Traditional Ecological Knowledge and the relevance of Dùthchas in Gàidhealtachd Environmental Futures

Abstract

This short article focusses on an exploratory enquiry into the relevance of Traditional Ecological Knowledge in relationship with different cultural, social and environmental actors in the Scottish Gàidhealtachd. For many Gaels this relationship can be expressed through the indigenous cultural concept of dùthchas, representing an expanded place-based way of knowing and, potentially a ‘human ecology’ that is reconciled with externally determined environmental objectives. The article integrates some brief reflections from written interview discussions during the author's recent postgraduate studies, which engaged with selected communities from the Gaelic heartlands. The need for more community research exploring in-depth and contemporary articulations of these cultural and ecological relationships is emphasised.