Two new interactive archaeology trails have been created in Barra. The work by UHI North, West and Hebrides allows visitors to experience some of the island’s most significant archaeological sites in an entirely new way, through the Outer Hebrides Unearthed smartphone app.

The Outer Hebrides Unearthed project is led by the archaeology team at UHI North, West and Hebrides, based in South Uist and part of the UHI Archaeology Institute.

The new Barra and Harris Unearthed Project builds on the success of the award-winning Uist Unearthed app, which transformed the way people experience archaeology across Uist through immersive augmented reality and received three British Archaeology Awards in 2022 for Outstanding Achievement, Innovation, and Public Dissemination and Presentation.

Two new archaeological trails are now available at:

• Dùn Bharpa
• Cille Bharra.

Drawing on decades of archaeological research, both sites have been digitally reimagined to help visitors explore the islands’ history through interactive and immersive storytelling. 

Joe Macphee, Head of Strategic Projects at UHI North, West and Hebrides said: 

“The continued growth of the Unearthed programme demonstrates what can be achieved through sustained collaboration and a shared long-term vision.

“It showcases how UHI North, West and Hebrides is translating academic excellence in digital archaeology into projects that deliver meaningful cultural, educational and local economic impact, while positioning the Outer Hebrides as a leader in innovative heritage interpretation.”

At Dùn Bharpa, users can crawl inside a life-sized augmented reality reconstruction of a 5,000-year-old Neolithic burial tomb to discover more about prehistoric spirituality and burial practices.

At Cille Bharra, visitors can watch runic inscriptions come to life within the chapel walls while exploring themes of belief and identity during Barra’s early historic period. 

Viewed through a user’s smartphone, augmented reality tools overlay life-sized, 3D models of archaeological structures on the physical landscape, seamlessly blending interpretations of the past with the present. The project will continue to grow over the coming years.

A third Barra site will be added to the app later this year, followed by three new sites across Harris in summer 2027 and a travelling exhibition in 2028.

Dr Rebecca Rennell, Barra and Harris Unearthed Project Manager and Archaeology lecturer at UHI North, West and Hebrides, said:

“We’re so excited to be adding Barra sites to the Outer Hebrides Unearthed trail. Barra is home to many stunning archaeological sites and landscapes, and we’ve really enjoyed finding ways to communicate their stories.

“Those who have used the Uist Unearthed app will notice some familiar digital tools: life-sized augmented reality models are still an important part of the Unearthed experience.

“But as a team we are passionate about pushing boundaries and trying new things, so users will also find some new approaches and interpretation devices embedded in the app and we’re keen to know what people think.”

Co-production has been central to the project. In Barra, the team worked closely with local artist Sheena Beaton and pupils from Castlebay and Eoligarry primary schools to create original artwork and animations, which visitors can discover as they explore the app.

Dr Emily Gal, Barra and Harris Unearthed Project Coordinator, said: 

“Working with school pupils from Castlebay and Eoligarry has been a particular highlight of our work in Barra: the kids’ enthusiasm for their local archaeology and their imaginative responses to our interpretation challenges have been really inspiring.”

Gaelic is also embedded throughout the project. The team has worked closely with Ceòlas Uibhist to ensure all content is available bilingually. Ceòlas Uibhist researcher Liam Crouse has also been recording stories and folklore in Barra, allowing app users to listen to traditional tales at locations along each archaeological trail.

The Barra and Harris Unearthed Project is funded by Historic Environment Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), The National Lottery Heritage Fund, SSEN Transmission’s Regional Community Benefit Fund, and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar. Their support is helping to expand the Outer Hebrides Unearthed app across Barra and Harris over the coming years.

The Outer Hebrides Unearthed app is free to download from app stores by searching “Outer Hebrides Unearthed” or by visiting: Outer Hebrides Unearthed 

More than 100 students have studied UHI North, West and Hebrides’ Archaeology and Local Studies course since its launch in 2015. Applications are now open for September and January entry. Find out more about all the Archaeology courses that can be studied at UHI North, West and Hebrides.