“What can I say – we have worked alongside colleagues at Interface since 2019 with over 20 different projects under our belt. Each project has sharpened and nudged us forward. This genuine relationship has also led to a long‑term partnership with UWS and connections with multiple universities. From immersive tech to engineering, sustainability and now social robotics, Interface has helped us open ourselves up to fresh, innovative thinking with real impact. It’s a win‑win‑win.”
Mike Benson, Director, The Scottish Crannog Centre

Background

The Scottish Crannog Centre, located on Loch Tay in Perthshire, is an award‑winning museum and living history site dedicated to caring for, researching and sharing the stories of Scotland’s Iron Age crannogs. Through reconstructed dwellings, experimental archaeology, traditional crafts and immersive interpretation, the Centre brings to life how people lived, built and engineered over water some 2,500 years ago.

Since the original Interface‑supported project, the organisation has undergone a period of profound change. Following the devastating fire in 2021, the Centre relocated to a larger, better‑situated site at Dalerb on Loch Tay. This move accelerated its transformation from a successful but ageing visitor attraction into a values‑driven, museum‑focused organisation with social justice, sustainability and community at its heart. The Centre has since more than tripled its income, doubled staff numbers and embarked on a £6m redevelopment programme, including the construction of a new, full‑scale crannog using predominantly Iron Age techniques and materials.

All of this growth has been underpinned by long‑term collaboration with universities across Scotland, brokered and supported by Interface.

The Challenge

As the Centre evolved, it faced multiple, interconnected challenges:

• Modernising interpretation and exhibitions while retaining the authenticity and emotional power of hands‑on, outdoor heritage.
• Demonstrating the sophisticated engineering, sustainability and ingenuity of Iron Age building techniques in ways that are accessible to diverse audiences.
• Embedding social impact, community participation and sustainability into the DNA of a new national museum.
• Rebuilding resilience, capacity and confidence following the loss of the original crannog.

Meeting these challenges required specialist academic expertise, fresh perspectives and the capacity to experiment – resources that are difficult for a small cultural charity to access alone.

The Journey and Interface’s Role

Interface has played a sustained, strategic role since 2019, acting as a trusted connector between the Scottish Crannog Centre and academic expertise. Innovation Engagement Executive Lorna Watson worked closely with Director Mike Benson and the wider team to understand evolving ambitions and identify the right academic partners at each stage of development.

Rather than a single intervention, Interface enabled a portfolio of collaborations that grew alongside the organisation, spanning technology, engineering, design, sustainability, social impact, marketing and robotics. Over 20 projects have now been delivered, many supported by Scottish Funding Council Innovation Vouchers and follow‑on funding.

Key Collaborations and Developments

Immersive Technology and Interpretation (University of the West of Scotland)

The original Innovation Voucher project with UWS laid the foundations for a step‑change in interpretation. It delivered:

• A feasibility study for immersive and mixed‑reality heritage experiences.
• Designs for augmented exhibition spaces.
• Prototype VR and mobile‑based experiences.

These outputs informed the creation of a new gallery and continue to shape the Centre’s approach to storytelling, helping collections to “sing” to different audiences. The partnership has since expanded to include branding, marketing, student placements, VR development and sustainability‑focused projects, forming a long‑term strategic relationship.

Artefacts, Design and Creative Media (UWS & UHI)

Follow‑on projects that brought unseen artefacts to life and enhanced The Crannog brand include:

• A 3D printed replica of a rare Iron Age musical instrument bridge that visitors can handle.
• A student‑designed comic book aimed at educating children on Iron Age Scotland, the artefacts found on the excavation site and how they relate to life in 500BC. An authentic and meaningful project, the comic book is still sold in the centre today and the storyline drives the puppet show delivered to families throughout the season offering a great way to engage with younger audiences.  
• An important piece of work involved the rebranding of The Crannog prior to the launch of the new site in 2025 following a £6 million development.  Ewan Smith, a design student with UHI Perth developed the branding, delivered workshops to staff and volunteers, tested and honed the design coming up with the complete branding both physical and online for the opening of the new site at Dalerb. 

Engineering the Iron Age (Heriot‑Watt University)

As part of the move to Dalerb, Interface connected the Centre with Heriot‑Watt University engineering students to explore the structural ingenuity of crannog construction. Working alongside craftspeople, archaeologists and engineers, students designed interactive model crannogs made from sustainable materials reclaimed from the main build.

These hands‑on models, launched in spring 2025, allow visitors to experiment with forces, stability and construction strategies, translating Iron Age engineering into playful, contemporary learning. For students, the collaboration reframed engineering beyond industrial contexts, highlighting sustainability, logic and longevity.

Measuring Social Impact and Sustainability (University of Glasgow)

A 2023/24 student placement focused on articulating the Centre’s societal impact. This work examined:

• Mentoring and work experience for local young people with additional support needs.
• Partnerships with organisations such as Glasgow Association for Mental Health, Maryhill Integration Network and UNESCO Refugee Integration through Languages and the Arts.
• The Centre’s four pillars of sustainability: people, partnerships, place and landscape.

The project helped evidence a sustainable museum model based on growing materials, skills, partners and audiences, supporting award submissions and future funding.

Film, Storytelling and the Rebuild (Edinburgh Napier University)

A filming placement documented the reconstruction of the new crannog, capturing traditional skills, community participation and the ambition to create a national museum with activism and inclusion at its core. This content supports interpretation, fundraising and digital engagement.

Looking Ahead: Social Robotics (University of Glasgow, 2026)

The next phase of innovation will explore human‑centred social robotics. In a co‑design research partnership, researchers will work with staff and visitors to prototype robots that enhance public engagement, for example, supporting tours or multilingual interpretation while reflecting the Centre’s values of inclusivity and care.

Impacts on the Organisation and Community

Organisational Growth and Resilience

• More than tripled income and doubled staff since relocation.
• Strengthened brand identity and national profile.
• Increased capacity to attract funding and deliver complex capital projects.

Innovation and Visitor Experience

• New galleries, interactive models, VR and tactile exhibits.
• Interpretation that connects ancient engineering, sustainability and contemporary challenges.

Community and Social Impact

• Deepened engagement with local communities, refugees, mental health organisations and young people with additional support needs.
• A co‑created museum shaped by “a thousand fingerprints and voices”.

Skills, Learning and Talent Pipeline

• Real‑world learning opportunities for students across engineering, design, media, computing and social sciences.
• A two‑way exchange where academic insight and lived heritage practice inform one another.

Academic Benefits

Academic partners have gained access to a rich, real‑world testbed for applied research and teaching. Students engage with authentic challenges, while universities strengthen their civic mission and visibility. Relationships have extended into advisory roles, placements, curriculum enrichment and long‑term research collaborations.

Moving Forward

The Scottish Crannog Centre demonstrates how sustained academic collaboration – enabled by Interface – can transform a small heritage organisation into a resilient, innovative, community‑centred national museum. Geography has proven no barrier to excellence; instead, partnership, curiosity and shared values have driven growth, impact and ambition far beyond the loch shore.

Join the 2025 Women in Tourism conference at the EICC in Edinburgh on Friday 21 March for an afternoon of inspirational speakers, panel discussions and networking.

The conference will discuss a range of topics such as tourism as a career of choice, leadership in a changing world, innovation and resilience, and the power of your networks. The day will begin at 12:00 with a networking lunch, followed by a range of inspiring and thought-provoking sessions, before the day concludes with a networking drinks reception.

Speakers include:

• Julie Grieve, Founder & Chair
• Julie Pearson, Head of Events, Glasgow Life
• Kate Nicholls OBE, CEO, UKHospitality
• Kelly Johnstone, COO, Springboard
• Lauren Robertson, Director of Marketing, W Edinburgh
• Lesley Judge, Strategic Programmes Executive, Interface
• Louise Clelland, Customer Services, Royal Yacht Britannia
• Rosemary McLennan, Managing Director, Scottish PA Network
• Sheila Gilmore, CEO, VisitArran
• Shona McCarthy Chief Executive, Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society
• Synden Grieve, Program Manager, Expedia Group
• Vicki Miller, CEO, VisitScotland
• Victoria Erasmus, Owner, Glen Mhor Hotel & Uile-bheist Distillery

AGENDA FOR CONFERENCE:

12.00 pm Registration, networking and lunch

1.30 pm Welcome from conference host Amanda Wrathall (EICC)

1.45 pm Keynote speaker: Kate Nicholls OBE, UKHospitality

2.15 pm Panel discussion – innovation and resilience

2.45 pm Panel discussion – work/life balance and ‘doing it all’

3.15 pm Coffee break + networking

3.45 pm Panel discussion – tourism as a career of choice

4.15 pm Panel discussion – Leadership in a changing world

4.45 pm Panel discussion – The power of your networks: 10 years of WIT

5.30 pm Closing remarks followed by evening drinks reception in Platform 5

7.30 pm Close of conference

Lesley Judge, Strategic Programmes Executive, at Interface will participate in the power of your networks panel discussion.

Join ASVA, (Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions) on 14th November at Perth Concert Hall for their annual conference – a day packed with insights, advice and unparalleled networking opportunities bringing together leading voices and experts from within the visitor attractions and wider tourism sector to share best practices, explore innovative approaches in technology, sustainability, and community engagement. Dive into topics like collaboration, inclusion, and accessibility, enhancing your knowledge and helping you navigate the challenges and opportunities in today’s dynamic tourism landscape.

The agenda features speaker presentations, panel sessions and ample opportunities to catch up with colleagues and forge new connections.

Join Louise Arnold, Interface and Stephen Preston, St Giles Cathedral for a session on In-Spire-Ing Innovative Collaborations and New Audiences.

This Conference will bring together everyone interested in the development of agritourism in Scotland.

It will be a great chance to get together, network and build relationships.

The conference is set to welcome:

• existing agritourism business owners
• farmers and crofters considering agritourism or just keen to find out more
• tourism, hospitality and food and drink businesses keen to benefit from the growth of agritourism in Scotland
• professionals and suppliers to the sector
• industry representatives from across agriculture, tourism destinations, the public sector and academia

Both members of Scottish Agritourism and non-members are welcome. Anyone booking with a non-members ticket who decides to join Scottish Agritourism before or during the Conference will have the difference in their ticket money refunded.

Highlights will include:

• Building Great Teams – Beata Winiarska, Forest Farm Dairy, Anna & Richard, Lindores & Sarah Heward, The Real Food Cafe.
• Innovation – Jillian McEwan, Lunan Bay Farm, Tom Lewis, Monachyle Mhor, Katrina Reynolds, Allanton Inn, & Rob Bebbington, Alderford.
• International session – Marijke Dunselman, Agritourism New Zealand & Pandurang Taware, Agritourism India
• Insight Session, Vicki Miller, Visit Scotland and Amanda Brown, Scotland Food & Drink
• Focus on Scotland’s Agritourism Strategy and upcoming World Agritourism Conference
• Annual Sector Dinner

For more information on the Scottish Agritourism Conference

Sustainability Insights Live: Is it possible to balance growth with sustainable tourism?

Hosted by the School of Social & Environmental Sustainability, University of Glasgow, this live in-conversation event will delve into the complex issue of overtourism in Scotland, the UK, and Europe, and the shift towards sustainable tourism models. A panel of experts will provide different perspectives on how to balance tourism growth with environmental and social sustainability, discussing both theoretical questions and practical solutions. Discover the role tourists can play in promoting sustainability, and the challenges this presents for growth.

The expert panel includes:

Dr Anna de Jong : Senior Lecturer in Tourism at the University of Glasgow, and Director of Research within the School of Social & Environmental Sustainability.

Professor Sandro Carnicelli : Professor of Tourism and Leisure Studies and the Deputy Director of the Centre for Culture, Sport, and Events (CCSE) at the University of the West of Scotland.

Lesley Judge: Strategic Programmes Executive at Interface with over two decades experience in working within the tourism sector, works with organisations to build strategic partnerships between industry and academia, and help organisations to innovate.

Amy McCreadie Outreach and External Engagement Co-ordinator for the School of Social & Environmental Sustainability will moderate the event which will take place at the University of Glasgow’s Dumfries Campus.

Redefining hospitality through a culture of innovation, sustainability and embracing diversity, equality and inclusion

Background

Glen Mhor, a hospitality business based in Inverness, is committed to redefining hospitality by fostering a culture of sustainability, green energy innovation, improved mental health and wellbeing, and embracing diversity, equality, and inclusion.
In 2006, Jon and Victoria Erasmus bought the Glen Mhor Hotel, and have since expanded by purchasing neighbouring buildings converting them into hotel accommodation and apartments. They have also built a low carbon Brewery and Distillery within the grounds of the hotel.
In 2022, they opened their river water source energy centre to decarbonise the hotel’s heating and hot water system. Through the construction of groundwater boreholes and the use of water source heat pumps, there is only one building left to connect in 2024 to see the business entirely gas free. This water source energy centre is the first of its kind in Scotland.
Their mission is to provide an exceptional guest experience whilst leaving a positive impact on the planet and community.

Challenges

Jon and Victoria were keen to explore two distinct areas of their business which they recognised would require external expertise.
The first, to develop a robust, evidence-based methodology for assessing and monitoring the new water source energy centre. As this is the first of its kind there is no data available to study the usage and contrast of how this compares from the old gas systems.
The second challenge focussed on their workforce and the adoption and integration of new workforce processes and practices to enable inclusive workforce onboarding and practices to support neurodiverse staff.

Solution – energy centre

Interface connected Glen Mhor to the School of Engineering, Computing and the Built Environment at Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) who have expertise in the area of energy management, carbon assessment and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). Professor Jim Baird undertook a detailed assessment of the metered energy systems and costs to develop an economic model for the hotel. The system analysis will also determine the amount of carbon emissions saved through the implementation of the energy centre.
This project was funded through a Standard Innovation Voucher designed to support the development of a new product, process, or service for a company.

Solution – workforce

Interface identified expertise at Edinburgh College from lecturer LizAnn Francis and Student Services Officer Rachel Robinson. Through this partnership, Glen Mhor and Edinburgh College devised a new recruitment policy and inclusive job advert template – both of which prioritise inclusivity, offering a sensory-friendly experience from application to employment.
This project was funded through a Workplace Innovation Voucher designed to develop a company’s internal workforce, including new or enhanced workplace processes, innovative workplace practices, or innovative business expertise.

Business Benefits

• Sharing best practices and looking at ways to future proof and develop its green vision further is core to Glen Mhor’s mission.
• Following the project with GCU Glen Mhor fully realise the benefits of their energy centre investment and are well placed to promote the project as best practice to the wider Scottish community.
• They have safeguarded and created jobs, increased turnover and reduced costs.
• For their work with Edinburgh College, early benefits include tailored support for job applicants and improved staff retention using health passports.
• Looking ahead, societal impacts are expected to include a more inclusive work environment, increased job satisfaction, and meaningful employment for neurodivergent individuals and those facing mental health issues.

University and College Benefits

• The project has offered Edinburgh College a greater understanding of workplace requirements to support neurodivergent people, mental health and disability employment. The cross collaboration within the college between the commercial department and the college student services provided real insight and practical solutions to what is normally theoretical HR policy.
• For Glasgow Caledonian University, their project has provided an opportunity to gain insight into the economics of transitioning low carbon solutions for heating commercial properties. It is hoped that further analysis can take place as more data is collected from the new system.

The South of Scotland Destination Alliance Conference is the key annual gathering for tourism and hospitality in the South of Scotland.

The 2024 Conference will hold special significance as it will officially launch, and bring alive, the South of Scotland Responsible Tourism Strategy, which will underpin all work, by all agencies, over the coming decade 2024-2034.

Hear from Richard Lochead, Minister for Innovation, Tourism & Trade and inspirational speaker Bruce Fummey, Scottish comedian, tour guide and Burns aficionado.

The conference will explore through facilitated small group sessions and breakouts the four strands of the Responsibile Tourism Strategy to inspire visitors to come to the South of Scotland, to develop the visitor experience with a focus on quality, to support businesses to succeed and act responsibly for long term collective benefit.

For more information and to book your tickets go here.

Join Visit Moray Speyside for the first collaboration event with Moray Climate Action Network [Moray CAN] to hear from speakers about sustainable tourism.

This event aims to highlight the significance of sustainable tourism practices, shedding light on how collective efforts can contribute to preserving the beauty of Moray.

The event will feature The Cabrach Trust, Duffus Estate, Threaplands Garden Centre, InKeith and Strathisla and WDC Scottish Dolphin Centre who are all dedicated to being a sustainable business/organisation. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the conversation and learn how you can contribute to responsible tourism while enjoying the best that Moray has to offer.

This event is delivered in partnership with the National Trust for Scotland and it is aimed at businesses and organisations within the Highland and Islands tourism sector only.

Join this interactive day-event focussed on the critical issues and opportunities shaping the landscape of the Highland & Islands Tourism sector.

Hear real stories from peers, on staff retention, attraction and innovation. With a mix of case studies, panel discussion and workshops we will touch on topics that will help your business to stay competitive.

Don’t miss the chance to be part of a solution-focused conversation, and join a day of learning, inspiration and networking.

Agenda of the event and speakers will be announced soon.