Context
This paper is concerned with Intangible Cultural Heritage (or
ICH) in Scotland. Intangible Cultural Heritage means the practices,
representations, expressions, knowledge, and skills - as well as the
associated instruments, objects, artefacts and cultural spaces - that
communities, groups and, in some cases, individuals recognize as part of
their cultural heritage. ICH is important because, transmitted from
generation to generation, it is constantly recreated by communities and
groups in response to their environment, their interaction with nature and
their history. In so doing, it provides them with a sense of identity and
continuity, thus promoting respect for cultural diversity and human
creativity. Scotland, as an outward-facing, cosmopolitan nation deserves
and must demonstrate an inclusive and comprehensive ICH which
reflects the essential diversity deriving from its many cultures.
