By Elizabeth Robson
Over the last few months, the Research Team have been working to identify a group of properties that will be the focus for the pilot social values assessments. With such an interesting variety of places in the Trust’s portfolio, any one of which has the potential to be a fascinating study, coming up with a short list was no easy task!
Our aim was to identify a range of Trust properties with diverse profiles. The selection process was based on a matrix of factors. We developed an initial long list of sites based on physical characteristics (property type, geographical location, and scale) and then considered a range of other factors, including designations, management structure, local context, site facilities, planned projects, and links to other property activities. In total, we had over 40 separate criteria to consider for each property. This rigorous process resulted in a short list of sites that each offers something different and, when taken together, encompass the depth, range and scale of properties in the Trust’s care.
We were delighted that the staff responsible for all the short-listed properties were keen to be involved and interested in piloting a social values assessment for the identified site. Given the difficulty in narrowing down the short list and the enthusiasm shown by all the property teams, we have decided to take a phased approach to confirming the pilot sites.
The first phase of pilot assessments, some of which will commence in the coming months, involve the Trust properties of:
- Balmacara Estate
- Bannockburn
- Ben Lomond
- Fyvie Castle, Garden and Estate
- Iona
- Staffa National Nature Reserve
- The Treshnish Isles
The last three properties listed (Iona, Staffa, and Treshnish) are all islands in the Inner Hebrides to the west of Mull, with established connections between them. We will therefore undertake a co-ordinated approach to these assessments, that recognises the distinct values associated with each place while also taking into account the overlapping communities of interest, identity, and location.



Some of our pilot properties (from left to right): The basalt columns of the Great Face of the Isle of Staffa. Photo credit: Siân Jones. Statue of Robert the Bruce at Bannockburn. Photo credit: Elizabeth Robson. Fyvie Castle in Aberdeenshire. Photo credit: Elizabeth Robson.
The pilot site research will take place over a period of around 15 months, from May 2024 until mid-2025. During that time, research will be on-going at multiple sites, some of which we will be visiting repeatedly for different activities. Once we know how the phase one pilots are progressing (in terms of resources and timescales), we will work with Trust property staff to determine if it is feasible to include any further assessments in the project.
We will be posting updates on the pilots as the research progresses. If you are interested in one of the pilot sites in particular, or would like to be involved in the assessment process, then please get in touch with Elizabeth Robson (e.m.robson@stir.ac.uk).