Richard Aitken, Senior Conservator
I began working for the Highland Archive Service in 2009 as Senior Conservator after having previously worked for the West Yorkshire Archive Service where I qualified in 1998. In 2010 I was awarded accreditation status and in 2013 I completed a Masters in Preventive Conservation with Northumbria University. I thoroughly enjoy my job at the Highland Archive Service helping look after an extensive collection covering the whole of the Highland region. The daily job can cover a range of tasks, no two days are the same. The way of life is fabulous up here with clean fresh air. I began kayaking once I moved up here and I now have a 3 star in sea kayaking which I enjoy immensely, visiting coves and uninhabited islands and seeing wildlife such as dolphins and seals. I also enjoy a bit of running and cycling.
Carrie Farnell, Conservator
I started working as a Trainee Archive Conservator at the Highland Archive Centre in 2014 and I qualified as a Conservator in 2019 on the Archives and Records Association Conservation training scheme. My main responsibilities are helping with the daily running of the Conservation studio and working on external work. This includes the repair and conservation of old documents such as books, maps, parchment and wax seals. Outside of work I really enjoy running on the local trails, training with the Inverness Harriers (the local running club), wild camping, bouldering and scrambling up Munros!
Grant Begg, Archive Centre Steward
I joined the Highland Archive Service Team in 2013, after having worked initially for the MOD in recovery work and laterally as a security officer with Mitie Total Security Management. At the Highland Archive Centre my duties include looking after the security of the building, dealing with contractors, helping out with the running of the Learning Centre and liaising with staff in all departments. In my spare time I enjoy hill walking and golf and I watch many forms of sport, especially shinty.
Alison Mason, Highland Archivist
I was appointed Highland Archivist in March 2014, having previously worked as an Archivist and Records Manager for Aberdeen City Council, and then latterly as Records Manager for North Lanarkshire Council (Motherwell). I grew up with a love of history, surrounded by a family of historians and story tellers, and discovered my love for archives while an undergraduate of Scots Law and History at the University of Glasgow, spending lots of my study time in the university library special collections. I love the variety of the job, and particularly introducing new audiences to the archive collections, using the stories found within the records to enhance a sense of place, personal and local identity within the Highlands. Having over 10 years of experience working in archives in other parts of Scotland, I was delighted to be lucky enough to be able to return home to the Highlands and carry on working in the field I love, while also accessing archive collections which relate directly to my own heritage, which is a great privilege. In my spare time I enjoy walking in nature, practicing yoga, reading, baking and spending time with my family.
Fiona MacLeod, Senior Archivist
I started work with the Highland Archive Service in October 1992 when there were just two members of staff – myself and the Regional Archivist. Over the years I have seen the Service grow and prosper and was closely involved in setting up the three Area Archive Centres in Wick, Fort William and Portree. I became Senior Archivist in 2008 and am responsible for the collections and delivery of the public service at the Highland Archive Centre. I feel very privileged to do the job I do which is made even more special by the personal connection I have to some of the records we hold. In my spare time I enjoy photography and reading.
Jamie Gaukroger, Am Baile Co-ordinator
I joined the Am Baile team in November 2002, having worked previously for the library service in Edinburgh. I started as a Temporary Metadata Creator and was only supposed to be here in Inverness for the six months prior to the site’s launch! I became Content Co-ordinator in May 2005, a post I held until 2011 when the project became a single-manned operation. I was fortunate enough to be that person and have kept developing the site and its content ever since. When not immersed in historical research and information management I love to watch old movies, read, listen to music and explore the beautiful area I live in.
Anne Fraser, Family Historian
I started work with the Highland Archives in 1997 and subsequently gained a postgraduate qualification in Family and Local History from Dundee University. My role as Family Historian, based in Inverness, includes carrying out in-depth family history research for customers and I especially love compiling their family trees. I think this interest has stemmed from my grandfather who even knew the complete lineage of his sheepdogs and patented his own tartan. I also really enjoy delivering talks, classes, workshops and other outreach events, which promote our marvellous archive collections. These collections helped me achieve the publication of a book in 2014 about the 300 year history of schools on the south side of Loch Ness, where many of my ancestors lived. Out of work, I have just finished a six year stint as the Girls’ Brigade Commissioner for the Highlands; serve on the Clan Chattan Council; love reading and am an active member of my church. I am in the privileged position of having three happily married children, who between them all, have given me eight grand-children, to date! It’s a joy to spend time with my whole family and especially when we escape to our bolt hole in North Uist.
Lorna Steele-McGinn, Community Engagement Officer
I started working as an Archive Assistant at the Highland Archive Centre, Inverness, in October 2014 and was appointed Community Engagement Officer in July 2017. My work background prior to this was in retail and hospitality, but working at the Highland Archive Centre allows me to indulge my love of language and history on a daily basis, and regularly draws on knowledge I gained while doing my English Language MA (Hons) at the University of Edinburgh. I love working with historic documents, deciphering handwriting, uncovering stories and connecting people to the Highlands’ past. Outside work I enjoy reading, travelling and collecting all sorts of things! Our series of short films about the collections, Learn with Lorna, can be viewed on the High Life Highland YouTube channel.
Jennifer Johnstone, Archivist
I joined the Highland Archive Centre as Archivist at the end of April 2018. Previously I have been Assistant Archivist at the University of Dundee, Project Cataloguer at Tate and Archivist at the Royal Opera House. It was at Dundee that I studied and initially began as a volunteer in the University Archives, Records Management and Museum Services whilst an undergraduate. In my role I manage the public facing team of Archive Assistants, welcoming customers into the building and helping them access the collections. My favourite thing about being an archivist is collections management; cataloguing collections and getting them ready for people to explore, alongside ensuring that our unique historic material is being stored and looked after correctly.
Peter Mennie, Assistant Archivist
Having joined Highland Archives in 2009 and worked at its previous location in Inverness Library, I have seen how the advent of the Highland Archive Centre has transformed the provision of the public archive service. As a member of the archive team I work with our historic collections and the public with the aim of bringing the two together in the pursuit of information and knowledge. I have a long-standing interest in Scottish history and enjoy the privilege of being able to use and learn from original source material in the promotion of the value of archives to society.
Sarah Ralph, Archive Assistant
I began working for the Highland Archive Service in January 2019. Prior to this I worked at Inverness Library for nine years, where I developed an interest in the special collections and family history resources held in the reference department. My previous occupations have included software tester, charity shop manager, reviewer for a music ‘fanzine’ and Gaelic tutor. Originally from Edinburgh, I moved to the Highlands in 2002 to get away from the rat-race and the traffic! I had studied German and Dutch at the University of Hull, and so, being a language geek, the move north piqued my interest in learning Gaelic. I also joined a Gaelic choir and competed at the Mòd. I have been a keen runner for a long time, and last year I ran my first marathon. I enjoy reading sci-fi , and I am a huge music fan, listening to anything from reggae to progressive rock.
Alasdair MacDonald, Family Historian and Archive Assistant
I began working at the Highland Archive Centre as an Archive Assistant in 2017. Originally from the Black Isle, I moved to Edinburgh to study Sound Production. While living in the capital, a keen interest in history developed into a fascination with exploring my family tree. That led me to do some genealogy courses, and I jumped at the opportunity to relocate back to the Highlands when I was offered a job here. After spending several years as an understudy to Anne Fraser, I started a new role as a Family Historian in 2025. It is a privilege to sit down with so many friendly people and explore their family tree with them, doing something I love for a living. Outside of work, I enjoy all aspects of music – collecting vinyl, playing instruments, and attending gigs and festivals. I also like to be outdoors as much as possible, hill walking, cycling, and playing football.
Kirsteen Meiklejohn, Archive Assistant
I began working at the Highland Archive Centre in February 2025 as an Archive Assistant, having previously volunteered here while I was at school as a High Life Highland Young Leader. I have always been interested in history and working with archives, and I studied Anthropology and History at the University of Aberdeen. In my spare time, I’m usually working on my own historical research, collecting antique poetry books, and occasionally climbing mountains.
Sophie Fraser-Dickson
I joined the Highland Archive Centre as an Archive Assistant in January 2026. After studying art history and modern history at the University of St Andrews, I began volunteering at the archives. It is through volunteering that I discovered my interest in archive collections, which I further indulged in through a research placement at the Bodleian Libraries and an MSc at the University of Edinburgh. I have always found Highland history captivating and enjoy facilitating access to our heritage. These interests extend to my daily life, and if I’m not working on my own historical research, I am doing something arty or baking.
Laura MacCalman, Digital Archivist
I started working as a Trainee Digital Archivist at Highland Archive Centre in February 2022 and graduated with a PgDip in Archives and Records Management in November 2024. I have real passion for history and heritage and have worked in the cultural heritage sector for several years. I began my career as a field archaeologist before moving into museums where I worked as a curator caring for social and industrial history, decorative arts, and military collections in Clydebank and Inverness-shire. I enjoy discovering what mysteries the archives hold as well as contributing to the preservation of records in our ever-increasing digital world. Out of work, I enjoy walking in the stunning local countryside with my dog, doing arts and crafts, and visiting friends and family in Inverness and Glasgow.
Rachel McLean, Records Manager
I started working at the Highland Archive Centre in February 2022 as a Records Assistant and became the Trainee Records Officer later that year. In 2025, I moved into the Records Manager post after obtaining a qualification in Archives and Records Management. I’m looking forward to continuing to develop professionally within the sector. Outside of work you’ll find me at my pottery wheel, stuck in a book, or cooking something (hopefully) delicious.
Paul Ellison, Records Assistant
I began working at the Highland Archive Centre in March 2024 as Records Assistant, having previously worked in Archives and Records Management at the University of the Highlands and Islands. As a history and politics graduate, I love working with archives and maintaining access to the vital records for the Highland Council region. Another love of mine is the Highlands, so the opportunity to travel to the various satellite Archive Office locations throughout the Highlands is a definite bonus and positive to my role. Outside of work, I adore playing with my grandson, and I also love getting out into the outdoors with my wife and our border collie dog, Archer, exploring the many wonderful beaches, forests, glens and hills in our area. I also follow the downs and very occasional ups of my hometown football team, Bolton Wanderers, and enjoy music, films and books (when I have the time!).
Rory Green, Archivist, Lochaber Archive Centre
I joined the Highland Archive Service in 2021 as a Trainee Archivist, undertaking two years postgraduate study in Archives and Records Management at the University of Dundee. Now a fully qualified Archivist, I am honoured to care for and facilitate access to the amazing archives we hold and that tell Lochaber’s fascinating history. Having grown up in Lochaber – I feel a particular sense of privilege. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, writing, shinty, and playing and listening to music.
Catherine MacPhee, Archivist
I joined the Highland Archive Service in 2019 as a Trainee Archivist, qualifying in 2021 on the Archives and Records Management course at Dundee University. I am from the Isle of Skye and enjoy my role as the Archivist at the Skye and Lochalsh Archive Centre. Having grown up in Skye I feel a deep connection to the island and the importance of tradition bearing. I have a passion for improving our communities with the use of culture and heritage to make an impactful change. Coming from a family of tradition bearers I hope to share some powerful stories of the area to learn from the past, creating a positive future for the Highlands and Islands.
I am involved in a range of community-based cultural initiatives across Skye and Lochalsh. Programming events, workshops and collaborating with artists, researchers, and communities, to both learn from the history of the area and reimagine its future. Remaining passionate about helping communities discover ways to make impactful change on issues relating to social injustices, climate, and land rights by reconnecting them with their culture and heritage.
Anne Beaton, Archive Assistant
I started working as an Archive Assistant in August 2019. Originally from Elgol on the Isle of Skye, I have always had a keen interest in our history and heritage. Working with our Archives I really appreciate what a fabulous resource we have here on the Isle of Skye and love to share them with everyone, discovering something new every single day.
In my spare time I love listening to all kinds of music, travelling and exploring the Island with my grandchildren.
Donate to our Archives
The Archive Service preserves, conserves and makes accessible over 700 years of Highland history. There is no charge to visit our Archive Centres and access the collections we hold, but High Life Highland is a charity and we rely on your donations.
