The Outer Hebrides is a definable unit of archaeological interest, recognisably related to but different from that of mainland Scotland and the Northern Isles.  It can be tempting to regard the Western Isles as     a peripheral or marginal region when considering human settlement whether consciously or not.                                                       The ‘peripheral zone’ mentality has in the past, and unfortunately persists in some instances today, projected the view of the islands as backwaters; receivers of the ideas of others rather than places where innovation occurred.  Marginality of course depends upon the perspective of the individual and the context of the developments in question.

Above:  Grimsay Wheelhouse (Bagh nam Feadag) 

Given the maritime nature of a prehistoric society the Outer Hebrides would have been easily accessible to much of the West coast and relatively less remote than some mainland highland regions.

   

Similarities with the mainland are best illustrated by the common repertoire of Neolithic Chambered Tombs, Broch Towers and Early Ecclesiastical Complexes.  Variations can be seen with the well preserved Bronze and Iron Age farmsteads along the machair such as Cladh Hallan, featured on ‘Meet the Ancestors’ in 2003 and the enigmatic wheelhouses with their radial stone piers.  Museums found in Lochmaddy, Benbecula and South Uist supplement the field monuments and features to give an impression of various time periods with regularly updated displays. (Image:  Pauline Greenhaugh)

As a great deal of archaeological information has yet to reach publication, the Kildonan museum in South Uist tends to concentrate of recent aspects of Hebridean life such as blackhouses, croft farming and industrial practices.

The Outer Hebrides are currently benefiting from an archaeological revival, following a period of well intended but unqualified antiquarian interest and cold war panic excavation related to the military build up.  Attitudes and practices have changed dramatically, and the Outer Hebrides is now investigated regularly by the leading schools of archaeology resulting in a greater awareness of its archaeological potential and a better understanding of its development.

Further information regarding current archaeological research in the Hebrides can be found at the Univiersity of Sheffield webpage.  Here abstracts and summaries of their work in conjunction with other archaeological departments can be viewed.     

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