Broch team nominated for award
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THE volunteers behind the Caithness Broch Project say they are thrilled to be named among the finalists in the Scottish Heritage Angel Awards 2018.
The awards celebrate groups and individuals that have gone out of their way to promote, protect and rescue Scotland's heritage.
Launched in 2014, they are supported by the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation and are run by the Scottish Civic Trust in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland and Archaeology Scotland.
The Caithness Broch Project has been at the forefront of archaeological investigations and excavations as well as the installation of interpretation panels at brochs sites – and even the creation of a Lego broch to help raise awareness.
Its ultimate goal is to build a replica Iron Age broch, using authentic building techniques from the time.
The project is nominated in the category for Best Heritage Research, Interpretation or Recording. Among those in contention for the same honour is the Kirkmichael Trust on the Black Isle which is involved in rescuing and displaying ornate medieval stone crosses.
Caithness Broch Project's Ken McElroy said: "We are absolutely delighted to be nominated. We've worked really hard to try and promote Caithness as a heritage tourism destination, but we've also been committed to providing the local community with archaeological opportunities.
"We've been delighted with the results and feedback so far, and we're really keen to do more – but to get something like this which recognises our small but exciting projects really is the icing on the cake.
"There are some great projects out there – I've been following the Kirkmichael project for some time – so the competition is tough."
The awards ceremony will take place in Glasgow on October 22.
Susan O'Connor, director of the Scottish Civic Trust, said: "I'd like to thank everyone who took time to submit a nomination for this year's Scottish Heritage Angel Awards.
"There's nothing we enjoy more than finding out what people having been achieving in heritage in the past year.
"I'm delighted we have this opportunity to recognise the passion, dedication and sheer hard work invested by individuals and communities who work tirelessly to protect and promote our history and heritage."
Alex Paterson, chief executive of Historic Environment Scotland, said: "This shortlist reflects the valuable work being undertaken all over the country to care for our historic environment, often by groups and individuals who volunteer their time."
