Visitors to Barra can now experience some of the island’s most remarkable archaeological sites in an entirely new way thanks to a pioneering augmented reality project developed by UHI North, West and Hebrides.
Two new interactive heritage trails have been added to the Outer Hebrides Unearthed smartphone app, allowing users to explore thousands of years of island history through immersive digital storytelling.
The new experiences take visitors to Dùn Bharpa and Cille Bharra, where cutting edge technology overlays detailed three dimensional reconstructions onto the landscape, bringing ancient sites back to life through a smartphone.
At Dùn Bharpa, visitors can virtually step inside a life sized reconstruction of a 5,000 year old Neolithic burial tomb to discover how prehistoric communities honoured their dead.
Meanwhile, at Cille Bharra, Norse runic inscriptions are brought to life within the walls of the historic chapel, offering new insights into belief, identity and daily life during Barra’s early medieval period.
The project builds on the success of the award winning Uist Unearthed app, which transformed the way people engage with archaeology across Uist and won three British Archaeology Awards in 2022.
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.”
The project has also been shaped by the local community, with artist Sheena Beaton and pupils from Castlebay and Eoligarry primary schools helping create original artwork and animations featured throughout the app.
Gaelic has been woven into the experience, with all content available bilingually following collaboration with Ceòlas Uibhist, while traditional stories and folklore recorded in Barra can also be heard at locations along each trail.
The project will continue to expand over the next two years, with another Barra site due to be added later this year, three new Harris locations planned for summer 2027 and a travelling exhibition scheduled for 2028.
Supported by Historic Environment Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, SSEN Transmission and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, the initiative aims to preserve the islands’ rich history while creating a unique visitor experience that blends technology, culture and archaeology.
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
