FAQs

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PROJECT AND ITS FOCUS

What is PlaceBook Scotland?

PlaceBook Scotland is a new web-based project to capture people’s interest in their places. It aims to enthuse people to think about what gives their place its identity – or sense of place – and get them to capture this in words, through pictures and music. It has been developed by the Scottish Landscape Forum, and is funded by the Scottish Government Greener Directorate and Scottish Natural Heritage, with the support of the National Trust for Scotland.

What is the Scottish Landscape Forum?

The Forum was established by Scottish Natural Heritage in 2006, to bring together 25 public bodies and non-governmental organisations that share an interest in the condition, management and use of Scotland’s landscape. Its purpose is to encourage discussion, prepare advice and promote action for the better care of all Scotland’s landscapes.

What is a ‘sense of place’?

Defining and describing sense of place can be difficult to do – essentially it is about capturing the identity of a place that tells us it is Greenock or Garve, Falkland or Falkirk.

What contributes to a sense of place are many and varied. It includes natural and cultural features, the distinctive sights, sounds and experiences rooted to that place, its feel, atmosphere and people. Places with a strong ‘sense of place’ express a clear identity and character that is recognisable by inhabitants and visitors alike. Books, pictures, paintings and films often seek to evoke a particular sense of place so that the reader or viewer knows what it is like to ‘be there’. Indeed the work of poets, novelists, artist and musicians can strengthen the very sense of place they are seeking to capture.

Why is a sense of place important?

We often have a strong sense of place about where we lived as a child, and take great delight in distinctive and recognisable places. Studies suggest this is an important source of individual and community identity that provokes deep emotional and psychological ties. A sense of place is often recalled with affection, defended from threats of loss, while its absence is a focus of complaint. Standardised approaches and homogenisation can result in ‘placeless’ landscapes, reducing the distinctiveness and rich diversity of Scotland’s landscapes.

Is this just about nice, scenic places?

PlaceBook is not just about the mountains and scenery we often see on postcards and calendars – its about the everyday views and features that we identify with a particular place. It could be a local landmark, a view of the town where we live, the busy high street full of people and noise, or the colour of the stone in the buildings that is so familiar – whatever you think captures the identity or sense of your place.

What is Homecoming Scotland 2009?

Homecoming Scotland 2009 is a year long programme of events across the country that celebrates the 250th anniversary of Robert Burns’ birth. More information can be found on the website Homecoming Scotland 2009.

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE WEBSITE AND UPLOADING

Who should get involved with PlaceBook Scotland?

Everybody should get involved – young and old, whatever your background, and whether you have lived in your place for five weeks or five years. School kids, community groups, social networks – whoever you are we want to hear and see what it is that gives your place its identity.

How do I upload my photos?

You need to be Signed up to the site to upload Photos. Once Signed In, then select the Photos tab in the main navigation menu. In this section, you can view existing photos, and add your own. There is an option to Add Photos in the top right hand corner underneath the main navigation menu.You can upload one or more photos at a time. Once uploaded, you add in the Title, Description, Tags and Location of your Photo. You can also make it viewable by everyone, or just you or just your Friends. Photos will be approved by the Placebook Scotland moderator before going live.

How do I upload my video?

You need to be Signed up to the site to upload Video. Once Signed In, then select the Videos tab in the main navigation menu. In this section, you can view existing videos, and add your own. There is an option to Add Videos in the top right hand corner underneath the main navigation menu.You can upload one video at a time. Once uploaded, you add in the Title, Description, Tags and Location of your Video. You can also make it viewable by everyone, or just you or just your Friends. Videos will be approved by the Placebook Scotland moderator before going live

How do I upload my music?

You need to be Signed Up to the site to upload Music. Once Signed In, you can upload music by selecting your own 'My Page' on the main navigation menu. Select Add Music option and then you can upload one or more music files. Once uploaded, add additional information such as titles and descriptions.

How do I upload my writing?

Your Stories is the place where you can add your writings. It may be a story, a poem or whatever you wish to provide in Words about Your Place. If you want to share a story or a poem, please email it to placebookscotland@gmail.com and we'll post it on the site.

Can I submit more than one photo or video, or piece of writing or music?

Yes you can – we want to capture as many submissions as possible about what gives your place its sense of place.

Can I change what I have uploaded?

Yes, once you have uploaded an item, you can edit it and delete it.

Who can see my upload?

By default, everyone will be able to see what you have written, or the photo, video or music that you have uploaded. This is a great opportunity to share your impressions about your place, and what this means to you. You can if you desire, restrict the viewing of your Photo or Video to just You or your own Friends.

Do I need an expensive camera?

No – definitely not. All digital photos whether they are taken with a camera phone, small digital camera or expensive SLR camera are all invited.

Is this a competition?

PlaceBook Scotland is not a competition, as we want to hear from everyone about what gives their place its identity and what this mean to you. But we have teamed up with Event Scotland to support the Homecoming Scotland ’09 celebrations, and you can enter your photo in their competition as well. How to do this can be found here.