A project to unravel the recent history of domestic accommodation across Uist and Benbecula is to be established in Daliburgh.

The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) say they have have "an exciting new PHD research opportunity to study primarily based at UHI North, West and Hebrides in Uist in partnership with Ceòlas and UHI Centre for History."

This project has been awarded funding by the Scottish Graduate School for Arts and Humanities as part of its Collaborative Doctoral Award scheme.

UHI say the PhD student involved in the scheme will "develop an innovative interdisciplinary approach that will bring together cutting-edge archaeological and oral history techniques to better understand and utilise Uist’s Taighean Tughaidh – domestic dwellings maintained and lived-in throughout Uist by Gaelic communities from the mid-18th until the late 20th century.

"The remains of these iconic buildings are found widely across Uist - most in decay, hidden beneath newer housing or renovated for tourism markets."

Based primarily at the Cnoc Soilleir in South Uist with archaeologist Dr Rebecca Rennell, this funded Collaborative Doctoral Award will be led by Dr Iain Robertson and UHI Centre for History in partnership with UHI Archaeology Institute and Ceòlas Uibhist.

Dr Rebecca Rennell said “I’m really looking forward to seeing this research unfold. It is especially important that the successful candidate will be based at Cnoc Soilleir in South Uist. There needs to be better articulation between archaeological research and living Gaelic culture, language, and heritage."

John Joe MacNeil of Cèolas said, “I am delighted to see this joint PHD opportunity come to fruition in partnership with UHI North, West and Hebrides, UHI Centre for History and Ceòlas. 

"As a community grassroots organisation in South Uist, Ceòlas promote, nurture and celebrate Gaelic language, music, dance, culture and heritage across our local, national and international communities.  This piece of research will allow us to better communicate, preserve and explore our unique heritage.”

Dr Iain Robertson, Associate Professor at the Centre for History said: “Taighean Tughaidh are a vital part of Uist’s cultural heritage with memories about living with them an important element of that. If these buildings are to play a role in helping preserve that heritage, then drawing together memories and structures is a vital and innovative first step. I am delighted to be helping partners and community in this way.”

The deadline for applications is Friday 17 May. Find out more and how to apply on UHI’s website.

The UHI Centre for History is described by UHI as "internationally renowned for research, teaching and community engagement in Highland, Scottish and wider world history. "

The Centre says: "We take part in research, knowledge exchange and public engagement in medieval, early modern and modern history - unique within a Scottish context. A key focus is on the land and people of the Scottish Highlands, and we host the online report of the Napier Commission, one of the most significant sources for the Highland Clearances."