The title of his thesis is: Â
Neolithic Narratives: examining storytelling methodologies, tools, and technologies for enriching visitor engagement with prehistory
HEI: University of the Highlands and Islands Archeology Institute.
Â
The collaborative and interdisciplinary character of the research is reflected in the supervisory team, which comprises UHI colleagues Professor Jane Downes (Director of Studies), Associate Professor Steve Taylor, Dr. Rebecca Rennell, and Dr. Ragnhild Ljosland from archaeology and tourism disciplines, alongside external collaborators Alistair Murray, Atlantic Consultants, and Nick Card, Ness of Brodgar Trust, contributing their respective experience in transmedia storytelling and the interpretation of internationally important Neolithic research.
Â
Below, Cameron gives a synopsis of his thesis and reflects on his research, his experiences as a doctoral researcher, and the lessons he has learned during this time.
We each inhabit a world of stories, experiencing narratives of one kind or another whether fiction, non-fiction, or somewhere in between.​
Â
Focusing on the strong connection between the archaeological interpretation of the culturally significant Neolithic remains of 5000 years ago and contemporary tourism activity in Orkney, my Neolithic Narratives research project explores the intersection of archaeology, tourism and storytelling, and the ways in which stories can be told across media and landscapes to achieve sustainable cultural, social, and economic benefits.
Â
A Gathering of Ideas
Situating the Neolithic Narratives project in Orkney is a response to the close relationship between tourism and archaeology in a destination where over 30% of leisure tourists cite archaeology as the main reason for their visit. Finding common ground between tourism and archaeology, including their shared concern for sustainability, is a reminder that the two disciplines have several common interests, but sometimes communicate with visitors in isolation. Communicating effectively across disciplines helps ensure that the results of archaeological research make a positive contribution to the experience of visitors by linking the archaeological past with contemporary tourism.
Â
The research project draws on the principles of transmedia – the distribution of coherent, compelling, emotionally engaging stories across a range of media – coupled with the concept of serious storytelling, in which purposeful authentic narratives can be constructed with non-fiction storyworlds at their heart.
Â
​Supply and Demand Perspectives
Â
As part of the research, information about the supply of archaeological information to visitors is being gathered for qualitative analysis. To complement this, quantitative data about the demand for that information is being collected using visitor surveys. A survey was carried out in-person at the Ness of Brodgar during the final season of excavation in 2024, followed by the Tomb of the Eagles on its re-opening to the public under community ownership in September 2025.​
Â
At both locations, visitors were found to have a strong interest in the lives of the Neolithic people of Orkney and wanted to understand how archaeologists study the past. Visitors considered good storytelling to be important for their experience on site, though opinions varied regarding media preferences. ​By visiting the Ness of Brodgar during its final year of excavation and by visiting the Tomb of the Eagles in its first year of operation after several years in abeyance, visitors placed themselves in the contemporary narratives of both locations.
Â
Further surveys will take place in-person and online in the coming weeks.​
Â
The Transmedia Tomb
Â
A key element of the Neolithic Narratives research project will be the construction and evaluation of a transmedia storytelling pilot designed in the light of what has been learned about the supply of, and demand for, archaeological narratives. Evidence of cultural, social, and economic benefits from the dissemination of archaeological information via transmedia storytelling will be assessed.​ This will take place at the Tomb of the Eagles in 2026, which has already gained the nickname of ‘the transmedia tomb.’
Â
Â
What sparked your interest in this subject?
Prior to returning to academic study, I spent 25 years working in the tourism and heritage sectors. I developed a strong interest in how the results of archaeological research can be communicated most effectively to visitors, and the role of narrative techniques in doing so. Support from SGSAH is enabling me to undertake sustained academic research in this interdisciplinary field, and I am delighted to have the opportunity to contribute to knowledge about it.
What’s the most surprising thing your research has taught you about your subject?
My research has taught me just how important storytelling is. It is not, as one survey respondent insisted, ‘just for children.’ The truth is that we all experience the world through stories; we learn through stories; and we teach, share, and lead through stories. Â
What’s the most surprising thing your research has taught you about yourself?
My research project has shown me that the more you know, the more you realise how much there is still to know. But that is a good thing, not a bad thing. Oh, and I’ve learned that just because you experience imposter syndrome from time to time, it doesn’t mean that you are an imposter.
If you were your own supervisor, what advice would you give yourself?
Don’t become emotionally attached to draft thesis material. It is destined to be revised and revised and revised …
CONNECT WITH CAMERON
Email: Cameron Taylor