Shane McLeod

Dr. Shane McLeod is a Researcher in Viking and Early Medieval Studies at the University of the Highlands and Islands' Institute for Northern Studies. He holds a PhD in Viking Studies from the University of Western Australia (2011) and served as an Impact Research Fellow at the University of Stirling (2013–2015). His work focuses on Norse migration, maritime logistics, and Viking Age burial practices in Scotland, complemented by interests in the Great Army campaigns, gender dynamics, and human sacrifice. He leads the Norse and the Sea project (2022–2025), exploring maritime routes in Western Scotland, and contributed to the Funeralscapes initiative, which reenacted medieval funerals on the Isle of Eigg. McLeod is actively involved in public engagement through media and academic outreach, aiming to enhance accessibility to Viking heritage.

His research spans Viking settlement demographics, migration routes, and cultural adaptation. Notable projects include analyzing sex ratios in Viking settlements, investigating the Great Army's winter camps, and examining Norse navigation techniques in the Northern Isles. McLeod advocates for a Viking tourism trail in Britain, emphasizing digital accessibility. He has collaborated on interdisciplinary projects like Viking Burials in Scotland and co-authored works on Norse-Gaelic interactions. McLeod's scholarship bridges archaeology, history, and cultural studies, with over 20 publications in peer-reviewed journals and edited volumes.

Advising and grants include mentoring PhD students on Viking migration and logistics. His work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals, promoting cultural heritage preservation. McLeod's media engagements, such as BBC features on Viking brutality and navigation, highlight his commitment to public scholarship.