Integrating Intangible Cultural Heritage in nature recovery: a place-sensitive approach in the Scottish Highlands
By Mairi McFadyen, Chris Mackie, Elle Adams and Raghnaid Sandilands
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- Year
- 2025
- Publisher
- The British Academy
Abstract
This paper explores how integrating Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH), as defined by the 2003 UNESCO Convention, can support place-sensitive nature recovery.
Through two case studies from the Scottish Highlands – the Findhorn Watershed Initiative and Cairngorms 2030 – it examines how placenames, creative cultural expressions and traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) can contribute to inclusive, forward-looking, adaptive approaches.
Drawing on qualitative, interdisciplinary methods and lived practitioner experience, the paper reflects on both the opportunities and challenges of aligning emerging ICH policy with nature recovery strategies in a Scottish context, with implications for contexts elsewhere.
Key themes
Nature recovery, Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH), Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), Gaelic
About the authors
Dr. Mairi McFadyen is a researcher, educator and creative practitioner. With a background in ethnology and human ecology, her work engages with culture, place and environment, using collaborative creative practice to explore how forms of cultural heritage can help restore our relationships with each other and the living systems that sustain us.
Dr. Chris Mackie is Knowledge Exchange Officer for Cairngorms 2030, an ambitious programme that will see the Cairngorms become the UK’s first net zero national park. He has a background in the creative arts and outdoor, environmental and sustainability education.
Elle Adams is an impact-driven entrepreneur and sustainability strategist. She worked with the Findhorn, Nairn and Lossie Rivers Trust to co-conceive, fund and launch the Findhorn Watershed Initiative; a multi-generation partnership and watershed-scale vision for nature recovery and connection from source to sea of the extraordinary River Findhorn in NE Scotland. In April 2025 Elle transitioned into the leadership role of Executive Director at the Findhorn, Nairn and Lossie Rivers Trust.
Raghnaid Sandilands is a creative enthnologist, writer and artist. Her work engages with Gaelic culture, place and ecology through restoration projects, publishing, teaching and community work with a focus on the environment and creative engagement with culture.