Local history in Lego... On this day in 1306, Robert the Bruce slays John Comyn, his rival for the throne, at the high altar of Greyfriars monastery in Dumfries before declaring himself King of Scots.
Just about to start a talk to Collin SWI about folklore and the @cruckcottage.bsky.social
Museums and hauntings, two of my favourite things!
Hello. We're new here. 👋
Wondering what devil's porridge is? Sir Arthur Conan Doyle coined the phrase to describe the explosive materials he saw munitions workers at H.M. Factory Gretna mixing in large pans. They were making cordite.
Please don't eat devil's porridge. 💥
#DevilsPorridge #WW1history
I spent much of Christmas day reading this. A powerful book which I really enjoyed, if that's the right word for something dealing with oppression and colonial violence.
The Twelve Apostles on a frosty morning.
Winter solstice sunrise at the Twelve Apostles, Holywood, Dumfries
Happy St Andrew's Day.
Saltire over Lincluden Abbey, Dumfries
Reflecting on some of the fantastic community projects I've been lucky to be involved in during my time with D&G Museums. It's been a pleasure to introduce young people to their local heritage, work with our Ukrainian community settling in the region, help families learn together, and lots more.
Just thinking how grateful I am to the @museumsassociation.org for all their support when I needed it, the learning opportunities, and the chance to be part of a wonderful network of inspiring and progressive people.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RNq...
Yes, lovely to see you there. Such a great gathering and very useful too.
That seems very wise. I might find it difficult to put into practice, but a list is a good place to start.
Heading home from an absolutely brilliant day today at the @museumsassociation.org reps meeting in Birmingham. I'm really pleased to be a part of this wonderful organisation and helping to support our members in Scotland. It was great to explore the new Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery too.
It's that day again... Happy Bastille Day with bagpipes.
Summer solstice sunrise at the Twelve Apostles.
I really enjoy volunteering at the wonderful Cruck Cottage and with Medieval Bruce Heritage Trust, along with preserving and sharing these stories, it's great for wellbeing. A big shout out to all those other museums which operate solely with volunteers - you are amazing!
As it's National Volunteer Week, a big thank you to all who volunteer their time and efforts to make this world a better place. Appreciating you year round, not just this week.
If you're a Museums Association member in Scotland, do try to join us for a @museumsassociation.org members gathering at The Hunterian in Glasgow on Monday 30th June. You can get details and book a free place here... www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/museums-as...
Just realised this was 15 years ago today, at the lovely medieval church beside Hailes Abbey with my friend Richard York. Sometimes I forget how long I have been sharing medieval pilgrimage living history, piping and storytelling.
Thrilled to have my article on using objects in live interpretation featured in the new Journal of the Association for Heritage Interpretation especially as the AHI celebrate their 50th anniversary.
I've just been sent the pictures of me and fellow AMA awardees as we received our certificates at last year's MA conference. I'm already looking forward to this year's conference at the lovely St Fagan’s National History Museum. Hope to see you there! www.museumsassociation.org/events/confe...
Happy St Patrick's Day with bagpipes.
Happy International Bagpipe Day!
A wee snippet in the Museums Journal. The AMA was such a fantastic process, really changing my outlook on life as well as developing skills. Totally recommend this to anyone working in museums. The @museumsassociation.org have been so supportive throughout, it's great to work with them.
A World Book Day reflection. I've always enjoyed tales of fools. This is the only one of Alan Garner's books I remember reading as a child. Many years later, I was honoured to be given an original hardback edition by Alan after we talked about how the book had sowed the seeds of storytelling in me.
Had a brilliant day at the @museumsassociation.org Scotland members gathering in Perth. Lovely to be among so many progressive colleagues and to enjoy lots of inspiring presentations. In difficult times with lots of challenges for the sector, I left feeling positive and hopeful.
A clyack or corn dolly by the hanging lum in the cottage. The Scots word clyack is derived from Gaelic cailleach meaning hag. These woven straw figures were thought to keep the spirit of the corn safe through the winter. We're exploring lots of folklore throughout this year at the Cruck Cottage.
We continue to stand with Ukraine. We've been so pleased to welcome Ukrainian friends several times in recent months. We will always be in solidarity.
No to bullies. Always in solidarity. No to appeasement.
Out at Sweetheart Abbey today, volunteering with the Medieval Bruce Heritage Trust to tell the story of Devorgilla, Lady of Galloway.
