About the project

The Visualising Scotland’s Future project aims to gather thoughts from the public on what individuals believe are the challenges and opportunities impacting Scotland’s future, in particular engaging with groups which may be underrepresented within our university community or marginalised in these conversations.

The project engaged with community groups across Fife and the Lothians, with a special thank you to:

Participants co-created mindmaps which highlighted Scotland’s strengths and areas for improvement, and then worked on a piece of art individually to highlight a theme which was important to them. Themes arising from these pieces included:

  • Infrastructure and the environment
  • Housing
  • Human Rights
  • Rehabilitation
  • Community
  • Health

The artwork created by workshop participants can be found in our online gallery.

Some of the artwork is currently being used in the Wardlaw Museum’s Rewrite the Future exhibit and the project team will also be running an event on Friday 24 October in St Andrews. This event will showcase the artwork produced from the project, and alongside a written report, will draw attention to some of the key themes and trends arising from the project. We hope, in turn, that awareness is raised within our University, wider community, and in the political sphere of the key issues and concerns impacting those in our local community.

Funding was generously received to support this project from the University of St Andrews Scotland’s Future Series.

Scotland

We asked ChatGPT what it thought about Scotland today and it responded:

Present-day Scotland is a vibrant and diverse country with a rich cultural heritage and a mix of modernity and tradition. Here’s an overview:

  1. Culture: Scotland is famous for its cultural contributions, including bagpipes, kilts, and Highland games. Its music, literature, and arts scene are thriving, with festivals like the Edinburgh Festival Fringe drawing artists and performers from around the world.
  2. History: Scotland has a storied past, with ancient castles, battlefields, and ruins scattered across the landscape. From the medieval era to the Scottish Enlightenment and beyond, the country has played a significant role in European history.
  3. Landscapes: Scotland’s landscapes are breathtaking, ranging from rugged mountains and deep glens to pristine lochs and stunning coastlines. The Highlands and Islands offer some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, attracting tourists and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
  4. Cities: Scotland’s cities, including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Dundee, are dynamic hubs of culture, commerce, and innovation. Each city has its own distinct character, from Edinburgh’s historic charm to Glasgow’s vibrant arts scene.
  5. Economy: Scotland’s economy is diverse, with key industries including oil and gas, tourism, whisky production, finance, and renewable energy. The country is a global leader in renewable energy, harnessing its wind, wave, and tidal resources.
  6. Politics: Scotland has its own devolved government with powers over areas such as education, health, and transportation. The Scottish National Party (SNP) has been a dominant political force in recent years, advocating for Scottish independence.
  7. Society: Scottish society is multicultural and inclusive, with a strong sense of community and social welfare. The country has made strides in areas such as LGBTQ+ rights, gender equality, and environmental sustainability.

Overall, present-day Scotland is a dynamic and forward-looking nation, proud of its heritage and embracing the opportunities and challenges of the modern world.

Contact

If you have any questions about this project, please contact Pamela Dobson ([email protected]).

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