Base de données des projets PDR

The project supported the renewal and upgrade of the Scottish Flag Heritage Centre facilities, namely its audio-visual system, thereby enhancing the quality of its tourism offer, boosting tourism and maintaining the visibility of cultural heritage.

The East Lothian village of Athelstaneford is the birthplace of Scotland’s flag, the St Andrew’s Cross or Saltire. The Flag Heritage Trust’s main activities are to maintain and enhance the Flag Heritage Centre (located in a 16th century lectern doocot) and Saltire Memorial at Athelstaneford, and to widen accessibility to and raise awareness of this unique and historic site. Its audio visual system, designed and installed in 1996/97, was no longer fit for purpose and was starting to fall.

Under the LEADER axis of the Scottish Rural Development Programme, the immediate objective of the project was to upgrade and enhance the Flag Heritage Centre and Saltire Memorial at Athelstaneford and its audiovisual equipment.

A new audio and lighting control system was installed at the Centre and the story of the flag told in six foreign languages to enhance the four star tourist attraction. On entering the Centre, visitors trigger an audio-visual presentation about the origins of the flag. The presentation culminates in the St Andrew’s Cross suddenly and dramatically appearing high above the visitors (using lighting and theatrical screens).The new system also caters for visitors with impaired hearing.

The enhanced audio visual system has helped attract a wider audience and boosted overall visitor numbers to the Heritage Centre, from people living close by, day trippers from Edinburgh and the Lothians and overseas tourists. Visitors from overseas get an enhanced experience and the new system is more accessible to those with impaired hearing. Overall the project has contributed to the strengthening of Scotlands cultural heritage and rural vitality.

Local heritage is a powerful means not only for keeping local culture alive but also for maintaining the vitality of rural communities. Supporting such activities, even with modest funding, can have a significant impact.

Athelstaneford, East Lothian, Tyne-Esk.

Scotland

Scotland

32 838

15 533

17 305

Jayne Adamson

jadamson@eastlothian.gov.uk

+44 1620 827101

English