UHI North, West and Hebrides brings Barra’s prehistoric tombs and Norse inscriptions to life with new interactive, augmented reality archaeology trail
UHI North, West and Hebrides has launched two new interactive, augmented reality archaeology trails in Barra, allowing 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 and Cille Bharra in Barra. Drawing on decades of archaeological research, both sites have been digitally reimagined to help visitors explore the islands' history through interactive and immersive storytelling. 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.”
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."
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.
Kathleen Stewart, Area Team Leader at HIE in Innse Gall, said:
"We're pleased to have supported this innovative project, which uses state-of-the-art technology to create an engaging, high-quality tourism experience with Gaelic embedded throughout. It's fantastic to see two new sites being added to the trail, brought to life through interactive, immersive, bilingual digital storytelling. We look forward to working with the archaeology team at UHI North, West and Hebrides as the project develops."
Iain MacNeil, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar councillor for Barraigh agus Bhatarsaigh, said:
"I'm delighted to see the next phase of this brilliant project expanded to include Barra. The Comhairle has been proud to support the Unearthed projects since 2020. The work of the UHI North, West and Hebrides archaeology team highlights the amazing archaeology found across our islands while contributing to economic growth directly and indirectly through jobs, contracts and enhanced visitor experiences."
Amparo Echenique, SSEN Transmission’s Economic Development Manager, said:
“We’re delivering more than £100 million in community benefit across the north of Scotland through investment in new electricity infrastructure that supports the country’s clean power and energy security ambitions while creating lasting benefits for local communities.
“We’re delighted to work with UHI North, West and Hebrides to help fund Barra and Harris Unearthed, increasing awareness and understanding of key archaeological sites across the Western Isles.
“Through our Regional Community Benefit Fund, we’re proud to support initiatives that preserve important places, celebrate cultural heritage and promote local traditions. Barra and Harris Unearthed is a fantastic example of that, and we hope it will inspire more people to connect with and appreciate the rich history of the Western Isles.”
The Outer Hebrides Unearthed app is free to download from app stores by searching "Outer Hebrides Unearthed" or by visiting: Outer Hebrides Unearthed