Harris and Scalpay Area Contact:
Kenny Macleod
Community Co-ordinator
Old Hostel, Tarbert, Isle of Harris
Tel: 01859 502367
E-mail: Kenny.macleod@cne-siar.gov.uk

Area Information : Harris and Scalpay

Examples of On-going Work:

Harris Development Ltd - Discovering Ancient Harris

Various locations in Harris

Prior to 2004 very little was known about the archaeology of Harris, with the only significant island wide survey having been carried out in 1913. Harris Development Ltd is now working in partnership with the University of Birmingham to carry out extensive research and build up local archaeological capacity.

A team from the University has come up for 3 weeks for each of the last 3 summers and assisted by local volunteers has surveyed in various locations. They have recorded hundreds of monuments (archaeological remnants) in the landscape and have carried out minor excavations at sites of interest. Finds have included: a large drying kiln buried in the machair at Borve; a complex of buildings on the headland near Huisinis; and large numbers of monuments in the Rodel area.

A night class was run for interested locals in early 2006 and a local group has been formed which is now planning to go out surveying once a month under the direction of local archaeologist Carol Knott.

The project has been funded by CnES, Western isles Enterprise, LEADER + and the University of Birmingham. It is now drawing to a close but it is intended that the work will continue and  funding avenues for new projects are now being explored.

 

North Harris Trust, Harris Development Ltd and others - Bunavoneader Whaling Station Conservation Plan.

Bunavoneader, Isle of Harris

Interested parties in Harris set up a Whaling Station Working Group a number of years ago to try to preserve and develop the site of the former whaling station. Progress has been slow but has gained impetus following the community purchase of the site as part of the North Harris Estate in 2003. Agreement has now been reached with Historic Scotland that a comprehensive Conservation Plan will be prepared to detail the conservation needs of the site and the associated opportunities for renovation of certain elements and for improved public access.

A brief has been tendered and it is hoped that the work will be carried out towards the end of 2006 once fundraising of approximately £20,000 has been completed.