The ancient world will meet the modern at Dunollie House, Oban, on 19 April, at the opening of a multi-media touring exhibition looking at the deserted settlements of Argyll and Bute and how these ruins came to be.

Argyll and Bute Council have supported Archaeology Scotland in the innovative project which uses the most modern hi-tech new media to bring rural communities in touch with their past.

Visitors will encounter some exciting interactive opportunities including a hand held film projector with surround sound which can be projected onto any surface, even your friend’s forehead. Or operate a projector by pedalling a bicycle made out of recycled parts.

The exhibition is Archaeology Scotland’s first to be presented in both English and Gaelic.

The council’s Policy Lead for Community and Culture, Councillor Robin Currie, said, “The council is happy to support this exhibition, which gives anyone with an interest in our deserted communities the opportunity to learn more about the history of Argyll and Bute in a really new and engaging way.

“What is interesting to discover is that our deserted settlements are not all to do with the Highland Clearances by any means. Our population has always been very dynamic and well connected to the central belt with a rich industrial past, all of which has resulted in a fluctuating and moving population.”

‘Homeland Argyll and Bute’ links rural communities with the national festival, Scottish Archaeology Month, to support and train local groups to share their experiences of becoming involved with the science of archaeology using new media.

Archaeology Scotland director Eila Macqueen said, “The Homeland Argyll and Bute project has given us an opportunity to take a fresh look at familiar places. The islands of Bute and Islay both have a wealth of local history and archaeology and this project brings in film and photography; mobile phone apps and local insights into why people came here and how things have changed over the years. People have chosen to make Argyll and Bute their home for thousands of years – there’s got to be some good reasons for that and this exhibition will explore these themes of Hearth and Home in new ways.”

Tour Dates

19 Apr – 8 May   Dunollie House, Oban

9 May – 11 Jun Tarbert Academy

12 Jun – 3 Jul Burgh Hall, Dunoon  

4 Jul – 31 Jul Ionad Chaluim Chille Ìle, Islay

1 Aug – 28 Aug Three Villages Hall, Arrochar  

28 Aug – 15 Sept Here We Are, Cairndow

16 Sept – 23 Oct Campbeltown Library

24 Oct – 21 Nov Kilmartin Museum

Opening times will vary – check with your local venue.