Our supporters

A number of organisations have made valuable contributions, either financial or in kind, to the promotion and funding of The Vital Spark 2007. They are:

Year of Highland Culture 2007 (Highland 2007)

The Vital Spark is part of an extensive programme of events during 2007, which is being celebrated as ‘Scotland’s Year of Highland Culture’. The programme aims to promote the Highlands as a great place to live and to visit by showcasing the unique and special nature of Highland culture past, present and future. It will also provide the opportunity for people across Scotland and the world to join in a year-long programme of celebrations of Highland culture.

Visitors to the Highlands in 2007 are guaranteed a warm welcome and a truly memorable experience. Whether you are looking for an action-packed adventure, a taste of the local culture and history, or just complete peace and quiet, the Highlands and Islands of Scotland are the place to be in 2007.

Cairngorms National Park Authority

The Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) was set up by the Scottish Parliament to ensure the unique aspects of the Cairngorms – both the natural environment and the local communities – are cared for, sustained and enhanced for current and future generations to enjoy.

CNPA has an enabling role, promoting partnership working within the National Park to help the Park achieve its four aims – conserve and enhance the area’s natural and cultural heritage; promote sustainable use of the Park’s natural resources; promote understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the Park (including recreation); and to promote sustainable economic and social development of local communities.

The CNPA recognises the vital role interpretation can play in realising, communicating and connecting people to the distinct character of a newly designated area. The CNPA is delighted to be involved in the funding and organising of the Vital Park, which supports that work.

Forestry Commission Scotland

The Forestry Commission Scotland is responsible for implementing the Scottish Forestry Strategy, the Scottish Executive’s framework for taking forestry forward through the first half of the 21st century. It sets out a vision for forestry that is diverse and strong, providing multiple benefits to society and the economy. The key objectives are for a forestry sector that:

FCS directly manages some 660,000 hectares of national forest. The estate includes extensive native woodland as well as plantation forest, mountains and nature reserves, ancient monuments and historic landscapes, visitor centres and forest trails. Interpretation is considered a central plank in the management of our national forests, as understanding and communication are the foundations of effective engagement.

The Highland Council

The Highland Council is the largest local authority in Scotland, covering an area of some 26,500 km2. The Council delivers a wide range of services to residents and businesses, including: housing; social work; transport; planning & development; education, culture and sport. The Council’s Education, Culture & Sport Service is responsible for 49 libraries (including nine mobile libraries); 33 community education centres; a genealogy service; four dedicated art galleries; two regional museums and two archive centres.

A key function of the Planning & Development Service is to evaluate the potential for change and formulate policies relating to land and resource use in the Highlands. Protection, conservation and enjoyment of the built and natural environment is a further significant activity ranging from protection given to historic buildings, through archaeology to countryside ranger and access provisions. The Service runs a number of visitor centres providing information and interpretation relating to Highland wildlife, history, heritage, flora and fauna. The Council also provides advice and support to community groups with heritage interpretation projects.

Highlands & Islands Enterprise

The Highlands and Islands network is responsible for economic and community development across a diverse geographical area which covers more than half of Scotland and is home to 435,000 people. Established in 1991, the Network has played a major role in diversifying the area’s economy – assisting locally-based business and attracting new ventures, helping people acquire work related skills and supporting a host of community and cultural activities. The Network recognises that the outstanding heritage of the area are key assets for the economic and social well-being of the area and its people.

Historic Scotland

Historic Scotland safeguards the nation’s historic environment and promotes its understanding and enjoyment. The organisation is an executive agency of the Scottish Executive and is responsible for the management, maintenance and presentation of 345 properties in state care. These properties range from prehistoric remains and industrial sites to military strongholds and abbeys. The agency welcomes over 3 million visitors to its properties each year.

The agency is also responsible for listing the nation’s best buildings and scheduling nationally important ancient monuments and plays a key role in granting permission for repairs and alterations to these protected sites and structures. The agency provides advice and assistance on technical conservation and research, and award-winning education programmes.

National Museums Scotland

National Museums Scotland interprets and make accessible for all the past and present of Scotland, of other nations and cultures, and of the natural world. Our world-class collections range from fossils showing evidence of the earliest forms of life to contemporary aircraft. They are international in scope including Scottish history, science and technology, natural sciences to world culture. We attract nearly 1.4 million visitors annually to our 5 museums, over 200,000 visitors take part in learning programmes and activities and we receive over 4 million visits to our website. We are currently in the process of redeveloping the National Museum of Scotland through the HLF and Scottish Executive-funded Royal Museum Project which includes expansion of and improvements to the National Museums Collections Centre in north Edinburgh. Visit our website for more information about our museums and what we do.

The National Trust for Scotland

The National Trust for Scotland is the conservation charity that protects and promotes Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage for present and future generations to enjoy. With over 295,000 members it is the largest conservation charity in Scotland and it depends for its support on donations, legacies, grants and membership subscriptions.

Established in 1931, the Trust acts as guardian of the nation’s magnificent heritage of natural, architectural, scenic and historic treasures. It manages a diverse selection of iconic properties including Culloden, St Kilda, Glencoe, Bannockburn, Staffa and Killiecrankie. As an independent charity, not a government department, it acts on behalf of everyone to safeguard our heritage.

Scottish Natural Heritage

Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) is the Scottish Executive’s agency responsible for looking after the natural heritage in Scotland. We promote its care and improvement, encourage responsible enjoyment, greater understanding and appreciation, and sustainable use. We recognise that the natural heritage is affected by many individuals and organisations and as a result we aim to achieve much of what we do by working with others. Interpretation has been a key communication tool that SNH has used to help people achieve a deeper understanding and appreciation of the natural world. Our web site includes a section of interpretation guidance.

Scottish Interpretation Network

The Scottish Interpretation Network (SIN) is an informal group of people with an interest in heritage interpretation in Scotland. SIN is for professionals and amateurs with an interest in how Scotland’s cultural and natural heritage is presented and interpreted.

Scottish Tourist Guides Association

The Scottish Tourist Guides Association is the accrediting body and membership organization for professionally qualified tourist guides in Scotland. We promote the highest standards in tourist guiding and live interpretation. STGA is proud to be supporting the Vital Spark International Heritage Interpretation Conference by sponsoring the professional Blue Badge tourist guides for the pre- and post-conference tours. We are looking forward to welcoming you to Scotland.

VisitScotland / EventScotland

VisitScotland is the national tourism organisation for Scotland and has three key roles: to attract visitors to Scotland, to engage with partners in the industry and to add value to the visitor experience. VisitScotland is currently working with the tourism industry and other partners to achieve a 50 per cent growth in tourism revenues for Scotland by 2015. For every £1 VisitScotland spends on promotion, £14.50 is generated in return on behalf of Scotland’s tourism industry.

Perth College / UHI Millennium Institute

Every year thousands of people choose to study and learn with Perth College. In addition to our twelve curriculum areas, we are also home to some extraordinary specialist centres, including the new Centre for Interpretation which is the first of its kind in Britain and Europe. Under the direction of Genevieve Adkins, former Head of Interpretation for Historic Scotland, the Centre aims to serve the profession by: further developing education, training and accreditation for existing and potential interpreters; becoming a recognised centre for interpretation research and granting PhD degrees to suitable post-graduates.

To serve the widest range of learners, Perth College offers a large array of learning products and services which can be accessed through full and part time study on campus or within a virtual learning environment. Key to making this possible is our partnership with the UHI Millennium Institute: as a UHI partner Perth College is helping to create the University of the Highlands and Islands.

Through our diverse curriculum, outstanding customer service, powerful partnerships and relationships, modern facilities, strong financial standing and exceptional HR practices Perth College aims to soon become a top ten College in Scotland and gain University title.