"Two things really stood out for me at Tervete: one was the interpretation boards on the nature trail which were beautifully hand-painted in a bright, fun and engaging way for families and children but also accurate representations of the trees, fungi, flowers and animals of the forest. The second thing that really stood out was the “King of the Forest Rules” this is a document which the children sign out in the forest in front of a wooden sculpture of the king, the rules include not picking wildflowers and other ways to respect nature but also include some fun elements such as references to fairies and gnomes. " Lyndsey Clark,  National Museums Scotland

Tervete nature Park

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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 »

Outline for The National Natural History Museum and the Environmental Guides programme in Latvia 6th - 13th June 2009    more »

ICHI Programme for Iceland 2009 22nd – 29th of June   more »

Participants on the Slovakian ICHI3  Exchange programme are invited to fully take part in Slovakian Easter traditions. The programme will take place in the Eastern most part of the country and will offer an insight into the culture, traditions and ceremony's which take place throughout the Easter period. There is also scope to investigate how a country can sustain tourist development, with religion remaining a strong focus.

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

Please remember that the dates might change a little according to the availibility of flights.

Slovakia      7th -15th April.                  Full

Bulgaria      10th - 17th April.               Full

Latvia           06th -13th June                Full

Iceland         22nd - 29th June.             Full

Participants on the Slovakian ICHI3 Exchange programme 2009 are invited to fully take part in Slovakian Easter traditions. The programme will take place in the Eastern most part of the country and will offer an insight into the culture, traditions and ceremony's which take place throughout the Easter period. There is also scope to investigate how a country can sustain tourist development, with religion remaining a strong focus.    more »