Job Description: Heritage Preservation Officer
Contract Duration: 2 years (1 April 2026 – 31 March 2028)
Working Hours: 35 hours per week
Salary: £32,000
Location: Skerryvore Lighthouse Shore Station, Isle of Tiree
Organisation: The Hynish Trust
Website:
About the Hynish Trust
The Hynish Trust, formerly the Hebridean Trust, is a community-led charity based on the Isle of Tiree. Since its handover to the Tiree community in January 2025, the Trust has embraced a renewed vision focused on heritage, sustainability, and community development. Its work centres around the historic Hynish Shore Station, a site of national significance linked to Skerryvore Lighthouse. The Trustees and volunteers have worked tirelessly to get the Hynish Trust to this point. The organisation now needs a dedicated team to take it forward.
Project Overview: Lighting up the Hynish Shore Station
This two-year initiative celebrates the engineering and cultural legacy of Skerryvore Lighthouse. The project aims to secure the future of the site with a focus on heritage conservation with environmental sustainability and community engagement.
Role Purpose
The Heritage Preservation Officer will lead the development and delivery of inclusive heritage engagement activities. This role is ideal for a dynamic and creative heritage professional who thrives on working with people and communities. The officer will ensure that heritage remains central to all project activities, while helping to shape the future of the site through conservation planning, expanding the exhibition and visitor experience and audience engagement.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Heritage Planning
* Prepare and deliver a 3-Year Heritage Plan
* Deliver formal project outputs including:
o Three-Year Activity Plan for audience engagement
o A Statement of Significance based on thorough research in conjunction with the Sustainability Development Officer (SDO)
o Five-Year Conservation Plan
* Support the development of a long-term strategy in collaboration with the SDO and Trustees
Audience Engagement
* Design and deliver inclusive, engaging heritage experiences for diverse audiences
* Lead the development of an updated visual exhibition and interactive tours
* Create learning, social inclusion, and intergenerational engagement opportunities
* Work with community groups to identify needs and co-create heritage activities
Volunteering and Capacity Building
* Develop and manage a vibrant volunteering programme, including recruitment, training, and support
Collections
* Collaborate with An Iodhlann and other partners to digitise collections and enhance access
* Build a strong online presence to share stories and stimulate global conversations
Archaeology
* Coordinate an archaeology project building on the work of John Holliday and visiting archeologists
Funding
* Identify suitable funding opportunities for future projects.
* Apply for relevant grants
* Manage existing and future projects with a heritage focus.
Note: Some evening and weekend work may be required depending on project activities.
Person Specification
Essential Experience and Skills
* Ability to work independently and take responsibility for tasks without close supervision
* Strong communication and presentation skills
* Enthusiastic, self-motivated, and flexible approach
* Ability to manage multiple work streams and collaborate effectively
* Competence in using digital platforms for engagement and project delivery
* Experience in the cultural heritage sector, engaging diverse audiences
* Clear understanding of the benefits of heritage engagement for people of all ages and backgrounds.
* Proven ability to work with schools and communities, including developing learning materials.
* Full driving licence and access to a vehicle.
Desirable
* Experience of working in the third sector
* Formal qualification in heritage or related field
* Experience in volunteer management
* Experience of rural living
Working Arrangements and on‑Island Presence
We're open to remote working and understand that flexibility is important. We do ask that team members spend part of their working time on Tiree, and we're happy to discuss a hybrid arrangement that works for both you and the Trust.
The Trust can provide on‑site accommodation where appropriate and by negotiation.
Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 24 months
Pay: £32,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Free parking
* On-site parking
* Relocation assistance
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Argyll and Bute PA77 6UD