maintenance requirements of our traditional buildings and landscape heritage.” (Scottish Traditional Skills Training Centre, 2014)
ARCHAEOLOGICAL REGION The area has rich prehistoric heritage including Iron Age forts and standing stones. The Garioch region was home to the Picts during the Late Iron Age and Early Medieval periods. The Picts were known as the ‘painted people’ as they decorated and tattooed their faces and bodies with dyes. They are recognised for their silverwork and stone sculptures. There are many archaeological businesses and charities that run in the region. On the site itself there is Berry hill fort remains and many others historical ruins and remains within a 5 mile radius of the site. In addition to educating pupils about sustainability, they could also learn about the past and the sustainable way they lived. Sessions could compare past and future building techniques and natural systems. (Education Scotland, 2014)
SITES CURRENT USE- DOG WALKS Currently the sites only use is for dog walks. I asked dog walkers which routes they took and why to establish the way the space is used now the building is inaccessible and most paths are over grown or hidden with vegetation.
Site Entrance
Berryhill
SCHOOLS IN ABERDEENSHIRE
Sylvan Stuart In Aberdeenshire, there are 202 Primary Schools and 32 Secondary Schools. These could provide a strong source of pupils to attend regular educational trips and allow the site to involve the local community. At present Aberdeenshire and City council are working together to promote the use of local timber. This is just one of the sustainable projects they are promoting. Sylvan Stuart design and construct environmentally friendly timber buildings less than 2 miles from site. They could be one of the key participants in educating pupils about sustainable timber and showing students examples of their work before students get hands on experience during their studies back at school. The site has good access routes, as it is 1 mile from the A96, on a public bus route and is 3 miles from Insch Train Station. The site has ample parking space and bike storage.
Keith Brown MSP, Minister for skills and lifelong learning in Scotland, encourages study of Curriculum for Excellence:
‘Our vision for Scotland is that our children and young people are successful learners, confident individuals, effective contributors and responsible citizens. This is one of the national outcomes set out in the concordat with local Government and lies at the heart of Curriculum for Excellence… The Scottish Government is keen to see all our children and young people having positive learning experiences in a variety of settings. This is why we are investing in the production and promotion of guidance to support opportunities presented by the new school curriculum for learning in the outdoors.’ (Brown, 2013)
FORECAST PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPIL NUMBERS The centre could work with specific year groups, such as P3, P5, S2, S4, to link with their curriculum. There are approximately 3000 children in each year group in Aberdeenshire showing an adequate supply of groups of 20 pupils to attend annual practical workshops, relating to their studies.
N u m b e r
Year
Year Group
(Aberdeenshire Council, 2013)
FORECAST SECONDARY SCHOOL PUPIL NUMBERS
Year N u m b e r
Year Group
(Aberdeenshire Council, 2013)
VIABILITY
190 school days X 60 pupils a day ( 3 X Groups of 20) = 11,400 spaces If P3, P5, S2 and S4 year groups were chosen for example there would be approximately 11,600 pupils to attend. Proving sufficient audience to attend annual visits. ÂŁ5 per pupil X 11,400 = ÂŁ57,000 Educational grants from Aberdeenshire Council Grants available - Aberdeenshire Educational Trusts Aberdeenshire Leader Fund Our Place Project Fund Sustainable and Energy Efficient Grants Grants available - The Renewable Heat Incentive
MULTIDISCIPLINARY WORKSHOPS
Workshops cover a range of disciplines and a variety of subjects relating to the curriculum areas covered at school. This will add depth to the knowledge and skills pupils learn throughout their workshops at the centre. It will make their experience memorable and allows them to build on their understanding of subjects taught at school.
INTERVIEW WITH PRIMARY SCHOOL HEAD TEACHER
What is the most practical and beneficial group size? Depends on the activity most centres start in a larger group for an introduction and then divide into smaller groups of maybe 10 children for practical workshops. Would schools rather an all day trip or morning or afternoon session? All day, by the time the pupils get a bus to the centre it would be maybe 10.30 then a couple hours activities, lunch and more activities then bus back to school. It is also more memorable if it is a day trip as the pupils have time to play at lunchtime and experience the surroundings. Whole day trip is much more appealing to the school as the cost of a coach hire is for all day rather than just a few hours. Much more worthwhile! How far would the school be willing to travel to an educational centre? No more than an hour and a half. If the centre is worth the time that would be an acceptable length of time and distance to travel to a centre. If the centre is multidisciplinary and a unique experience for the pupils it is valid to travel further. Having discussed my proposal, do you think the centre would be suitable for all levels or specific year groups? I feel it would fit in well with all levels as you said you will fit the workshops to their age and link to what they are learning about at school in a deeper and more memorable way than is possible in the classroom.
How much would schools be willing to pay per pupil for a trip to an educational centre? Around ÂŁ5 and accompanying adults usually get into centres free. Remember schools have to pay for transport to the centre as well. If you could offer a deal with transport and workshops, it would be less hassle for schools and therefore be more appealing. What are the most important facilities of educational centres for the pupils and teachers? A fun space to have lunch- packed lunches is best as lots of dietary requirements and allergies. Indoor or outdoor space is fine; it is a chance for the pupils to explore a little. Teachers love a cafĂŠ to grab a cup of tea and a cake. It is also important there is disabled toilets and private space for medical requirements to be carried out discreetly. What enhances their overall experience and makes the trip memorable? A souvenir! All children love a gift shop. They really enjoy buying a pencil or rubber that reminds them of their school trip. It sounds silly but they really do and it is easy advertisement of the centre that the pupils can take home and show to their parents.
I felt this interview was vital in order to get a clear grasp on the Scottish curriculum and the needs of the pupils. It has given me an insight into how children learn best and what sort of physical environment stimulates their education. It showed that the workshops will feed into the curriculum for excellence seamlessly. Speaking to my target market allowed me to understand the audience better. It will now help me design my project and create a memorable experience for all.
REFERENCES Aberdeenshire Council, 2013. http://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/. [Online] Available at: http://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/parentscarers/information/documents/Aberdeenshire2013SRF-FORPUBLISHING. pdf [Accessed 6 January 2015]. Archer, S., 2013. REQUEST TO DECLARE ARCHAEOLINK, OYNE SURPLUS TO REQUIREMENTS, Aberdeen: Aberdeenshire Council. BBC News, 2011. Aberdeenshire tourist attraction Archaeolink to close. BBC News, 18 February . Brown, K., 2013. Uk School Trips. [Online] Available at: http://www.ukschooltrips.co.uk/uk-school-trips-news/scottish-curriculum-for-excellence-through-outdoor-learning [Accessed 19 December 2014]. CAT, 2014. Centre for Alternative Technology. [Online] Available at: http://www.cat.org.uk/index.html [Accessed 22 November 2014]. Cullinan Studio, 2014. Cullinan Studio. [Online] Available at: http://cullinanstudio.com/ [Accessed 14 October 2014]. Education Scotland, 2014. Education Scotland. [Online] Available at: http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/scotlandshistory/caledonianspictsromans/picts/ [Accessed 22 November 2014]. Findhorn Ecovillage, 2014. Findhorn Ecovillage. [Online] Available at: http://www.ecovillagefindhorn.com/index.php [Accessed 22 November 2014].
Press and Journal, 2013. Anger as travellers set up camp at landmark. Press and Journal, 1 October. Scottish Traditional Skills Training Centre, 2014. Traditional Skills. [Online] Available at: http://www.traditionalskills.com/ [Accessed 22 November 2014]. The Scottish Lime Centre Trust , 2014. Scotlime. [Online] Available at: http://www.scotlime.org/ [Accessed 23 Novemeber 2014]. Urquhart, F., 2013. Aberdeenshire Council to pull plug on Archaeolink. The Scotsman, 29 May. Welch, A., 2014. e-architect. [Online] Available at: www.e-architect.co.uk [Accessed 16 August 2014].