History student is a game changer

A History student has been celebrated as a game changer for her key role in a University-led heritage project.

Hayley Melrose was nominated by her peers and communities as one of the National Lottery’s Game Changers.

The campaign highlights the incredible impact of young adults across the UK who are shaping public life.

Hayley, a fourth year History student, has been recognised for her work as a volunteer for the Eco-Museum of Scottish Mining Landscapes.

Led by Dr Catherine Mills, it was launched last year thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The virtual museum explores the hidden local landscape legacies of coal mining across the Scottish midland coalfield through a series of cycling and walking routes.

These routes are created by local communities to commemorate their industrial heritage.

Bellfield Bing, Coalburn, Lanarkshire

Hayley grew up in an ex-mining community in Danderhall, Midlothian. Her great grandparents were miners, piquing her interest in how the legacy of coal mining has shaped her local community.

Through her volunteering and passion for heritage projects, Hayley was invited to sit on the board of the Collection Trust for the National Mining Museum of Scotland. At 21-years-old, she is the Trust’s youngest ever member.

Hayley used this opportunity to nominate another young woman to be accepted onto the trust.

Hayley said: “Getting involved in volunteering and the Eco-Museum has opened up opportunities I never knew young people could get involved with.

“Looking ahead, I want to use my platform to advocate for other young people and change the face of heritage in the UK.”

Find out more about the origins of the Eco-Museum of Scottish Mining Landscapes here.