If you want to have a career in archaeology, or are just interested in pursuing it as a hobby, volunteering is a very good way to get experience. The Western Isles Archaeology Service is run by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar. The Archaeologist has responsibility for the care of archaeological sites and monuments throughout the Western Isles. The work of the Archaeology Service is focused around the Sites and Monuments Record. This is a record of all the known sites and monuments in the islands, and is continually updated and added to.
New information comes into the record from many sources.
People bring things they have found, and photographs and descriptions of sites to Museum nan Eilean, and to the archaeologist. Surveys and excavations are carried out in advance of development. Individual archaeologists and University departments of archaeology do research in the islands - University of Sheffield , University of Glasgow , University of Edinburgh, Calanais and general University of Edinburgh, General . The service also keeps an eye on all archaeological work happening in the islands, and tries to ensure that the results are always passed on to the local community. The archaeologist encourages the development of locally led archaeological projects.