The rich archaeological history of the Scottish island of Uist has been brought to life in a new interactive book titled “Uist Unearthed,” which covers 5000 years of life on the island. This publication allows readers to engage with the island”s archaeological heritage in an unprecedented way, utilizing an app that enables them to scan pages and view digital images, videos, and interactive 3D models of significant sites.
The authors, Dr. Emily Gal and Dr. Rebecca Rennell, who lead archaeological research at the UHI Archaeology Institute, were motivated to create this book following the success of their Uist Unearthed app. Launched in 2021, the app has been downloaded over 10,000 times and has effectively utilized augmented reality to enhance the visitor experience at five archaeological sites on the island.
Since the project”s inception, there has been a noticeable increase in visitor engagement with Uist”s archaeological sites. More than 11,000 individuals have interacted with the island”s history through the app, various exhibitions, community activities, and temporary events. The app also serves as a tool for educational outreach, partnering with schools and community organizations to raise awareness of Uist”s world-class archaeological significance.
Dr. Gal, a specialist in Scottish island archaeology, first encountered Uist during her studies at Cardiff University. “A significant portion of my coursework focused on South Uist, as the university has conducted extensive research there,” she remarked. This early exposure fueled her enduring interest in the archaeology of Scottish islands.
Her practical experiences in Uist, which she describes as unique, solidified her decision to remain on the island. “I found working in a small team to be immensely enjoyable, especially after years of pursuing my PhD. Uist quickly felt like home, revealing numerous opportunities for building a career and promoting archaeological activities,” she explained. “The island offers an unparalleled learning environment where culture and community intertwine.”
Gal expressed her enthusiasm for the launch of “Uist Unearthed” and her eagerness to expand the project to include archaeological sites in Barra and Harris. “Our book celebrates the project and everyone involved over the years. In the near future, we will engage with Barra and Harris Unearthed while continuing our educational efforts and archaeological excavations in Uist,” she noted. “We have many exciting plans ahead, including the launch of a new app planned for summer 2026.”
Building on the momentum of the Uist Unearthed initiative, the archaeology team is currently developing augmented reality experiences at six additional archaeological sites spanning from the Bronze Age to the early 20th century across Barra and Harris. This expansion is supported by funding from various organizations, including Historic Environment Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and others.
Uist is becoming a hub for archaeological research, offering both online and hands-on learning opportunities. This initiative aims to establish the islands as an appealing alternative to urban living, attracting students eager to immerse themselves in a culturally rich environment. The archaeology team also leads local excavations, provides short courses at Cnoc Soilleir, and teaches across various UHI archaeology programs.
In addition to supervising PhD research, the team is launching a new master”s program in Digital Archaeology. Archina MacLellan, the Engagement Lead for UHI North, West, and Hebrides, emphasized that Uist presents a remarkable setting for studying archaeology. “Few places in the UK offer such a rich, continuous record of human history spanning 5000 years,” they stated. “The landscape serves as a living classroom where students can engage directly with the past daily.” The book “Uist Unearthed” is set to be launched at Cnoc Soilleir in South Uist on October 30.
