What is in my area?
If you have been directed to this page from Pastmap and would like more information about a site, please email archaeology.info@shetland.gov.uk quoting the HER number(s) which you are interested in.
Shetland’s Historic Environment Record (HER) is held and maintained by the SIC’s Archaeology Service. (This was formerly known as the Sites and Monuments Record or SMR and was held at Shetland Amenity Trust).
We collect records about all aspects of human activity which are not part of the present pattern of landuse. There is a strong emphasis on prehistoric – Viking/ Norse sites, but records about historic crofting and wartime activities are steadily growing in number. These records have been gathered from a variety of sources and added to the database linked to GIS (the HER), held by the Archaeology Service. We keep digital copies of maps, photographs, articles and reports.
These records are the key tool used by the Archaeology Service to protect, preserve and interpret our past as well as to contribute to learning, placemaking and helping people to enjoy Shetland’s heritage. The HER is also used to answer queries from anyone with an interest in the past, including school children, walkers, landowners, researchers, etc. We always welcome information, photographs and queries from people who may have discovered new sites or would like more information on what you have seen.
The record is not yet available online but we supply limited details (location, site type and HER number) to the national database Pastmap. To use Pastmap, navigate to Shetland, then select “Historic Environment Record”.
Please note: If you are a contractor, consultant, developer, utilities or pipeline builder and require historic environment data, please visit our What should I do … section
I think I have found human bone