UHI Centre for History

07/09/2026

In the latest blog for the Landscapes of Protest project, Professor Sheila Kidd (University of Glasgow) tells us about a rare document entirely written in Gaelic lately discovered in the National Records of Scotland.

The document was written in the mid 18th century in the context of widespread illegal woodcutting on the estate of Strathspey belonging to the Grants of Grant. As Professor Kidd puts it, this 'marvellous find' suggests that 'the archives may hold other, as yet unidentified, estate papers written in Gaelic'.

You can read the full blog here, https://uhihistory.short.gy/IFXPzY

You can find out more about this Leverhulme Trust funded project on the project website, https://uhihistory.short.gy/uvHHte

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04/09/2026

Deadline for applications for our three, self-funded PhD projects is next week, Friday 11 September 2026!

We are excited to offer the following projects for January 2027 entry:

➕An Environmental History of the Jacobite Risings in Scotland
➕Growing old gracefully? Power and age in early modern Europe
➕Reforming and Re-framing Personal Devotions and Religious Behaviour in Perth’s Past, Present and Future

You can find further information for each project and details on how to apply on our website, https://uhihistory.short.gy/RCCgoA (scroll down to 'Available PhD Projects'

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02/09/2026

Academic year 2026/27 is here and we are so excited to meet our new and returning students! While teaching will start next week, this week offers the opportunity for inductions, introductions and getting ready for the year ahead.

Our students join us from all over Scotland, rest of the UK and overseas, and we look forward to welcoming them all to explore Highland, Scottish and wider-world history with our committed, enthusiastic and supportive team!

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01/09/2026

Our Interim Head, Dr Lucy Dean, recently spoke to the Perth Courier about the Perth Charterhouse Project, and the archaeological dig happening it mid-September, https://uhihistory.short.gy/cDh35B

The dig will take place on 14-20 September 2026 in the gardens of the King James VI Hospital Buildings, at the corner of Kings St and Hospital St (PH2 8HP).

The dig coincides with Archaeology Scotland's Archaeology Month and the Doors Open Days Festival, hosting two open days on Friday 18 and Saturday 19 September between 10am and 4pm. There will be walking tours, dig talks, family-friendly activities and a mini-exhibition.

The work is being supported financially by the King James VI Hospital and the Guildry Incorporation of Perth, and in collaboration with the Perthshire Society of Natural Sciences (PSNS).

You can learn more about the project on our website, https://uhihistory.short.gy/4egazh

UHI Culture Perth and Kinross Perth Museum Perth Art Gallery University of Stirling History, Heritage & Politics

An archaeological dig is happening in the grounds of Perth's King James VI Hospital, close to where King James I of Scotland was buried

28/08/2026

Semester 1 of the new academic year is almost here, but there's still time to apply for our single or joint-honours Undergraduate History programmes!

Here's what Caitlin, one of our History BAH graduates had to say about her time at UHI Centre for History:

"I greatly enjoyed my time with UHI. The flexibility and exceptionally supportive environment gave me the opportunity to grow and develop both personally and academically. The variety of expertise and engagement offered by both the lecturers and staff gave me the confidence and ability to pursue History further, in ways I never thought possible."

To find out more about History, Scottish History or joint-honours options or to apply, visit our website, https://uhihistory.short.gy/htJuU9

27/08/2026

We are very excited to share details on archaeological developments on the Perth Charterhouse Project, led by our Dr Lucy Dean in collaboration with Prof Richard Oram!

Following Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) scanning in 2024, the project’s first archaeological dig will take place in September 2026, making history by embarking on the first dedicated archaeological excavation in search of the Perth Charterhouse. The work is being supported financially by the King James VI Hospital and the Guildry Incorporation of Perth, and in collaboration with the Perthshire Society of Natural Sciences (PSNS) and the community of residents living on the site.

We are hugely grateful to all involved for their continuing support. To follow the project and learn more about steps leading to the archaeological dig, visit the project website, https://uhihistory.short.gy/4egazh

UHI Culture Perth and Kinross Perth Art Gallery Perth Museum

25/08/2026

Apply for Postgraduate taught study, starting this September!

We offer four Masters programmes:

➕ MLitt History
➕ MLitt History of the Highlands and Islands
➕ MLitt Coastal and Maritime Societies and Cultures
➕ MLitt History and Archaeology of the Highlands and Islands

Here's what Iain, one of our recent graduates, said:

'I was delighted to graduate from UHI having gained a MLitt History of the Highlands and Islands (Distinction). I studied for four years part time with the UHI Centre for History and enjoyed all of the modules, each of which was interesting and challenging in its own way. Remote learning suited me well as I was able to study in the evenings and at weekends while holding down a demanding full time teaching job. The Centre for History staff were extremely helpful and gave excellent feedback to help me improve my skills and knowledge. I made use of the opportunity for regular video conferencing with my tutors and enjoyed participating in the weekly interactive forums with other students based on that week’s reading. I would thoroughly recommend studying with the Centre for History to anyone interested in furthering their academic journey.'

Visit our website to find out more and to apply, https://uhihistory.short.gy/hwymwU

21/08/2026

We are very excited to share some early reviews of Dr Juliette Desportes' upcoming book, 'The Politics of Highland Improvement: Annexation and the Landed Estate in Scotland, 1747-1784', https://uhihistory.short.gy/88iE9z

Published by Edinburgh University Press, the book will be available in early 2027.

You can find out more about Dr Desportes' research on our website, https://uhihistory.short.gy/9Tpn1L

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20/08/2026

Congratulations to our Dr Philippa Woodcock who has been awarded a Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) Small Grant for her project, '"They Wept Together": Investigating Miscarriage, Taboo and Support in Early Modern Scotland'. The award is part of the RSE's Spring 2026 Research Awards programme, which is investing more than £661,000 in 61 innovative research projects across Scotland.

Building on work already supported by the Royal Historical Society and the Strathmartine Trust, the new RSE funding will enable Dr Woodcock to deepen understanding of how women, men and communities experienced miscarriage in early modern Scotland.

To find out more, visit https://uhihistory.short.gy/0voIoe

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A University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) historian has secured prestigious funding from the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) to advance research into the emotional experience of miscarriage in early modern Scotland.

15/08/2026

Our Dr Lucy Dean is one of the four main collaborating authors on a newly published Routledge Books textbook for students - Exploring Monarchy in Medieval Europe, 1000–1500 – along with Dr Elena Woodacre (founder of the Royal Studies Network), Dr Simon Lambe and Dr Patrik Pastrnak. The book also includes contributions from a host of other scholars for specialist spotlights and area study to make sure it encompasses Europe at its broadest extent.

They also worked with students as chapter reviewers, including some of our very own UHI Centre for History students. Huge thanks to all involved!

The book was launched at International Medieval Congress - University of Leeds in July and you can also hear from all four authors on this Royal Studies Network Podcast: https://uhihistory.short.gy/rWQ9c4

Find out more, https://uhihistory.short.gy/ssyeAV

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