Dr. Julian Grant

Dr. Julian Grant is a historian and community heritage practitioner based in Edinburgh, Scotland. He holds a PhD in History from the University of the Highlands and Islands, an MLitt (Master’s) in Scottish History from the University of Glasgow, and an MA (Bachelor’s) in Modern History from the University of St. Andrews. He also serves as a trustee for the Scottish Community Heritage Alliance, a charity that seeks to provide support, advocacy, and networking for Scotland's grassroots heritage organizations.

Julian's area of specialization is in Scottish social and cultural history from the 19th century to the present day. Working with local archives, oral sources, and participatory research methods, he has focused on how communities adapt and organize in response to shifting historical circumstances. This work has led him all over the country, from carrying out oral history interviews with fishermen in the East Neuk of Fife to studying the impact of community action in a working-class area of Glasgow amid the upheaval of the 1970s.

Building on these themes, his PhD research explored the relationship between local heritage and tourism around the North Coast 500 touring route in the Scottish Highlands. He worked with community organizations to develop a series of public heritage exhibitions using photographs and texts prepared by residents. This research engaged local residents in making their own diverse perspectives on place and past visible, and more widely in highlighting critical issues and tensions arising in touristed places.

Since completing his PhD, Julian has worked as a freelance consultant on an array of projects in the heritage, community, and rural development sectors. His activities range from carrying out historical research for local organizations, to delivering community heritage projects, to leading community consultations for proposed renewable energy developments.

After five years living in the far north of Scotland during his PhD, he now lives in Edinburgh. In his free time, he follows the ups and downs of Hibernian Football Club and can often be found out walking Scotland's beautiful hills, glens, and coastlines.