Researching the area around the Inner Forth can prove fascinating, as volunteers and staff recall:
Vol Quote, Ian Middleton:
I have been volunteering as a local history researcher and writer for over five years in total. My most recent study was focused on historic trade up to c.1800 on the River Forth at Alloa. It was part of the Forth Crossings project, run by the Inner Forth Landscape Initiative. I undertook this work on my own and was mentored throughout by Dr Kirsty McAlister.
I knew next to nothing about the subject when I began. A wide variety of historical sources were identified during the project, both by me and with help from Dr McAlister and others. My main tasks were to read all of the material found; to extract, analyse and interpret the relevant information; and to consolidate it all into an essay, along with any conclusions drawn during the study. It was challenging, but interesting work. I learned a great deal about the subject and gained some new skills in the process. I found ways to motivate myself and manage a flexible workload, whilst living with a longstanding mental health condition. I gained new computing skills and learned how to break a large topic into manageable amounts of work. I hope that I have picked up some aspects of good practice in conducting historical research. I met other people who were engaged in similar work, having been very isolated for some time prior to volunteering. Most of all, I improved my ability to write from factual sources.
My health was affected by stresses at home during the project, and this forced me to pause working at times. I was determined, however, to complete the essay and make a success of it. I enjoyed working on the project and have a sense of achievement from my involvement.
Staff Quote, Kirsty McAlister, IFLI Cultural Heritage Officer:’ This year, a volunteer led piece of original historical research into Alloa’s smuggling and trading heritage in the 18th century was the inspiration behind a play commissioned from the Walking Theatre Company and shown during the Inner Forth Festival in September. You never know what unravelling the fascinating history of trading on the Forth or coal mining in the area will lead to!’
Role Information: Although most likely working alone, you will benefit from the support of the IFLI team's Cultural Heritage Officer. By arrangement you will be able to borrow IFLI resources such as books and recording equipment. With a guaranteed invitation to IFLI volunteer get-togethers you will have the chance to meet a range of fantastic people, all making a difference to the Inner Forth area by helping to conserve, enhance and share the natural, built and cultural heritage of this fantastic and diverse landscape. The Inner Forth Landscape Initiative is funded by the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund and is supported by RSPB Scotland as lead partner.