Gift inspires Strathnaver museum to ask members of the public to celebrate their local heroes by making plaque tributes
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The gift of a historic plaque has inspired a Sutherland museum to ask the public to help it celebrate modern day ‘local heroes’ in the Far North.
Strathnaver Museum has just taken delivery of the plaque, gifted by Australian author Mary Garden, whose grandfather Robert Garden was the original owner.
A wealthy trader, he opened a string of shops including a store in Tongue which was taken over by the Burr family in the 1930s.
He was presented with the handsome plaque, or illuminated address, in 1908 for his work in establishing delivery and transport services to connect communities across Sutherland and Caithness.
Now Strathnaver Museum would like to celebrate those who are making huge contributions to their communities today.
Members of the public are being asked to honour their local heroes by creating decorative plaques.
Museum development manager Fiona Mackenzie said: “It’s been heartening but not surprising to see our communities rallying together to support one another during these difficult times. Mary’s kind donation of the beautiful plaque gave us the idea to ask the community who they would consider for special recognition today.”
The plaques can be made in any medium but should have a decorative edge which can feature images from the community, or that relate to the person or group the creator would like to thank. Within the frame, a written panel should give the name of the local hero and explain why they are deserving of recognition.
Ms Mackenzie said: “The panels will be collated in a commemorative exhibition which will be available to view on the museum’s website. A hard copy book with all the panels will be produced and added to our archive for future researchers to access in years to come.
To download more information, a transcript of the panel text and a template, visit: www.strathnavermuseum.org.uk
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