Annual report
Prepared for the Annual General Meeting 24th October
Welcome!
The North West Highlands Geopark is one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, one of only nine UNESCO Global Geoparks in the UK and the birthplace of modern geology.
Across it’s 2000km² area, there are just 2400 adults on the electoral roll.
This is one of the most sparsely populated landscapes in Europe, but our Vision is for the region to become:
a thriving and sustainable rural economy capitalising on the assets and people of the Geopark in partnership with local government, relevant agencies, and local businesses.
The North West Highlands Geopark Ltd is a Social Enterprise and a Charity that manages our UNESCO Global Geopark status. Being a Global Geopark is very similar to being a World Heritage Site.
Our Geopark is unique for being managed by a community-led Charity.
Impressum
North West Highlands Geopark Ltd
Charity number
SC046510 Company number
SC422047
Registered address The Rock Stop Unapool By Lairg Sutherland
© North West Highlands Geopark Ltd, 2022 For queries please contact info@nwhgeopark.com. Kylesku Bridge photo by Airbourne Lens for the VisitScotland UNESCO National Trail
To help us continue telling these stories well, the Charity needs sound governance and the support and interest of the communities it serves.
This report contributes to that aim, communicating to you, our stakeholders, the activities of the past year and our intentions for the next.
The first cohort of Geopark Junior Rangers
Geopark stories are powerful
They can…
… evoke a sense of wonder amongst visitors, inspiring them to want to take care of the landscape.
… inspire young minds, and the not-so-young, to learn more about how the planet works and how this affects our daily lives and our culture.
… promote a better understanding of the Earth’s dynamic processes, so that citizens can make informed policy choices that will foster a more sustainable society.
… bring people together, with a shared sense of identity.
… even provide the basis for economic development where stories inspire crafts, products and services.
Message from our Chair
This year has been another of delivery across our Access, Connect and Take part programme of projects. I’m also pleased to report that the final outcome of the visit by UNESCO was the official award to us of a "green card". With 3 significant UNESCO designations across the north highlands now we would hope we can leverage these accolades to boost our sustainable development objectives supporting communities and visitors alike. Looking forward we have an ambitious programme for the coming year, starting soon with the Geikie celebrations. Looking even further forward, we are starting to consider what will follow on from ACT - if you have an idea, we would love to hear from you. None of this would be possible without the efforts of our volunteers, staff, members, friends and supporters, and the communities in which we operate. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved, we all hope you enjoy reading this report.
Dr Iain Young
Chair
North West Highlands Geopark Ltd
Our mission
To celebrate, conserve and promote our unique, internationally recognised geological heritage in a manner consistent with our status as a Scottish Registered Charity and UNESCO accreditation. We are visibly embedded in our communities, both local and international, and work alongside trusted partners who share our values and aspirations. In so doing, we aspire to use this heritage to help maintain economically sustainable communities, being ever mindful of climate change and wider social issues..
Our values
We are geo-ethical
The North West Highlands is a unique, special, and sensitive environment. People exist as part of a wider earth-system and we all have an obligation to act sustainably.
We are respectful
We respect each other within our own organisations and foster open communication, and a safe environment. We respect other businesses, visitors, our communities, and other stakeholders and listen to their concerns and feedback. Professional, respectful, and ethical behaviour is expected from all associated with the Geopark. We reserve the right to challenge behaviour that does not meet these standards.
We are inclusive
We will be as transparent in our activities as possible. We will be open-minded and seek to understand and empathise with those different to ourselves. We will examine our own biases and behaviours to avoid stereotyping. We will work collaboratively with others and build upon partnerships, sharing information and knowledge in the pursuit of achieving our vision for the North West Highlands Geopark
We are creative
We look for creative solutions to the challenges to achieving our vision for the North West Highlands Geopark and to building a strong organisation.
Our six strategic objectives
Promote
Promote the Geopark, in particular to partners, the local community, visitors and those seeking knowledge of the area’s geology
Conserve
Conserve and enhance our geological heritage and promote and engage in the discussion of broader environmental issues
Engage
Encourage awareness of, and educate about, the geodiversity, historical, cultural and economic importance of the area, and encourage further geological and related research
Develop
Work closely with businesses, educational groups, voluntary and statutory agencies to generate further employment and environmentally responsible and sustainable economic activity within the Geopark
Manage
Develop such systems, management structures and methodologies as are required to implement these strategic objectives
Finance
Secure and maintain a pipeline of future funding
Strategy 20202030
The first North Coast Geotour - fully booked and now taking bookings for 2025
Promote
● Presented at a variety of conferences and events
● Provided bespoke guiding and presentations for visiting groups from the UK, USA and Sweden
● Participated in the UK Global Geoparks annual committee meeting, the European Geoparks Network meetings and the UNESCO UK meetings.
● Created a Fantasy map of the geopark
● Refreshed our website design, improving the visibility of our Ambassadors and Supporters network of businesses
● Installed the geopod at the Kyle of Tongue causeway
● Reprinted the Walker’s Guide to Coigach and Assynt
Our beautiful “Fantasy Map” of the North West Highlands Geoparkhave you got your copy yet?
Conserve
● Continued to participate in the Coigach & Assynt Living Landscape partnership as part of the Land Management Group
● Created a series of gaelic and english podcasts for the Pilgrim’s Trail to accompany a new bi-lingual leaflet
● Updated the “Touring Guide to the North West Highlands Geopark” Leaflet, providing information for visitors on where to park, shop, refuel, etc
● Completed gathering of the marine heritage stories for the Slighe Gorm website
One of the Pilgrim’s Trail sites - a perfect place for a moment of quiet contemplation
Engage
● Grew our membership by 10% and our friends network by 5%
● Rock Stop Exhibition Centre & Café opened for the season, for 29 weeks
● Delivered 52 events with participation by over 990 individuals. Among these events were:
○ A Dark Sky event in partnership with two of our Ambassadors - Astronomy.scot and Eat, Sleep, Wild
○ North Coast geoheritage events - 2 online talks over winter and a week long geotour in the summer, the latter in partnership with Durness Deep Time, another of our Ambassadors
○ Geoheritage talks - Peatland of the Flow Country and Forensic geology of the Clachtoll Megablock
○ Delivery of the John Muir Award programme in partnership with John Muir Trust and High Life Highland
○ A pilot Junior Ranger Award programme with Kinlochbervie High School
● Volunteers and staff directly engaged visitors to the Rock Stop with the iSandbox and other areas of the exhibition
Engaging visitors with the exhibition
Develop
● Became an accredited Real Living Wage employer
● Working with Scourie Community Development Company on a collaboration agreement to progress development of the “Scourie Rocks” Visitor Centre project
● Hosted a student from the University of Glasgow MSc programs in Earth and Environmental Futures on a project placement to develop education materials for Knockan Crag NNR
● Working to develop interpretation for the Inchnadamph area in collaboration with Scottish Geology Trust
Manage
● Approved and implemented a Fair work policy
● Recruited and employed 2 new Education and Engagement Officers to assist with delivery of the ACT programme of projects
● Provided project management for a schools project with the High Life Highland Rangers and Tanera engagement staff, helping primary pupils in their transition to High School
● Began delivery of the Seanchas nan Clach Project in collaboration with Burren & Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark, Universities of Glasgow and Galway
Jim and Jan, our new Education & Engagement Officers, with Alison, Senior Administrator & Fundraiser (centre).
Finance
● Secured additional match funding for the Sense of Place & Artist in Residence project
● Final reports submitted to the Highland Coastal Communities Fund and Bòrd Na Gàidhlig Community Fund for Pilgrims Trail Project
● Progress reports submitted and approved by National Lottery Heritage Fund
● Approval gained from SSE and National Lottery Heritage Fund for an additional 0.8 FTE Education and Engagement Officer post for the remainder of the ACT Programme funded period
Plans for 2024 - 2025
● Continue growing existing partnerships and develop new ones with community groups, schools, businesses, land owners, NGO’s & public sector bodies
● Continue to deliver education programmes with the schools of the North West Highlands, supporting them with their educational and social aims
● Promote and publicise the Rock Stop exhibition and visitor centre to increase footfall and profitability
● Plan events to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of gaining Geopark status for the North West Highlands
● Plan and resource the future beyond the ACT National Lottery funded programme
● Engage further and look to work with our UNESCO neighbours, the Wester Ross Biosphere and the newly granted World Heritage Site, the Flow Country
● Work to improve information on physical accessibility and to improve accessibility of interpretive materials
● With all activities, look to reduce our carbon footprint as an integral part of the planning and delivery process
● Engage communities with their geopark, through a variety of events - such as arts, cultural, health and wellbeing events.
20th Anniversary of Geopark status
On the 29th October 2004, European Geopark status was granted to the North West Highlands, giving the area the prestigious honour of being Scotland’s first geopark. 20 years on and with the growth of the Global Geopark Network to currently some 213 members and the addition of UNESCO status, we are today part of a huge movement that celebrates the amazing geodiversity of our planet together.
Over the next year the staff and volunteer team will be looking to work in partnership to help mark this special anniversary. Many of those individuals and organisations involved at various points during the development of the bid, after the success and during the years since, will no doubt confirm that at times there have been points at which the continuation of geopark status has been at risk. The fact that the current team are looking to celebrate this milestone, is a testament to the resilience of all the people that worked to create and nurture the geopark status and we hope that you will join us over the next year to celebrate in your success and that of the North West Highlands.
To find out more about UNESCO Global Geoparks and the Global Geopark Network, visit these links: UNESCO Global Geoparks and Global Geoparks Network
Our team 2023 - 2024
The Board
Dr Iain Young
Chair and Projects and Fundraising Director
I’m a lifelong devotee of the North West Highlands and believe the Geopark can make a difference to the appreciation of the natural and cultural heritage of the area and so contribute to our local communities
Ann MacLeod Vice Chair and Community Director for Coigach
The rocks remain for us all to enjoy ! I fell in love with the place at 18 years of age. I see the NWHG UNESCO status as an invaluable asset to the sustainability of the communities living and working in the Geopark
Crawford Hunt
Treasurer (left the role in Dec 23)
I first discovered the North West Highlands whilst at University and have been back a number of times to visit and walk the hills, especially Suilven. The chance to help out the Geopark is something I am really looking forward to and gives me another excuse to visit
The Board
Natasha Hutchison
Community Director for Lochbroom
I see the Geopark as an innovative driver of sustainability in Lochbroom and our neighbouring areas, I am excited to be able to contribute this forward-thinking, collaborative organisation!
Liam Taylor
Community Director for Assynt
Liam is the Chair of Assynt Community Council. He brings a wealth of experience with him, through this and through working for The Highland Council Harbours and Assynt Leisure in Lochinver.
Murdo MacPherson
Community Director for Kinlochbervie and Communications Director
As a former geography and history teacher in KLB High School, I have never ceased to be captivated by the communities and environment of our area and wish to help develop the Geopark as a means of giving back to the place where I have been privileged to live for the last 25 years
The Board
Don Campbell
Community Director for Durness
I have served 22 years in the corp of Royal Engineers and worked in local government and for civil engineering consultants in the construction industry. I currently work with the Cape Wrath range and on my family croft. I see the Geopark as a unique opportunity to show off the diverse geology that we have in the area and I have faith in its potential for community development
Marion Milligan
Community Director for Melness, Tongue and Skerray
I have lived in North West Sutherland for over 25 years having worked as the local GP in Tongue until my retirement. I fully support the Geopark’s vision of sustainable development of this wonderful area,
Mike Orr
Community Director for Scourie
I feel very lucky to be able to live and work here. I’ve known about the geological importance of the NW Highlands for years but have only recently begun to understand what it’s all about - and that’s thanks to the Geopark facilities and activities. I think the Geopark offers us considerable scope for developing new ways of working with the landscape and each other.
Pete Harrison
Geopark Geologist & Director
Having already served the geopark at various times as a director, company secretary, treasurer, business manager and administrator I can see the developing potential of the geopark organisation to contribute to life in the NW Highlands. I now look forward to providing a service concentrating on my skills as a geologist and Geotour leader.
Staff and OperationalVolunteers
Fiona Saywell
Geopark Manager
Having brought up my family in the Geopark, and worked here in various roles that have involved being in, learning about and managing the landscape, I appreciate how important it is to increase the resilience of the communities of the area for the future. I see the Geopark organisation as being able to assist with this through its charitable objectives and I hope to contribute to its continuing success as an exemplar of a community organisation.
Alison MacPherson
Senior Administrator
I grew up in the North West Highlands and always find myself returning here. The unique landscape and natural heritage never ceases to inspire. The Geopark is a way to give the living landscape and it’s remote communities another voice, and I am excited and honoured to be a part of the Geopark team
Jim Bunting
Education & Engagement Officer
With a background in delivering outdoor learning in ecology and geography in residential centres, I first visited the North West Highlands on a motorcycle journey with the aim of seeing Suilven in reality as it had long been a goal to climb it. This journey led to a love of an area to which I eventually moved. As a kayaker and mountain runner, this area has a lot to offer, and working for the Geopark allows me to develop my interests in the natural world from the geology to the things that live on it.
Staff and OperationalVolunteers
Jan Breckenridge
Education & Engagement Officer
I visited the North West Highlands many times before I was lucky enough to be able to work and eventually live here. Most of my career has been based in natural heritage and, as a geologist, I became very aware of how the landscape has influenced the culture and heritage of the area. I see the Geopark as a mechanism for uniting the aims of communities to access funding and develop projects that will make our region more sustainable.
Chris McNeill
IT Support
As a regular visitor for the last 25 years I have come to appreciate this unique landscape. Recent involvement in activities offered by the Geopark sparked my interest further and prompted me to become more involved. As a volunteer I’m pleased to be able to contribute to the promotion of the Geopark and its community projects
Jonathan Archer
Geopark Projects Officer
As a lifelong visitor and now resident of the north west highlands I am privileged to be part of the Geopark’s team. Working on behalf of local communities is the dominant theme as we strive to prudently enhance the region’s features, activities and opportunities
Staff and OperationalVolunteers
Jean Mackay
Rock Stop volunteer
Jan Gasson
Knockan Crag Guide & volunteer
Nigel Carr
Knockan Crag Guide & volunteer
Meryl Carr
Knockan Crag Guide & volunteer