Paper short abstract:

Examples of drystone construction can be seen across Scotland and structures dating as far back as the neolithic period are iconic in the landscape. This paper suggests that considering this craft in a wider modern context could create new sustainable opportunities in Scotland's rural communities.

Paper long abstract:

This paper explores the cultural significance of drystone construction in Scottish rural communities. Framing traditional crafts as Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH), it explores the potential for drystone to play a sigificant role in in sustainable development in rural contexts.

Drystane Dyking or Drystone Construction refers here to 'making stone constructions by stacking stones upon each other, without using any other materials except sometimes dry soil'. It is an ancient method which has been repurposed at various points throughout Scottish history. The need for drystane dykes as part of the agricultural landscape is redundant in the age of cheaply available, mass produced fencing, however the craft continues to thrive as a hobbyist activity and there is still demand for professionally qualified tradesmen.

Drystane dyking can be viewed as an exemplary practice with regards to sustainability and in more than one sense of the word; It’s culturally sustaining in the way it keeps a traditional craft and local knowledge alive and passed down through generations, financially sustainable if local training and job opportunities can be provided and environmentally sustainable if more people are skilled and therefore able to use this method using local stone rather than some of the other catastrophic building methods which involve importing materials to rural locations.

I believe this paper could be a positive addition to the panel as it considers the cultural significance of this craft both in relation to its historical use as well as in new, innovative ways which contribute to a sustainable future.