Isle Martin Heritage Project

Men working on a small corrugated building with water and mountains in the distance.
Working on the museum roof. Photo: Stephen Twitchett

Sharing Heritage

Dyddiad a ddyfarnwyd
Lleoliad
Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh
Awdurdod Lleol
Highland
Ceisydd
Isle Martin Trust
Rhoddir y wobr
£10000
Local people were engaged in uncovering and interpreting the history of a community-owned island.

This project was run by Isle Martin Trust, an organisation which works to conserve and promote the natural and cultural heritage of Isle Martin, a community-owned island three miles north of Ullapool, Scotland.

Though now uninhabited, Isle Martin has historically been home to farmers and crofters, as well as being used for herring processing and flour milling. As the island’s population declined so did knowledge of its heritage.

This project engaged the local community in researching previous inhabitants, land use and trade to piece together a history of the island. School groups and young people aged 16-24 took part in participatory events and activities, skills workshops, heritage trails and a celebratory event.

The project shared this heritage with the wider community through the creation of a micro-museum on the island using an existing building. Permanent interpretation boards designed by young people were also installed on the mainland. Explore the project further on the Isle Martin Trust website.