DunNET Head Educational Trust

Dunnet Head is important in environmental terms as it includes a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI); in wildlife terms because of the wealth of birdlife, deer and other species resident on the Head; in terms of climatic change and its impact on the environment. It is important historically because of the remains of the WWII radar station and the lighthouse built by Robert Stevenson; geologically because of the volcanic vent in Brough Bay and the geological fault going through the property which is used as the base for the Trust which is, in itself, an historical site due to its previous life as the village shop, post office, telephone exchange and inn; geographically because of its location as the most northerly point of mainland Scotland, and even more north than Moscow and parts of Alaska.

The Trust’s main concern at the moment is to obtain funding to operate the information centre in 2004. Information is currently available via the information box across the road from the centre, together with a map of the immediate area showing points of interest. There are also a number of information packs in the box mounted on the Information Shelter.

The pilot of the manned information centre project was run in 2003 with funds from Leader+ and the Highland Council. The pilot was to test the viability of an information centre at Dunnet Head. It met its success criteria and had around 1200 visitors. The focus was on the facilities and the geology, geography, history, environment, flora and fauna of Dunnet Head and its immediate environs. The centre provides a central point for educational resources where people can reference materials specific to the area. The base of the project was the former village shop, post office, inn, telephone exchange, and, more recently, the restaurant.

Attendance at Wick Heritage Fair – many thanks to all those who showed an interest in the work of the Trust and who signed the visitors book.

Attendance at the following SNH courses and conferences with the aims of enhancing the Trust’s knowledge and for networking with other bodies with similar aims:

Visitor Attractions seminar in Battleby on 30th September and 1st October 2003. It was most informative and gave several ideas of what other activities could be carried out at the centre.

Two talks took place at the IP, one from Dr. Stuart Gibb, Environmental Research Institute (ERI) in Castle Street, Thurso, and the other from Colin Gregory, Dounreay. Stuart described the role of the ERI and its work and can be contacted on Stuart.Gibb@thurso.uhi.ac.uk for further information or see further information at http://www.erionline.

Colin outlined the history of the Dounreay plant, its impact on the local economy, and the Site Restoration Plan (DSRP). See further information at http://www.ukaea.org.

The Trust plan to expand their activities by not only providing information but also by organising tours, having a seal watching point, upgrading pathworks, providing an access path to the information shelter, publishing quarterly newsletters, information provision electronically via a web site, by providing a repository of local and current information, by developing a local and natural history project, archiving photographs, by launching exhibitions and operation of the centre which is open to the public, by providing a venue for local meetings, and networking evenings. The Trust has several ongoing projects:

The Information Centre will be manned (subject to funding) and open daily from April to October The Centre is located in the crofting township of Brough and is housed in the premises which has served the community in former times as village shop, post office, telephone exchange and inn.

The Centre provides information and reference material relating to the history and natural environment of Dunnet Head and the Parish of Dunnet; maintains a photographic archive of the area; maintains an archive of historical material relating to the Second World War radar and radio stations on Dunnet Head; provides refreshments to visitors; publishes quarterly newsletters which are widely distributed; issues permits on behalf of the Dunnet Head Fishing Club; provides a venue for community meetings and events; maintains a website at http://www.dunnethead.com for electronic information provision; provides an email station and internet access; arranges evening talks and networking events and mounts exhibitions relating to the activities of the Centre.

Consisting of a poster cabinet under a weather canopy the Information Shelter enables visitors to access information on Dunnet Head when the IP is closed. It also serves as a community notice board. There is a large scale map in the information shelter, which shows the extent of the SSSI and a few points of interest with photos.

During 2004 access to the information shelter (currently over grass) will be improved by installing a hard path.

To collect, record, store and make freely available to the public, information relating to Dunnet Head and the Parish of Dunnet. It is the aim of Dunnet Head Information Point to effectively serve the needs of all visitors/tourists to this most northern point of the British Mainland whatever their age or interest may be. For example, information will pertain to :

* People –interviews with older residents to record how life was lived in days gone by
* Dwelling types - modern and historical
* Cultural changes
* Places – Buildings/ Remains/Lighthouse
* Events – WWII
* Area Geology – Brough fault
* Ecology – Soil types and climatic zones
* Plants –Indigenous / Non Indigenous
* Animals/ Birds/ Fish – Domestic and wild
* Fresh and salt water habitats

As part of the Local History Project a library of digitised images and recordings will be built to help visitors appreciate this sub alpine area of outstanding beauty.

An existing footpath will be refurbished and a viewing stance established close to the Information Centre car park

Feasibility studies will be carried out for the following projects which are intended for implementation in 2005:

* Angling facility for disabled people
* Environmental courses
* Use of Brough Bay for environmental projects
* Guided tours
aimed at specific aspects of the heritage and natural history of the area.

The trustees shall hold the trust estate to advance the education and knowledge of the public in respect of the environment of Dunnet Head, Caithness and its immediate environs, as also its history, wildlife, flora and fauna. In furtherance thereof, but not otherwise, the Trust shall seek:

1. To operate an information centre at Dunnet Head.
2. To supply ( whether for free, by sale or on loan) leaflets, books, periodicals or other publications dealing with Dunnet Head, to any person.
3. To produce, or contribute to the production of, leaflets, articles, websites, books periodicals, or other publications, or television, radio or other media features dealing with Dunnet Head.
4. To operate or contribute to the operation of, guided tours of Dunnet Head or any part or feature thereof.
5. To obtain the fullest public access to Dunnet Head or any part or feature thereof, subject to such safeguards as may be desirable to protect the natural and man-made environment, the wildlife, flora and fauna, the property of residents or properties of the area, and the safety of visitors; and in furtherance of this to enter into agreements with proprietors and others in respect of installation and/or maintenance of paths, roads, fences, gates, stiles, signposts, shelters and any other building, structure or item which may provide or improve such access or safeguards.
6. To employ, or contract with, any person, business or body to carry out specific jobs or tasks towards the aims of the Trust as herein declared.

If you would like to support the Trust in its work, please send a donation made payable to Dunnet Head Educational Trust. You will receive a copy of the quarterly newsletter of activities. We may have specific projects you may be interested in supporting. The Information Point must become self sustaining and funds raised will be spent on employing and training local persons to operate the centre and ongoing management of it.