UHI Viking and Early Medieval Studies Pilot Programme Begins on the Island of Eigg

Professor Alex Sanmark and Dr Shane McLeod from the UHI Institute for Northern Studies, Viking and Early Medieval Studies, headed to the Scottish island of Eigg on September 18, 2025, to organise two days of work with the The Isle of Eigg Guiding Company.

This pilot project is part of the ongoing UHI Tourism Knowledge Exchange Program, which links research and scholarship with businesses, public agencies, and communities. The goal of the program is to collaborate with both local and global stakeholders to ensure that the research conducted at UHI generates meaningful impact and contributes to the sustainability of communities in the Scottish Highlands and Islands.

Professor Sanmark and Dr McLeod were on the island of Eigg for two days, during which they organised a successful public seminar entitled ' The Viking Age in Eigg' attended by 25 people from across the island and beyond. This was followed by an additional day spent with the guides from the Eigg Guiding Company, exploring the Viking and early medieval history and heritage of the island, particularly the Bay of Laig and Kildonnan. They also met with local historian Camille Dressler to discuss how their expertise could help with the proposed Eigg Heritage Centre.  

Professor Sanmark stated, “We are excited to take part in this knowledge exchange project, which aims to enhance the tourism potential of this beautiful island by sharing the research from our Norse and the Sea Project. We will collaborate with the Isle of Eigg Guiding Company and the local community to develop initiatives that deepen their understanding of the island's rich heritage.”

The Isle of Eigg Guiding Company is a start-up established in 2024. They offer guided tours both on land and water for visitors to the island. In addition to their heritage tours, the company also runs bushcraft skills workshops at their woodland site. Their mission is to be a carbon-neutral, low-impact adventure company, leading the way in ecotourism.

This initiative is an initial pilot project aimed at fostering further heritage and tourism development on Eigg. The exploratory phase is funded by the UHI Tourism Knowledge Exchange Program.