The Argyll Papers at Inveraray Castle

The Argyll Papers are the family and estate archives of the earls and dukes of Argyll, preserved at Inveraray Castle. The archive reflects 700 years of the family’s participation in Scottish, British and international events, their private lives and interests and the administration of their extensive estates in Argyllshire, including the islands of Tiree, Mull and Iona and the Lordship of Campbell (Clackmannanshire). This private archive is managed by Argyll Estates. Since 2011, the Duke of Argyll has employed an archivist to manage the collection and make it available to the public, with support from volunteers and a Friends group. The Argyll Papers Archive hosts the 14-month-long Argyll Papers Archive Assistant Traineeship. It is based at Inveraray Castle and includes the opportunity to undertake study modules towards the Archival Studies PGCert with the Centre for Archive and Information Studies (CAIS) at the University of Dundee.

"I am delighted to be able to offer an archive trainee post in the Argyll Papers through Argyll Aspires. I am aware how difficult it is to gain experience in archives administration and grateful to be able to offer both practical experience and a professional learning opportunity through this project." Alsion Dimond, Archivist at the Papers.

Donald MacDougall, a resident of the Isle of Seil, took up the role in September 2022 and has flourished since being in the post. The traineeship has been wide and varied, including areas such as conservation and digitisation of the archive, working on a new exhibition in time for summer opening at Inveraray Castle, hosting a range of tours and talks for a variety of groups, such as Dunoon Inner Wheel, and writing articles for the Friends of the Argyll Papers newsletter and website.

One outcome set as part of the traineeship was joining the ARA (Archives & Records Association) at Foundation level, which Donald achieved quickly. He also attended its annual conference in Belfast during the summer of 2023, and he has been networking through the Scottish Association of Country House Archivists, supported by Alison Diamond, Archivist at the Papers.

“The thing I love most about Argyll Aspires is its ambition – the archive sector is extremely difficult to break into, with any paid opportunities few and far between. The fact that this traineeship is in Argyll is just fantastic and incredibly meaningful to me as someone who wants to continue living and working in the area. I also really appreciate being able to study for a postgraduate qualification at the same time. By combining on-the-job training in Inveraray with distance learning, I do feel as if I’m building some solid foundations for a career in archives.” Donald MacDougall