Rediscovering Airdrie is a heritage-led regeneration project focused on reviving Airdrie town centre. It aims to rediscover and celebrate the history of Airdrie and use the town’s historic built environment as a catalyst for physical, social and economic regeneration, connecting people with their heritage. This will also establish Airdrie as a vibrant centre of creativity, culture, enterprise and learning.

What was done

To celebrate Airdrie's built heritage, key buildings were highlighted, interpreted and personalised with input from local residents. In spring 2025, 'traditional Blue Plaque' style heritage awareness plaques were installed. The project was co-curated with the community and our Active and Creative Communities Heritage Outreach Officer supported written histories of the town from:

• an astronomer
• an artist
• a local art historian and
• a filmmaker

This research contributed to the production of heritage plaques that now adorn nine buildings and places across the town. Personal observations about the buildings contributed by Airdrieonians during the project were incorporated into the plaques to reflect the relationship between people and the buildings indicating the relevance today.

Buildings and places with a heritage plaque include:

• Airdrie Public Library
• Airdrie Town Hall
• Airdrie Cross
• Airdrie Town House
• Mavisbank Park and others

Outcome

The plaques not only raise awareness of Airdrie’s rich and fascinating history but also support a renewed sense of pride in its identity. Together, these elements rejuvenate the town physically and emotionally, restoring pride, engagement, and hope for future generations. 

Inspired by the University of Edinburgh School of Health in Social Science to adopt a social prescribing approach to healthcare. Your Heritage in Focus developed the concept of ‘Heritage for Health’. The core thesis uses heritage-informed approaches as a social prescribing approach to healthcare, with a sense of wellbeing being a positive outcome.   

Heritage plays a significant role in enhancing mental health and wellbeing and engaging with historic environments can lead to a range of benefits including:

• strengthening social connections: heritage activities can foster socialisation and provide a sense of purpose crucial for mental health improvement.
• providing a sense of belonging: heritage sites offer a sense of belonging and connection to the past benefitting individuals with mental health challenges 
• connection to the past, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals with mental health challenges. 
• reducing anxiety and stress: visiting heritage sites can help ease stress and anxiety, contributing to overall mental health improvement.
• increasing happiness: regular visits to these sites have been shown to increase happiness scores indicating a positive impact on mental well-being. 
• promoting relaxation: restorative environments such as historic places can support recovery from stress and fatigue, promoting relaxation and improved mental health.

Heritage activities serve as safe environments for expressing complex emotions and can break barriers to public participation while addressing wellbeing inequalities. They can also be used to create inclusive projects that resonate with diverse backgrounds and interests.