Vision, goal and mission

Our vision is to be a strong voice for the museums of the Highlands and Islands.

Our goal is to represent and act as an advocate for, as well as offer sustainable support to the museums throughout the Highlands and Islands.

Our mission is to provide a joint platform for the museums of the Highlands and Islands, which will enable opportunities for:

•   facilitating partnerships between museum members
•   developing joint project work
•   producing joint promotion & marketing material
•   providing networking opportunities
•   delivering training / development opportunities
•   sharing knowledge
•   offering advice

The Way Forward

The HIMFis committed to supporting the museums of the Highlands & Islands. In 2006 funding was obtained to appoint a Development Officer to help the forum develop clearer aims and objectives and move forward positively and confidently as a united group of museum members.

Changes have already begun in response to members’ requests. The forum meets regularly to discuss business matters, but it was felt these meetings could be better utilised by offering training and development opportunities. A ‘Bigger and Better’ day was therefore organised on 8^th November at Dornoch council chambers. Guest speakers from South Lanarkshire Museum Service, Taigh Chearsabhagh in Lochmaddy and Highland Council shared their experiences of coordinating inspiring arts and heritage projects that demonstrate just how very well museums are suited to developing creative learning partnerships with diverse community groups.   This ‘Bigger and Better’ meeting proved a huge success and future meetings are planned to follow a similar format; with guest speakers, a visit to the local museum and lunch for those all important networking opportunities.

In response to members’ requests a bi-annual (Spring and Autumn) newsletter has also been established. Members can share experiences, projects and events they are involved in by submitting short articles, which may inspire other members, perhaps spark potential ideas and possibly encourage joint project working. External organisations are also encouraged to submit articles about important news, projects, events and opportunities relevant to the museum community.

Two very positive steps forward in the development of the Highlands & Islands Museums Forum.

If you would like more information about the Highlands & Islands Museums Forum or would like to contribute to the next issue of the newsletter please contact Caroline Leitch, HIMF Development Officer, at carolinemstorey@btinternet.com

See below for a download of the HIMF members.

• Cait McCullagh, former PT Temporary development officer with Highlands and Islands Museum Forum, recently issued the press release below, highlighting the work of the musuem forum and gaining some publicity for its ambitions.