Annual report
2025
Prepared for the Annual General Meeting 15th October
Welcome!
The North West Highlands Geopark is one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, one of ten 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.
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.
Making connections between the rocks, landscape & our livesthe inaugural Earth Mind Geotour
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
There has been so much undertaken in this last year of the 3 year ACT programme. Our congratulations go to Fiona, Alison and the 3 Education and Engagement Officers, Mathilde, Jan and Jim in overcoming the challenges to achieve such a major impact.
As ACT finishes this month we must now turn our focus to new ways to continue to build the momentum and generate further income. This has already started with increased numbers on the geotours, publication sales and further consultancy work. There will be two main projects for us in the year ahead, a developing schools education programme, which has started to attract grant income and partnership working with Scourie Community Development Company to complete the first phase of a future new centre in Scourie, by 2027.
The ambassador programme is expanding which brings new partners to the table, such as Astronomy Scot, in possibly taking forward an application for a Dark Skies status.
To recharge our unrestricted reserves there will have to be our first major fundraising campaign for 7 years, early in 2026. Please support this in any way you can. Our thanks goes to everyone who has supported the effort during the last year, staff, volunteers, friends, members, ambassadors, those that donate and event participants.
Pete Harrison 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..
Geo-ethical
Our values
We are:
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.
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.
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
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
Promote
● Participated in the UK Committee for UNESCO Global Geoparks, European Geoparks Network meeting & bi-annual conference.
● Promotion of the area by engaging with visiting groups from the UK and abroad, through bespoke field guiding, scheduled guided walks & presentations
● Benefits of the Ambassador scheme reviewed and updated, a new online application process now live
● All Ambassadors received new promotional materials
● Additional bi-lingual interpretation panel installed on the Kyle of Tongue causeway geopod
Conserve
● Continued to participate with the Coigach & Assynt Living Landscape partnership as part of the Land Management Group
● Continued to engage with the NW2045 group and the Regional Land Use Partnership pilot for the NW Highlands area
● Developing Sense of Place toolkits with the communities of Scourie, Kinlochbervie & Durness
● Produced, printed & launched the new Walker’s Guide to Durness
● Local area information provided to visitors to the Rock Stop Visitor Centre by staff and through publications and leaflets
Bheinn Laoghail bi-lingual geopod panel
Engage
● Rock Stop Exhibition Centre & Café opened for the season for 20 weeks
● Delivered 82 events with over 1600 individual engagements. Among these events were:
○ a collaboration with Haslemere Museum & Ullapool Museum, a week of events celebrating the Sir Archibald Geikie Centenary including local schools engagement
○ 10 sessions of the Geopark Explorers Club for primary school age children
○ Two week long geotours and a 2 1/2 day long Earth Mind Geotour in collaboration with therapist Ruth Allen and author John McLellan.
○ Geoheritage talks - Geothermal Energy Potential in the north highlands, Understanding the process of impact cratering, the early evolution of animal life and New microfossils from the Stoer group limestones
○ Delivery of the Hill to Grill programme and P7 transition to High School programme as part of the partnership with the Coigach & Assynt Living Landscape
○ A full Junior Ranger Award programme with Kinlochbervie High School
Collaboration with cellist, Riccardo Pes - Music & Nature event at the Rock Stop
Develop
● Grew our membership by 7%, our friends network by 8% and our Ambassadors network by 12%
● Staff & volunteer training undertaken to assist with project delivery and project legacy
● Development of the Our Landscapes, Our Futures Education Programme Project
● Continued partnership working with Scourie Community Development Company to develop the new Centre, in order to complete the first phase by 2027
The many aspects of the Seanchas nan
Clach Project - Gaelic in the landscape
Achievements
Manage
● Management of the Rock Stop Cafe and Exhibition Centre
● Successful recruitment of seasonal staff for the Rock Stop this year8 part time members of staff including 4 young people
● Successful recruitment for the Charity’s Treasurer role in February 2025
● Final report submitted to the Bòrd Na Gàidhlig Colmcille Fund for the Seanchas nan Clach Project & progress reports submitted and approved by National Lottery Heritage Fund
Finance
● Secured additional match funding from the North & West Sutherland Trust and Kinlochbervie Community Benefit Fund,
● Secured funding from Oxford University to engage the public with local fossil discoveries through the website and exhibition
● Secured match funding for Sense of Place & Artist in Residence project from the Kinlochbervie Community Benefit Fund & the North & West Sutherland Trust
● Secured funding from Coigach Community Development Company, Ullapool High School Parent Council, Tanera Bothan Community Fund, Ullapool Harbour Trust, & Developing the Young Workforce for funding the P7 transition to High School programme and the Hill to Grill programme.
● Secured funding towards “Our Landscapes, Our Futures” education programmes, from Essentia, Lochbroom and Ullapool Community Trust, Tesco, and Assynt Foundation.
Plans for 2025 - 2026
● Develop a fundraising campaign to assist with resourcing the future
● Continue to develop the Ambassador network and mutual benefits for businesses and the geopark
● Engage communities with their geopark, through a variety of events - such as arts, cultural, health and wellbeing events.
● Grow and develop the audiences for Geotours and other events, through development of additional & alternative engagement themes
● Continue partnership working with Scourie Community Development Company to complete the first phase of a future new centre in Scourie, by 2027.
● Continue to seek further funding for the “Our Landscapes, Our Futures” education programme.
● Continue to improve marketing & promotion for the Rock Stop Visitor Centre
● Engage further and look to work with our UNESCO neighbours, the Wester Ross Biosphere and World Heritage Site, the Flow Country
● Continue to develop and increase the use of Gaelic in interpretation materials and engagement events
● 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
UNESCO sites - leading the way across the Highlands
The North West Highlands UNESCO Global Geopark is part of a prestigious, internationally recognised family of sites across the Highlands. Together with our near neighbours, the Wester Ross UNESCO Biosphere Reserve to the south and the Flow Country UNESCO World Heritage Site to the east, nearly 45% of the area of the Highlands is recognised as globally significant for its natural heritage. This is thanks to the hard work of all the communities and supporters who have worked tirelessly to achieve these special statuses for their areas.
As a Global Geopark, we are committed to working together with not only our neighbours, but also our wider UNESCO community, who can offer support, sharing of best practice and joint project working.
Our regular connections are with:
● Scottish Geoparks group - with Shetland and Arran
● UK group of Geoparks through the UK Committee for UNESCO Global Geoparks
● UK National Commission for UNESCO
● European Geopark Network
● Global Geopark Network
Every 4 years each Geopark undergoes a revalidation process. For the North West Highlands, our next assessment will be during the summer of 2027. This will be an opportunity to showcase the work that has been undertaken over the last period and to highlight the communities of support that continue to champion their geopark.
Our team 2024 - 2025
The Board
Pete Harrison
Chair (since May 25) & Geopark Geologist
Having already served the geopark in several capacities I can see the developing potential of the geopark organisation to contribute to life in the NW Highlands. I now look forward to leading a great team into a new phase which concentrates on partnership working and increased positive impact for the residents and visitors alike.
Dr Iain Young Chair and Projects and Fundraising Director (left the role in May 25)
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
Murdo
MacPherson
Vice Chair & Community Director for Kinlochbervie
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
Feb 2025)
I am a retired structural geologist with a passion for the NW Highlands and its unique geological setting. I am privileged to be involved with the running of the Geopark for the benefit of both the local communities and visitors. It has such huge potential for both current and future generations.
The Board
Ann MacLeod
Community Director for Coigach and Projects & Fundraising Director
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
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.
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.
Current 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
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
Jan Breckenridge
Volunteer & former Education & Engagement Officer (up to July 2025)
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.
Staff and OperationalVolunteers
Jim Bunting
Education & Engagement Officer (contract completed July 2025)
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. Working for the Geopark allows me to develop my interests in the natural world from the geology to the things that live on it.
Mathilde Lewis
Education & Engagement Officer (contract completed July 2025)
I moved to the north west Highlands last year from Switzerland with my family, and have been enjoying exploring the Geopark area. I am a geologist and also passionate about the marine environment and look forward to using this experience as part of the schools engagement projects.
Jonathan Archer Geopark Projects Officer (left role April 2025)
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 (left the role, end of 2024)
Knockan Crag Guide & volunteer
Meryl Carr (left the role, end of 2024)
Knockan Crag Guide & volunteer