Scotland's Islands Research Framework for Archaeology - SIRFA (360G-BNG-2425_3016)

SIRFA is run inpartnership with local authority archaeologists at Comhairle nan EileanSiar, Orkney Islands Council and Shetland Amenity Trust, supported by theSociety of Antiquaries of Scotland and funded by Historic Environment forScotland. The final output, to be published online as part of the nationalframework ScARF, will establish key research gaps and researchquestions for archaeologists working across Scotland’s islands. Theproject has been structured around symposia events in eacharchipelago, providing opportunities for local stakeholders to contribute tothe framework alongside researchers and the wider heritage sector. Crucially, the project been coordinated in the islands, for theislands and with island communities as key stakeholders. For the OuterHebrides, a key outcome of local consultation was a clear message fromHebridean communities that Gaelic language, culture and heritage need tobe better acknowledge and understood by archaeological researchers, and adesire for Gaelic to be embedded in the framework, includedand fully acknowledged as a research tool, incorporated into the researchgaps and questions for the region. Consequently, the framework formally identifiesinterdisciplinary Gaelic and archaeological research as a keyresearch gap and highlights research questions relating to the islands’ Gaelicheritage.To further our inclusion and acknowledgement of Gaelic in thisimportant document, we are applying for additional project funds from BnGto  commission: - Gaelic translations for key sections ofthe Outer Hebrides Framework - A best practice guide on how to use Gaelicplace and sites name in archaeological research. - A list of Gaelic resources for archaeological researchers Making Gaelic highly visible in the published framework andencouraging the inclusion of Gaelic in archaeological research will benefitGaelic speaking communities across Scotland as well as enriching andenhancing archaeological research for all audiences.