NCHF - Post-Fund Reporting - Horizontal Themes

The following pages cover the grantee reports on how they met the horizontal themes.  As can be seen from the text, despite the variations in project nature, all the grantees took these themes seriously and built in work from the start.

Archaeology Scotland – The Real Wild West – Adopt-a-Monument on the Ardnamurchan Peninsula

Sustainable Development   

The programme adhered to the Environmental Sustainability Plan. AS ensured that all sub-contractors had adequate sustainability plans. All materials were procured as locally as possible or with sustainable and Scottish material. This was particularly important in the enhancement of some of the sites that required fencing, with the wooden posts coming from local suppliers in Ardnamurchan. The wood used for the interpretation panels and 3-hubs is sustainably grown and environmentally suitable larch, from Scottish woodland.

The sustainability of the project outputs and outcomes will be met by the continued funding AS receives to deliver Adopt-a-Monument from Historic Environment Scotland until at least 2025, with a further round of funding hoped to be secured until 20230. Additionally, AS will continue to partner with the Ardnamurchan Transitions Project to work with the local community to carry out continued monitoring and evaluation, and to support local people engage in archaeology and heritage.

Equal Opportunities and non-discrimination       

The project adhered with Archaeology Scotland Policy on equality, which commits the organisation and its employees to opening access to heritage so that any member of the local community can get involved regardless of race and ethnicity, nationality or national origin, disability, sex, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, or religion, etc. AS actively encouraged and supported audiences amongst under-represented groups, specifically the young, women and disadvantaged groups. By providing opportunities for the inclusion of disadvantaged groups the project helped bring different groups in Ardnamurchan together, including “natives” and the older generation as well as people recently arrived in the area, with the aim of fostering better social cohesion and social integration through an appreciation of a shared past.

The project was aligned to deliver on the Scottish Government’s Strategic Objectives for a Wealthier and Fairer, Smarter, Healthier, Safer and Stronger and Greener Country.

The project helped deliver the Europeans Commission’s principle of Equality between Men and Women and specifically worked towards delivering outcomes that undermined gender stereotyping.

The project was aligned to the Scottish Archaeology Strategy Aims which state that archaeology is for everyone.

The project followed the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists guidance on equality and diversity to ensure that it was as open and as assessable as possible to all.

Everyone employed on the project by AS adhered to AS equality and diversity practice and all sub-contractors were required to demonstrate equality and diversity policy before formal contracts commenced.

Equality between Men and Women           

The project followed the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIFA) guidance on equality and diversity to ensure that all project activity was as open and as accessible as possible to all.

The project followed CIFA guidance on Period and Menstrual Hygiene Equality (Seeing Red)

The project had appropriate welfare facilities on site when required and was practical to do so.

All stories, interpretations and narratives were treated with respect.

The project strived to ensure gender balance opportunities and representation across the project, with opportunists advertised and open to all.

Strathnaver Museum Redevelopment

Sustainable Development          

We have sought out local suppliers wherever possible. We are reusing materials where we can, such as in the reinstatement of the bell in the bellcote. The saddle on which the bell rests has been constructed from reclaimed timber from the roof.

The stonework has dried out remarkably well. Once the lime render was applied, and together with the impact of the installation our building is a lot warmer and more importantly retain any heat generated through our heating system within the stonework making a more hospitable environment for visitors, staff, and the collection.

An air source heat pump has been installed in the annex building.

Equal Opportunities and non-discrimination     

We have held, in collaboration with High Life Highland, Bettyhill Library and Service Point a Dementia Friends week.

We are developing new handling exhibits as part of the activity plan which can be loaned to care homes and other groups.

The Activity Programme provided opportunities for learning and socialising for more marginalised and vulnerable groups.

Equality between Men and Women      

Men are at particular risk in our area as they are often not reached by support services. Our activity programme provided hands on workshops that will appeal to men. One identified project is to build a seaworthy boat based on one in our collection. A boat builder has been confirmed, after our previous one pulled out, and commenced in November 2022.

Royal Zoological Society of Scotland: Scotland’s Wildlife Discovery Centre

Sustainable Development          

SWDC has been constructed from locally sourced materials, with timber and larch cladding from Laggan, just a few miles away, and stone from our neighbouring quarry. Both buildings are designed to Passivhaus standards. Further energy efficiencies have been achieved by fitting a solar panel array adjacent to the Learning Hub and solar panels to the roof of the Discovery Hub.

The learning hub has a green roof planted with native species. The area around both buildings has been landscaped with native plants and bushes, creating additional learning opportunities about botany and the variety of invertebrates and other species associated with them. The learning hub is located near the existing HWP wildlife garden, with a linking pathway making it possible to deliver hands-on outdoor activities to enhance classroom learning. The discovery hub looks across a small lochan to mountains beyond, and a native species garden located directly outside the hub will make a natural bridge between learning within the building to the landscape beyond.

The Biodiversity Action Plan has implemented a major programme of habitat restoration work to enhance a wide range of rare species present within HWP.  Following detailed surveys, habitats have been protected and expanded for rare invertebrates such as the small scabious mining bee, ground-nesting birds such as curlew and lapwing, new native wildflower areas have been created, and a woodland management plan is progressively managing non-native trees and expanding the number of native trees suited to the site.

Equal Opportunities and non-discrimination     

Equal opportunities and non-discrimination have been addressed through the delivery of the project to date by designing the buildings to reflect the needs of people of all ages and needs.  This includes children and young people affected by physical and learning disabilities, people with limited mobility as well as an aging population which requires increasing accessibility.  The project includes a Changing Place facility for disabled guests and a Sensory map is being created.

When the Activity Plan delivery commences in autumn 2024, the following has been incorporated into engagement opportunities:

Fundraising to subsidise travel for schools and community groups

Providing significantly more indoor activities, interpretation and learning so visiting in the winter / during poorer weather conditions is not an issue

Reaching remote schools via outreach, virtual learning platforms and online resources, and through partnership with existing STEM learning programmes ie Newton Classrooms

Delivering activities that are age appropriate and accessible to under-represented groups including disadvantaged young people, people with physical and/or learning disabilities, and people from BAME communities.

Using feedback from Scottish Autism to ensure work plans are supportive

New accessibility map is being developed

Accessible reports on Edinburgh Zoo physical accessibility have helped to shape the Activity Plan

Work with partners has helped to shape data plans across RZSSS

VocalEyes feedback has helped with the design of the HWP website

Visitor feedback on Euan’s guide has helped to shape the Activity plan

New off-road wheelchairs are now available on site

New electric accessibility scooters will be available when the centre opens

Sensory bags will be available when the Activity Plan commences

Training with Able to Adventure has taken place covering ‘Disability in the Outdoors Awareness’ at their site, and then a day workshop for teams across HWP  

Hosted the Affa Sair Social Coordinator to review the site and advise on making things for those who suffer with or support those with chronic pain

When the Centre opens, Accessible will conduct a full survey of Highland Wildlife Park and their feedback and findings will be used to make final adjustments to our project.

Equality between Men and Women      

Women are represented across RZSS at all levels, with 63.4% females employed and 36.6% males.  Our gender pay gap currently is 8.66%, which is considerably lower than the 10.9% Scottish average, and we implement programmes based on best practice to reduce this gap further.

The delivery of our Activity Plan and design of interpretation has specifically focused on combating the negative effects of gender stereotyping on young people through an embedded and sustained approach to raising gender bias awareness.

The gender imbalance is less within biological sciences than other STEM subjects. As a result, our project will have a particular value in reducing gender sterotyping in schools through the STEM enrichment programme in our Activity Plan. We will work to make sure that pupils participate equally in activities, and our training courses for teachers will include techniques to avoid unconscious bias.

Outdoor Access Trust for Scotland (OATS): Skye’s Iconic Sites

Sustainable Development          

For the Quiraing and Fairy Pools path works OATS sourced materials from a local Skye quarry, reducing the requirement to transport materials from further afield. A camber (1:30 on the flatter sections of path and 1:20 on the steeper slopes) was designed to assist the drainage of rain water off the paths.

Department of Transport (DOT)-specified quarry materials have been used to make the integrity and binding qualities of the path as strong as possible to reduce wear and increase the longevity of the surface; these measures have been introduced for climate change mitigation and adaption, disaster resilience, and risk prevention and management.

Contractors worked along the 2m path width within areas already damaged by footfall. The new paths and upgraded surfaces ‘sign posted’ where people should walk, assisting larger areas of habitat damage to recover.

Contractors stayed close to the work sites to avoid lengthy commutes to work, reducing the carbon footprint. As did the contractors for the Fairy Pools bridges.

Where possible the Project Manager used public transport to travel across Scotland between Aberdeen and Kyle of Lochalsh.

For Habitat restoration at the Old Man of Storr locally sourced seed has been used in a trial to restore areas damaged by footfall, hand cutting and collection versus machine cutting and collection has been assessed at the site.

Biodegradable sustainably-sourced jute netting has been used to stabilise eroding slopes and create and environment for seed growth.

Under Public Contracts Scotland (PCS) opportunities have been given for local consultants and contractors to submit a tender, again if successful reducing the travel and Co2 to site.

The cessation of peat erosion from footfall and the restoration of previously damaged peatland areas will contribute to retain peatland and therefore reducing the level of Co2 to the atmosphere.

Remote meetings via computer are used outwith the requirement for a site visit, reducing travel and Co2 emissions.

Equal Opportunities and non-discrimination     

Under Public Contracts Scotland (PCS) opportunities were given for local consultants and contractors to submit a tender. This has been a fundamental to Skye Iconic Sites’ approach to advertising work in the area, recognising the social problem of retaining people on the Isle of Skye, something which work through the local economy can help to sustain.

One key focus of the project has been improving the paths at the Quiraing and Fairy Pools to make them more accessible; particularly by improving the surface (rather than people being mired in wet peat or stumbling over rough cobbled surfaces). While these improvements will be of benefit to all, they will help less-able people access the sites, complementing the initial ease of access via respective car parks.

At the Quiraing a purpose-built all-abilities path now takes people to an excellent viewpoint.

Equality between Men and Women      

Unfortunately in path construction no female path contractors are known to have registered on PCS and therefore the project probably does little to reduce gender stereotyping when it comes to path construction work.

Unfortunately of the 11 invitees to the Skye Iconic Sites only 3 are female. Currently the balance for SISP through the PCS process is 4 women (Comms. and Interpretation) and 13 men (Path, Bridge, Habitat Restoration and Interpretation Contracts).

Whilst not scientifically analysed, the integration of the gender perspective appears to cross the objectives of the path work, habitat restoration and interpretation; interpretation surveys were conducted at the 3 car park sites interviewing both men and women to obtain ideas and a perspective for themes on interpretation panels.

UHI West Highland College: West Coast Marine Tourism Project “The Coast that Shaped the World”

Sustainable Development          

KPI – Environmental impact, measured by a) travel miles and b) number of e-meetings held with (sub-)contractors and evidenced through the minutes of meetings and (sub-)contractors’ claims.

Partly due to the COVID-19 restrictions, project staff and partners have not done any additional travelling to meet, as nearly all communications have been done online, or as part of events already taking place. Only one face-to-face working group meeting took place during the project prior to the launch event etc.

Equal Opportunities and non-discrimination     

KPI 1 - Equal Opportunities Monitoring of job candidates and in procurement, measured by the number of people involved in project with protected characteristics and evidenced through a staff and (sub-) contractors review. 

Procurement and evaluation of contractors was managed by APUC and using the PCS platform, following the UHI West Highland College Procurement Policy (with reference to section 4.5 Fair and Equal Treatment) and the College’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity Policy. Responses to questions were shared with all interested parties etc.

KPI 2 - Involvement of and impact of project on people with protected characteristics, measured by the number of interactions with people with protected characteristics and evidenced through a survey of staff and (sub-)contractors.

Having a series of online workshops made the events accessible all members of the public, internationally, for those with the available technology. The virtual exhibition also allowed for the access by all members of the public with available technology to view the exhibitions in an immersive way.  The web and app developer provided guidance on best practice for providing content for website and app legibility and accessibility. All project activities, recruitment and procurement were carried out in line with the College’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity Policy and Procurement Policy, as well as APUC’s own guidelines and standards.

Equality between Men and Women      

KPI - Number of men and women directly involved in the project and involved in project activities, measured by the gender of people involved in project and evidenced through the minutes of meetings.

The working group, steering group, and story gatherers are all a balance of female and male contributors. All the groups changed slightly throughout the three main years of the project, with staff and gatherer changes, but the balance remained consistent. The working group has had 3 women and 3 men, the steering group had had 5 men and 5 women, and the story gatherers were a group of 24 women and 8 men. The gatherers are shown on a page of the project website, as well as members of the project team, at The people behind COAST - Coast that Shaped the World.

Story selection and curation considered factors such as representation and equality between men and women or considerations of how stories can be contextualised through a modern lens in their telling and explanation.

Comahairle nan Eilean Siar (CnES)/UHI Lews Castle College (now UHI North, West & Hebrides): Uist Virtual Archaeology Project, “Uist Unearthed”

Sustainable Development     

The key strength of UVAP and its outputs is high sensitivity to the fragile machair and moorland landscapes in which its key archaeological sites are situated. The project has developed, championed, and promoted high quality, informative digital heritage interpretation with minimal physical impact on the ground. The Uist Unearthed Augmented Reality (AR) app reconstructions are triggered by a single small wooden post at each reconstruction site with fewer than five additional routeway posts installed, ensuring minimal physical intervention and infrastructure in fragile landscapes. All physical signage locations were first checked against protected designations with frequent liaison with Outer Hebrides Tourism, local NatureScot contacts, Historic Environmental Scotland, and CnES heritage services. In each case the landowner and common grazings committees for each relevant township were contacted for approval in advance of installation. All sites are located along the Hebridean Way, a walking and cycling route, and reconstructions triggered from here – this encourages users to get outside and explore Uist’s landscapes first hand.

The AR app and multimedia exhibition contain information on the significance of these diverse landscapes in the past and presence, encouraging their sensitive use and appreciation by communities and visitors to Uist. Each site’s ‘landing page’ offers useful information and reminders to users, including reminders that the sites lie within active crofting landscapes, to expect the presence of livestock, and to keep dogs on leads. A link to the Scottish Outdoor Access code is included in the ‘Dig Deeper’ section of the app which contains further resources and guidance for app users.

The majority of the team’s project meetings have taken place virtually, thus having an unexpected but welcome impact on project carbon footprint. Where possible the Project Team presented at conferences and other events remotely. The project aligned itself with the UHI Sustainability Strategy wherever possible. Goods and services were locally-sourced as much as possible throughout the course of the project. The project procured or commissioned five contracts from providers based in the Outer Hebrides: four from Uist, and one from Lewis. Local vendors were used for numerous events through the life of the project, including Croft and Cuan, Dark Island Hotel, and Uist Scandi Bakery for catering, Uist Hardware for marquee hire, and Hebridean Graphics for signage. This has ensured that a considerable proportion of project funds have been kept and distributed within Uist and the Outer Hebrides, necessitating minimal travel time and air miles. Entering an SLA (Service Level Agreement) with PEEL X ensures the longterm sustainability and quality of the digital products through continuous monitoring of app performance and commissioning updates as and when required by Android and iOS.

Equal Opportunities and non-discrimination     

A key means of ensuring equal opportunities and non-discrimination for this project was increasing and improving access to archaeological heritage sites and information. Over 11,000 people have engaged in Uist’s archaeology through this project, including over 200 local school pupils, and at least 900 people local to Uist. Digitally sign-posting people to archaeological sites and providing them with accessible information and interpretation of archaeological data has enabled them to engage meaningfully with heritage sites, spaces, and material. Combining the Project Team’s archaeological expertise with PEEL X’s technical knowhow, the project has brought archaeological data out of traditional academic monographs and reimagines this information through various media, enriching user experiences both on and off site. The Uist Unearthed app contains stunning multimedia presentations of archaeological data, offering accessible engagement possibilities for a wide audience. 92% of app survey respondents Agreed or Strongly Agreed that the Uist Unearthed app makes local archaeology accessible to people of all ages, while 84% agreed or strongly agreed that the app reveals archaeological excavation results and research to wider audiences. The digital approaches explored, and audiovisual assets created by the project are diverse and multisensory, from 3D prints to text, virtual reality experiences (which could be engaged with while either sitting or standing), images, 3D modelling, animation and audio: thus, offering engagement for the widest-possible audience. All audio content included transcripts in Gaelic and English. Gaelic was given equal or greater weighting in all interpretative material.

UVAP has improved physical access to two important North Uist islet sites, both of which are situated within small lochs. Dùn Torcuill is an impressive site but is reached either by walking c. 2-3 hours across uneven boggy moorland, or by skirting around the edge of Loch an Duin and navigating a high deer fence before traversing a partially submerged causeway. App users are directed to a perfect viewing point at the edge of Loch an Duin, less than five minutes’ walk from the road. Here the reconstruction is triggered from afar, allowing users a sense of how this impressive Iron Age broch would have dominated the loch in its heyday. A ‘bring closer’ function in the reconstruction allows users to view the 3D model of the broch up close and explore several points of interest.

Dùn an Sticir’s causeway is also submerged during high tides and slippery in bad weather, and thus also presented access challenges. While users can choose to trigger the reconstruction of the Iron Age broch and medieval hall next to the structural remains, a wider range of visitors are also able to use the AR by using two remote viewing points created for those who could not or did not wish to cross the causeway. Analysis of app statistics demonstrates that the main trigger point on the islet itself at Dùn an Sticir has so far received 64% of ‘hits’ with the remaining two remote trigger points receiving 36% of ‘hits’ between them, suggesting that although direct, on-site engagement is still proving most popular, a significant percentage of AR users are making use of these alternative trigger points.

“This is an excellent project! Makes archaeology more accessible and easier to appreciate. The walk to Dun Torcuill is not easy…it is a step in the right direction for encouraging appreciation of such sites”. App user

Using these digital techniques, UVAP has successfully involved a wider and more diverse audience in Uist’s archaeological heritage. During project scoping, the Project Team recognised that not everyone would have access to an AR-compatible smartphone and that many of Uist’s archaeological sites, including those reimagined through AR, lie within challenging landscapes for those with restricted mobility. The multimedia exhibition was therefore created to repurpose content from the app and blend it with brand new bespoke content, ensuring that an even wider group of people could access these interpretive experiences in a more stable environment. All project engagement events, exhibitions and pop-ups have been free of charge. Four Google Pixel project phones could be loaned by anyone who wanted to use the app at the sites but did not have a compatible phone. The exhibition included a stationary VR experience for those with limited mobility.

By repurposing assets created by the app, the exhibition and in particular the virtual reality headsets have proved to be a fantastic asset for those with limited mobility as well as less visible issues, who would otherwise be unable to visit the AR sites. VR headset sessions have taken place with Caraidhean Uibhist (a befriending organisation in place to tackle loneliness and social isolation across Uist), St Brendan’s Care Home (Barra), and Sacred Heart care home (South Uist) and Trianaid House care home (North Uist). Due to the nature of the participants’ complex needs, evaluation forms were not completed at these events. However, participant observation by the Project Team indicates that these sessions were fulfilling for participants. Entering the VR reconstructions, participants from these groups were able to articulate key features from inside the settlements. At St Brendan’s care home one gentleman in particular, a former builder, enjoyed talking observers through what he was seeing (the interior of the Bornais Viking longhouse) and highlighted key construction techniques.

Beta testers were recruited from a range of backgrounds and demographics to ensure wide representation of prospective audiences, and diverse feedback. The project consulted the UHI Equality, Diversity, Inclusiveness strategy to ensure that efforts are sensitive to user needs. The project co-production and pop-up demo events involved audiences from primary schools to elderly residents across Uist. Involving and engaging new audiences, specifically younger people and families, in Uist’s archaeological heritage has been a key outcome and success of this project.

Equality between Men and Women      

The technology and outputs developed by the project were inherently non-biased, and fully accessible to all genders. The use of VR and AR technologies is inherently non-discriminatory in terms of sex and gender. The AR reconstructions developed by the project were not ‘peopled’, and rather contained house interiors and landscapes; as such, there was no implicit bias or gender stereotyping in these reconstructions (for example, by assuming gender roles within the past domestic environments being reconstructed). The project’s managing organisation (UHI North, West and Hebrides) is committed to striving for gender parity at the college and community through the Gender Action Plan focusing on enhancing parity for all genders at the college and community level.

Although the planned collaboration with Sgoil Bhaile a Mhanaich to create a Benbecula site did not go ahead due to scheduling and other considerations, the Project Team continued to ensure we were being particularly sensitive to the inclusion of girls and young women from school and other youth groups. No notable gender divides were observed during any engagement sessions, with the team frequently observed a 50:50 split, in accordance with the roughly 50:50 gender split across Uist’s school population as a whole. The split of female:male responses to the app evaluation survey was 60:40. Three of the four individuals employed on the project team were female. 

Kilmartin Museum Redevelopment

Sustainable Development          

The redeveloped museum is more efficient to run per square metre. Improved insulation in the old buildings and adherence to building regulations mean that the thermal insulation is greatly improved. Air source heat pumps and an intelligent heating and ventilation system offer an environmentally efficient heating system. LED lighting is used throughout the building.

As a rural location with limited public transport links it is estimated that many visitors will arrive by car. We have encouraged alternative transport methods by offering better facilities for cyclists – cycle racks; and a reduced ticket price; we offer a reduced ticket price for visitors arriving by public transport.

Our improved facilities offer more for tour groups arriving by bus. (Larger exhibition galleries, special exhibition galleries, increased toilet facilities and disabled access.)

We plan to incorporate electric charging points into our overflow car park. (However, this part of the redevelopment is not NCHF-funded.)

Our galleries and educational materials promote and educate visitors and locals about the need for environmental sustainability and joined up management of the natural and cultural heritage.

Equal Opportunities and non-discrimination     

The new museum and all learning facilities are fully accessible to all. The new facilities provide an enhanced experience for more people to enjoy and is suitable for those with mobility difficulties and school aged children. Services are now delivered in purpose build spaces – e.g. learning centre.

Our volunteer programme promotes health and well-being opportunities and addresses mental and physical health issues with by improving confidence, self esteem, socialisation and engagement with the outdoors.

A wide range of groups are benefitting from the project including, visitors, families, young people, adult learners, local community groups, volunteers, staff and local businesses. Benefits include improvements to health and well being, skills development, access to cultural opportunities and facilities for increased community activity. (both Museum- and self-led activities and social events.)

Year round employment has been created including opportunities for continuous skills development.

The education team continues to work with local organisations that cater for members of the local community with complex mental and physical health issues. Activities take place at local National Nature Reserves and Forest & Land Scotland sites allowing groups to learn new skills in a fun and relaxing environment.

Equality between Men and Women    

Our Equal Opportunities Policy continues to be updated and Kilmartin Museum adheres to a strict policy of non-discrimination.

National Trust for Scotland: Corrieshalloch Gorge Gateway to Nature

Sustainable Development          

Environmental impact

Corrieshalloch Gorge is a National Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest and the purpose of the facilities is to balance the protection of the site with growing visitation. The design of the visitor centre is minimal, it offers an outdoor visitor experience that sits lightly in the local environment and encourages people to spend time in nature.

As part of the building work appropriate environmental assessments were undertaken including extended phase 1 ecological survey, mammal survey, pollution protection plan and tree survey

Relevant parts of the construction – i.e vegetation clearance, was timed to ensure no disturbance to nesting birds and was overseen by an Ecological Clerk of Works

Green building features

Inclusion of Rainwater harvesting tank in car park for grey water re-use.

Electric car and bike charging points within public car park.

The development was designed to be as compact and contained as possible on the reserve so that the remainder of the site can remain in its natural state. Measures taken to reduce carbon emissions include Improved thermal envelope, Improved air tightness and reduced heat loss using methods such as mechanical ventilation and heat recovery

Sustainable supply chains

The main contractor and the design team who led the construction work are based in the Highlands or have an office in the Highlands. Subcontractors were also mainly based in the Highlands or neighbouring Moray. During operations we use zero single use plastics – instead using compostable vegware for our takeaway, which is composted after use.

Equal Opportunities and non-discrimination     

Better physical access and new visitor services - The new facilities offer better physical access to Corrieshalloch Gorge, including accessible paths, WC and parking. An accessibility guide is available on the NTS website.

New visitor offer and staff resource– provides opportunities for different audiences to engage via visiting the site, participation in events. Future plans include engaging directly with groups through community outreach including underrepresented groups and expanding our volunteer offer.

NTS ways of working - key policies and frameworks including our Equality Policy 2013, Conservation, Learning, Access and Enjoyment Principles 2018 and a suite of more specific policies tackling discrimination e.g Transitioning at Work 2022, underpin all site operations and ensure we provide access and enjoyment for everyone. This one of our priority objectives from our 10 year strategy: Nature, Beauty and Heritage for Everyone 2022-2032.

Equality between Men and Women      

NTS Ways of working All staff roles comply with NTS policies and ways of working including that promote equality between men and women. These include:

Equality policy 2013 – encourages all contact with visitors to be positive and for all individuals to be treated with dignity and respect. Staff anticipate barriers to enjoyment and find means to overcome them.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion statement – sets out our commitment to supporting and promoting an environment and culture that shuns discrimination and encourages diversity amongst our workers, whether paid or unpaid

Staff complete mandatory training modules as part of the induction process including Unconscious Bias and Equality and Diversity and Bullying and Harassment.

We aim for Corrieshalloch Gorge to be a welcoming place for women and for them to see themselves represented in our staff, volunteers and visitors. Interim results show that:

60% of our visitors identify as female

55% of our on-site staff at Corrieshalloch identify as female

Trees for Life: Dundreggan Rewilding Centre

Sustainable Development          

The tender process was awarded to Small World Consulting who oversee implementation of a Net zero/Sustainability Plan. Data was collated by the end of 2022 and passed onto the team at Small World Consulting for them to form their plan of action as to what Trees for Life needed to do. They submitted their report in August 2023 and we are in consultation to ascertain what changes we can make to meet our Sustainability Policy aims and objectives.

The architect has continued to update the sustainability narrative as the design progressed. Assessment and surveying work was carried out with regards to environmental risks, including tree, flood, and species protection.

All materials, suppliers and contractors were selected with sustainability as a criterion to help determine best value. That includes the evaluation already done to procure the main building contractor, monitoring & evaluation and marketing contractors.

Equal Opportunities and non-discrimination   

TfL revised its organisational Equality Policy to ensure we are aware of, and adhering to, best practices regarding equal opportunities and non-discrimination.

Equality between Men and Women    

As above

NatureScot: Hermaness Hill Path & Welcome Area

Sustainable Development          

This project has protecting the natural environment at its heart.  It has reduced impacts of an increasing number of visitors on fragile peatland and nesting birds.  By protecting, and helping the restoration of, peatland, the project contributes to mitigating climate change.

Interpretation and an enhanced visitor experience give people a greater insight and empathy in the natural and cultural environment.

The boardwalk materials are of recycled plastic, which is proven to be a long-lasting, durable material and which is inherently ‘green’ in nature.  The material is brown in colour, resistant to water, salt and frost and has an expected life of 40 to 50 years, after which it is fully recyclable.

Boardwalk materials were flown on site by helicopter before the bird breeding season, to avoid disturbance to nesting birds.

The toilets have solar-powered lighting, passive extractor fans and eco-flush cisterns.

The site is within Shetland National Scenic Area, and all infrastructure is sympathetic to the surrounding landscape.  This was supported by a Design Statement.

The project has already encouraged more people to get out and enjoy this outstanding natural and cultural environment.

The project provides a part-time job for a local person to clean and maintain the toilets during the main season, and helps sustain the local economy by attracting more visitors to Unst.

Shetland-based boardwalk contractor, using Unst accommodation during construction.

Unst-based contractor appointed for Hub works.

Local subcontractors and companies in supply chain.

Equal Opportunities and non-discrimination     

The project is inherently designed to remove access barriers:

The new path makes it easier for those with physical limitations, being easier to walk on than uneven boggy ground; it has created a defined route supported by infrastructure, and thus is more inviting to those who are not normally inclined to stray into the wilderness; improved parking, an interpretation shelter and toilets (with disabled access) makes the site more accessible and a more attractive place to visit, particularly to those who are not accustomed to accessing wilderness areas, and those with specific physical needs.

Because of the above, the site is more accessible to members of society who may otherwise be less inclined to visit the outdoors, including the young, old, disabled, and other socio-economic groups who may otherwise be excluded.

Equality between Men and Women      

The current visitor profile is skewed 56:44 towards females (2017 Shetland Visitor Survey).

The project makes the site more accessible to all genders by providing facilities including toilets and baby-changing provision.

Procurement was managed by NatureScot in accordance with its equal opportunity policies.

Visitor facilities and interpretation have avoided gender stereotyping.

Royal Society for the Protection of Birds: Wildlife Watch Abernethy

Sustainable Development

The RSPB has an Environmental Procurement Policy which helped staff apply green considerations to all project purchases made on behalf of the charity. All job vacancies stated that “the RSPB works for a healthy environment for all, and we therefore expect you to take action in accordance with our Environmental Policy and objectives”. The RSPB expects all suppliers it works with to adhere to certain ethical and environmental standards and suppliers were asked to agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of the RSPB Ethical and Environmental Procurement Policy. Our High-risk products environmental purchasing policy covers timber and paper, chocolate, soya, palm oil, sugar, dairy and meat products, seafood and fish. These products are linked to the loss of wildlife. All staff must follow the policy guidelines for these products, even where there are cheaper alternatives.

The car park was constructed using a sandy gravel mix which requires little maintenance. Any potholes that should develop will be easy to fill, making it a sustainable long-term option. There was no point in heating an uninsulated building, therefore, the only areas of the reconfigured centre that have been insulated and heated are the office and staff room, which both benefit from insulated perimeter walls and an insulated suspended ceiling. The glazing in the centre utilises thermally broken frames and low emissivity glass to retain solar heat gains within the building and reduce the risk of condensation.

Equal Opportunities and non-discrimination     

The RSPB Recruitment and Selection Policy and Procedure states that: All short listing, interviewing and selection decisions must be taken equitably regardless of race, sex, gender reassignment, religion and belief, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, disability, marriage and civil partnership or age. Reasonable adjustments will be made to the recruitment process to ensure that no applicant is disadvantaged because of a disability. A candidate with a disability will not be excluded unless it is clear that the candidate is unable to perform a duty that is intrinsic to the role, having taken into account reasonable adjustments.

The staff involved in recruiting the new roles undertook RSPB Unconscious Bias and Recruitment training.

RSPB Scotland is in the final stages of signing up to become a See Me employer. The “See Me in Work” scheme challenges employers to create and maintain a mentally healthy workplace, and to end discrimination and stigma.

The Visitor Experience Officer and Inclusive Tourism Development Officer employed by the project both completed safeguarding training to work with children and vulnerable adults. Though the Covid-19 pandemic impacted on engagement with youth groups, a small number of local children took part in outdoor education through the project. We worked with local groups including Alzheimers Scotland – as part of their project to encourage users to connect with nature, and Backbone – an organisation which supports refugees in the Highlands, helping them to integrate and feel part of the local community.

An accessible ramp and automatic entrance door enable wheelchair users and those with limited mobility to enter the centre unaided. An updated accessibility guide available online provides visitors with necessary pre-visit information. More space and a seating area in the centre and on the decking provide the opportunity for people to meet and interact socially. Our project is open to everyone.

Equality between Men and Women

The RSPB Recruitment and Selection Policy and Procedure states that: All short listing, interviewing and selection decisions must be taken equitably regardless of race, sex, gender reassignment, religion and belief, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, disability, marriage and civil partnership or age. The staff involved in recruiting the new roles undertook RSPB Unconscious Bias and Recruitment training and appointment to the three new roles created through this project were made regardless of gender. The RSPB’s People Strategy states that “we will be a more diverse workforce reflecting the communities in which we work”. The RSPB workforce is around 50/50 male and female, both in paid employment and in volunteers. Women are in roles which historically would have been viewed as typically male roles, including Reserve Managers and Reserve Wardens, and men are in Administrator and Catering roles, counter to traditional gender stereotyping. A comprehensive review, called My Employment Deal, was conducted into pay and reward at the RSPB. That review led to a series of recommendations which were approved by Board and Council, one of which stated that RSPB would: Ensure that the pay and reward systems are not gender or age biased, consistent with Equal Pay legislation and the Equality Act, 2010.

All activities and communications delivered as part of the project were equally relevant to women and men and both had equal opportunity to participate.

North Isles Landscape Partnership: Access to Orkney Heritage

Sustainable Development          

North Isles Landscape Partnership Scheme

Sustainable and natural materials were used where possible – wood for some gates and boardwalks, stone for most interpretation board plinths.  Durability of materials was considered for interpretation boards to ensure longevity.

Our map boards and transport nodes (piers, airfields) show active travel routes and heritage sites, linking with North Isles online cycle routes.

Scapa Flow Museum

Sustainable and natural materials were used where possible. Durability of materials was considered for outdoor interpretation boards to ensure longevity. Local suppliers were used where possible, notably on the construction side. All waste material were disposed of in line with the Council’s sustainability and environmental policies.

Elements of the project encouraged sustainable travel eg. ferry promotional materials making it clear that the Museum is a five minute walk from the ferry and no car is necessary for a visit; placement of bike racks outside the Museum; distribution of free walking tour guides of historic Lyness.

Equal Opportunities and non-discrimination     

North Isles Landscape Partnership Scheme

Our procurement complied with relevant legislation and OIC codes of practice.

We made improvements to information about access on interpretation. Infrastructure improvements were made with a view to increase accessibility through the installation of self-closing gates where possible and the installation of a boardwalk on a route that had become inaccessible to many.

Scapa Flow Museum

Our procurement and recruitment complied with relevant legislation and OIC codes of practice.

The new Museum is single storey and fully accessible.

Equality between Men and Women      

North Isles Landscape Partnership Scheme

Community liaison was not gender specific and views were sought from a cross section of the community.  Contractors were selected in compliance with relevant legislation and both male and female contractors were employed.

Scapa Flow Museum

Community liaison was not gender specific and views were sought from a cross section of the community.  Contractors were selected in compliance with relevant legislation and both male and female contractors were employed. Both male and female staff have been employed by the Museum and by the sub-contracted café operator.

Highlife Highland: Spirit Journeys

Sustainable Development          

The Spirit project and VisitScotland have integrated sustainability into all activities and have sought to positively influence regional opinion and action on sustainable development through partnerships with stakeholders and businesses. One of the main aims of the project was to positively influence visitor behaviour and, whenever possible, suggest sustainable travel options and highlight opportunities to be involved in sustainable practices through marketing campaigns such as the trend in voluntourism.

We aligned our key objectives and produced creative assets, web platforms and engagement activity which:

Contained messaging on protecting the natural and cultural environment through responsible travel behaviour, including messaging on the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and viable routes for walking and cycling in project itineraries.

Supported organisations responsible for the protection and enhancement of the regions distinctive natural and cultural heritage such as Nature Scot, RSPB, NTS and projects including Peatland Action, Hydro Ness and North West Highlands Geopark Blue Corridor.

Promoted year-round tourism activity focussing on influencing a greater seasonal and geographic spread.

Encouraged local communities and stakeholders to be involved in advocating for their own area, promoting sustainable growth in Scotland’s visitor economy, including sustainable tourism projects and initiatives.

Promoted tourism opportunities throughout the region, improving accessibility to heritage assets and knowledge of initiatives for a wide demographic of visitors.

Reduced the impact of tourism transport through the promotion of low-carbon forms of transport in itineraries and location maps (bus, ferry, train, cycling, walking) both to and within the Highlands and Islands; project adopted transport hierarchy for staff to limit environmental impact.

In addition, Spirit of the Highlands and Islands as a project:

helped to improve distribution of visitors to avoid environmental and socio-economic problems associated with overcrowding and pre-COVID tourism, as identified through project scoping work.

Wherever possible the project bought locally-sourced goods and services as a practical means of contributing towards sustainability. Preference was given to local providers (within the framework of public procurement), or those that could demonstrate a link and involvement with local providers of goods and services.

Minimised resource use and waste within the project, opting for sustainable materials and digital over physical interpretation limiting impact on the environment.

Equal Opportunities and non-discrimination     

The Spirit project was designed to help tackle potential inequality issues by involving multiple communities of interest including those which may be vulnerable or marginalised or have not previously participated in projects concerned with natural or cultural heritage. Activity which promoted equal opportunities and non-discrimination included:

Dedicated PR and influencer tactics to target audiences which might be marginalised or did not engage with the region on a large scale.

Digital interpretation which was created for all age and reading abilities, providing an accessible means of engaging with natural and cultural heritage through online assets.

Access to innovative technology through our immersive portal tour which visited rural areas, encouraged visits from disability action groups, older people and others affected by the ‘digital divide’.

Creative engagement methods which did not require access to technology such as in-person workshops, meet and greets with communities, large and small events across the region, and alternative means of sharing stories such as transcription, oral story sessions and research trips, making the effort to connect with local communities face to face.

Inclusion of BAME communities in project creative assets giving the opportunity to promote and advocate for their area and their experience of the Highlands and Islands and promoting this through large-scale campaign activity.

Collecting stories from BAME communities for inclusion within interpretation and content for the Inverness Castle Experience.

Ensuring all procurement practices will be inclusive and non-discriminatory. Evaluative scoring criteria included support for those with a disability.

Ensuring that project web platforms passed accessibility tests and requirements so that content is always available and accessible to everyone.

Support for language including Gaelic translations of content and digital presence including films and subtitles, translations of campaign assets into German and Dutch to target audiences. Support for stories to be translated into 7 languages for the Inverness Castle Experience.

Always open story submission portal to provide a means for everyone in the Highlands and Islands to have a voice and contribute, alongside face-to-face meetings and other methods of story retrieval.

In addition, VisitScotland has implemented a dedicated programme of activity throughout the project focused on Inclusive Tourism, supporting tourism businesses and destinations in catering for visitors who have accessibility requirements such as disabled people, families with young children and older people. Campaign key messages include accessibility, meeting the needs of protected groups and targeted marketing to ensure Scotland is an inclusive destination, giving economic, social and cultural benefits to local communities.

Similarly, High Life Highland and THC (The Highland Council) have clear and established policies on inclusion and a commitment to actively supporting equal opportunities, whose implementation is regularly monitored, and has been a vital part of the Spirit project.

Equality between Men and Women      

High Life Highland and VisitScotland as regional and national organisations will uphold equal opportunities in line with policies of staff recruitment and behaviour. The project promoted equal opportunities between men and women by adhering to these policies in all project activity including recruitment, marketing and procurement. Spirit also supported this theme by:

Gender perspective considered and promoted in digital content.

All monitoring, reporting and evaluation includes gender equality and reports, findings and resulting action plans are publicly available.

Project key feature is a collection of stories from communities which gives an equal voice to men and women, the opportunity to contribute being open to all, to highlight experiences of life, work and travel across the Highlands and Islands.

The online portal and website highlights under-represented narratives in Highland history such as the experience of women in traditional industry and major historical events, promoting these on a regional, national and global stage. These will form a key part of the interpretation and creative treatments of the Inverness Castle Experience.

The project offered new ways to explore to promote and explore the stories of women’s lived experience in the areas through audio guides, podcast episodes and filmed material.

Organisations and communities are involved in the project and promote local initiatives, events programmes and opportunities on the consumer website.

Maintaining web platforms which give opportunities to access and promote heritage information, including digital upskilling initiatives.

HLH, THC and VisitScotland are all committed in policy and legally to equality between men and women. VisitScotland is at the forefront of promoting equality in the wider public sector in Scotland as a founding member of and major contributor to the Non Departmental Public Bodies Equality Forum, which provides a focus for the exchange of equality initiatives across public bodies. This has positively influenced our work in this area and helped the project to be open and equal throughout activity.