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.