SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE: 13 JUNE 2007

HEBRIDES ARCHAEOLOGICAL INTERPRETATION PROGRAMME

Report by Director for Sustainable Communities

PURPOSE OF REPORT: To report progress on implementation of the Hebrides Archaeological Interpretation Programme.

COMPETENCE 1.1 There are no legal, financial or other constraints to the recommendation being implemented.

SUMMARY

2.1 The Hebrides Archaeological Interpretation Programme (HAIP) was initiated to address the need for improved interpretation of archaeological sites in the Western Isles, funded jointly by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and the European Union through the Highlands and Islands Special Transitional Programme. The principal outputs comprise a series of guidebooks, development of websites, and installation of interpretative panels and access improvements at key sites throughout the islands.

2.2 A project officer was appointed, and delivery of the Programme’s objectives, now underway, is due for completion in 2008. Progress towards the stated objectives and targets is monitored by a Steering Group. This report provides a summary of progress.

RECOMMENDATION 3.1 It is recommended that the Comhairle note the contents of the progress report on the Hebrides Archaeological Interpretation Programme.

Contact Officer: Carol Knott, Archaeological Interpretation Officer (tel. 01851 860679)

Background Papers: None REPORT DETAILS

BACKGROUND

4.1 Implementation of the Hebrides Archaeological Interpretation Programme began in September 2005. The three principal objectives were progressed concurrently: • Production of a series of three guidebooks to the archaeological sites of the Western Isles, covering ; the Uists and Benbecula; and Lewis and Harris. • Development of websites: ‘Archaeology Hebrides’, linked to the ‘Visit Hebrides’ website, aimed at promoting the Western Isles archaeological heritage to prospective visitors; and on-line access to the Western Isles Sites and Monuments Record, a definitive database. • Installation of physical interpretation at key sites throughout the Western isles, comprising durable interpretative panels, signposting, and access improvements.

SUMMARY OF PROGRESS

Guidebooks 5.1 ‘Ancient Barra – a visitor’s guide to the archaeological sites of Barra’ is the first in the series ‘Exploring the Archaeology of the ’. This book was written by Professor Keith Branigan, and was launched in Barra on 23 May 2007, when the author and ‘Time Team’ were on the Island. This is a high quality 72-page full colour guidebook, and will retail at £7.95.

Figure 1: Front cover of the new guidebook

5.2 ‘Ancient Uist’ has been written by Professor Mike Parker Pearson and others, and will appear later in 2007. ‘Ancient Lewis and Harris’ has been written by Dr Christopher Burgess, and is also due for publication in 2007.

Figure 2: sample page from the gazetteer section of the guidebook

Websites 5.4 The ‘Archaeology Hebrides’ website will form part of the suite of websites comprising the ‘Visit Hebrides’ website, following its established design format, but incorporating more technically advanced features such as an interactive map, first-person audio clips, and animation sequences of Calanais standing stones. The website will be formally launched in September 2007, to co-incide with Scottish Archaeology Month.

Figure 3: the HAIP logo, to feature on websites, signposts and other interpretative materials

5.5 The Sites and Monuments Record (SMR) is a database of all known archaeological sites in the Western Isles, maintained by the Archaeology Service of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, and currently comprising more than 14,000 records. Its primary function is to inform development control, but it is also a public access resource. The SMR will go on-line during 2007, giving the population of the Western Isles and the general public unprecented access to detailed information on the archaeological heritage.

On-site interpretation 5.6 Eleven sites were initially identified for on-site interpretation. High-quality full colour bilingual interpretative panels are in preparation for each of the sites, featuring specially- commisioned reconstructed scenes by the reconstruction artist David Simon. Settings and panel bases have been designed to blend appropriately and attractively into the landscape, using natural stone, earth and turf. Where needed, gates, paths and tracks are being installed to facilitate access, and signposts, fingerposts and waymarkers planned as necessary. Where possible, the interpretational themes are carried though into gates, paving and wooden installations.

5.7 At Allt Easdal in Barra (formerly called Allt Chrisal), four panels tell the story of occupation of the area from the Neolithic to the 19th century, set in an innovative stone enclosure which echoes the characteristics of the wheelhouse on the site. A second site in Barra at Allasdale is currently the subject of a Time Team investigation, and would provide an excellent opportunity for further Barra interpretation.

Figure 4: Panel 3 at Allt Easdal, showing David Simon’s reconstruction of the Iron Age wheelhouse.

5.8 Core sites for interpretation in the Uists and Benbecula are the Iron Age broch at , the Viking site at Bornais, the medieval chapel at Nunton, the Neolithic chambered cairn at Barpa Langais along with Bronze Age cup markings in Langais woodland, and the Iron Age and late medieval causewayed site at Dun an Sticir. Artwork for all of the panels has been completed, and text and translations prepared. They are now with the designer in preparation for manufacture, except for Nunton, which is still in progress. The contract for installation of these panel bases and interpretative settings is due to go out to tender in May 2007. To supplement this fixed interpretation, a leaflet on medieval Benbecula is also in preparation, with text by Dr John Raven of Historic , and featuring a reconstruction view of Borgh castle. This leaflet will be produced in separate English and Gaelic versions.

5.9 In Harris, an interpretative panel is in preparation for the Iron Age broch and medieval chapel at Rubh’ an Teampuill, Northton, to be supplemented by some new material for the MacGillivray Centre en route to the site. At Scarista, one panel will interpret the recently- explored standing stone ritual site, and a second focuses on the settlement and crofting history of the locality.

5.10 Unlike all the other sites, interpretation at Eaglais na h-Aoidhe is being planned for display inside this medieval church, currently roofless, but in the early stages of restoration. To provide maximum flexibility, nine interior-quality panels will be housed in oak-finished wooden tryptiches.

Figure 5: an impression of Roderick Chief of Macleod c. 1497 based on the carved tombstone

5.11 Nearby, two panels interpreting prehistoric monuments at Garrabost have been arranged to complement an existing walk route. Dun Eistean, Ness, will be the last in the series of physical on-site interpretation, to be finalised after the last season of excavations in summer 2007.

Figure 6: One of the signposts indicating Dun Eistean.

CONCLUSIONS

6.1 Significant progress has been made in the implementation of the Hebrides Archaeological Interpretation Programme. Future action requires the delivery of the remaining two guidebooks, finalising of the two websites, and installation of all remaining elements of the physical interpretation programme by 2008. Actions for all of these outcomes are underway.