Stories of the Land Credits

Stories of the Land is led by Strathfillan Community Development Trust and Killin & Ardeonaig Community Development Trust. The development of this project from 2024 to 2026 has been supported as part of the Wild Strathfillan initiative.

Wild Strathfillan brings people together to care for special landscapes and communities around Tyndrum, Crianlarich, Inverarnan and Killin. Led by local land managers, communities, organisations, schools and businesses, the initiative is all about enhancing nature and strengthening rural life.

The Wild Strathfillan initiative, including the work to support Stories of the Land, is coordinated by Loch Lomond and The Trossachs Countryside Trust with support and additional funding from the National Park Authority. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs Countryside Trust is an environmental and health & wellbeing charity working predominantly within the National Park.

Community Organisations:

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs Countryside Trust

  • Alistair Whyte - Chief Executive

  • Sarah Rodway-Swanson - Programme Manager, Communities and People

  • Sharon Cawston - Education and Engagement Officer

  • Marie Harvey - Communications & Admin Support

Project Funding

Stories of the Land was made possible by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to gather, preserve and share the stories of the Strathfillan and Killin communities.

Project Development

Paul Saunders Marketing developed the Stories of the Land website and content. Paul is an independent marketing consultant based within Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.

Working closely with the participating communities, Paul’s work included historical and community research, interviewing and editorial development, photography, video production, and the design and development of the Stories of the Land website.

“It has been a pleasure to work with these communities and uncover the remarkable stories connected to their landscapes. I have always loved this part of the National Park, but I was fascinated to discover the lives, memories and traditions held within it. I am deeply grateful for the generosity of everyone who gave their time, shared their stories and welcomed me so warmly.”
— Paul Saunders

Killin Media Team:

We are grateful for the support from the Killin Media Team, who kindly made a selection of their interviews available for this project. Killin Media Team is dedicated to capturing, preserving, and sharing the rich history, heritage, and ongoing stories of our vibrant community.

Interviewers:

  • Gillian Fraser (MSc Heritage student, University of Stirling)

  • Emily Young (MSc Heritage student, University of Stirling)

  • Paul Saunders (Paul Saunders Marketing)

  • Dawn Skelton (Strathfillan Community Development Trust)

  • Mike Holroyd (Strathfillan Community Development Trust)

“I am happy to share that I thoroughly enjoyed meeting the residents of the Strathfillan, I feel privileged to have been entrusted with their stories. I particularly enjoyed hearing about the shepherds working together to help each other bring their sheep in, the way they worked together and ate together afterwards really conveyed a sense of community. I also found it very interesting that as we heard more about the industries and the way of life in the Strathfillan area, it became apparent just how important the wee shop in Crianlarich is/was them. Whether this was for its supplies or for the connection to community, it was lovely to hear about how much the shop and the people who run it are valued. I think projects like Stories of the Land are essential, not only for the gathering and preserving of precious information but also for helping people form and maintain personal connections to the land.”
— Gillian Fraser, MSc Heritage Student, University of Stirling

Interviewees

This project has been brought to life by the people who generously gave their time to be interviewed, sharing their fascinating stories. You can see the full list of people who participated here.

Additional Content

We would also like to thank the following:

  • Callander Heritage Society (Historical Photographs)

  • Rona Foubister, Principal Teacher, Killin Primary School

  • Staff and pupils, Killin Primary School

  • Hannah Findlay, Principal Teacher, Crianlarich Primary School

  • Staff and pupils, Crianlarich Primary School

  • Kay Riddell, Killin Library

  • Stirling Library Services

  • Andrew Russell

  • Isla Craig

  • John Burton

  • Janice Henderson

  • Stirling Council Archives

  • Historic Environment Scotland

  • James Fraser (Tourism archive)

  • Derek Wilike (Mining)

  • A.K. Bell Library, Perth

  • Deirdrie Burton

  • Graham Maxtone (Railway Photographs)

  • Louisa Jessop, Artisan Cafe

  • Sheila Macdonald

  • Derek Macdonald

  • The Transport Library (Railway Photographs)

  • Vanessa Martin, West Highland Museum

Photograph below: Killin (Paul Saunders)