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Dumbarton Museum’s Community Engagement Officer Short-listed for National ‘People’s Hero’ Award
Jennifer Pless, Community Engagement and Development Officer at the Scottish Maritime Museum (Denny Tank) in Dumbarton, has been short-listed in the ‘People’s Hero’ category of the national Scottish Attractions Inspiring People Awards 2025.
Organised by the Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions (ASVA) and sponsored by VisitScotland, the annual People Awards celebrate the remarkable individuals who make Scotland’s visitor attractions world-class, going above and beyond to deliver unforgettable experiences.
Jennifer, who joined the Museum in 2023, is one of only three finalists in the ‘People’s Hero’ category which acknowledges those fostering inclusivity and accessibility amongst communities and visitors.
Matthew Bellhouse Moran, Executive Director of the Scottish Maritime Museum, says:
“We’re absolutely delighted that Jennifer’s passion and tireless work in building connections across our communities in West Dumbartonshire and North Ayrshire has been recognised on a national level.
“Community engagement and being a supportive, inclusive and accessible asset promoting wellbeing, lifelong learning and opportunities for local businesses, is at the heart of the Museum’s mission.
“Through creativity and commitment, Jennifer has broadened our networks and delivered a range of fantastic community-led events and exhibitions delivering on our mission.
“She has also strengthened our sustainability initiatives, inspiring action to protect our oceans and reduce plastic pollution.
“We’ll be keeping our fingers crossed for her when the awards are announced later this month!”
Community-led exhibitions supported by Jennifer include ‘Denny Social’, which celebrated the community life of Dumbarton’s famous William Denny & Brothers Shipyard.
The exhibition featured a striking stained glass installation created by the community group which also recreated a traditional shipyard worker’s picnic.
Jennifer has also spearhead additional community initiatives including ‘Brew and Blether’ and the Museum’s adoption of the World Change Agreement.
The popular ‘Brew and Blether’ sessions have brought community members together to share stories, connect over a ‘cuppa, explore photographs and artefacts from the Museum’s heritage collections and contribute memories to exhibitions.
The next free Brew and Blether session will take place at Dumbarton Library from 11am – 12.30pm on Wednesday 19 November.
The upcoming Brew and Blether session is also a great chance for those who can share their own stories or family memories of life by and on the sea for inclusion in the Museum’s Harbour and Horizon exhibition which will open at the Denny Tank in January.
The winners of the ASVA People Awards will be announced at the ASVA Conference on Wednesday 19 November at Perth Concert Hall.
www.scottishmaritimemuseum.org
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