Ark of the North: opening up access to animal bone reference collections in northern Scotland

Animal bone reference collections are vital for the archaeological and palaeontological study of animal remains, a heritage science that can provide detailed insights into past environments, ecosystems, economies, production, crafting and human-animal relationships.

These collections also have a key role to play in the field of evolutionary studies and modern conservation, as researchers explore animal adaptations and the morphological plasticity and diversity of past animal life. The historical origins of many natural history collections also offer valuable socio-historical insights into the colonial contexts in which they were initially curated.

Despite digitisation, there is no substitute for physical access to comprehensive reference collections, and - due to the tactile nature of their use and to lower the costs and environmental impacts of research - geographical equity in access is paramount. In Scotland, beyond the central belt, this is currently lacking. Given their centrality to the scientific and socio-cultural study of animals past and present, it is more important than ever to conserve, curate, and study faunal bone collections, and to maximise their discoverability and accessibility.

This project will draw together two collections to create an internationally valuable research resource to be managed as part of an Accredited and Recognised museum collection committed to sustainable care and access. These collections will together comprise more than 2000 specimens across all vertebrate faunal classes and form one of the country's largest Accredited museum zoo(archaeo)logical collections. The integrated collection will include internationally rare specimens and taxonomic groups from the University's Zoology Museum's collections. Initially founded in the 18th century, this collection comprises 1452 specimens of which 235 are complete skeletons. Complementing this material will be the more recently acquired archaeozoological reference collections, which includes sizeable private donations from two recently retired professional zooarchaeologists. Currently housed in the Department of Archaeology, these reference collections total 700 specimens, of which 528 are complete or partial skeletons, including large collections of birds and fish, the remainder being mainly individual skulls. While diverse taxonomic groups are represented, there is significant representation of northern species. RICHeS support will address the lack of integration between these nationally significant collections, their inadequate facilities, and want of dedicated personnel which currently hampers their access and optimal use.

This bid aims to:

1. Integrate, consolidate and rehouse these collections, enhancing their physical access.

2. Manage the whole collection as part of an Accredited museum collection, so ensuring long-term sustainability and access, including online cataloguing, discoverability and wider access.

3. Hire a dedicated research technician to facilitate long-term access, expansion, curation and use.

Ark of the North has been designed in conjunction with other collections, notably National Museums Scotland, Historic England and the University of Sheffield, with input from other stakeholders and potential beneficiaries. This project will therefore create an internationally valuable resource based in Northern Scotland, establishing a strong collaboration with other repositories elsewhere in the UK, facilitating novel research, fostering cross-collection partnerships, and enhancing public outreach activities.