STICKing Together

This talk considers the role of the Subject Specialist Network (SSN) in the industrial heritage sector through an examination of STICK, the Scottish Transport and Industrial Collections Knowledge Network. STICK was formed in 2006 and has become one of Scotland’s most successful SSNs. Its newsletter, social media and events bring together a range of organisations and individuals who share a common interest

in transport and industrial collections and promoting their care and enjoyment. While a multi- disciplinary steering group drives it forward, STICK is its members and their passion and knowledge.

The talk will examine the ways in which STICK has facilitated shared learning and knowledge exchange among a community of heritage professionals working a range of organisations including national museums and government bodies, individual enthusiasts, independent practitioners and academics through projects, events and active communication that have drawn on the knowledge and expertise of participants to achieve the aims of the group which are defined as: • Develop opportunities to advance acquisition, care, development, research and interpretation of transport and industry collections in Scotland • Identify key issues facing the long-term stewardship and development of transport and industry collections and work together to tackle them • Promote, encourage and advance access to Scottish transport and industrial collections through a variety of mechanisms • Support informed, efficient and confident decision making in the acquisition and long-term care of transport and industrial heritage across Scotland Using selected projects and events as case studies, ranging from practical engineering conservation training to virtual conferences, the talk will look at how STICK has identified and selected work that meets real needs, obtained funding, encouraged participation and ensured that a valuable legacy is maintained. It will highlight tangible contributions that the network has made to the industrial and transport heritage sector and will also look at challenges and lessons learned. The talk will consider how STICK has developed in the 16 years since its conception, including the challenges and opportunities presented by the coronavirus pandemic, and how it is looking to use learning from its work to date along with the combined experience and needs of its steering group and members to continue to bring people together and achieve good outcomes for the sector in the future.