ABSTRACT
The enduring social and cultural importance of the UK and Irish coastline suggests that the appropriate analysis and classification of the hundreds of historic minor harbours and landing places would be central to the assessment of the significance and statutory designation of these complex heritage settings. Yet national heritage bodies in both the UK and Ireland have identified significant inconsistencies in how harbour-works, and natural settings historically connected with maritime activity, are designated within their records. The use of consistent taxonomy and classification within the heritage sector is well established as a means of facilitating a shared professional language and organising knowledge. However, for minor coastal sites and landing places, no such agreed taxonomy has emerged.
This chapter explores the practical implications of this for research approaches and professional practice, particularly site interpretation and heritage designation. It concludes by arguing that a framework approach to site analysis would provide a systematised and consistent basis for evaluating minor harbours, particularly those that are poorly recorded. This approach is illustrated by a case study of Joseph Mitchell’s 1828 improvement scheme for Rockfield, Easter Ross, Scotland.
