The Association of South Community Councils

InterpreTIVE PLAN for THE Trail in

April 2013 SS Crome Associates SS Crome Associates InterpretIVE PLAN for THE Robert the Bruce Trail in South Ayrshire APRIL 2013

Contents Page 1. Introduction - Project Overview & Objectives 1 2. Trail Storyline 2 3. Public Workshops 3 4. Locations 4 5. Trail concepts (based on Trail Map) 4 6. Objectives - Learning, behavioural and emotional 7 7. Main Theme 7 8. Sub-themes 8 9. Interpretive media 8 10. Graphic style 9 11 Timescale 11 12 Budget 11 13. Monitoring & Evaluating 11

1. Introduction - Project Overview & Objectives 1.1 In November 2012, SS Crome was commissioned by the Association of South Ayrshire Community Councils to devise an Interpretive Plan for the South Ayrshire Robert the Bruce Trail. Sarah Crome is Consultant on the Trail and appointed John Finlay of John Finlay Associates to assist with Public Consultations and to advise on possible sources of funding once the Plan is complete. The purpose of the Plan is to Identify locations, storylines, objectives and outline costs so the Trail can be implemented. It will provide a reference guide as the Trail developes. 1.2 Working with Ailsa Horizons and the Community Councils in South Ayrshire, an initial locations report was carried out. This led to the preparation of a display outlining the proposed trail for two public workshops. The findings of the successful workshops are presented in this Plan. We have devised a set of learning objectives for those who will use the trail and devised themes which must be conveyed in all the interpretive presentations and the leaflet guide. We have then taken these themes and devised different trail concepts and how different Interpretive media could be applied to these. We have made suggestions of logos and graphic style which can be developed in the next stage of the project, when design work is carried out. A guide to production, budget and timescale are shown and post-installation care and evaluation are discussed.

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2.Trail Storyline 2.1 South Ayrshire, alongside Dumfries and Galloway, is probably the most significant geographical area in the story of Robert the Bruce, and the Trail gives the opportunity to explain why this is the case. The impending 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn in 2014, has made locals and visitors more aware of the Bruce story. The years ahead will see many other anniversaries and we have an opportunity to turn people’s curiosity into knowlege and understanding of the of 700 years ago, how it affected the future of the country and how much has changed since. Ayrshire particularly South Ayrshire, could be described as the Cradle of Independence for Scotland in the 13th and early 14th centuries. King Robert's birth and return to these lands in his quest to regain the Kingdom make South Ayrshire unique in one of the most extraordinary stories in the history of the British Isles. We have the Opportunity to tell the origins of Bruce and his family beyond the Norman connection of the Lords of Annandale near Dumfries. This gives us a new angle on Bruce and particularly his Carrick connections, as well as events later in his life effecting other areas withn the South Ayrshire boundary. 2.2 The Outline Story The closing years of the thirteenth century witnessed the beginning of a protracted war between Scotland and England. The death of Alexander III in 1286 allowed the English King, Edward I, to exploit the divisions amongst the Scots over who had the right to the throne. Amongst these competitors were the Bruce dynasty. They and other Norman families had arrived in Scotland in the 12th century upon the invitation of King David I, who sought to strengthen his borders and Anglicise the structure of Scotland's society. The noble families integrated with Scottish Celtic dynasties and in the 13th Century, Robert Bruce, the 6th Lord of Annandale married Marjorie, the Celtic Countess of Carrick. The story of their meeting and subsequent marriage is romantic and intriguing in it's own right and very soon after their first-born son, the future king, arrived in the world at Castle. It was King's Robert's multi-cultural background that gave him the ability to communicate with the many cultures around Scotland. His army at Bannockburn was one of the first (and last) to bring Highlands and Lowlands together in one common cause.

2.3 In the early years of conflict with both England and within Scotland Ayrshire was the stage for many exciting events. From Wallace's uprising in the Southwest to the young Robert Bruce's first steps to free his country; from Bruce's return to the mainland to his first few victories against the English Earl of Pembroke; from his friendship with his most Loyal Captain, Sir James Douglas to his Parliament that determined the Act of Succession.....all were made in Ayrshire. Most of them, South Ayrshire.

2.4 The Bruces in Carrick and Kyle made their mark in this area and we have the chance to bring the places and events to the fore, not just for visitors, but for locals so they can take even more pride in the place that they stay. From this storyline we can derive a theme to the interpretation and this we will do later in the Plan.

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3. Public Workshops Objectives 3.1 To enable local interested parties and the public to have a say in this very important development in their area. How was it carried out? 3.2 It took the form of a 'drop in' meeting. We produced an exhibition of 7 panels, outlining the Trail proposals showing a map of the area with locations and a summary of why they are important. We invited people to add to the Map. The displays showed examples of work carried out in Dumfries and Galloway to show people what they could have for their Trail. They took their time looking at the displays then we took their names and a contact and made a note of their comments. Who Came? 3.3 A wide range of visitors came to the workshops, from local Councilors, MPs. local history groups, walking groups, environmental groups, tourism authorities, individuals, artists/sculptors, re-enactors. People from all walks of life so we had a good cross-section of attendees. Details are shown in Appendix IV

What they said 3.4 There was overwhelming support for the Trail, with one or two exceptions skeptical that it would make a difference. The findings are shown in Appendix IV but to summarise....

3.5 They had a good knowledge of the places of interest. For example, Nan McFarlane, Councilor has carried out a lot of research about the area of Troon and Loans at the time of the Bruces and the Earldom of Carrick. This, we felt, was very encouraging and confirms how much interest there is in Robert the Bruce and the potential of the Trail to make a difference to the people of South Ayrshire. There was a genuine realisation that it has implications for local businesses, residents, tourism, schools and the economy of South Ayrshire. We has visits from those representing walking groups and specifically 'OIR Ayr' (Opportunities in Retirement, Ayr). There is enthusiasm for encouraging outdoor activities with the Trail. Quite a few seemed to think that we had already prescribed the Trail route. The use of the word Trail generates preconceptions about the form of the project and this was the issue that was raised and had to be explained more than any other. Most people incorrectly perceived it as a map guided trail. The idea that each node on the trail had a set of spider legs orientating people to local POIs such as viewpoints, beaches, walking and cycling paths, scenic drives, visitor information etc etc was very well received. This might suggest a big map and a selection of local mini-maps in leaflet.

3.6 We received visits from individuals such as Barry Donnan of The Society of King Robert the Bruce. As a resident of both Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway, he is keen to promote links between the two counties. A visit was made from Primary 6. The children had looked closely at the displays and had a multitude of questions and suggestions. The consensus seemed to be for events and activities such as drama and re-enactment and these could arise out of the trail. A pageant has been proposed for the Spring of 2014 which could tell a variety of stories relating to Robert the Bruce and his Journey to Bannockburn - leading nicely to the Commemorations there. The Natioanl Trust for Scotland has offered as a possible venue.

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3.7 Girvan Historical Society were represented and had much to say about the story of the font at Kirkoswald. Chapel Donan has been suggested as another key place on the trail. There are so many Bruce related stories coming out that one of the challenges will be distilling it so that the information is visitor accessible. Councillor William Grant attended as did John McKenna, local sculptor and his family. There were visitors from East Ayrshire who were astonished that their Council had not taken up the offer of a joint trail. They would like to be re-contacted. They could enable a Bruce-loop to be created when Dumfries and Galloway are taken into the equation, which could be part of a longer term vision. Ruth Bowbeer, Biosphere Development officer also visited and was suggesting a link with the Bruce Trail and the Southern Upland way and other routes that would all link together.

3.8 Kathryn Howell from Tourism visited and emphasised that we should consider the coach companies and providing for the parties of more mature visitors, such as stopping off places where there are local amenities. Also increasingly many are enjoying a more active retirement, so shorter trails (2 or 3 miles) with something to visit along the way are ideal. Most recognised that on-the-ground interpretation will be essential to tell the stories properly, but the need for events was a common theme. A representative from Carrick 800 attended and wanted to become involved in any such events.

3.9 All in all both workshops were incredibly successful. People from all walks of life attended and gave quality time to the discussions about the Trail.

4. Locations 4.1 Appendix I&II contain a map and the locations significant in the Bruce Trail and which have arisen as a result of the public consultations. Before the workshops were held, we devised a map of locations as a starting point. There were one or two more significant places to add, and members of the public and interested parties were able to add a lot of detail to the stories surrounding these places. The map in section 5 shows three possible core routes that take in the main features of the Trail. It would be possible then to branch out from the core routes and lead trail users off the 'beaten track', or show them the access to locations outside South Ayrshire - quite important if we are collaborating with other counties such as Dumfries and Galloway, North and East Ayrshire.

5. Trail concepts (Based on Trail Map) 5.1 Our conclusions from the public workshops seem to support the idea of a trail that is split into different areas. The A77 is the main highway through the county, but there are many locations that deviate from this route and some beautiful scenic routes that link different places, for example Turnberry north to Ayr on the A719. This would allow us to promote the trail in different centres of the county, for example; Ayr, and Girvan. We therefore propose that there are three separate Trails presented together.

5.2 The interest in walking/cycling in the area suggest that it would be a good idea to link the trail to others nearby, or identify sections of the trail that are suitable. Due to the distances this would be a car trail, but we can encourage trail-users to get out of their cars and experiance the outdoors more.

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5.3 A single leaflet covering all locations on the Trails would enable visitors use the leaflet at any point to identify their nearest Trail location, then choose whether to follow the Trail or dip in and out of it as they travel around. This more flexible approach benefits the visitor and makes it easier for TICs/outlets in supplying a single guide rather than visitors choosing from several.

5.4 For the purpose of this Plan, we have identified the Robert the Bruce Trail as potentially comprising the following locations (see the map in Appendix I & II): 1. AYR (St John’s Tower) - Where King Robert held Parliament after Bannockburn. 2. AYR (Wallace’s Tower) Commemorates Wallace’s association with the town. 3. PRESTWICK (Bruce’s Well) - Where the King took the waters of the Well. 4. - Established by the King’s grandson’s dynasty - The Stewarts. 5. LOANS - Where King Robert’s father established a Leper colony after returning from the Crusades. 6. TROON - Settlements established by Bruce's father. 7. BARNWEIL TOWER - Where Wallace may have burned the Barns of Ayr. 8. TARBOLTON 9. MAYBOLE - Ancient Capital of the Earldom of Carrick 10. TURNBERRY CASTLE - Seat of the Earls of Carrick and birthplace of King Robert. 11. KIRKOSWALD - Ancient Church which now holds the font in which King Robert was said to have been baptised. 12. - the location of the baptism of King Robert. 13. - The place where Bruce landed to restart his campaign for the kingdom in 1307. 14. GIRVAN - Where the king held Court. 15 CHAPEL DONAN - Where Bruce's parents may have married. 15. BARR & HADYARD HILL - Where the King made camp after landing in Carrick. 16. & - Overlooking the place the King’s brothers landed in 1307.

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5.5 The following map shows how these locations could be linked.

Right: Map of South Ayrshire showing three core routes that are all linked by the A77.

Below: Final Trail Map for Dumfries and Galloway provides a useful model.

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6. Objectives - Learning, behavioural and emotional 6.1 The Robert the Bruce Trail has the opportunity to influence the behaviour of both visitors and local people. The interpretation should therefore have at its core a set of learning, behavioural, and emotional objectives. They may sound obvious by are a useful guide when planning the content of Interpretation. The following represent suitable examples of objectives for The Bruce Trail:

6.2 Learning • Trail users will be able to recall the storyline of the Trail. • They will be able to name the key locations & what happened at each.

6.3 Behavioural • Trail users will want to learn more about this subject, perhaps join local history clubs, or research more at home, visit museums and other places. • Visitors to the area will want to stay here longer, or be encouraged to return. • They should treat every location with respect and act with safety in mind.

6.4 Emotional • Visitors will be amazed about how much South Ayrshire affected the life and times of Bruce and his contemporaries. • Local people will feel a sense of pride in their heritage and how it shaped a nation, and the area in which they live. Schools 6.5 Interpretive material could also provide a valuable resource for schools by fulfilling the criteria for the 5 – 14 Scottish Curriculum Environmental Studies Topic: Scotland at the time of Wallace/ Bruce. 6.6 The interpretation should aim to encourage pupils to develop an understanding of: • The role of various characters during a significant period of Scottish history • A variety of battle strategies • The link between historical events and present day • The role of present day characters and events in forming Scottish society

6.7 The material provided should complement the skills pupils are expected to develop including: • Preparing for a task • Carrying out a task • Reviewing and reporting on a task.

7. Main Theme 7.1 Themes are the central or key ideas behind any interpretive presentation. They enable organisations to convey an idea to an audience simply. Good presentation will enable the audience to summarise its theme in a single sentence. Here is a possible main theme. 7.2 “South Ayrshire, was the Cradle of Independence for King Robert the Bruce and Scotland in the 13th and early 14th centuries” Wherever interpretation is provided, visitors should come away with this main theme in their minds. The main theme of any interpretation will reflect the ‘big picture’ in a more general sense.

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8. Sub-themes 8.1 We can break down our main theme into sub-themes which are more specific. The Robert the Bruce Trail offers many opportunities for sub-themes which still reflect the main theme. These are some possibilities: a. The Earldom of Carrick was the key to the kingdom during the Wars of Independence b. King Robert the Bruce knew this land better than any other part of Scotland c. South Ayrshire was strategically crucial to the King of Scots 8.2 All the locations identified on the Bruce Trail can reflect one or more of these themes, as well as the main theme.

9. Interpretive media 9.1 Having decided on themes and trail concepts, we can now suggest which interpretive media would best serve them. Most of the locations have different requirements, and therefore we have devised different approaches to suit them. a. Fold-out or booklet guide: this would be free, contain a map and details of what to find at each Trail location. Because of the large number of entries, this should be in booklet form, rather than a fold-out. Ideally every Trail user will obtain one of these, which should be dispensed from branded leaflet dispensers in TICs, Museums etc. b. On-site panels: in addition to conventional GRP panels, innovative ways of presenting fixed interpretive messages should be sought. c. Cairns/stone monoliths: as part of creating a trail identity, a monolith could be designed for use at different locations. These would stand apart from conventional signage or roadsigns, but could carry the trail identity. For example, this could contain a trail number, mobile number or a website address, together with a short sentence explaining what happened here. d. Plaques/window stickers: the Trail identity could be applied to a simple plaque with a trail number and place name. These could be made of zinc or GRP. Users will be able to refer to their leaflet-guide. Where the use of a plaque is not practical, window stickers can be used, particularly if the location coincides with a visitor centre. e. Road signs: There may be a way of incorporating a message about King Robert's birthplace into the Turnberry or Carrick signs. 'Turnberry - Birthplace of Robert the Bruce' or 'South Ayrshire - The Bruce Homeland', could be placed at 'Gateway' points as cars enter the county. f. Geocache - There may be an opportunity to coincide Bruce locations with Geochache locations. g. Events - Living history is an excellent way of engaging visitors and getting locals to participate. These would help to promote Bruce's connections with the area and keep interest going with the Trail. Socities such as Carrick 800 and The King Robert the Bruce Society have shown interest in the planning of re-enactments. The Friends of St Johns Tower are keen to re-enact the Parliament held there in 1315 and Carrick 800 could re-enact Bruce's landing at Maidens. There is also potential to re enact the meeting and marriage of Bruce's parents: Robert Bruce and Marjorie of Carrick.

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h. Website: visitors planning a holiday in the area would benefit from a Bruce Trail website linked from Visit Scotland and other websites such as Carrick Ayr. A stand alone website would attract more attention. This will also be useful for schools researching local history.

10. Graphic style - Trail identity 10.1 Choosing an appropriate symbol/logo for the Bruce Trail is crucial for its success. The D&G Trail has it's own identity and the South Ayrshire one could reflect this, whist having it's own identity. We could also bear in mind that this trail might cross the border into East and North Ayrshire. Below are some suggestions about imagery. a. Carrick Coat of Arms - (May be seen as too territorial to the Carrick area) b. Ayrshire Coat of Arms - (Then has possibilities for other Ayrshire counties) c. Lion Rampant/crown - Emphasises kingship and the successful fight for independence. d. St. Andrews Cross - Represents the Nation but does not give a unique Bruce identity. d. Spider - Good mythical association, and could link in with the Lion of Alba sculpture if that goes ahead. e. Castle - Easy to relate to but not specific enough. f. Sword/axe/helmet - Represent the tools of medieval warfare.

10.2 Choice of colours is led by historical imagery. So far there is a heavy emphasis on blue as the colour of the Scottish flag, the existing Bruce Trail and the Carrick, Ayrshire branding. The colours of red and white are also visually striking. Examples of Graphic Style and identity.

Arms of Ayrshire Arms of South Ayrshire Arms of Carrick/Bruce

Elements of these images could be used. 10.3 Application of graphics for the D&G Bruce Trail is shown below. The South Ayrshire Trail could follow a similar theme and use a different Arms in the place of Annandale. That way it could have it's own identity but be of the same 'family' as the D&G Trail.

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D&G Trail logo uses the Arms of Annandale

The Graphics was applied to The Graphics was also applied to freestanding panels. smaller wall plaques.

Above: The graphics applied to a shaped Interpretive panel could also apply to the South Ayrshire Trail. Right: Trail monolith at less important locations. Below: A timeline of events on each panel highlights were that place or event is in the storyline.

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11. Project Timescale 11.1 Once the Interpretive Plan is agreed, the ASACC may wish to move ahead with securing funding for different elements of the Trail and associated events. The Trail leaflet will be produced in the next stage of the project, so that by April 2013, the Trail has a presence. Funding should be secured for the next stage: the Trail hardware - panels, plaques and other on site interpretation. This should then co-incide with any events that have been organised for the 2014 Commemorations.

Any timescale shown here may become outdated, however an outline timescale is shown in the brief for the next phase of the project.

12. Budgets 12.1 An outline budget will be set once the project has secured its funding.

13. Monitoring, evaluating and managing the trail 13.1 Monitoring and evaluation of interpretation is a little like evaluating advertising - we know half of it works, but which half? We can ensure that interpretation is more effective by using interpretive techniques which we have seen succeed elsewhere. 13.2 The take-up of the leaflets/booklets will be a clear indication of the Trail’s popularity. Ensuring that the Trail Guide is available at the key TICs and Visitor Centres is central to the success of the project, and also that it is available outside the county for visitors coming in. 13.3 A good website might also have a page where comments can be left, or a questionnaire presented. We can also tell how many hits there have been or leaflet downloads if we allow visitors to the site to do this.

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