Throughout July, the research group Open Virtual Worlds from the School of Computer Science was involved in digitalising the archaeological artefacts, historical sites, and natural landscapes in collaboration with their important partner, Timespan Museum in Helmsdale, Highlands.

Two PhD students, Junyu Zhang and Sharon Pisani, who are researching digital heritage and sustainability, were using 360 photogrammetry to document the local area, which included the Helmsdale Harbour, the former fish curing yards, the Jurassic Coast, the Flow Country UNESCO World Heritage Site, and other natural reserves.

The efforts and work from the Open Virtual Worlds will contribute to the HERITALISE project, which includes seventeen partners from seven different European countries – the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Scotland, Malta, and Cyprus, forming an interdisciplinary group to bring about intelligence, methodology and expertise towards the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage.