The Whithorn Trust was set up in 1986 to explore the archaeology and history of Whithorn, and to examine its role in the evolution of Christianity in Scotland.

The Trust was established as a direct consequence of an archaeological excavation at Whithorn in 1984. This project showed that remains had survived which dated back to the early centuries of Whithorn's development as a Christian centre. These discoveries were so significant as to justify further investigation.

The Trustees include representatives of the Church of Scotland, the Catholic Church and the Scottish Episcopal Church, leading scholars of Early Christian and Medieval archaeology, history and architecture, and representatives from local authorities, banks and commerce.

The Trust's work is multi-faceted and brings together a range of people with varied interests and expertise. The excavations themselves have been carried out by a team of professional archaeologists, British, European and American students, local people and interested amateurs. Finds and deposits recovered are analysed by scientists from leading British University departments. Members of the museum and professionals are involved in interpreting the discoveries to the public.

The Whithorn Story Visitor Centre