Ancient And Modern

Explore a mind-blowing five millennia of archaeological remains.

LIKE many of the Outer Hebrides, the Uistsare rich in archaeological treasures. Here we focus on two particularly impressive structures – one dating back 5000 years to the Neolithic age, while the other is a modern tribute to those prehistoric architects whose work is dotted about the Western Isles.

The Hut of the Shadows (Both nam Faileas) near Lochmaddy, is no mere replica. It is a cunningly conceived arts project completed by environmental artist Chris Drury.

Chris’ work takes him all over the world, but he is particularly proud of his creation in this tiny corner of the Outer Hebrides.

“Taigh Chearsabhagh – the museum and arts centre in Lochmaddy – were given a grant by the Scottish Arts Council for work in the surrounding landscape,” he says. “They invited me up to make a site visit and proposal. They more or less indicated a site and left me to it!”