New community archaeology chairman looks forward not back

13 November 2012

As ARCH looks forward to planning new projects across the Highlands it is delighted to welcome Graham Clark as their new chair. 

“Archaeology for Communities in the Highlands was begun by small group of people passionate about the archaeological heritage of the Highlands. We knew that there were many others like us who wanted to learn more, explore more and do more to celebrate this rich, fascinating and too little researched resource” commented outgoing ARCH chair, Cait McCullagh, who has been involved with ARCH from the start.  

She added, “In the nearly four years since our launch we have been privileged to work with many communities throughout the Highlands, to support them in identifying, recording and interpreting their own heritage.”

The programme of ARCH courses across the Highlands funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, European Community Highland LEADER 2007-2013 Programme and with support from The Highland Council and Scotrail is now drawing to a close. But never an organisation to sit still, ARCH is already involved in a pilot project looking at World War 2 remains, near Evanton, and has a number of smaller projects lined up for early 2013.

There is much to be planned and developed to keep ARCH active across the Highlands, and as Cait says, “I am pleased to be able to pass on the chairmanship into the very capable hands of Graham Clark, a noted local historian and active member of North Kessock and District Local History Society. Graham's commitment to understanding and making more widely known the, sometimes hidden, treasures of Highland archaeology and history will be a great asset as he steers the board of ARCH into this next exciting phase of future development.”

Graham will be overseeing ARCH’s bid for funding to deliver a three year ‘Telford in the Highlands’ community project, and expanding the ‘Friends’ group, by which people can support ARCH through donations and offers of voluntary skills. 

As Graham said, “In retirement, I have indulged my interests in the local history and archaeology of the Black Isle and have published a book and several articles. I am also currently the Chairman of the University of the Third Age (U3A) in Scotland, another organisation with learning at its heart.

“I am enthusiastic to learn more about my local heritage and I want to encourage everyone else to get interested in theirs.  Because this is the central mission of ARCH, I look forward to taking on the role of Chairman.”