It’s the equivalent of the Oscars for the history and archive sector and High Life Highland is delighted to announce that its very own Archive Service is in the running for a coveted award – with the public encouraged to vote for them!
The Highland Archive Service has been nominated in the Record Keeping Service of the Year category at the Archive and Records Association (ARA) awards – the only Scottish service to feature. They are up against the Essex Police Museum and Lancashire Archives and History.
Since its establishment in 1990, the Highland Archive Service has played a vital role in preserving and sharing the rich history of the Highlands. There are four sites operating across the region: the Highland Archive Centre in Inverness; Skye and Lochalsh Archive Centre in Portree; Lochaber Archive Centre in Fort William and Nucleus: The Nuclear and Caithness Archives at Wick Airport.
Dedicated to collecting, conserving and making accessible records that reflect the history and diversity of the Scottish Highlands and its residents is at the core of what the Highland Archive Service does. People can access collections in person or through digital channels with lots of focus on reaching out to schools groups, community organisations as well as audiences worldwide.
As well as a highly professional workforce, the Highland Archive Service operates an award winning Trainee Archivist programme and has a wealth of volunteers all of whom are working together to ensure the best experience for everyone, whether it is researching family history, conservation of historical documents, accessing old maps, learning and education or just fun!
High Life Highland Chief Executive Steve Walsh said: “The Highland Archive Service goes beyond just preserving records; they bring history to life. Their work with communities and schools, the hit ‘Learn with Lorna’ series, and the Am Baile digital heritage website make the Highlands’ stories engaging and accessible to everyone. This nomination honours their dedication to making history vibrant and strengthening community ties, proving that the stories of the past are very much alive today.”
Judi Menabney, High Life Highland’s Head of Archives and Museums commented: “We are absolutely delighted that the Highland Archive Service has been nominated for this award and its testament to the professionalism and knowledge of the fantastic staff and volunteers that we have working in our four archive centres. They bring our fascinating Highland history to life every day in so many different ways.”
To vote for the Highland Archive Service please visit the Archives and Records Association website ARA Excellence Awards — Archives & Records Association. Voting closes on Wednesday 10th July with the winners announced at the ARA conference in Birmingham on 29th August.
