The Orkney Health Board Endowment Funds supports HMS Tern Analogue Photography, Heritage, Science and Wellbeing Project

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Three people standing in front of HMS Tern building with old camera equipment

Funding from the Orkney Health Board Endowment Funds has been awarded to support a new analogue photography, heritage, science and wellbeing project at HMS Tern in Birsay. The project aims to support mental wellbeing by giving participants time to slow down, focus, build confidence and connect with others.

The project, led through the Birsay Heritage Trust, will use vintage film cameras, darkroom processes and practical photography sessions to help young people and community groups explore Orkney’s wartime history in a creative and hands-on way.

The funds will allow the trust to purchase vintage film cameras and equipment to support safe workshop activity on site. These resources will allow HMS Tern volunteers to offer structured sessions combining local history, photographic science, outdoor activity and creative wellbeing.

During the first year, the project is expected to directly involve around 120 young people through school and youth group sessions, alongside volunteers and teachers. Wider benefits are expected for families, visitors and the local community through displays and sharing of photographs created by participants.

Davie Campbell, Chair of Orkney Health Board Endowment Funds, said: “It’s great to award £2,000 on behalf of the Orkney Health Board Endowment Funds to HMS Tern. The Endowment Funds vision is for a healthier future for the people of Orkney, and it’s hoped this hands-on project will support the mental wellbeing of all participants.”

Nick Crohn, Volunteer Exhibitions Officer at HMS Tern, said: “We are very grateful for this funding award, which will allow us to bring together heritage, science, creativity and wellbeing in a practical way. HMS Tern is an important part of Orkney’s wartime story, and this project will help young people and community groups experience that history directly while learning new skills and spending time outdoors.”

For more information on the Orkney Health Board Endowment Funds, please visit, NHS Orkney Website – Orkney Health Board Endowment Funds.