Responsible from inception to post completion for the planning, development and implementation of the multi-award winning and ground breaking Battle of Bannockburn Project for the 700th anniversary of the battle in June 2014. This project was a unique collaboration between NTS and Historic Scotland fully funded through a grant from the Scottish Government and an award from the Heritage Lottery Fund totaling £9.1m.
Reporting to both the Joint Strategic Board (NTS and HS senior executives) and the NTS Trustees my role involved the direction of all the internal NTS teams and sub PM’s assigned to the many strands of the project and on-going management of them through the delivery stages. I co-ordinated and wrote much of the HLF grant submissions at both stage 1 and 2, the latter being turned around in only 3 months.
I took the lead in the procurement and appointment of the design consultants for the project securing the services of Landscape architects Ian White Associates, Architects for the new building Reiach & Hall along with Conservation Architect Andrew Wright for the conservation of the 20th Century monuments. The crucial appointment of Bright White Ltd for the interpretive concepts is something I am particularly proud to have championed, as they were the only company with an original idea for the interpretation of a battle fought 700 years ago. They were supported by a highly respected Academic Panel of historians and Medieval specialists to ensure historical accuracy of the history, battle tactics and weaponry.
The project included extensive archaeological evaluation prior to the sensitive restoration and improvement of the landscape setting, the careful conservation of the 19th century flagpole, 20th century monuments (Cairn, Rotunda and Bruce Statue), the recording and subsequent removal of the previous Heritage Centre. Then building the new centre housing visitor and staff facilities and of course the amazing 3D and interactive interpretive displays. An innovative learning programme, new web site, e-ticketing solution, digital learning resource, and the development of a fully bespoke retail offering were successfully delivered. An extensive activity programme was provided throughout the project including The Big Dig, an outreach learning programme during construction, the 700th Anniversary events and of course Bannockburn Live.
Visit the project website: http://battleofbannockburn.com/