Richness rediscovered with the RSE@Arbroath

A public lecture by Professor Sue Black, head of the Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification within the College of Life Sciences, has provided the catalyst for a year-long celebration of culture and heritage in Arbroath.

Almost four years ago Professor Black, in her role as visiting speaker for the Royal Society of Edinburgh, visited the Angus town to give a lecture in Arbroath Academy on the subject of identity and forensic anthropology.

The reception she received sparked the idea which has developed into a full year of events and educational activities exploring Arbroath's rich history, character and contribution to the world.

"The talk was the best ever attended RSE lecture," explained Professor Black, a member of the RSE's Young People's Committee. "More than 200 people turned up. The level of enthusiasm the RSE saw there coupled with a desire to do something innovative led to this initiative."

RSE@Arbroath began in January with a lecture and workshop for Arbroath High School pupils on facial reconstruction with forensic artist Caroline Needham, from the University's Centre for Medical and Forensic Art.

The programme is divided into four themes with the first quarter of the year devoted to Identity and the People of Arbroath. This has seen a public lecture by members of 45 Commando, the Royal Marine Unit based in Arbroath, which marked the official launch of the programme, and a talk by Lord Fraser of Carmylie on the history, scientific and technological discoveries made by local people.

From April to June the focus will turn to wealth creation in Arbroath, from May to September the arts will come under the spotlight and from August to December there will be a closer look at Places in Arbroath.

Highlights over the coming year include an Arbroath version of popular TV show the Dragon's Den where successful entrepreneurs will be quizzed by school pupils, a comparison of classical and contemporary music by John Wallace of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and a look at science and Arbroath in the 21st Century by Professor Anne Glover, Chief Scientific Advisor for Scotland.

There will also be opportunities for schoolchildren to find out more about art, science, engineering and literature all through a focus on their local area.

Professor Black is hoping the initiative will prove a successful model which the RSE can then roll out to other parts of Scotland.

"The RSE already has an outreach programme where we go out and give talks but they tend to be one-off events. You have to ask where is the legacy?" she said.

"With a longer term project like this there is a better opportunity to have more of an impact and to make a difference. It is also about extending the RSE beyond the central belt.

"We are hoping to be involved in other areas. We'll have to look at what is successful and what is not and take it from there. We're also hoping there will be things that the local community will want to take up and continue so that there will be a lasting legacy."

She believes there are communities all over Scotland which could provide fertile ground for future projects.

"It could be anywhere where there is a rich history and environment and an enthusiasm to take part. That is what we have in Arbroath. The heritage is so rich that we knew we wouldn't be short of things to do. I felt this was a community in which we could really achieve something."

With most of the year's activities still to come RSE@Arbroath is already proving popular.

"The feedback we have had so far has been really positive," said Professor Black. "There has been quite a bit of media coverage too and one of the local MSPs tabled a motion in the Scottish Parliament to raise awareness of the project which all helps."

For more information on RSE@Arbroath and the full programme visit the RSE website at www.royalsoced.org.uk.