Norah grew up in the Shetland Isles and has lived on the Isle of Eigg for over 20 years, where she and her partner established The Earth Connections Eco Centre and brought up their family. Since 2018, she has worked as the Scottish Wildlife Trust seasonal ranger for Eigg. The post is very varied including carrying out wildlife surveys, conservation work with volunteers, guided walks and family nature events.
She has been involved with numerous other community and environmental projects such as the Big Green Challenge, Eco schools, seagrass restoration community project and marine plastic waste collections. She has a background in environmental science and human ecology, and her current research is focused on seabirds, the pressures they’re under, and how coastal communities are working together to help seabirds and other wildlife.
She is passionate about islands and seascapes, and is in the early stages on new research focused on how island communities were once much more connected by sea routes. She also loves birdwatching, hiking, swimming, sailing and singing!
Norah was part of Bothy Project’s inaugural Neighbourhood Residencies cohort in 2021, during which she undertook at residency at Sweeney’s Bothy and contributed to Bothy Project’s public programme via a collaborative poster and podcast series.
Norah will undertake a Neighbourhood Residency at The Tin Church in September 2026. At The Tin Church, Norah will focus on her current research and present it at a community talk at Minginish Community Hall, Portnalong. She is keen to meet and chat with others who are interested in marine wildlife and coastal communities. This residency is supported by Creative Scotland.
