November date set for launch of Ness interim volume

A new book providing a comprehensive and up-to-date account of the Ness of Brodgar is due to be published next month.

Excavation at the Ness began in 2006 and the project’s interim monograph, The Ness of Brodgar: As it Stands, presents over a decade’s worth of information on all aspects of the monumental Neolithic site.

The book, which is the third volume in the University of the Highlands and Islands Archaeology Institute research series, features contributions from institute staff as well as specialists from around the world, many of whom will be familiar to regular readers of the blog.

The result is 27 chapters, each devoted to different elements of the site, its excavation and interpretation. Fully illustrated in colour, we are sure the book will delight anyone with an interest in the prehistory of Orkney, Britain and Ireland.

‘The Ness of Brodgar: As it Stands’ editors Nick Card, Mark Edmonds and Anne Mitchell (with masks temporarily removed for the photograph) at The Orcadian print centre as the new volume’s first pages roll off the presses.

Commenting on the book, which went to press last week, Ness site director Nick Card, said: “This beautiful and informative interim volume is the product of a huge team effort and has entailed a lot of hard work from many folk.

“This is the definitive account of work on site so far, that I’m sure will be of interest to, and enjoyed by a wide audience.  Very special thanks to Anne and Mark my two co-editors, and the many hundreds of volunteers and staff who over the years have made this possible.”

The Ness of Brodgar: As it Stands, edited by Nick Card, Mark Edmonds and Anne Mitchell, is published by The Orcadian and due for release on Wednesday, November 18, priced £35.99.