New programme will benefit Garioch Heritage Society
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Garioch Heritage Society's chairman has been selected for a national competitive learning scheme and grant of up to £10,000 for the organisation.
Colin Wood will undertake the Heritage Trade Up Programme which is run by the School for Social Entrepreneurs, in partnership with The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
It is a new course for leaders of heritage organisations that aims to promote and support a stronger heritage sector.
There are thousands of heritage groups in the UK, whose primary purpose is to protect, preserve, or promote traditions, practices, and spaces.
They range from those that protect historical buildings, sites, artefacts or natural environments for public benefit; to others that promote the cultural heritage of a community, keeping alive traditions and history through art, music, theatre, archives or education.
The programme will help Mr Wood to strengthen the financial resilience, entrepreneurialism, and capacity of the Garioch Heritage Society.
The group was established in 1987 to advance the education of the public in the history of the Garioch area, and to that end, has built up a substantial collection of artefacts and information and now owns and operates its visitor Centre at Inverurie’s Loco Works Road.
Mr Wood will soon begin a nine-month learning programme at the School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE). SSE helps people develop the skills, strengths and networks they need to tackle society’s biggest problems.
Mr Wood said: “I am delighted to have been accepted onto The Heritage Trade Up Programme, run by the School for Social Entrepreneurs, in partnership with The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
"The programme, and grant of up to £10,000 will help us strengthen Garioch Heritage Society, so that we can help more people learn about the past, present and future story of the area.”
Alisha Mulhall, programme manager at School for Social Entrepreneurs, says: “We are thrilled to welcome Colin onto the programme, where he’ll learn alongside other heritage leaders how to strengthen his organisation so it continues to enrich people’s lives for years to come.
"We are confident Colin has the entrepreneurial qualities and motivation to increase the society's impact on central Aberdeenshire even further, which is why we have awarded him a highly-coveted place.”
Anne Young, director of strategy and innovation at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Through our support of the School for Social Entrepreneurs’ development programme, we aim to ensure that organisations who work with our all-important heritage across the UK are able to unlock their entrepreneurial potential.
"By supporting leadership and developing income generation skills, these organisations will be more prepared to face any future challenges that might come their way."
