I am an interdisciplinary researcher with extensive experience in leading each part of the research process: from project design, data collection and analysis, reporting of findings through to project evaluation. Across a range of projects within and outwith academia, I have gained expertise in the use of a range of sources (including archives, material collections and oral histories) and methods (with a specialisation in qualitative approaches such as oral interviews, participant-observation and visual methodologies).

My academic background centred on Scottish social and cultural history and ethnology from the 19th century to the present day. This includes a particular focus on (over)tourism, community heritage and grassroots movements, and coastal & fishing communities. I have a PhD from the University of the Highlands & Islands, an MLitt (Masters) in Scottish History from the University of Glasgow, and an MA in Modern History from the University of St. Andrew’s.

My PhD research focused on the impact of the North Coast 500 touring route on host communities. Inspired by participatory methodologies such as photovoice, I worked with local organisations to develop a series of public exhibitions using photographs and texts prepared by residents. These exhibitions engaged communities in highlighting important issues with the implementation of the NC500 initiative and making their own perspectives on place, culture and the past visible. Entitled ‘Inhabited perspectives on the North Coast 500: Re-making local heritage in touristed communities of the Scottish Highlands’, the full thesis is available to read free of charge here.

In my freelance career, I have carried out research for clients interested in gaining a better understanding of historical and contemporary social and cultural processes at work in their communities. For example, I have been commissioned by renewable energy companies to carry out qualitative research into attitudes and concerns among residents in the area of proposed wind developments. This work involves extensive community canvassing, interviews with residents and key stakeholders, data analysis and compilation of findings into informative reports. 

I have led the delivery of creative, well-researched and compelling heritage projects across a range of settings from grassroots community activities to large commercial projects to collaborative academic work. These have used a range of approaches including oral history, archival research, photovoice, co-curation and material collections. I am passionate about sensitively engaging communities to document and make accessible their complex and multi-layered pasts.

The Heart of a Community (Leith St. Andrew’s Trust): Encompassing oral history, archival research and community engagement, this project was delivered on behalf of a charity that aims to bring a recently-closed church under community ownership as a multi-purpose space. I worked with members of the congregation and the wider community to document and share the church's social history through the curation of a public exhibition and series of events. A blog from this project can be viewed here.

Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan (Split Rock Studios): Working for an exhibit design and fabrication studio in Minnesota, US,  I developed written and visual exhibit content for a natural heritage & history centre undergoing comprehensive renovation. This involved working with an array of archival sources, material objects and existing interpretation to create compelling and informative displays.

The History of Clan Lamont (Castle House Museum): I coordinated volunteers in researching and curating a permanent exhibition stemming from a previously untouched archive of material related to Clan Lamont. Alongside the exhibition, this project included the writing of an illustrated history book (published 2022).

Seaboard Community Photography Project (Seaboard Centre): Springing from my PhD research, I worked with the Seaboard Centre to lead a community-generated photography project documenting local perspectives on heritage and tourism. This culminated in an exhibition held in-person and online (available to view here).

Living Landscapes of Castletown (Castlehill Heritage Centre): Like the Seaboard project above, this project stemmed from my PhD research. The digital exhibition is available to view here.

I have extensive experience in providing community engagement and community consultancy services. Drawing from my background in community-engaged research and heritage work, I am able to:

• Sensitively engage with diverse communities to learn about their needs, concerns and lived experiences

• Work effectively with competing interests and values in order to generate constructive dialogue

• Compile and communicate complex information into compelling and accessible formats.

I have provided my expertise to organisations in the community & third sector, renewable energy developers and tourism practitioners and policymakers. Examples of services that I have provided include:

• Canvassing for local opinion around planned developments, policies or initiatives

• Stakeholder engagement

• Advocacy for needs and concerns of local communities

• Data collection and analysis

• Communication and outreach aimed at encouraging local participation or spreading awareness