Visual Research Project Plan – Semester 1, 2013 – 10002749

·         Brief – The purpose of this project is to explore the deserted and crumbling houses of Ross-shire.  I hope to present a variety of houses from differing locations and to use the information collected to shed light on social status both historically and presently. By investigating the locations, building materials, design and preservation I hope to, at the very least, gain a better understanding of class and social standing of the inhabitants at the time of habitation.

·         Methodology – I will be taking still photographs regularly and returning to many of the sights for more in depth and close-up photography to pick out certain aspects of the sites including building materials/construction and design features. There is also scope for video footage to better show how these structures fit into the landscape and their surroundings. This may lead to further information regarding preferred sites for higher status homes as opposed to perhaps more difficult locations for lower status homesteads.

·         Equipment – The only electronic equipment required for this project will be an iphone and also a Fuji  14mp digital camera with video function. I will also be using a mountain bike to access some of the sites that are situated approximately 12 miles from my home.

·         Sample – It would be advantageous to visit and photograph as many sites as possible for a fuller picture though presently I have 5 sites which would be sufficient to study in depth.

·         Ethics – As there will be no people photographed for this project, the ethical considerations are less worrisome. As Scotland has right of access laws covering land the sites, though remote, are free to visit and photograph without any concerns over trespassing, etc. The only ethical concerns, at a stretch, would be if I chose to circumvent any fencing to access close-up photos. This would be more of a safety concern rather than trespass concern though, I believe.

·         Restraints and issues – The only restraints are the changing of the season and the possible weather issues which may curtail my outdoor activities. At least half the sites I have located thus far are in a glen with notoriously more volatile weather than I presently live. So long as the day is chosen well and I am prepared with suitable outdoor attire I can’t forsee any real issues.

Stepping forward, Looking back - a final evaluative essay of analysis and reflexivity

The purpose of this evaluative essay is to discuss the analytical framework and methodology used in my visual research project entitled Open Sky. The essay will be presented in two parts: the analytical process and the reflexive process.

To begin it is important to point out that this research was accomplished through qualitative analysis rather than the quantitative approach. Qualitative research can be defined as involving “an interpretive and naturalistic approach to the world” and that researchers “study things in their natural settings….and interpret phenomena in terms of the meanings people bring to them” (Denzin 2011).  Qualitative research is well  recognised  within the fields of anthropology and ethnology and as such the method works well for social science research of a visual nature. Having said this, I would propose that the Open Sky project may also provide scope for consideration from a quantitative approach. From the qualitative approach the project provided scope for inferences and interpretations yet the photographs also, if viewed from the latter approach, would likely still provide substantial information about the status of the properties and the varying architectural styles and materials. Having said this, the qualitative approach provided much information and I feel was the most useful to the project chosen.

So, having acknowledged the efficacy of a qualitative approach I then considered what approach to use when considering the data provided by the photographs. The Grounded Theory method was particularly useful in the early stages of the project. The Grounded Theory method is considered a “systematic, yet flexible, set of guidelines for collecting and analysing qualitative data to construct theories ‘grounded’ in the data themselves” (Charmaz 2006).  In this approach the researcher collects data without focusing on a specific idea of what the data will ultimately unveil. This allows the researcher the opportunity of following various threads of inquiry and therefore constructing a well-rounded picture of the topic via the data provided.  Though open to possibilities the Grounded Theory method does have guidelines on how the analysing of data should proceed. This process is accomplished through the following steps:

1. Data collection – data is collected with as few pre-determined theories as possible thus allowing the researcher to follow various lines of inquiry without being constricted by pre-conceived ideas or theory.

2. Note-taking and coding – By taking notes of information and lines of inquiry the researcher begins to bring together evidence to allow the coding process. The coding process is highly important as it provides “the pivotal link between collecting data and developing an emergent theory to explain these data” (Charmaz 2006).  To code the researcher engages with the data, asking a variety of questions of the evidence provided and applies codes which may explain the information collected. Coding defines and names data in an attempt to determine links, underlying themes and important information that may have been missed by a pre-determined theory. The process of coding is ongoing and demands constant re-defining of codes in an effort to pick out the most important information evident in the data.

3. Memo-ing – As codes become more evident, the process of memo-ing becomes important to record thoughts and ideas that will ultimately lead to a theory. By keeping a memo record the researcher can make links between codes and uncover the over-riding themes of the data provided.  The memos help to sort the material and provide a structure to the final theory.

4. Conclusion and writing – As the researcher reaches the final point of the project where the data has been coded and re-tested, memo-ed and sorted for over-riding themes they should finally have conceived a theory on the data collected. This final theory is based on the data itself, the frequent analysing of data by ongoing reconsideration of codes and by meticulous memo writing which provides proof of varying lines of enquiry. The theory may be seen as the end point rather than the beginning as in other methods of analysis.

From the standpoint of my own research the Grounded Theory method was particularly useful. Having decided on the subject of my project, crumbling homes and castles of Mid-Ross, yet not having any pre-conceived ideas of theories gave me good scope to allow the data to speak for itself. After collecting data over a number of weeks I began to see ‘codes’ in the data and set about labelling the items in the photographs, linking them together with larger ideas and ultimately discovering three over-riding codes which I presented through Discourse Analysis rather than following through with the full Grounded Theory Method which I felt wasn’t able to fully represent what I was uncovering.  So, though I abandoned the final steps of the Grounded Theory Method, it led me to my preferable method of Discourse analysis.

While it is true that a Discourse analysis is most frequently suggested as a means of researching underlying meaning from a linguistic perspective I feel it was equally useful in attempting to code the elements uncovered in my visual project. Jorgenson and Phillips describe the Discourse Analysis method in the following way:

 “The meaning we attach to words is not inherent in them but a result of social conventions whereby we connect certain meanings with certain sounds”. (Jorgenson and Phillips 2002)

If we were to replace  ‘words’ with ‘photographs’ and ‘sounds’ with  ‘images’ we can start to see how this model works for visual research.  When reviewing the photographs we can begin to see the codes and how they may be interpreted with discourse theory. When comparing images of different properties on a single estate the social conventions that are understood begin to be clarified. The status discourse becomes clearer when the signifiers of wealth (materials, quality, access) are compared to the photographs of those lacking in these signifiers. Further, the signifiers of the core vs periphery conflict discourse and those of a Highland discourse also become clearer. Each of these discourses give us a view of the power held and equally power withheld in the building and habitation of these homes.

To conclude the analytical portion of the essay it is important to point out that though this was my first attempt at visual research and Grounded Theory I feel it was useful in data collection and interpretation. I also feel that by using the coding suggested in the process it enabled me to gain a clearer picture of the various yet linking discourses highlighted in the network model on my blog. As such, I would consider using the process again in further research projects.

At this point I will move on from the analysis aspect of the project and now discuss the issues surrounding the reflexive process.

While my choice of topic would seem to provide less scope for bias due to the freedom to photograph without concern for human subjects, it is in no way free of such concerns completely. After the first attempt at data collection it became clear to me that my personal reactivity to the sites was rather problematic (Prosser 1998 p93). The location of many of the sites led to complete freedom to photograph without outside influence yet my own feelings, knowledge and artistic desires led me to collect data in a way that may not have expressed the sites in a full and unbiased manner. The sites were frequently visited by way of bicycle on virtually deserted country roads and off road paths. The sites were at times located on hills that required exertion to reach them and this may have coloured my view of the previous inhabitant’s travails. Further, I come to this project from a cultural studies background and therefore have a good knowledge of Highland history and social/cultural issues. Though this foreknowledge was useful in interpretation, it does not sit particularly well with my attempt at using the Grounded Theory Method as some previous knowledge of the history of the sites likely influenced my analysis.  So, as no researcher exists in a vacuum, I can categorically state that whilst I attempted to approach this subject from as unbiased a point as possible, there were numerous issues that required me to re-evaluate the steps I was taking to remain so. The physical act of visiting the sites and the exertion required, the loneliness of the sites and the previous knowledge of local history all challenged my personal reactions to the site and may have affected the way photos were taken, what was chosen as worthy of recording and  how the coding was ultimately arrived at.

In conclusion I feel the entire process was a learning experience and through it I have come to see the efficacy of visual research. Though the project is currently still at a position where it is unlikely to be finished, I feel that there is much more that may be investigated and that the data still has more to ‘say’.  If I were to begin another visual research project I would be likely to use the analysis techniques described above again and, with hindsight, would attempt to remove my personal reactions even further from any data collection and analysis. As the project stands, I feel I have accomplished much and hopefully provided a view to the possibilities of researching ruined buildings of the Highlands.

CHARMAZ, K. Constructing grounded theory: A practical guide through qualitative analysis. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage, 2006.

DENZIN, N.K. and LINCOLN, Y.S., 2011. The Sage handbook of qualitative research. 4th edn. Thousand Oaks: Sage.

JØRGENSEN, M. and PHILLIPS, L., 2002. Discourse analysis as theory and method. London: SAGE.

PROSSER, J., 1998. Image-based research: a sourcebook for qualitative researchers. London ; Bristol, PA: Falmer Press.

The lie of the land

At this point it seems important to discuss a bit about where the process started, where it is at the present and what still may be done to bring the project to a close.

The beginning: The idea itself was born from interest in the sites I view frequently on my outdoor adventures. I began from a place of little knowledge about the sites but an interest in the architecture of the houses and castles. From my own viewpoint I found the sites also intriguing due to access available such is not available in my home country where privacy and trespassing laws are very prohibitive. Therefore being able to access these sites and photograph them has been interesting and enjoyable.

I was unsure of what information would be forthcoming from the photographs so in some ways it has been a grounded theory approach. Things began to become clearer after a few weeks and certain 'codes' began to appear.

The present: Though there were certain obvious differences in size with regards to the properties, the most interesting features began to be illuminated when I re-studied the photographs at various times. As is shown in the network modelling diagram in a previous post I decided to deal with the three most obvious discourses displayed in the photos: Highland, Core/Periphery and Status. These three discourses all overlap one another at certain points but each also have much to tell us about the lives of these houses and their inhabitants.

The future of the project:  To bring this project to an end point I would consider further photography important. Aerial photography would be helpful in considering the impact and importance of the Core/Periphery discourse. Access to the inside of the larger properties, though hard to arrange due to health and safety concerns, would be beneficial for both the Highland and Status discourses. Access to the smaller properties is easy but the multiple story properties would be unsafe. This would be useful though as there may be much to document and compare in the interior of the grander sites.
Further, videos would be helpful to the project but due to time and equipment constraints I was unable to prepare any thus far. These videos would perhaps shed light on landscape, size and distance that photographs aren't able to provide.

So, in conclusion, I feel the project has provided good information and thinking points but that more may be done to pick out further codes and discourses leading to a more well balanced and conclusive visual research project.

Network analysis model

The following model is an attempt to analyse the data provided by the photographs taken over the months. For each discourse described in previous blog posts I have attempted to pull out the salient points and explain thus far how I see them fitting together and how they may stand alone as evidence.

This should not be seen as the end of the analysis but rather as a preliminary attempt to describe what may be evidenced by varying features of the photographs. 

The view from the seat of my bike - balancing objectivity and analysis on two wheels

When I began recently to consider the analysis of the photographs in my project I began to see that certain discourses were not as easily recognisable simply from the photographs taken. In particular the core/periphery discourse is a very important one but not one easy to see from ground level shots.  To access the areas where the photographs were taken I was required  to cycle or walk to the area. This provided me a good idea of distance, landscape and access issues that driving would not have accomplished. Even through cycling I could not judge the real scope of marginality as roads have improved immensely since the 1600s (in the case of Redcastle) and therefore what I could reach on my bike would have been much more difficult on foot on rutted or non-existent paths.So, in this instance, I really feel that aerial photography would present a clearer idea of this discourse.

Further, not once on my photographic excursions did I encounter another person at the sites. This did much to challenge my objectivity as this solitude brought about feelings of loneliness and even sadness at the neglect of these once inhabited homes. It would be possible to imagine the previous inhabitants felt the same loneliness and depression though that would be a dangerous assumption as I can only view these homes through my own experiences and prejudices and ultimately have no idea of how busy and engaged with the local estate and community they were. So, my own ideas of what makes a community have filtered through into my work and when analysing I need to be aware of such pitfalls.

Finally, I feel the subject matter lends itself to broodiness and a certain romantic and gothic notion that simply is not representative of what these homes would have been like during the time of habitation. From my own perspective as an American I am drawn to 'ancient' things perhaps from my own experience of growing up in a rather newer country and culture. The romantic notion of these houses appeals yet I must remind myself that these tumble down homes and castles were once busy and perhaps thriving communities. I wonder if my prejudices have affected how I have photographed the houses? Have I given a proper and unbiased account of the homes or have I focused on the areas that feed my sub-conscious desire to show ancientness?

This is my struggle at present.

In the following link I have begun to consider a how various discourses may work in a network analysis model. This is a rough idea of the early ideas of Status discourse and how they may be linked.


Preliminary network analysis

Viewing suggested discourses

Redcastle - imposing edifice

Highland discourse

Status discourse

View from walled 'drive' at Redcastle

Core/periphery discourse

Status discourse

Large gardens still tended suggesting high status.

View of Redcastle from the shore road. 

Commanding view and access to firth

Status, core and Highland discourses evident

Halfway mark between Redcastle 'castle' and Redcastle homestead. 

Overgrown area beside Redcastle homestead

Homestead area re-used as wee bothy/hut. Isolated and with signs of campfire and habitation recently.

Following on:

3. Highland Discourse - When viewing the photos and how they may be viewed in the core/periphery and status discourses another angle becomes quite clear. The juxtaposition of the large, highly decorated homes on private estates vs the small, isolated workers or tenant cottages provides a stark contrast.

On both Fairburn and Redcastle estates the occupants and builders of the large homes were vast landowners. This can be seen from the remains of the lands owned today by these estates. While the houses themselves have begun to crumble (frequently due to money/taxation issues) the estates still remain large landowners. Money is still made for the estate owners by farming and more importantly, fishing, hunting and occasionally renewable energy rights.

The ruined smaller properties are often mixed in amongst other inhabited properties rented from the estate. They are still frequently in the marginal areas and while the occupants may access the land for walking, they are not entitled to fish or hunt on the estate without payment or permission.

Thus the Highland discourse of landed estates, insecure tenancies and lack of access to subsistence hunting/fishing can be viewed from the time of the earlier buildings straight through to the modern period.

Continuing from our discussion yesterday regarding discourses we can also view the photos in the project from a second viewpoint........

2. Status discourse

In each of the photos the size, quality, materials and decorative stonework gives a fairly clear idea of the status of individuals who resided in the properties.

Each of the large houses appear to have been made with the same stone type, red sandstone, which itself has a decorative nuance. The stones are often cut to appear uniform and there are numerous decorative archways, stonework, windows and doorways which add to the impression of high status. The large size of the properties highlights wealth and denotes that the occupants were able to afford heating, staff and sundries required for such a large household. The size of the properties also denotes a commanding presence in the landscape and perhaps signifies the importance of the inhabitants socially as opposed to the smaller homes inhabitants.

The smaller houses, often in less salubrious and more marginal locations, all are presented as small, low roofed homes. They generally appear to have one fireplace at the end of the property, usually only 2 doors at most and little to no decorative stonework. The stones appear rough and of various sizes. These homes appear to be local stone of varying kinds and, whilst built with skill, not attempting to be unique or decorative.  These homes give a picture of utility and frugality consistent with lower status homes.

It would be highly worthwhile to continue this analysis of how properties signify status in the landscape of the Highlands as there are many more properties and much more to be learned from styles and location in the landscape.

In viewing the photos taken thus far and examining the properties in situ a number of interesting discourses begin to appear.

1. Core/periphery discourse - The location in the landscape of these properties suggest a seat of power in the most desirable location with outlying properties located in marginal areas.

Redcastle Estate
- Large castle built on hill overlooking the Beauly Firth. Large, flat lawn area, sweeping drive and close to a good sized burn for fresh water requirements as well as the firth for fishing, etc.

- Smaller properties located up to 2-3 miles away on the same estate. Less easy access to sea, fresh water source and presently surrounded by large field systems growing grains and hay.

It may be suggested that the 'core' of the estate lies at the most desirable location and the outlying areas are placed to ensure workers are close to estate property for work purposes but perhaps not too close to interfere with daily life at the castle.

Fairburn Estate:

-Fairburn Tower is located on a long. flat hill close to the River Conon. The ruined tower is central on the Fairburn Estate and has been recorded in history due to a prediction by the Brahan Seer that it would one day crumble. There are numerous properties still inhabited by renters on the estate which are somewhat younger than the tower. There are numerous large fields used for agricultural and pastoral farming around the tower.

-Fairburn 1 & 2 are located fairly close to the River Orrin and is approximately .59 miles as the crow flies from the tower. This, though, is up and over a very large hill and across a river so during the time period that the Tower was the centre of the estate this would have been a much longer journey than the actual distance belies.
Fairburn 1 is placed on a large hill with a steep drop to one side and a rather boggy patch to the other. Neither area suggests a fertile spot for framing.
Fairburn 2 is found closer to the river on a flat shelf. The area suggests possible better opportunities for farming but due to the proximity of a hill on one side and the rive on the other, the suggestion is of subsistence rather than large scale farming for monetary gain.

Whilst I have yet to explore the Munlochy/Avoch site completely at this stage, the Core/Periphery discourse may be supported by the preliminary photos which suggest a large site in vast field systems close to the water and again placed upon a hill.

My licht

Large home between Munlochy and Avoch. Sits close to the Beauly Firth.

Decorative red sandstone

Looking towards the water and located among fields

Decorative work running along top of wall and lintel

Decorative arched doorway

Positioned close to water. On a slight hill so would have had a commanding view of the firth.

Thus far I have been focusing on the homes themselves but it would be advantageous to consider where these homes sit int e landscape and what this may suggest about the social status and preferred sites of the period.

1. Fairburn Tower -  This tower is located within a highly agricultural area. It lies in a fertile area on a vast hill and the view from the top of the tower would likely have offered views across the glen to Brahan Estate and towards the Strathpeffer/Ben Wyvis area. 

2. Fairburn  1 - This home with 2 outlying buildings lies on what is presently a rather rocky and less agriculturally salubrious plot. directly behind the house is a small river and a boggy area. To the front the land sweeps down steeply to a flat plain which turns into riverbank.

3. Fairburn 2 - The landscape of this plot is rather flat with direct access to the fairly wide River Orrin. A forestry/estate road runs alongside the property which lies equal distance from road and river. There are presently sheep pastured alongside the home and it is unknown how fertile the land may have been during habitation. There are signs of cement re-pointing suggesting either later habitation or re-use as a byre in the more recent past.

4. Redcastle - The 'Red Castle' is called so due to the use of red sandstone to build it. It lies on a very vast and fertile part of the Black Isle quite close to the Beauly Firth. The castle is approached by a sweeping drive and there is still much agricultural work done on the estate in the vicinity.

5. Redcastle homestead - This home is located at the 'crossroads' of three very large field systems. It is approached by a small path system and by an abandoned railway. Unlike the Fairburn properties it is located in very obviously fertile land though much further from the Firth than the Red Castle.

I believe more work needs to be done to investigate specific landscape features and how they may relate to the idea of social status.

Abriachan

These photos were taken at Abriachan, Inverness-shire. Due to the disrepair of the building it is difficult to ascertain whether this was a homestead or a byre. There doesn't seem to be a chimney represented and the land itself is flat and somewhat boggy. There are cows in a nearby field as well as some fresh hay.

Today was a revisit to Fairburn House 2. I wanted to focus a bit more on the craftsmanship of the property, any design features and and the materials used. 

The chinking/fill near the window lintel. Stone all appears to be local and a mixed variety. 

Small stones used to fill in gaps

Back of fireplace with iron bar

Fireplace chimney (taken from bottom and with arm up chimney rather than head due to safety concerns)

Window and lintel from inside of house

Interesting 'cement' fill/chinking and marks. Fairly rough without design.

Redcastle Estate

Both of the following 'houses' are located on the Redcastle Estate near the shore of the Beauly Firth on the Black isle. The small home is located in a small depression sandwiched between a disused railway and agricultural fields. The larger one also known as the Redcastle is situated close to the shore on a hill. A small burn runs alongside and a sweeping lawn lies to the North-East.

There is an interesting juxtaposition between the materials used, the amount of degradation and the security afforded to the sites.

Time and neglect

When photographing the tower at Fairburn it would be so easy to take a good photo on a sunny day and use it to create a narrative of the Highlands and Scotland with a mind to sell 'ancient Scotland' to tourists. On a post card the tower would appeal to those, such as Americans, who have few such grand houses of their own. Yet this 'heritage' feature is still in use and sits in a landscape lacking in the grandeur that a selective photo would present. To the front of the tower lies a lean-to shed with corrugated roofing. To the side lies a silo and plastic coated haybales. On the left is a rented cottage and the entire place is covered in waist high nettles. Indeed part of the wall that originally surrounded the home is used for a cottage garden to grow soft fruit for personal use.

With close cropping or selective angle we could easily give a far different impression of a broody ruin or grand facade and never hint at the continued usefulness of the site. That is, of course, what appeals in tourism but the truth of the building can appeal on many other levels. 

Finally, this building is interesting from a sociological viewpoint as it was the main dwelling on this particular estate (I am led to believe) yet it is ruined and derelict like the others I have photographed. Indeed they may have become so for different reasons but the outcome remains the same. Grand or humble, time and human neglect leads all things to the same conclusion.

Fairburn house 2. 

 This house sits very close to a river and there are no signs of a byre though a field housing sheep lies next to it presently. The house is easily reachable from a private tarmac road on the estate. The estate is considered a 'working estate' owing to the fact that stalking takes place in the autumn as well as fishing, log cutting and a wind farm which provides funds to the estate owners. The road is provided to allow access to heavy vehicles for the cutting and wind farm access. The house is located in a rocky area that would provide little land for agriculture.

Fireplace

Stalking takes place on the hills behind. The hill is also the location of three large wind turbines.

The road provides access to the hills behind and ends at a reservoir.