How is Scotland perceived, and what do visitors take away?

We are more sophisticated designers, consumers and travellers than ever before but have Scottish souvenirs developed to the same degree - or are they still firmly based on an outmoded or traditional aesthetic? If tartan, shortbread and 'Mockintosh' designs do not truly represent modern Scotland, any more than Beefeater dolls represent London, what should a contemporary Scottish souvenir be?

A souvenir is manufactured as a reminder (souvenir meaning 'to remember' in French) of experience, location and culture.  Why should this complex memory be represented as an unashamedly commercial cliché or self-consciously kitsch icon?

The Scottish Show 2007 invited over 57,000 visitors to create their own memento, addressing design issues and the roles of memory and narrative as translated through an object.  The installation enabled visitors to design and produce their own Scottish souvenirs, which could serve as a proud representation of Scotland's design culture and a reminder of their personal engagement with this heritage.

Please visit the Six Cities Design Festivals flagship event at www.thescottishshow.com