Bail’ Ach’ an Droighinn/Auchindrain Historic Township

Bail’ Ach’ an Droighinn/Auchindrain Historic Township is an internationally-significant historic site in Mid Argyll, which has been run as an independent museum since the 1960s. The site has “sole survivor” status as the last of the thousands of joint tenancy “townships”, the small agricultural communities that were the predominant form of rural settlement in Scotland up to the start of industrialisation and agricultural improvement in the late 18th century. The museum holds one of Scotland’s 50 Recognised Collections. Full details including an interactive guide can be found at auchindrain.org.uk.

Additional Trustees

Urras Achadh an Droighinn/The Auchindrain Trust is now seeking to appoint a number of additional Trustees to help enable major change in the museum’s public profile, and in its activities to build user numbers and generate earned income. Indications of interest are now invited from individuals who are outward-looking movers, shakers and influencers, who can either win the hearts and minds of others so they will support us, or bring ideas and experience to help us attract people and income in a challenging rural location. Any personal or professional background may be relevant, but we would particularly appreciate experience in marketing and brand development, in community engagement, and in securing sponsorship and in-kind support. We would also welcome an experienced senior museum professional (working or recently retired) who thoroughly understands the organisational and business dynamics of independent museums.

The Role

Trustees are not expected to be involved in the museum’s day-to-day operations, and an executive sub-group supports the Convenor in handling day-to-day governance and operational matters. They are expected to attend 4-6 meetings a year, usually in person although remote participation is possible. Between meetings, they are expected to able to make a measured commitment to the Trust’s business and ambitions, applying their practical or professional experience and contacts. This may be to support the senior staff with specific expertise, or to develop relationships with external bodies and individuals of interest. Trustees will also be expected to respond substantively to emailed messages and documents about the museum’s affairs and development, and to visit the museum with sufficient regularity to keep abreast of people and progress. Trustees serve for three years, after which they may be reappointed for a further term.

Personal Qualities

Trustees should have:

• ‘networking’ skills, to connect with and influence outside institutions and individuals;
• a background of specialist skill in a particular area, to act as a sounding-board for and to support, Trustee and senior staff initiatives;
• the capacity to develop an understanding of financial, fundraising, marketing and heritage issues;
• an appreciation of the mission of the museum as the custodian of a nationally-important collection, and as a charity;
• skills in people-management.

Remuneration

Trustees do not receive payment, but may claim out-of-pocket expenses as necessary.

Auchindrain Historic Township is an internationally-significant 22-acre historic site, preserved as a museum since the 1960s. We are an independent charity, but are financially supported by Historic Environment Scotland and work within the wider Scottish museums and heritage sector.

We have recently started an exciting phase of strategic redevelopment, and an opportunity has opened up for someone interested in joining our team as Conservation and Maintenance Supervisor, to lead the small team that cares for the site’s land and buildings.

If you are dynamic, driven and interested in contributing to the preservation of a unique and special historic site, we want to hear from you.

Urras Achadh an Droighinn/The Auchindrain Trust has recently set out a new vision for the future of this unique and internationally-significant historic site. Large-scale and long-term fundraising will be required to implement this, and thanks to a grant awarded to us by Museums Galleries Scotland, we now wish to appoint an experienced person to guide the development of a fundraising strategy. The person appointed will work with Trustees and staff to develop plans and skills, and will provide a longer-term action plan to follow the end of the project.

More information about the museum can be found at auchindrain.org.uk