"This seems to be a very effective way of interpreting the traditional crafts – what better way than to see a skilled practitioner at work, seeing not only the finished product but also the process? The chance to see water powered machinery in operation and craftspeople in action can explain and engage more than the best static interpretation board or label." Joanna Macrae, NMS    more »

"The overwhelming impression of the visit has been of dedicated, enthusiastic people battling against bureaucracy , lack of money and resources to protect, conserve and display their heritage. Many of their problems are universal, for example, the best artefacts going to the big museums rather than staying in the local ones, black market in antiquities and unfair allocation of funds." Sue Sharp, Alston potter    more »

The author of this report is Chairman of the Dunfermline Heritage Community Projects organisation. This group was formed to research and publish local history and heritage related to Dunfermline. It also acts in an advisory role to the local and regional councils with regard to local museums and liaises with government organisations such as Historic Scotland and the Royal Commission for Ancient & Historical Monuments of Scotland. The city museum in Dunfermline has been closed for many years – funding being one of the major issues – but an application had been made for lottery funding to match the £6 million to be made available by the council for a new museum. Unfortunately this grant application was turned down. The main purpose of the trip for the author was to find out how Bulgarian museums were funded and run to see what could be learned and brought back to Scotland to help continue the fight to set up and successfully operate a new community museum. This report therefore concentrates on the museums and their contents and finances. However, the author made copious notes and took well over 100 photographs over the week’s visits and the plan is to do an extended presentation in September on the museums, customs etc of Bulgaria and relate them to the history and heritage of Scotland at both national and local levels. This presentation is to be done in the local heritage centre in Dunfermline, Abbot House. More information on the author’s organisation and its role in the heritage scene in Dunfermlne can be found at www.dunfermlineheritage.org    more »

Personal Highlights. The palimpsest of history that is Sofia. Chancing upon a gold-crested temple or monastery glanced through the trees. The friendliness and enthusiasm of the museum staff The multiple income streams at Etara Ethnographic Museum The folk dancing and play at Etara Yogurt with walnuts and honey Kamenetsa Lager The helicopter gunship at the National History Museum The story of Bulgarian Icons, Dryanova The proliferation of monuments The museum of Humour and Surrealism, Gabrovo Huge Empty factories, Gabrovo Guessing what the view was like at Shipka Pass Bulgaria is a fascinating country, with beautiful scenery, a fascinating history and a great many sites of cultural heritage. I would like to come and work there for a period, but would also delight in taking my family, though probably to the Black Sea coast, at least initially.    more »

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Schedule for Study Trip IN CENTRAL STARA PLANINA REGION - BULGARIA   more »