In July 1999 a Special Meeting of Council was held at the Chairman's home Blackhall Manor, to discuss  Proposals that would move the Association forward strategically. Since its formation, in 1996, the organisation had developed a sound financial base, a successful castle tours programme, an annual conference and a steadily growing membership base. It was felt that it was time to take a longer-term view on development.

The Council has decided to focus on one particular key activity -
The creation of an SCA "Information Centre", which in simple terms will be a central multi-purpose database.
One of its functions will be to store and maintain all relevant information for members and restorers, but equally it will be seen as a significant educational platform to satisfy many levels of interest. 
It is the intention that the Information Centre will employ all the benefits of multi-media technology (i.e video, sound, voice-over, animation, text etc). So far seven elements have been identified for the database, but there is no restriction on the scope of the project.  The elements are as follows :-

Photographic Record
There appear to be around 1400 fortified buildings in Scotland, ranging from the pile of stones to the recognisable castle.  Enquiries are always being received from potential restorers, and therefore, part of the SCA's service portfolio should be a complete photographic record of all such buildings and ruins. 
It is estimated that within the current membership, photographs exist covering 65% + of the remaining structures. Copies of such photographs, accompanied by a small Ordnance Survey map to show exact location, plus comment on restoration potential, would be a positive benefit to all enquirers.
Like all databases, there would be an onus on the Association,to have a rolling programme of photographing to check on deterioration etc.  Regionalisation of data, and areas of responsibility, would be established.

Skills and Trades
One of the initial objectives of the Association was to be a caring and sharing body.  Across Scotland owners are encountering the same problems, pitfalls, lack of solutions, lack of availability, resulting in the often asked question - "where can I find ?".
The Centre will hold information on recommended skills as employed on restorations, for example - wood turners, joiners, masons, hand-casters, plasterers etc. Currently the membership is being encouraged to supply this information on a manual basis (also includes Tools, Materials and Masons' Marks below). 
 
Tools
Along the same lines, there is a need at times for specialist tools, which are extremely difficult to obtain.  You never know, a fellow member may have exactly what is needed or know someone who has.

Materials
Initially the thoughts centred upon furnishings, but although the title may be misleading, the content is wide-ranging e.g waxes, stains, brushes, furniture, flags and banners, stones, beams, flagstones and so on.

Reference Material
Having talked with many members, and having visited them, there is also a wealth of background information available generally surrounding old maps, drawings and manuscripts.  More importantly, perhaps, there are some first class textual reference books within the membership, which could provide the key to unlock someone's problems.         

            (Continued)