News > Tricia truly a heritage hero
Tricia truly a heritage hero
10/07/2012
A dedicated volunteer who works at the National Trust for Scotland’s Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway has scooped a top UK heritage award.
Tricia Candlish, 46, from Ayr has been named as one of the Art Fund Prize’s Unsung Heroes. She is one of only ten people across the UK to receive this highly prestigious honour which marks the tenth anniversary of the Art Fund Prize.
The award recognises everyday individuals who have made a truly memorable contribution to museums and galleries across the UK.
Tricia has been volunteering at the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum since the beginning of 2011. She carries out a range of roles at the museum from giving guided tours to painting murals for community events. She was nominated by her team-mates at the museum for her tireless contributions and creativity.
Tricia says:
“I am so pleased, honoured, and excited to be given this award. The ceremony at the British Museum really was an amazing experience!”
Tricia’s is the latest in a string of awards secured by the popular museum which aims to bring the life, loves and work of the bard to life for visitors.
Museum Director Nat Edwards said:
“Tricia really deserves this award. Her work for the museum is critical in helping us make a visit to the museum the amazing experience that we know it us. But she’s not alone, every member of our team of staff and volunteers is working hard to make a visit to Alloway the best experience it can be and help everyone take home affection for the place that inspired Burns, as well as a better understanding of the man and his work.”
Penelope, Viscountess Cobham, Chairman of The Museum Prize Trust said:
“In this, the tenth year of the Prize for Museums and Galleries, the Trustees felt it was a timely moment to look at the wonderful achievements of individuals whose tireless commitment makes museums so special, in addition to celebrating the excellent achievements of the institutions themselves.
“Choosing ten heroes from the nominations was unfathomably difficult, given the sheer volume of inspiring, surprising and delightful stories that we read. After much lively discussion we were able to settle on this list of ten brilliantly stalwart personalities who between them represent the rank-and-file of museum professionals and volunteers, without whom the cultural and heritage life of this country would simply cease to function.”
Tricia received her award at an award ceremony in London on 19 June. She also received a National Art Pass and was featured in the Museums Journal as part of her prize.
Along with the Auld Kirk and Brig o’ Doon, the cottage where Burns was born has been combined with the Burns Monument and the new award-winning museum building to form the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum. Generously supported by the Scottish Government and the Heritage Lottery Fund, the museum commemorates the life and works of Robert Burns.
Since opening to the public in December 2010, the museum has welcomed more than half a million visitors and has won a series of accolades including being selected as a finalist for the prestigious Art Fund prize, securing a five star rating from VisitScotland and being named as Horace Broon’s ‘new favourite place in Scotland’.
The award recognises everyday individuals who have made a truly memorable contribution to museums and galleries across the UK.
Tricia has been volunteering at the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum since the beginning of 2011. She carries out a range of roles at the museum from giving guided tours to painting murals for community events. She was nominated by her team-mates at the museum for her tireless contributions and creativity.
Tricia says:
“I am so pleased, honoured, and excited to be given this award. The ceremony at the British Museum really was an amazing experience!”
Tricia’s is the latest in a string of awards secured by the popular museum which aims to bring the life, loves and work of the bard to life for visitors.
Museum Director Nat Edwards said:
“Tricia really deserves this award. Her work for the museum is critical in helping us make a visit to the museum the amazing experience that we know it us. But she’s not alone, every member of our team of staff and volunteers is working hard to make a visit to Alloway the best experience it can be and help everyone take home affection for the place that inspired Burns, as well as a better understanding of the man and his work.”
Penelope, Viscountess Cobham, Chairman of The Museum Prize Trust said:
“In this, the tenth year of the Prize for Museums and Galleries, the Trustees felt it was a timely moment to look at the wonderful achievements of individuals whose tireless commitment makes museums so special, in addition to celebrating the excellent achievements of the institutions themselves.
“Choosing ten heroes from the nominations was unfathomably difficult, given the sheer volume of inspiring, surprising and delightful stories that we read. After much lively discussion we were able to settle on this list of ten brilliantly stalwart personalities who between them represent the rank-and-file of museum professionals and volunteers, without whom the cultural and heritage life of this country would simply cease to function.”
Tricia received her award at an award ceremony in London on 19 June. She also received a National Art Pass and was featured in the Museums Journal as part of her prize.
Along with the Auld Kirk and Brig o’ Doon, the cottage where Burns was born has been combined with the Burns Monument and the new award-winning museum building to form the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum. Generously supported by the Scottish Government and the Heritage Lottery Fund, the museum commemorates the life and works of Robert Burns.
Since opening to the public in December 2010, the museum has welcomed more than half a million visitors and has won a series of accolades including being selected as a finalist for the prestigious Art Fund prize, securing a five star rating from VisitScotland and being named as Horace Broon’s ‘new favourite place in Scotland’.
