Our research

Before the founding of the Centre in 2005, no university history department had focused its research in, on, and for the Highlands and Islands. Since then, we have grown to become a leading group dedicated to research into the region’s past, as well as into broader regional, transregional, national and global histories.

We take part in research, knowledge exchange and public engagement in medieval, early modern and modern history - unique within a Scottish context. A key focus is on the land and people of the Scottish Highlands, and we host the online report of the Napier Commission, one of the most significant sources for the Highland Clearances. We are also influencing regional and national cultural bodies and institutions through our public history research collaborations, and have an increasing presence in coastal history and research into empire.