Soil scientist from The James Hutton Institute plays critical role in Pictish-themed video game project launched by the University of Abertay

Set in the northeast of Scotland, the game educates players about soil health and land use, as well as the area’s unique mythology, drawing on Pictish heritage for the theme and narrative.

The team’s brief was to help raise awareness and enhance understanding of land use for people who may not be familiar with the topics and the pivotal role of the land in our daily lives.

By focusing on sustainable ecology, the game gives players a better understanding of how land is deployed and consequences for the future. It also highlights the complex value of land use and the impact of different forms of production on soil health.

Professor Lorna Dawson, senior soil scientist at the James Hutton Institute, and Knowledge Exchange Lead for Environment at SEFARI Gateway said: “The game has in-built information about soil, farming and the environment, where the player can gain knowledge of land use change though interactive decision-making play. It is also designed to offer exciting challenges through contact with climatic events or the appearance of mythical creatures – both good and bad. It’s been an absolute pleasure to work on such a creative project which is a terrific example of bringing science and the creative arts together”.

Abertay student Marcus Young-Smith said: “Working on Stone & Veil has been a great learning experience for the team, and we’ve gained a lot of valuable insights throughout the process, from discussing and agreeing the client brief, through to planning, designing and delivering the finished product. I hope that Stone & Veil can help people of different generations to engage with this important topic and the excellent work led by SEDA Land, the James Hutton Institute and SEFARI Gateway.”

Designed to be playable on a tablet or smartphone device, Stone & Veil will be showcased at conferences and outreach events and hosted on the SEDA Land section of the SEDA website.

“The game has in-built information about soil, farming and the environment, where the player can gain knowledge of land use change though interactive decision-making play“

Prof Lorna Dawson, the James Hutton Institute