Stepping Stone? Investigating the cultural, natural and intangible heritages of Fair Isle. ARCS (Applied Research Collaborative Studentships) Funded PhD Studentship

About the Project

This PhD project will take a multidisciplinary approach to investigations on Fair Isle combining archaeological excavation of targeted heritage features, palaeoecological studies to establish the long-term ecological heritage, and investigating the intangible heritage of folk customs and traditions. Advanced digital visualisation techniques will also be explored to disseminate information and island narrative, for example via immersive systems.

Fair Isle is the most geographically remote inhabited island in the UK, situated 24 miles south of Shetland and 27 miles north of Orkney, almost equidistant between these two island groups. It has a population today of ~60 people but is known to have supported much higher numbers in the past. Despite the perceived isolation of this island, archaeological surveys carried out in the 1980s demonstrated a rich archaeological heritage with features identified spanning some 6000 years, from the Neolithic through to post-medieval and recent histories. This new PhD study will ask the question as to whether Fair Isle should be seen as a stepping stone between Orkney and Shetland and to explore what are shared and what are unique elements of that identity, cultural and ecological heritage.

The PhD project will be supervised by Associate Professor Dr Scott Timpany Archaeology Institute UHI Orkney, Professor Stuart Jeffrey, Glasgow School of Art, and Dr Daniel Rhodes, Senior Archaeologist, National Trust for Scotland. As part of this PHD the applicant will be based in UHI Orkney and expected to spend time on placement with the National Trust for Scotland, which will include time spent in the field on Fair Isle.

This PhD opportunity would suit those looking to advance their skills and knowledge in island research, archaeology, palynology, heritage and visualisation.