A new guidebook to the archaeological sites of Barra has been produced. Published by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, with part funding from the European Union, ‘Ancient Barra’ is a handy 72-page fully illustrated book which has been written by Professor Keith Branigan, the foremost authority on the archaeology of Barra. In the 1990s Keith Branigan, as Professor of Archaeology and Prehistory at the University of Sheffield, led a major campaign of archaeological investigation and excavation, discovering and recording hundreds of previously unknown sites. Drawing on that new body of knowledge, this colourful guide now presents the story of the human habitation of Barra from the appearance of the first stone age settlers over 6,000 years ago to the crofters of the last century, suggesting the most rewarding places to visit and providing clear descriptions of each site.

To mark the publication of the guidebook, a book launch will be held in Castlebay School Hall, Barra, on Wednesday 23rd May. The evening will open at 7pm with a public talk by Professor Branigan entitled ‘General Roderick MacNeil – Black Sheep or Lamb to the Slaughter?’, and will continue with the launch of the guidebook and short reception at 8pm.

‘Ancient Barra’ is the first in a series of three guidebooks ‘Exploring the Archaeology of the Outer Hebrides’, soon to be followed by volumes covering Benbecula and the Uists, and Lewis and Harris. These are being produced by the Hebrides Archaeological Interpretation Programme, an initiative by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar with joint funding from the European Union, which is also developing information panels and access improvements for sites around the Western Isles, and archaeological websites.

‘Ancient Barra’ will soon be available from bookshops at £7.95.