Scotland’s Island Research Framework for Archaeology (SIRFA) is a four year project to develop and disseminate a regional research framework for the Western Isles, Shetland and Orkney, set within a broader, island-wide archaeological research framework for Scotland. The project began in July 2018 and is coordinated by the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) and Islands Archaeology Institute staff at Lews Castle College UHI in partnership with Local Authority archaeologists at the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (CnES), Shetland Amenity Trust and Orkney Islands Council.
SIRFA symposium in Shetland in 2019 © ScARF
Two symposiums have taken place to date in the Western Isles in January 2019, and Shetland in September 2019. These were open to all stakeholders of archaeological research in the Scottish Isles, including: individuals and organisations whose work involves archaeological research, as well individuals who engage with the outcomes of research such as museums professionals, commercial archaeologists, academic researchers, archaeology students, community heritage groups, independent researchers and local and national government agencies. The purpose of these events was to identify research gaps and areas of research potential.
The third and final symposium is scheduled to take place from March 24th-27th 2023 in Kirkwall, Orkney. For more details on the event or to sign up, click here.
SIRFA aims to bring together archaeology practitioners to forge research links across and between Scotland’s islands. The project is supported by Society of Antiquaries of Scotland and the Association of Local Government Archaeological Officers Scotland (ALGAO), and funded by Historic Environment Scotland as part of Scotland’s Archaeology Strategy.
