Urras nan Tursachan - Calanais Standing Stones

Audience Research & Interpretation Testing



Overview

Urras nan Tursachan (UnT) is redeveloping the visitor experience at the Calanais Standing Stones, one of Scotland’s most significant prehistoric sites.

Charlotte was commissioned to deliver a comprehensive programme of audience research to test new interpretative content, ensure Gaelic language and culture are embedded meaningfully, and support the design of the exhibition at the new visitor centre which opens in summer 2026.

Objectives

  • Test and refine interactive content, graphics and audiovisual interpretation
  • Ensure Gaelic language and culture are authentically represented and recognised by audiences
  • Understand expectations, perceptions and needs across multiple visitor groups
  • Engage local families, schools, heritage groups, cruise passengers and independent tourists
  • Provide robust evidence to inform the design team and NLHF mentor
  • Support the development of an inclusive, community‑rooted visitor experience

Approach

Charlotte delivered research programme including stakeholder consultations, audience surveys with the local community, wider public, and tourists as well as focus groups and workshops. Materials were developed to be bilingual (Gaelic/English), and accessible via QR codes and were promoted via the port, airport, tour operators and local facebook groups.

Outcomes

Charlotte’s work allowed to project team to refine the exhibition content and design regarding the routes through the exhibition, time spent at the site and access to the stones for locals. The research provided strong insight into the role of Gaelic language and culture into the visitor experience and how different audience groups would respond to the content. The research also served to keep the community up to date with progress and allow the project team to build ongoing relationships which can be further developed as the project continues and the site is near opening.

Impact

The research ensured that the redeveloped Calanais Visitor Centre will be rooted in community identity, is culturally authentic, and is responsive and sympathetic to the needs of diverse visitor groups.


WASPS Inverness Creative Academy

Heritage Evaluation


Overview

Charlotte worked with WASPS on the evaluation of their Inverness Creative Academy development in Inverness. The project, part funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, brought two buildings back into use which have significant links to the communities of the Highlands. The goal was to engage with the community by using the arts and the building’s heritage to engage, excite and educate.

The two buildings being transformed were the former school buildings on the old Inverness Royal Academy site and have become the largest creative facility for artists, designers, makers, creative industries, cultural social enterprises in the community in the Scottish Highlands. Phase one brought 30 studio spaces for artists and makers. Phase two restored the main Academy building to provide more creative workspaces as well as public exhibition, meeting and event spaces. The wider site also included the construction of retirement flats.

Objectives

  • Evaluate heritage, people and community outcomes
  • Assess the impact of capital works and heritage activity
  • Understand tenant, visitor and stakeholder experiences
  • Provide evidence for NLHF reporting and future planning

Approach

Charlotte delivered the evaluation including the development of a logic‑model‑based evaluation plan,

an analysis of capital works, building repairs and HETE activity, tenant surveys and consultations, event and exhibition evaluations, stakeholder and partner interviews.

Outcomes

Charlottes work culminated in an evaluation report which fully demonstrated the project's achievement relative to the NLHF outcomes.  This showed evidence of increased community engagement, skills development and heritage awareness and provided insight into tenant experiences as well as recommendations to support ongoing development and legacy planning.



Aberdeen City Council

Cultural Investment Review


Overview

Charlotte was commissioned by Aberdeen City to undertake a root‑and‑branch review of its cultural investment activity to inform the redevelopment of a new cultural investment framework for the city. The work was undertaken during a period of significant budget pressure, with a requirement to identify efficiencies while strengthening the resilience of the cultural sector.  Charlotte led this project with a team of consultants providing financial and strategic planning expertise to the project.

Objectives

  • Analyse the council’s cultural investment patterns
  • Map cultural provision across the city
  • Understand sector needs through consultation
  • Provide recommendations for a new investment model
  • Support alignment with the city’s cultural strategy and LOIP

Approach

The team delivered the project which included mapping of cultural organisations, activity and reach, analysis of investment distribution and delivery, sector surveys and consultations, stakeholder consultations, identification of opportunities for efficiencies and sustainable models.

Outcomes

The work provided the client with A clear evidence base demonstrating where cultural investment was being made and where gaps existed.  It provided insight into the reach and impact of cultural organisations across Aberdeen and provided recommendations that shaped the city’s new cultural investment framework, launched in November 2024.