Freelance Engagement Officer – “Revisiting West Lothian’s History” at West Lothian Council Museums and Archives Service

Revisiting West Lothian’s History is a community-based project that will involve working with the people of West Lothian, including ethnic minority groups, to both re-examine our area’s history through the lens of transatlantic slavery and colonialism, as well as engaging the community in the celebration of the diverse ethnic and cultural identities of West Lothian. The project will include the development of a heritage trail featuring 6 West Lothian museums as anchor-points. Co-production will form a key component of the project ensuring that local people can have a meaningful and lasting impact on our local museum spaces and collections.

This project has been possible thanks to funding from Museums Galleries Scotland.

Key Deliverables:

The Freelance Engagement Officer will work with the local community, including ethnic minority communities, to:

(i) investigate collections and local histories linked to transatlantic slavery and colonialism.

(ii) work with colleagues and the community to facilitate the co-production of new interpretation for collection items with links to transatlantic slavery and colonialism.

(ii) explore, discuss and potentially re-interpret representations of racism in council’s collections (particularly photographs and posters).

(iii) co-produce exhibition content including positive representation of West Lothian’s diverse culture today. Project participants should be encouraged to lend/deposit collections.

The post-holder will also:

• Consult with groups, promote the project and recruit participants
• Provide support to staff delivering school sessions
• Contribute to the installation of interpretation
• Participate in the planning and delivery of a celebration event

Knowledge and Experience:

The successful candidate will have demonstrable experience in working with ethnic minority communities and should be skilled in co-production techniques. The candidate will also be familiar with the application of the principles of anti-racist practice. Experience of working in the museum sector and an interest in addressing legacies of transatlantic slavery and the de-colonisation of museums is also desirable.

If you wish to be considered for this work please email a copy of your CV to museums@westlothian.gov.uk by 5pm on Friday 1st August including a covering letter outlining your suitability for the position and why you are interested in this contract.

Contact Details

If you have any queries about this project, please contact Emma Peattie, Heritage Manager, West Lothian Council on 01506 283652.

Interview Date: Friday 22nd August 2025

Interview Details: Interviews will be held at Kirkton Service Centre in Livingston. Virtual interviews can be organised upon request.