Vital development work that could deliver more than £1 million National Lottery support for researching, preserving and sharing Hebridean heritage has been given a boost with funding two new project staff.

Northton Heritage Trust is delighted to announce a significant milestone in its heritage project, made possible through funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The Trust has appointed two key staff members to further develop the genealogical and historical centre in Northton, Isle of Harris.

Linda Armstrong has joined as Heritage Researcher on a 12-month post, while Dr Elisabeth Philipps has been appointed Volunteer Co-ordinator on a six-month post. Both will be based within Hebrides People Visitor Centre in Northton.

These roles will take stock of all the resources gathered over many decades with a view to using them to inform the new exhibitions (People of Harris and People of St Kilda) and develop and support a volunteer team who will work on the heritage archive at Hebrides People and other tasks around the centre.

Thanks to National Lottery players development funding of £86,015 from the Heritage Fund has been secured by Northton Heritage Trust to progress its plans for a full grant application of up to £1,064,716 later as part of the plans to extend the existing Visitor Centre and build student/researcher accommodation. This development funding enables the Trust to sort out and identify archive materials for use in future exhibition development, deliver a range of activities focussed on local community engagement including young people, further develop interpretation plans through the development of local walks and guides, and undertake market research to inform the development of a robust business case.

Since its establishment in 1996, Northton Heritage Trust has been dedicated to preserving and promoting this heritage. It has specialised in preserving and maintaining genealogical research materials and making them accessible to the public. This award enables us to prepare the organisation and our business for the capital works which will extend out space and activities, for locals and visitors.

To find out more or to get involved visit www.hebridespeople.com.

Quote from Northton Heritage Trust

Rebecca Hutton, Chair from Northton Heritage Trust said: “We are thrilled to have received this support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to develop an overview of heritage, culture and language resources held at Northton Heritage Trust as well as to build an active team of volunteers.”

Linda Armstrong, Heritage Researcher said: “I am delighted to have joined the Hebrides People team. The resources amassed through decades of research is truly remarkable and I look forward to working with colleagues and the community to take stock of materials, preserving local heritage.”

Dr Elisabeth Philipps, Volunteer Co-ordinator said: “I am excited and honoured to join the Hebrides People Visitor Centre team; the Hebrides has a unique and captivating history, and it’s a privilege to work alongside such dedicated individuals who share a love for this remarkable place. I am passionate about the Western Isles history and communities and I’m relishing the opportunity, thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund, to establish a thriving volunteer programme fostering a welcoming environment and diverse portfolio of activities suitable for a wide range of local and remote volunteers to support our ongoing centre services.”

Notes to editors

About Northton Heritage Trust

Northton Heritage Trust own and operate Hebrides People Visitor Centre and the Old Schoolhouse in Northton, Isle of Harris

The Trust’s charitable aims include:

Advancing community development, including rural regeneration within the Island of Harris.

Promoting education and public awareness of the region’s history and heritage.

Enhancing appreciation of the local history of the Western Isles, particularly through the medium of genealogy.

Preserving and maintaining genealogical research materials and making them accessible to the public.

Thanks to this funding, Northton Heritage Trust can now work to ensure these invaluable resources are safeguarded for future generations through the further development of the genealogical and historical centre in Northton.

About The National Lottery Heritage Fund 

*Grant applications over £250,000 are assessed in two rounds. Northon Heritage Trust has initially been granted round one development funding of £86,015 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, allowing it to progress with its plans. Detailed proposals are then considered by the Heritage Fund at second round, where a final decision is made on the full funding award of £1,064,716

Our vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future. That’s why as the largest funder for the UK’s heritage we are dedicated to supporting projects that connect people and communities to heritage, as set out in our strategic plan, Heritage 2033. Heritage can be anything from the past that people value and want to pass on to future generations. We believe in the power of heritage to ignite the imagination, offer joy and inspiration, and to build pride in place and connection to the past.

Over the next 10 years, we aim to invest £3.6billion raised for good causes by National Lottery players to make a decisive difference for people, places and communities.

heritagefund.org.uk

Follow @HeritageFundUK on Twitter/X, Facebook and Instagram and use #NationalLottery #HeritageFund

Further information

For further details, images, or interview opportunities, please contact Stephen MacKinnon at Northton Heritage Trust on info@hebridespeople.com or 01859 520 258.