Meet our people

Philip Robertson - Senior Inspector of Marine Archaeology

What does your role involve?
As part of the Scheduling team, I am responsible for taking charge of marine themed projects for the inspectorate and working to protect important sites on the seabed. The sea is a very important part of our nation's heritage and we want to make sure that the historic environment is preserved and interpreted as best we can. We have responsibility for the seabed within 12 nautical miles of the mainland, so it's a big area we cover.

Do you think marine archaeology is generally overlooked? With regards to our maritime heritage, the seabed is very much "out of sight, out of mind". People recognise the importance of our harbours, lighthouses and historic ships, but we have sites under water that are also worth preserving, such as the remains of the German High Seas Fleet in Scapa Flow, which are among 15 protected wrecks around Scotland.

What brought you to Historic Scotland?
For 10 years, my wife and I ran a diving school on Mull. A few years ago, we decided it was time for a change, so we moved to Edinburgh with our two young children. I joined Historic Scotland in November 2005.

What sort of things have you found during your time as a diver?
My favourite experience was when I was diving at the Swan,an English ship sent over by Oliver Cromwell which sunk in a storm in the Sound of Mull in 1653. During the dive, I opened a container and found heather, which had been there for 350 years and was wonderfully preserved.

Pat Arthur - Monument Manager, Arbroath Abbey and St Vigeans

When did you join Historic Scotland?
I’ve been with Historic Scotland for just over 18 months. Before that, most of my working life was in retail, latterly at District Management level. I’ve always had an interest and awareness of history, so I love it at the Abbey.

What is your favourite thing about Arbroath Abbey? There is so much to appreciate, but maybe I can single out the visitors. They make the place come alive, for a whole host of different reasons. One day, I turned a corner to see the Dundee film actor Brian Cox. We entered into conversation and were joined by Andrew, one of the stewards, and Ronnie Brown, one half of the classic Scottish band The Corries. What followed could only be described as both wonderful and surreal; in one day I had found myself administering to Hannibal Lector, and then had a very informed, extremely interesting chat about Flower of Scotland.

What other sites in the North East do you enjoy visiting?
I especially enjoy one in my stewardship, St Vigeans, a collection of more than 30 beautiful and, I think, very important, Pictish Sculptured Stones. They are housed in a small cottage in the lovely village of St Vigeans located half a mile north of Arbroath.

How do you like to relax away from the job?
Well, I’ve got a husband, a bearded collie called Molly, a mother called Joan and five grandchildren. I call them ‘The Wild Bunch’ so there’s plenty there to take my mind off work.

Do you have a New Year resolution for 2007?
Simply to keep working on personal consideration, appreciation and awareness of that which has gone before us and to do my bit to keep it alive, while injecting a wee bit more fun and humour.

Shona Menzies, Site Steward, Inchmahome Priory

How long have you worked at Inchamahome Priory?
I joined here in 2002 and have worked five seasons out of six since then. The Priory is only open from April to October, so I have to find alternative employment for the rest of the year, which is usually in Sainsbury’s. I’m one of four full-time staff employed here – we never have less than two on.

What does working at Inchmahome entail? Anything and everything! Everyone here does every job that needs doing, including working in the shop, answering people’s questions about the Priory, sailing our two Chevrolet 12-seat boats between the island and the mainland, getting the generator up and running to power the till, lights and music in shop, or even manning the water pump to make sure there’s water to clean and flush the toilets. It’s very hands on and can get a bit messy sometimes!

Have you ever had any mishaps while working on the two boats?
I remember I was on one when it broke down a few years ago, and one of my colleagues had to come out and rescue me. Thankfully, that was a one-off and I’ve never had any more problems in the hundreds of sailings I’ve done since then. It’s about a 15-minute round trip and I feel very comfortable out on the water.

What do you think makes Inchmahome such a special site?
It is a site that is a world away from everything else. After you step off the boat, you forget about the rest of the world. It is a very peaceful and serene place; the name Inchmahome means ‘Isle of Rest’, after all.

What other sites do you like visiting?
I’ve spent time training and working at Doune Castle, Dunblane Cathedral and Loch Leven Castle. My favourite place to visit is Castle Campbell.

Will you be back at Inchmahome next year?
I do hope so – I love my job and I always look forward to coming back after the winter.