THE volunteer who contributed to the safeguarding of a Scottish travellers’ commemorative monument in Argyll and Bute has been chosen to go through to the finals of the 2016 Scottish Heritage Angel Awards, writes Louise Glen.
Jess Smith has campaigned for many years to have the Tinkers’ Heart, a place of celebration and gathering for travelling communities, to be nationally recognised. She achieved her aim after a decade-long struggle.
Perthshire-based Ms Smith is nominated for an award in the category of Caring and Protecting. This shortlisting recognises her work and campaign which helped ensure the heart-shaped setting of quartz stones be granted scheduled monument status. Ensuring its preservation for future generations, it offers a real insight into the past and traditions of Scottish travellers who were thought to have gathered at the site for weddings.