Celebrating the People Who Make Scotland’s Attractions World-Class

Two members of the New Lanark World Heritage team have been recognised at this year’s ASVA Inspiring People Awards, sponsored by VisitScotland. The annual awards celebrate the exceptional individuals whose passion, creativity, and dedication help make Scotland’s visitor attractions world-class, from frontline talent to behind-the-scenes innovators.

Kate Lapping, Head of Heritage, won the Technology Innovator Award.

Sophie Hunter, Learning and Engagement Officer, was a finalist for the Rising Star Award.

Technology Innovator Award Winner: Kate Lapping

Kate Lapping, Head of Heritage at New Lanark, has been named the winner of the Technology Innovator Award, a category honouring those who enhance visitor experiences through groundbreaking digital solutions.

Kate was recognised for her leadership in a pioneering partnership with Glasgow-based company SITEnetwork, a digital platform working with forward-thinking UNESCO World Heritage Sites worldwide. SITEnetwork provides smart monitoring tools, immersive storytelling technology, and inclusive digital access designed to preserve heritage sites while transforming how visitors connect with them.

At New Lanark, the collaboration includes ambitious work to digitally reconstruct historic village life, bringing to life the mill workers, textile owners, and community leaders who shaped its progressive past. These innovations aim to offer new levels of engagement for visitors on-site and online.

David Sime, XR Manager at SITEnetwork said: “We’ve been thoroughly impressed by how Kate and her team are driving technology across New Lanark - from new digital interpretation methods to use of emerging tools that enhance accessibility and learning. Her openness to innovation and her instinct for using technology with purpose set her apart. New Lanark's work with SITEnetwork on immersive scanning and 3D modelling benefits enormously from her clarity, leadership, and genuine commitment to meaningful digital heritage. We consider Kate to be an exceptional partner who is helping set a new standard for digital heritage engagement.”

Kate’s collaborative project opens the door to a range of future-focused benefits, including immersive AR/VR experiences, gamified storytelling, and fully accessible virtual visits for those with disabilities or travel barriers. Interactive digital resources will extend the site’s educational reach into classrooms and communities worldwide, while additional tools such as real-time monitoring and remote expert collaboration will help ensure that the heritage experience remains safe, inclusive, and enriching. This project will position New Lanark as a notable example of digital innovation within the heritage sector.

Rising Star Award Finalist: Sophie Hunter

Sophie Hunter, Learning and Engagement Officer at New Lanark, has been named runner-up in the Rising Star category, which recognises emerging professionals making a significant impact early in their careers.

Sophie was commended for her work developing New Lanark’s Volunteer Scheme, helping to build a thriving programme that welcomes, supports, and empowers volunteers from diverse backgrounds. Her energy, organisational skill, and people-centred approach have strengthened one of the Trust’s key community initiatives. Earlier this month, one of the New Lanark volunteers, Graham Joiner, was awarded Volunteer of the Year at VASLan Awards.

Sophie Hunter said: “I was honoured to be recognised among Scotland’s inspiring heritage professionals in ASVA’s Rising Stars Award. My role is all about connecting with people and finding new ways to share our wonderful UNESCO World Heritage Site with our local and global community. I feel very fortunate, not only to work in one of Scotland’s, and the world’s, most beloved industrial heritage sites, but also somewhere that offers incredible opportunities for growth and collaboration. Congratulations to all the finalists and winners, including our very own Technology Innovator, Kate Lapping, whose pioneering work with SITEnetwork is helping to shape the future of digital heritage.”

Kate Lapping said: “It was such a lovely surprise to be recognised, made even better by sharing the stage with Sophie, who I have the pleasure of working alongside and was thrilled to see celebrated for all she does. These awards really reflect the hard work of the whole team, on site and in collaboration with our partners and supporters, who all play a part in making New Lanark such an exciting place.”

The recognition of Kate and Sophie highlights the creativity, innovation, and dedication demonstrated by staff across New Lanark. Their achievements reflect the ongoing commitment within the heritage sector to inspire, educate, and elevate the visitor experience.