In our regular feature, we join a local for a tea break and find out how they spend their time and their time off. This week, we welcome Dr Elisabeth Philipps, Volunteer Coordinator at Hebrides People Visitor Centre .
Elisabeth, please tell us about yourself and your work.
I’m the new Volunteer Coordinator at the Hebrides People Centre in Northton, as well as being a Functional Medicine Doctor. I grew up in England with my family and a menagerie of pets, as my dad was a vet. I love dogs but also loved my snakes and lizards – I even had a rescued iguana called Jeremy!
It was a career in human rather than animal health that interested me, so I trained in biomedicine and specialised in clinical neuroscience through London and Oxford Universities. My early career was leading research teams in understanding brain changes in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. I also volunteered for health charities, including renovating a narrow boat with people experiencing mental health problems – learning new skills and being part of a valued group are what I love about being a volunteer.
However, my career took a turn when I developed Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) – I used a holistic approach through diet and lifestyle for full recovery. I decided to study a nutritional medicine degree, becoming a Functional Medicine Doctor, setting up my own holistic medicine clinic. I have worked with many conditions but specialise in diet and plant medicines for brain conditions including traumatic brain injuries. I worked with the England rugby team amongst others, but maybe I shouldn’t mention that now I live in Scotland!
In recent years, I’ve experienced several life-changing bereavements, so after Covid, I sold my home, bought a VW camper van, packed up my belongings and wee Border Terrier, and set off to see where life would take me. Via a completely unplanned route over many months, mainly wild camping throughout the southwest, Wales, and extensively throughout Scotland, I found the Outer Hebrides. I lived in my van on and off the islands for another 2 years, continuing my clinical work remotely and volunteering for local projects, before moving to Scalpay just under a year ago.
How did you get where you are today?
Hard work, looking after my physical and mental health, taking opportunities, facing my fears, embracing the unknown, accepting that change is inevitable, and trusting that even when life throws you the toughest of curve balls, listening to your intuition and sticking to habits that support your resilience creates growth and ultimately a healthier and happier life.
What are your goals for the volunteer team at Hebrides People Centre?
These are exciting times for the Hebrides People Centre in Northton with two new staff positions thanks to the Heritage Lottery Grants. My goal is that the new volunteer team will be at the heart of growing this important island resource, which provides genealogy services set up by Bill and Christine Lawson, and also attracts hundreds of local and international visitors annually to the centre’s exhibitions. Volunteering roles include Centre Ambassadors, helping to assist visitors in the exhibitions and locally stocked craft and snack shop, and also Northton walks mapped by the local ranger. Our Heritage Ambassador roles involve documenting our extensive library of Outer Hebrides heritage and cultural materials including audio recordings in Gaelic and English, which can be done remotely - we have volunteering opportunities for everyone!
How do you like to spend your time off? What are your favourite places in Harris?
I love weaving using home-spun yarn from fleeces I pick up on my travels – I’m looking for some local Hebridean fleece this year if anyone has any come shearing time… My looms are much smaller than Hattersley tweed looms, so I can weave in my van. I’m also learning Gaelic, Scottish country dancing in the Bays, and love hanging out on Harris beaches where beach-combing and swimming are favourite pastimes.
It’s tea break time. What’s on the menu?
Chocolate! But not the sugary kind because processed sugary foods do nothing for my energy. My favourite is homemade cacao drink made from 100% cacao, cashew milk, and a little honey.
Please email me if you want to know more about volunteering opportunities or drop by the centre for a chat:
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