“In our peat mosses, roots of large frees are often dug up, and they have also been found in Sandwick Bay [the Bay of Skaill], where they are generally covered by the ocean. Hazelnuts; deer’s horn etc., have likewise-repeatedly been found embedded in our peat and this makes it probable that forests have formerly grown in these islands…”
Rev Charles Clouston. New Statistical Account of Scotland. 1845
The UHI Archaeology Institute has a part-funded Masters by Research (MRes) studentship available, looking at exposed intertidal peat at the Bay of Skaill in Orkney’s West Mainland.
Intertidal peats, often with submerged forest deposits, are present in shallow bays across Orkney and evidence lost landscapes of woodlands, wetlands and freshwater bodies at a time when sea-level was significantly lower than today.
These deposits hold a repository of palaeoecological information to enable the reconstruction of these former landscapes and to evidence the presence and activities of prehistoric communities, particularly those of Mesolithic populations who are almost archaeologically invisible in comparison to Neolithic societies in Orkney.
Lost Lands & Submarine Groves: a palaeoecological investigation of intertidal peats at the Bay of Skaill, West Mainland, Orkney focuses on the palaeoecological investigation of a newly exposed area of intertidal peat deposits at the Bay of Skaill, Sandwick, Orkney – an area most renowned as the site of the Neolithic settlement Skara Brae. There is a long history of intertidal peat study in this location, with various investigations of these deposits since the early 19th century.
This study aims to build on these previous studies to investigate lost landscapes at a local level through the addition of archaeobotanical techniques (waterlogged plant remains) not yet applied to further understand landscape development, climatic change/instability, anthropogenic activities, grazing animal presence, and the former biodiversity of Orkney’s wetlands.
This MRes opportunity would suit those looking to advance their skills and knowledge in archaeobotany, submerged landscapes, early prehistoric archaeology and ecology. It comprises a taught research skills module and 30,000 word thesis, over one year full-time or two-years part-time.
The supervisors are Associate Professor Dr Scott Timpany and Dr Jennifer Miller, lecturers in environmental archaeology at the UHI Archaeology Institute.
Funding
The Bird House Trust and UHI Archaeology Institute are funding UK rate tuition fees for this MRes. Details of home and international tuition fees can be found here. The funding covers UK tuition fees and a small stipend.
Entry requirements
- A 2:1 bachelor or honours degree or international equivalent in a subject relevant to the degree.
How and when to apply:
To apply send a CV and cover letter, including your research interests in relation to the degree, to Scott Timpany at scott.timpany@uhi.ac.uk.
- Expression of interest deadline: December 3, 2025
- Interviews: w/c December 8, 2025
- Course start date: February 2, 2026
