Scots urged to nominate favourite traditions for UK Government's 'living heritage' inventory

Communities across Scotland will soon be able to nominate their favourite traditions to be included on official inventories of the UK’s living heritage.

Nominations will open this summer for traditions like Highland dancing, Hogmanay and artisanal crafts to be officially recognised as “championing UK values and heritage.”

The UK Government has published its response to a consultation asking the public for their views on making sure the new inventory of living heritage encompasses the broad spectrum of traditions practised in the UK.

Traditions that are central to the “rich tapestry” which makes up the UK’s many cultures and identity – from Hogmanay and Highland dancing to haggis hurling and Up Helly Aa – are among those expected to be put forward for a UK-wide official inventory.

Artisanal crafts such as basket-weaving, thatching and the art of creating tweed will also be considered.

The response sets out how the UK and other governments will work together to create inventories of living heritage across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Submissions to the inventories will be encouraged from communities and groups practising living heritage, including from those who practise traditions brought to the UK by immigrant communities.

It follows the UK ratifying the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage last year, which requires each member state to compile their own inventory of living heritage practiced by communities in their country. This can include the folklore, performance, customs and crafts that play an important role in telling our national story and making people feel proud of where they live.

Tweed-weaving could be recognised on the UK Government's inventory list — Tweed-weaving could be recognised on the UK Government’s inventory list STV News

Scottish secretary Ian Murray said: “This is a chance for community groups across Scotland to really have some fun and think about how we celebrate being Scottish through our food, culture, practices and celebrations. We want to include the things that represent our uniqueness, our sense of humour and our pride in our country. A respect for our age-old traditions will be covered, but so too should what’s important to us in modern Scottish life.

“It all ties in with our commitment to Brand Scotland – celebrating everything about Scottish life and promoting Scotland globally.

“I’d like to urge community groups from the Western Isles to Wester Hailes and Kirkwall to Coldstream to contribute when nominations open in summer.”

Heritage minister Baroness Twycross said: “The UK is rich with wonderful traditions. I would encourage everyone to think about what traditions they value so that we can continue to celebrate them, tell our national story to the rest of the world and safeguard the traditions that make us who we are.”

Nominations for the inventory are expected to open later this year.