Introduction

The Camanachd Association is seeking an experienced evaluation consultant or agency to conduct an independent evaluation of the Shinty’s Story – Sgeul na Camanachd project. This evaluation will assess the project’s delivery, impact, and legacy in alignment with The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s requirements.

Project Overview

Shinty’s Story – Sgeul na Camanachd is a major heritage initiative aimed at preserving and promoting the cultural significance of shinty through a bilingual, interactive exhibition at Bught Park, Inverness. The project includes:

  • A permanent exhibition showcasing shinty’s history and heritage.
  • A digital archive of artefacts, oral histories, and multimedia content.
  • Educational programmes for schools and youth groups.
  • Community engagement activities, workshops, and events.
  • A community grant scheme supporting local oral history and archival projects.

Scope of Work

The evaluation will measure the success of the project against its planned outputs and outcomes. The key areas of assessment would likely include:

  • Delivery of Activities – Assessing the implementation of the exhibition, workshops, digital resources, and community grant scheme.
  • Project Outputs – Measuring visitor numbers, digital engagement, artefact restoration, youth involvement, and inclusivity.
  • Project Outcomes – Evaluating the cultural impact, heritage preservation efforts, community participation, accessibility, and long-term engagement.
  • Sustainability and Legacy – Identifying how the project contributes to the ongoing promotion and preservation of shinty’s heritage.

Initial Deliverables

As an early-stage requirement, the appointed consultant will:

Methodology

The evaluation should employ a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, including:

  • Surveys and interviews with visitors, participants, and stakeholders.
  • Analysis of visitor numbers, engagement metrics, and digital interactions.
  • Case studies highlighting key successes and lessons learned.
  • Focus groups with underrepresented audiences, including Gaelic speakers and people with disabilities.

Deliverables

  • Logic Model & Refined Evaluation Plan (initial phase).
  • Interim Evaluation Report (midway through project delivery).
  • Final Evaluation Report outlining findings, key learnings, and recommendations for future heritage initiatives.
  • Presentation of Findings to the Camanachd Association Board and project partners.

Budget and Timeline

  • The available budget for this evaluation is £10,000 inclusive of VAT.
  • The contract will commence in August 2025 and conclude in August 2027.

Submission Requirements

Interested parties should submit a proposal including:

  • A brief methodology outlining their approach to evaluation.
  • Relevant experience in heritage or cultural sector evaluations.
  • Details of key personnel and their expertise.
  • A proposed timeline and budget breakdown.

Submission Deadline

Proposals should be sent to Aarron Duncan-MacLeod – Aarron.macleod@shinty.com by August 8th.

The Camanachd Association welcomes tenders from organisations and individuals with a strong track record in evaluating cultural and heritage projects.