Ancient sites of the Outer Hebrides in national spotlight

The plentiful supply of archaeological sites throughout the Outer Hebrides will be in the national spotlight this summer thanks to a new UK-wide marketing drive from VisitScotland,

The national tourism organisation’s Archaeological Treasures Trail, an online campaign designed to immerse visitors in some of Scotland’s most fascinating historical sites, will highlight the Outer Hebrides’ archaeological gems and sites of historic interest.

Launched last week by Tony Robinson, presenter of Channel 4’s Time Team, and one of only three special island itineraries for Scotland, the Outer Hebrides’ online trail encourages people to visit the Calanais Standing Stones on Lewis, Barpa Langais on North Uist and the island of St Kilda, as well as some of the lesser known sites such as Taobh Tuath on Harris, and Clach Mhor Standing Stone, on the Isle Of Berneray.

“Fascinating artefacts”

Each itinerary features details of exhibitions and museums, information about recent high-profile finds, popular visitor attractions, listings for local guides and suggestions for walks, accommodation and dining.  For full details of the Outer Hebrides itinerary, visit www.visitscotland.com/perfect .

Tony Robinson, probably best known for the role of Baldrick in Blackadder, said:

“The islands of Scotland are the perfect place to visit during the summer months and this trail is the ideal way to incorporate an archaeological quest into your trip.  It doesn’t matter how old or young you are, or how much you already know. This is your chance to step back in time and discover ‘Scotland’s Stonehenge’, explore ancient burial monuments and wander through prehistoric villages complete with stone beds, dressers and central hearths.  Who knows what else is buried out there just waiting to reveal its treasures and tell us more about our ancestors of old.”

With experts noting a recent surge in interest in archaeological tourism, the VisitScotland Archaeological Treasures Trail inspires budding adventurers to don their fedoras and explore some of the fascinating artefacts that lie beneath Scotland’s surface.

“Years’ worth of history”

New research by Opinion Matters on behalf of VisitScotland reveals that 63 per cent of UK adults have visited an archaeological site.

Natasha Ferguson of the University of Glasgow’s Centre for Battlefield Archaeology, which recently discovered that the famous Battle of Prestonpans actually took place 500 metres further east than originally thought, said:

“There has definitely been an increase in the number of people showing an interest in archaeology. People love engaging with the past – it sparks the imagination, especially among children. It’s all very well people being told about historical events, but having the artefacts in front of them makes them feel they are actually touching the past.”

VisitScotland’s Islands Manager in the Outer Hebrides, MaryAnn MacIver, said:

“People have been coming to the Outer Hebrides for decades to enjoy the islands’ unique archaeology, a trend which looks set to continue. These islands offer the visitor a fascinating insight into thousands of years’ worth of history, and a very real sense that there is always more to discover. The recently completed Hebrides Archaeological Interpretation Programme gives visitors better access to gain further knowledge of sites which are significant to the area. See www.archaeologyhebrides.com .”

The trail will be available to view, along with the downloadable itineraries, online at www.visitscotland.com/perfect until the autumn.

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