Researcher

Since 1998 Here We Are (HWA) registered charity SC027715, has been a community resource providing information on the development and history of the parish of Cairndow/Kilmorich in Argyll.  It seeks to maximise the benefits of stimulating and satisfying curiosity about a local community in order to bridge the gap between visitor and visited.  It has an extensive collection of photographs and has mounted several online and physical exhibitions.

At its centre near Cairndow, at the head of Loch Fyne, HWA shows how a rural community, while loyal to its roots, makes its way in the modern world.  HWA has created two renewable energy companies and is recognised as a social capital champion by Assist Social Capital and the Scottish Communities Foundation.   

An opportunity has arisen to create a research and development role, and this would suit someone with a keen interest in social history or environmental history, particularly the effects on isolated and rural communities.  Interest in providing interpretation to make this accessible to a wider audience would be desirable.

THE ROLE

This is an opportunity for a motivated and enthusiastic person to join our team and take us forward in new directions. 

As well as the research role, this position will include general administrative elements to support the team, meeting and greeting visitors, and the opportunity to develop bookkeeping skills.  Training will be provided.  Support can also be provided via Newcastle University’s history department for funding bids, collaborations and more.

We will be supportive of an applicant’s suggested initiatives.

PRIORITIES

·       Creating links between the existing projects and archives generated by HWA and assisting in updating and extending them

·       Developing new project ideas that link Landscape, Social History and the issues facing rural communities

·       Building local and regional collaborations with other organisations to develop beneficial projects and activities and to raise the profile of HWA

TERMS

This position will be based at the Here We Are Centre (PA16 8BL) and is expected to be four days per week (0900 – 1500), although there is flexibility in this. This is an in person role.

Salary: £22,000 - £26,000 FTE pro rata for 22 hours per week

Holidays will be 5.6 weeks per year, pro rata, and HWA is closed over Christmas and New Year.

TO APPLY

If you are interested in this role, please send a CV and short covering letter (up to 300 words) explaining why you would like this post