PP Case Study Isle of Man has a strong 'sense of place'

Manx National Heritage (MNH) and a Sense of Place The Isle of Man is a self-governing Crown Dependency in the middle of the Irish Sea which despite its many links and contacts over millennia is not part of the United Kingdom nor the European Union. Its rich heritage reflects its Celtic, Viking, Scottish and English invaders and settlers – but the last two hundred years of direct English rule saw it thrive as a popular leisure destination for the workers from the UK’s industrial towns and cities.

Manx National Heritage is a statutory agency of the Isle of Man with a £4m budget. It is also a charity and governed by a Board of Trustees. It is sponsored by a Government department and features in the Governments Strategic and Annual plans. MNH delivers a diverse set of operations, encompassing The National Museum Service; The National Monuments Service; The National Trust; The National Library and Archive Service; and The National Art Gallery. Within the National Museum Service alone it operates 13 separate sites and has just been accredited by MLA under the National Museum category. MNH delivers a wide range of specialist services across the island including museums, exhibitions, publications, archive, library, art, education and access to countryside. A range of other public services are provided, including restaurants and shops highlighting Manx made or inspired products. It is responsible for the Calf of Man Bird Observatory and over 500 native Loaghtan sheep.

Despite such a broad portfolio, MNH maintains a clear sense of what it aims to achieve. The primary focus is the preservation of the unique heritage of the Island. This includes tangible heritage such as archaeology, built environment, landscape and biodiversity as well as intangible aspects such as language, folk customs and traditional skills such as thatching.

Promoting this heritage within the island makes a significant contribution to community identity and cohesion. Heritage and cultural identity is part of the school curriculum and every Manx Schoolchild has recently been given free admission to MNH sites. MNH supports the language through staff training and the welcome to visitors. The story of the Manx community is told with pride. MNH has recently become involved with the regeneration of former seaside towns on the Island where the historic environment is a risk from inappropriate redevelopment.

For much of the year the Island welcomes tourists and MNH provides the majority of visitor attractions on the island. It has reciprocal arrangements with the English and Scottish National Trusts, English Heritage and Historic Scotland. Increasingly the Island supports specialist holidays and interests such as wildlife and heritage (including steam railways, electric trams and motorsport!).

MNH operates within a single island community with a remarkable and distinctive heritage. The Story of Mann is told with pride and passion to both local people and visitors alike. The sense of place is tangible and MNH is a key part of this.

For further information, including MNH’s Annual Report and Service Delivery plan, visit http://www.gov.im/mnh/ but for more engagement follow us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Manx-National-Heritage/130470146988504