Sarah Jane Gibbon

Dr Sarah Jane Gibbon is a part-time Lecturer in Archaeology and Project Officer with ORCA at the University of the Highlands and Islands Archaeology Institute (Orkney College). Her research focuses on medieval and later Orkney, particularly Christianity, maritime pilgrimage, and early modern trade. She holds a PhD in Archaeology (2006) from the UHI/Open University on parish formation in the Orkney Earldom. Her work integrates landscape analysis, historical records, and GIS mapping to explore cultural heritage and community identity.

Education:

• B.A. History & Archaeology, University of Glasgow (1998)
• M.Res. ‘Norse Castles in Orkney’, University of Glasgow (1999)
• PhD ‘Origins of the Parochial System in Orkney’, UHI/Open University (2006)

Research Interests:

• Medieval/Norse landscapes of belief and power
• Maritime pilgrimage and St Magnus cult
• Early modern trade networks in Orkney/Shetland
• Traditional song culture as social history
• Historiography of Orkney and antiquarian influences

Projects:

• Co-Director: Landscapes of Change (Rousay Clearances)
• PI: Looking In From The Edge (LIFTE) project
• ‘Is the Wirk a Castle?’ archaeological investigation

Teaching: Leads modules on Early Medieval Archaeology, Scottish Historical Archaeology, and Research Skills. Supervises undergraduate/postgraduate research projects.

Labs/Teams: Active with ORCA (Orkney Research Centre for Archaeology), collaborating on interdisciplinary projects with historians, geographers, and heritage managers.