The ability of human remains in Scotland, as elsewhere, to raise awareness of historical issues, to help us understand who we are and to teach us about race, diet, physiology, disease and the environment, is well documented (eg Pearson 1999; Alfonso and Powell 2007; Mays 2010). Investigation of the elaborate mortuary rituals that all cultures throughout history have created can also reveal to us a great deal about beliefs and about social bonding and identity (Pearson 1999; Alfonso and Powell 2007, 5-7). Perhaps most significantly, human remains have an ability to help people understand and relate to the past in ways that no other type of evidence can.

In 21st century Scotland, an average person's exposure to human remains is minimal, making death a source of endless fascination, mystery and fear. Often, exposure in a museum environment is a unique chance for some to cross these barriers, provoking a range of extreme reactions and opinions (Brooks and Rumsey 2007, 279; Roberts 2009, 33). These reactions can be important and very valuable, as archaeology and history are, at their core, about people and their stories; and it is this human connection which enables the general public to relate to the past (Richards 1999, 6). This appears to be of particular relevance in Scotland, where the significance of the heritage sector is considerable, currently attracting over 25 million visitors a year and contributing more than £800 million to the Scottish economy (Scottish Government 2011).