A Multi-Disciplinary Approach to Researching the Intertidal and Marine Archaeology in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe Outer Hebrides Coastal Community Marine Archaeology Pilot Project (OHCCMAPP) was developed to test practical approaches to intertidal and marine archaeological site investigation by incorporating coastal, geoarchaeological, and aerial and underwater archaeological specialists with a strong focus on community engagement and public outreach. The OHCCMAPP's thematic objectives were not temporally constrained, but sought information on submerged prehistoric landscapes, marine resource exploitation, and maritime transportation related to the Outer Hebrides Maritime Historic Environment. The project was designed to start broadly with the entire archipelago under consideration, before study areas were narrowed down to medium-scale, and eventually, following an evidence-based approach, investigations undertaken at the site level. Consideration was given to working within optimal tidal conditions to ensure a maximum area of coverage in the intertidal zones. A phased approach was taken over two field seasons, with desk-based assessments of landscapes and previously recorded material forming the foundations from which to build original field surveys in under-represented areas, mainly centered around the coasts of sea lochs (fjords) around the Outer Hebrides. This article presents a simplified methodology and results of the 2011–2012 field campaigns with associated discussion and a more detailed case study site.