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Meet The Team
Dr Christopher Martin
Chris is the Curator of the Glenesk Folk Museum, working to interpret and manage the collections to ensure object safety and exciting displays for visitors to enjoy. He joins The Glenesk Trust after completing his doctorate in Anthropology and Archaeology at the University of Aberdeen. Chris has a passion for object histories and the representation of small, overlooked communities. He is excited to build the Glenesk Folk Museum back into a thriving hub that celebrates the unique history of Glenesk.
Bex Soulsby-McCreath
Bex is our Development Officer. Her goal is to see the museum return to a thriving social and community hub. She started her career as a Field Archaeologist before switching mud for museums. Bex has a passion for hands-on history and a personal interest in both the archaeological development of pottery and the way we depict relationships in the past.
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Julie Cave
Julie Cave is our Museum Attendant. She was initially attracted to visit the museum by an exhibition of antique costume. As an antique textile collector and dealer of 20 years, the opportunity to volunteer and work with the textile inventory, was irresistible.
Her varied role also includes greeting our visitors, baking cakes and biscuits daily, working in our café and using her extensive experience of business management to develop new income streams for the Museum in the Retail and Community Events spaces.
Jessica Carter-Lyle
A recent university graduate with a degree in Religion, Philosophy and Ethics. Living outside of the Glens in Lincolnshire, she has a passion for anthropology, research and the preservation of culture. Aiding her in her position as the Marketing and Communications Assistant, tasked with expanding our digital, educational, influence
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Virginia Calderwood Aspinwall
A Fine Art degree in Painting and Drawing has been followed by a lifetime of creativity. Virginia’s experience includes community art projects, sign writing, gallery assistant, creative arts workshops, theatre and
costume design, interpretation design work, painting and printmaking.
She has lived in Glenesk for over twenty years and is on the current board of
Glenesk Trust. Virginia has been volunteering for Glenesk Folk Museum by helping with displays, exhibitions, workshops, events, research and interpretation.
Fionna McGregor
Volunteer and Trustee
Fionna works full time in the Heritage Sector for Historic Environment Scotland, based at Arbroath Abbey, Edzell Castle and the St. Vigeans Museum of Sculpted Stones. She joined the team at the Glenesk Folk Museum as a Volunteer in 2017, and became a co-opted Trustee in 2018.
She enjoys the opportunity to be 'hands on' with the Collections, especially with the costumes, as she is a dressmaker and an amateur historical costume maker.
Maria Macdonell
Maria has lived in Glenesk for almost 30 years. After a degree in history, she began a career as a performer. As a freelance historical researcher and museum consultant she was Scottish Correspondent for the Museums Journal. With Virginia Aspinwall she created Angus Arts, offering arts experiences of all kinds for everyone indoors and out including creating participatory theatrical events at the Glenesk Folk Museum. Maria has now returned to her first career in writing and performance while continuing to volunteer with collections and displays at the museum.
Jim Houston
Current Chair of Glenesk Trust and long standing Board member and supporter of the Glenesk Folk Museum. Keen to see the Museum and Retreat open and welcoming visitors once again.
Former Primary Head teacher and local Angus Councillor.
Dr John Johnston
John, recently retired was the Museum Collections Lead with the ANGUSalive Trust that manages the Angus Burgh Museums on behalf of Angus Council. He acts as Museum Mentor and advisor to the Glenesk Folk Museum assisting the Museum with professional museum advice and support.