A woman who has cared for some of the most important industrial heritage sites in the world has been appointed to a new role tasked with the same mission in Moray.
Anna Brennand, the chief executive of the Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust in Shropshire, will head up the Cabrach Trust from April.
Her move to Scotland follows success with a number of multi-million-pound renovations, one of which scooped a major tourism award for Large Visitor Attraction of the Year.
The Cabrach area, south of Keith, was used to hide a large number of illegal whisky stills until the law was changed in 1823 when the popularity – and profitability – of the drink soared.
A £5. million heritage centre celebrating this was given planning permission last year and it is hoped it can be open by 2020.
In addition, the Cabrach is home to some of Scotland’s rarest wildlife and a once-secret nuclear bunker, among other attractions.
And in 2011 it was given dark sky discovery site status. Because it is one of the most remote locations in Scotland, the lack of light pollution means it is one of the best places to stargaze.
Miss Brennand said: “I’m really looking forward to working with the Cabrach Trust to bring the history of this part of Scotland to life through the creation of a distinctive attraction for visitors.
“Like Ironbridge, the Cabrach played a vital role in history.
“There is an exciting road ahead and I look forward to this new challenge.”
Chairman of the Cabrach Trust, Grant Gordon, said: “We are delighted to have Anna on board to help the Cabrach Trust drive community regeneration in our area, showcasing the Cabrach’s cultural heritage and revealing its role in Scotland’s secret history.
“We look forward to working with Anna to create an exciting heritage centre and historic working distillery here in the Cabrach.”