Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Heritage Service has launched a new online historic environment record (HER) that allows users to view data and historic references to sites across the Western Isles.
The database contains over 14,000 records, ranging from the earliest human activity on the islands up to the Cold War and more contemporary structures.
Archaeological monuments, historic buildings, and landscapes throughout the Outer Hebrides are included, with visitors selecting one of interest in order to view map information, photographs and archived references.
Pages also include a description of the site, its protected status and a form through which to offer feedback.
The HER will be continually updated and expanded, and members of the public can contact the Archaeology Service to provide information or photographic images, or inform the service about sites not previously recorded.
Although the primary purpose of the HER is to provide advice through the planning framework, the Comhairle believes online public accessibility will help to deliver wider Scottish Government strategic aims for communities, and supports the ‘Our Past, Our Future’ strategy of Historic Environment Scotland.
Colin George Morrison, Team Leader for Heritage and Culture at Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar, said: “We are very pleased to confirm the launch of the new online historic environment record.
“We hope that this a resource that will prove useful to the public and would encourage anyone with an interest in their local area to use the interactive mapping to access information about the historic environment in their local area or investigate the wider island archipelago.”
The HER, which was completed by Exegesis/idox and the Archaeology Service, can be found at her.cne-siar.gov.uk
The Archaeology Service can be contacted by emailing: archaeology@cne-siar.gov.uk