Outer Hebrides Unearthed vs Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac)
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Outer Hebrides Unearthed
Explore the rich history of the Outer Hebrides through augmented reality. Discover ancient settlements, interact with 3D reconstructions, and navigate the Hebridean Way with a GPS map. Capture and share your archaeological adventures.
- Augmented Reality 3D reconstructions
- GPS enabled map
- Capture and share AR photos/videos
- Animations, games, and 3D objects
- Archaeological resource directory
- Signposting to cultural locations
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Welcome to Outer Hebrides Unearthed ( Ulaidhean na h-eileanan), the home of virtual archaeological exploration in the Outer Hebrides. Discover more about life across the Outer Hebrides’ diverse landscapes from the machair to the moorland, over 6000 years of history and prehistory, using exciting Augmented Reality technology and a GPS enabled map to track your location along the Hebridean Way. Capture and share moments with family and friends as you explore and interact with Uist’s incredible archaeological sites. This app also supports extra augmented reality content as an AR companion app for the forthcoming Uist Unearthed book. Explore the fascinating Bronze Age settlement of Cladh Hallan, South Uist - where some of the earliest known mummified bodies in Europe were discovered. Augmented Reality lets you see the original settlement, as it would have been 3000 years ago, in the modern day landscape. Enjoy, for the first time, detailed 3D reconstructions which have never before been produced of this internationally significant site. A further four incredible archaeological sites such as the Viking longhouse at Bornais, or Cill Donnain wheelhouse are available to explore, and we will shortly be adding new destinations and reconstructions for Barra and Harris, so be sure to keep the app so you can enjoy these exciting updates! You’ll also be able to browse other archaeological resources and discover more of what the Outer Hebrides has to offer. Share your stories and experiences via social media remembering to use the hashtag #OuterHerbridesUnearthed - we’d love to see your photos and discoveries. Downloading this app in advance using a WiFi connection before your visit is recommended. The app can also be downloaded via 4G, however connection may be limited in certain areas along the trail. Features: - Augmented Reality 3D reconstructions of archaeological sites - 108 km/67 miles of Hebridean Way to explore - GPS enabled map to find your way and trigger the AR reconstructions - Take photos or videos of family and friends, within AR environments, and share them online - Animations, games, and 3D objects to explore - A directory to browse for deeper learning on the archaeology of Uist - An option to share your own thoughts and comments on your discoveries at each site - Signposting to museums and other culturally significant locations - Signposting to hospitality, retail and WIFI locations The app has been created as part of a series of projects delivered by UHI North, West and Hebrides. Uist Unearthed was delivered in collaboration with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar. The project was part-funded by the ERDF Natural and Cultural Heritage Fund, administered by NatureScot. It was also funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Stòras Uibhist, and Highlands and Islands Enterprise. Barra and Harris Unearthed is funded by Historic Environment Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the SSEN Transmission’s Regional Community Benefit Fund, and The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Devices will require AR-Core / AR-Kit Capability.
Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac)
Plan and manage your ferry journeys to Scotland's islands. Get real-time service updates, check timetables, and book tickets for over 50 island destinations. Your essential companion for exploring the Clyde and Hebridean islands.
- Real-time service updates
- Ferry timetables and fare information
- Ticketing and booking
- Favorite route management
- Island destination information
- Push notifications for service status
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Ready to explore Scotland's stunning islands? The CalMac app is your ultimate on-the-move travel companion, helping to make your journey stress-free and straightforward. From checking timetables to planning your next adventure or receiving service updates, we're with you every step of the way. Manage your entire trip from start to finish, connecting you to over 50 incredible locations across the Clyde and Hebridean islands. Key Features: - Stay informed: Get instant push notifications on service status for your routes. - Plan your trip: Access timetables, fare information and our ticketing site to effortlessly plan your island escape. - Save your favourites: Quickly access information and updates for your frequently used routes. - Find answers: Our help centre is packed with answers to all your travel questions. Discover your island escape: Scotland's islands offer something for everyone, from breathtaking landscapes to rich history and heritage. Not compatible with iPad
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: Outer Hebrides Unearthed at 70% against Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac)'s 6%. Outer Hebrides Unearthed also leads on update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 2 months). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Outer Hebrides Unearthed ships an update every 3 weeks, Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 2, 2026 and October 17, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Outer Hebrides Unearthed | Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | 5.0 (1 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 70.0% of reviews — better | 6.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | — | 1 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks — better | Every 2 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Free | Free |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad — better | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 — better | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 129 MB | 27 MB |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | PEEL Interactive | CalMac Ferries Limited |
Customer experience
Outer Hebrides Unearthed
Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac)
Bugs and requests
Outer Hebrides Unearthed
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac)
Reported bugs
3 issues- App crashes frequently
- Login process is buggy
- Inconsistent and contradictory information
Requested features
3 requests- Ability to view route information in both directions
- Improved real-time service updates
- Better integration with website and booking process
In-app purchases
Outer Hebrides Unearthed
No in-app purchases
Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac)
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Outer Hebrides Unearthed free?
Is Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) free?
Do Outer Hebrides Unearthed or Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) have ads?
Which is updated more often, Outer Hebrides Unearthed or Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac)?
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