There are 215 designated Scheduled Ancient Monuments across the Outer Hebrides. Over 40% of Scheduled monuments are located across the island Lewis, with a particular concentration of scheduled sites across the Uig parish – an area which encompasses Calanais and the Bhaltos Peninsula, both of which have been the focus of sustained research interest for many decades. There are six designated Properties in Care across the Outer Hebrides, located in the northernmost and southernmost islands respectively. There are no Properties in Care in South Uist and only 34 Scheduled Ancient Monuments, noteworthy given the nationally and internationally significant sites identified across this particular island and the impact of South Uist’s research on wider Scottish Archaeology.
Houses in St Kilda in 1997 © Newsquest (Herald & Times)
There is one World Heritage Site within the Comhairle local authority. The archipelago of St Kilda was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1986 (with extensions in 2004 and 2005). The inscription is based on fulfilment of five separate UNESCO criteria and St Kilda is the only World Heritage Site in Scotland recognised for its natural heritage and one of only a few WHS globally recognized for both natural and cultural heritage (SIRFA Case Study: St Kilda). The National Trust for Scotland (NTS), a charity, owns and manages the archipelago. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) currently has a full-time presence on the islands, although NTS and other conservation bodies/researchers are there for a significant part of the year.
There is one World Heritage Site within the Comhairle local authority. The archipelago of St Kilda was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1986 (with extensions in 2004 and 2005). The inscription is based on fulfilment of five separate UNESCO criteria and St Kilda is the only World Heritage Site in Scotland recognised for its natural heritage and one of only a few WHS globally recognized for both natural and cultural heritage. The National Trust for Scotland (NTS), a charity, owns and manages the archipelago. The Military of Defence (MOD) currently has a full-time presence on the islands, although NTS and other conservation bodies/researchers are there for a significant part of the year.
The interactive map below shows the scheduled monuments, listed buildings and properties in care in the Outer Hebrides. You can also download the Datasheet to view full lists of these national and international designations.
SIRFA Case Study: