Call for Papers - 7th International St Magnus Conference

Theme: Borne on a Carrying Stream - How Water has Shaped Heritage, Identity and Power

The Institute for Northern Studies, UHI, is proud to announce the seventh International St Magnus Conference, taking place at the UHI Perth campus 15-17 April 2026.

From the earliest days of self-awareness, human society has known that water is essential for every living thing. It quenches our thirst and sustains our crops and livestock. Through rivers and seas, it divides lands and peoples, while conversely providing routeways to foster interactions between different lands. It shapes the identities, customs and place names of peoples - whether living on islands, in coastal regions, or along water courses. The mystery of the depths has fired the human imagination. Sea monsters, selkies, gods of the sea and water spirits loom large in the human psyche. Water has also played a central role in the ritual practices of countless societies.

Abstracts of up to 200 words are invited for papers on all aspects of the role of water in the shaping of heritage, identity and power, from ancient times to the present day. Proposals for three or four paper panels are also welcome.

Please send proposals to stmagnus@uhi.ac.uk by 31 August 2025.