Islands are conventionally associated with romantic ideas of local distinctiveness and isolation, and yet those situated off the west coast of Scotland and the Caribbean share the growing problem of coastal erosion through rising sea levels and storm intensification, as well as economic recession, depopulation and inappropriate tourism development. Shared Island Stories Between Scotland and the Caribbean: Past, Present, Future is a 5-year research project coordinated by the School of Art History at the University of St Andrews in Scotland that aims to investigate relationships between the archipelagos.
Drawing on history, heritage studies, sustainable development, art history and memory studies, the project asks: Which collections from the islands tell unfinished stories of Empire? What is the role of heritage communities for sustainable development? How can island community museums partner with NGOs, policy and local organisations and businesses for climate action? How can health and well-being be understood in relation to community heritage, traditional ecological knowledge and island life? What does this new knowledge bring to debates on climate justice, especially as they relate to the role of youth?
This research project was selected by the European Research Council (ERC) and funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) with reference: EP/X023036/1. It is coordinated by the School of Art History at the University of St Andrews.
Winner of the inaugural ICOM Award for Sustainable Development Practice in Museums, “Shared Island Stories Between Scotland and the Caribbean: Transnational Youth Exchange”
Selected from 150 submissions across 60 countries, the initiative stood out for its creative, community-driven approach to addressing interconnected challenges faced by island communities — including climate emergency, coastal erosion, at-risk youth, heritage decline, and economic instability. The project exemplifies youth empowerment, transnational collaboration, and sustainability-centred museum practice, reflecting how museums can meaningfully contribute to the UN 2030 Agenda.