Convalescent Coast – get involved in Dunoon’s community heritage research

1 day ago

4 min read

A new community heritage project is underway in Dunoon!

Two smiling women touch drinking glasses together while another person reaches in from offscreen. Image overlayed with Victorian graphic elements.

The Convalescent Coast project is run by Dunoon Goes POP and made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players.

Through Convalescent Coast, we’ll work with local people to research Dunoon’s Victorian heritage of health, convalescence and temperance, uncover some fascinating stories from the town’s past, and think about what this heritage might mean for Dunoon today and in the future. Heritage can be anything from the past that people value and want to pass on to future generations.

What will we do?

At the heart of the project is the story of the West of Scotland Convalescent Seaside Homes, and Dunoon’s heritage as a place of rest, recuperation, health and alcohol-free leisure.

Alongside researching the convalescent home, we’ll explore Dunoon’s temperance hotels, local businesses such as the historic George Stirling soft drinks factory.

Through research, oral histories, heritage walks, a digital map, an exhibition and new heritage-inspired soft drinks, we’ll uncover and share stories from Dunoon’s past, while opening up conversations about health, wellbeing and the town’s future.

We’ll also explore how Dunoon’s heritage could inspire new ideas for the town, and how Dunoon presents itself as a place to live and visit.

How will we do it?

Local people will be at the heart of the research.

Two older women in bright clothing smile at the camera and touch drinking bottles together. Image overlayed with Victorian graphic elements.

Through participatory research, delving into archives and capturing oral histories, we’ll bring together historical records, local knowledge and personal memories to build a rich picture of Dunoon’s past.

We’ll also connect this heritage to contemporary conversations about health and wellbeing. By exploring how previous generations thought about rest, recovery, leisure and health, Convalescent Coast will invite people to think about what these ideas mean today, especially relating to challenges around health, housing, and food security.

What will come out of the Convalescent Coast project?

We’re looking forward to bringing the research to life in creative and accessible ways.

We’ll share what we discover through a digital heritage map, bilingual English – Gaelic interpretation, heritage walks, a temporary exhibition and temperance bar, and three new Dunoon Goes POP drinks inspired by local people from the past who we uncover through the research. These drinks are a fun and delicious way to get people talking about local heritage and to introduce some of the fascinating people who lived in Dunoon before us.

How can you get involved in this community heritage research in Dunoon?

There will be lots of different ways to take part in Convalescent Coast.

Do you work or volunteer in heritage in Dunoon?

Dunoon has a wealth of heritage knowledge, organisations and volunteers, but many local groups face challenges around capacity, resources and long-term sustainability.

Throughout the Convalescent Coast project, we’ll bring people involved in local heritage together to share knowledge, make connections and explore how some of these common challenges could be addressed. Come along, have some tea and meet others working to care for and sustain Dunoon’s heritage.

Do you have a story about Dunoon’s past that you would like to share?

Personal memories and stories can give us valuable insights that aren’t recorded anywhere else. We want to capture local knowledge and personal stories that might otherwise be lost, helping us build a richer picture of Dunoon and how the town has changed.

We’re particularly interested in memories, photographs, family stories and local knowledge connected with the West of Scotland Seaside Convalescent Homes, as well as Dunoon’s buildings, businesses, tourism, health, leisure and community life.

Perhaps someone in your family worked at the convalescent home, you remember a local business or building that has since disappeared, or you have some old photographs of Dunoon tucked away at home. We’d love to chat to you, hear your stories and see any photographs you would be happy to share.

Would you like to build your research skills while uncovering an important part of Dunoon’s history?

We’ll offer an exciting programme of training, including practical experience in archive, oral history and community heritage research in Dunoon.

No previous research experience is necessary, and what you discover will contribute directly to the project’s digital heritage map, walks, interpretation, exhibition and new Dunoon Goes POP drinks.

Are you aged 15–30 and keen to build your experience while having a say in how Dunoon’s heritage is explored and shared?

Join the project steering group and help decide how Dunoon’s stories are researched, interpreted and brought to life.

You’ll have the opportunity to develop skills and experience in areas including governance, heritage, research, digital storytelling, interpretation, creative projects and community engagement, while working with a friendly and supportive group.

Get in touch

It’s amazing how we can live our lives in a town without knowing the fascinating stories that played out in the places we walk through every day.

Knowing more about our heritage can change the way we see familiar places, build our connection to the past and help make sure that local knowledge and memories aren’t lost.

If the idea of uncovering Dunoon’s past intrigues you – whether you have a story to share, would like to get involved in the research, or are simply curious to find out more – send me an email at kate@popshop.scot for a chat.