n.a. (2004). Modern views -- ancient lands:. Oxford: Archaeopress.

the author applies an `anti-essentialist' approach to landscape archaeology, in which the meaning of any statement derives from its relationship to other statements and knowledge and fact are intersubjective, to the archaeology of the Strath of Kildonan in Sutherland. The author argues that by deconstructing the conventional site types `hut circle' and `broch', the possibility is opened up of `webs of connections' between the monuments, and of blurring the conventional type boundaries. The author then constructs a different narrative of the strath's later prehistoric landscapes

report on some of the results of the Upper Clyde Valley Project, including the results of combining various techniques to develop a more complex understanding of the landscapes of the study area. The project has provided a multi-layered understanding of how settlement patterns have evolved in the Upper Clyde Valley, and of how different phases of land-use affect archaeological visibility. The author asserts that the integrated methodological approach has allowed the correction of certain biases inherent in each technique and produced a more holistic understanding of individual monuments and their relationships to the landscape and each other

the authors discuss the investigation of Butterbump Barrow Cemetery as part of the Humber Wetlands Project, which sought to reconstruct ancient landscapes and the chronologies of wetland development through a combination of techniques. They argue that the results show the value of combining fieldwalking and excavation with the use of a range of survey and sampling techniques. The project investigated barrows within a cemetery clustered around the end of an area of wetland, and the authors explore its role as a significant place during the Neolithic and Bronze Age, on the edge of higher and drier ground and occupying a liminal place between settled areas and the end of the `social domain'. They conclude with some observations on management issues relating to wetland archaeological resources

the author uses the eponymous folktale to explore ancient cosmologies relating to the sea. He identifies boundaries of various kinds as liminal zones, and argues that, by employing a structuralist approach to cultural landscapes, it is possible to identify such zones archaeologically. This argument is discussed in relation to the archipelago of St Kilda, the location of the skerry featured in the folktale, which he suggests was perceived as an entrance to the Otherworld

the author raises the question of wilderness creation in Scotland, and ponders the benefits or otherwise to archaeologists of returning large parts of the Highlands to this state. The suggestion that this might increase the emphasis on landscape itself rather than protecting points in the landscape is examined; the author also reviews what `wilderness' actually means in a landscape that has been occupied and exploited for thousands of years

the author presents an introduction to the beginnings of managing cultural heritage within the newly formed national parks in Scotland -- the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park and the Cairngorms National Park -- arguing the case against the criticism that the Scottish cultural agencies will try to leave the landscape in aspic, an criticism that must be countered with the intention to work in partnership with all the interested parties to create a sustainable approach to management of the parklands

the author presents a critique of open-air museums, and their alleged reluctance to enter into debate over a number of issues. It is argued that these concerns are largely empirical or limited in their interpretation, most of the buildings being removed from their context and so viewed in isolation. The problem of site orientated `landscapes' is raised

the paper discusses more creative ways of thinking about landscape, and ways of working constructively with artists. It is argued that the author's projects at various Italian sites allow the viewer to step back and to separate components of the landscape which may have influenced early settlers. The author also attempts to address the problem of site-based understanding in terms of identifying cultural landscapes through developing a visual landscape