Heather McLaughlin BA (Hons) MBA MCMI
Heather has over 25 years experience of managing European projects working with partners across Ireland, UK and other regions of Europe and developing and facilitating educational and best practice study visits to share expertise between regions.
Within the heritage and community tourism sector Heather has many years experience of delivering heritage projects working with Councils, heritage/ history organisations, heritage stakeholders and the wider community to carry out research on the size, scope of work and remit of the heritage sector, identifying heritage needs and challenges, mapping local heritage sites to develop tourism initiatives, heritage strategies and promoting heritage for social and economic benefit.
Heather has played a key role in the development and delivery of the Ancient Clans heritage programme—an initiative designed to reconnect communities with the shared history of the O’Neills, the Earls, and the Plantation of Ulster. Originally established under EU PEACE IV, the programme fostered collaboration between Mid Ulster District Council, Donegal County Council, local heritage groups, historians and community organisations, producing study visits, heritage weekends, and cross‑border cultural exchanges. Heather coordinated site visits to landmark heritage locations including Hill of The O’Neill, Tullaghogue Fort, Benburb and other historically significant sites, working closely with academic experts such as Dr Colm Donnelly.
She continues to lead the expanded PEACEPLUS Cross Border Heritage Programme (2025–2028), a three‑year initiative deepening cross‑community and cross‑border understanding of O’Neill and Ancient Clan heritage. This programme brings together participants from Mid Ulster, Donegal and Monaghan for structured learning, heritage research, workshops, and shared site-based experiences, further embedding heritage as a foundation for reconciliation and cultural connection.
Alongside project management, Heather supports the development and upkeep of the Ancient Clans interactive website, which showcases key heritage sites across Tyrone, Donegal and Ulster, providing digital access to videos, site information and historical insights. Her wider remit includes working heritage sector research, mapping local heritage sites, developing tourism initiatives, supporting local heritage groups and producing interpretive content, videos and imagery that promote greater public understanding of shared heritage.
Main responsibilities
Managing EU Projects: through PEACEPLUS projects with local Councils and Erasmus+ projects with partners across Europe. Preparing action plans, managing budgets, EU monitoring and reporting to achieve funded objectives.
Themes include heritage, tourism, social farming, women entrepreneurs, youth.
Study visits /Event Management: facilitating and delivering study visits and events locally and across Europe including all aspects of programme planning.
Organise and facilitate workshops, conferences, seminars and launches regionally and throughout Europe.
Ancient Clans Website: The aim of the Ancient Clans website is to share heritage sites to encourage people to visit and understand our rich shared history, heritage and culture.
Managing the website to provide information, producing videos, images and photographs.
Cultural Awareness Training: Development and delivery of tailor made Cultural Awareness training programmes.
Research, compilation and publication of papers, information guides including artwork, logos, launches and press.
Professional Membership
Member of the Chartered Management Institute
Member of SIETAR, Network for intercultural professionals
Other
OCR/RSA Diploma in Teacher/ Training, accredited OCR/ RSA Assessor and experienced in diversity training, training the trainer, conflict management and facilitation.
