The Fossoway District has six villages which have developed at different times – Carnbo and the north of the area with hill farming and crofting, Crook of Devon with the development of mills along the river and Blairingone with its coal for blacksmiths and then mining. The areas’ location meant it had drove roads crossing through it, the cattle market in Crook of Devon, and the ‘butter road’ carrying dairy produce from the monks at Culross to the palace at Scone. Perhaps most notoriously the area is associated with the largest Witch Trials in Scotland (1662)
Research and Oral Historian Role
Fossoway Community Development Trust Ltd (FCDT) are seeking a freelance Research and Oral Historian to provide support to our Heritage Project.
Research and Oral Historian will be responsible for planning, conducting, and documenting interviews with local residents or groups to capture personal memories and knowledge that contribute to local heritage. This includes:
Services
Designing oral history projects: Developing research questions, selecting participants, and preparing interview protocols.
Recording and transcribing: Using audio equipment to document interviews accurately, followed by transcription and editing.
Analysing and interpreting: Identifying themes, patterns, and cultural insights from collected narratives to contribute to research, exhibitions and publications for each of the six villages
Archiving and preservation: Ensuring that oral histories are stored and made accessible for future research in partnership with the FCDT
Collaboration: The Research and Oral Historian will respond to research inquiries from the FCDT Heritage Trail Working Group and prepare historical materials for the FCDT website and exhibitions. The Research and Oral Historian will engage with Kinross Museum, Perth Museum and local scholars to raise the visibility of the FCDT Heritage Project. Present talks to FCDT members, the public, and visiting groups as needed.
Key Skills and Experience
Familiarity with resources available for related research. Understanding of primary source research, both in archives and online.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent writing skills.
Highly organized; exceptional time management skills; deadline-oriented; strong attention to detail.
Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations and audiences. Excellent Microsoft Office or equivalent skills.
Outcomes
Presentation of findings to local residents and FCDT Directors and Members
Compilation of local heritage text for booklets for each of the six villages
Terms
The Contractor shall provide services (8 days a month) to FCDT from the 1st October 2026 to 31st March 2027 (“the Term”). Subject to receipt of additional funding the Contractor shall continue to provide services until December 2027.
Payment
The Contractor shall be reimbursed at a rate of £300 per day.
Application
Please send CV and cover letter detailing why this contract is of interest to you to info@fossowaytrust.com by 10th August.
Interviews will be week commencing 17th August 2026.