Craft as culture, not artefact : an analysis of the role of museums and heritage centres in Scotland in heritage craft safeguarding

Abstract

This study explores how Scottish museums and heritage centres safeguard heritage crafts through two case studies: Historic Environment Scotland’s Engine Shed and Skills Training Centre in Stirling, and the Shetland Museum & Archives’ partnership with Eve Eunson. Using a mix of qualitative methods, it examines institutional and practitioner collaborations. The findings reveal the complementary value of formal training and community-led initiatives, emphasizing context-specific safeguarding strategies aligning policy and practice. By documenting initiatives following the UK’s CICH ratification, the study offers timely insights into how cultural institutions support and sustain Scotland’s heritage crafts through engagement, best practices, and adaptive approaches.