The Bookan Chambered Cairn
At some point in the Neolithic a small, multi-chambered structure was built on high ground at the north-western end of the Ness of Brodgar. Read more
From 2004, 20 years of excavation on the Ness of Brodgar revealed a huge complex of monumental Neolithic buildings from the centuries around 3000BC.
Without parallel in Atlantic Europe, the site’s three hectares are filled with huge stone structures containing spectacular finds.
These made the Ness one of the most important archaeological sites in the world today, changing our understanding of Neolithic Orkney and shining a new light on the prehistory of northern Europe.
Fieldwork ended in 2024 and the focus is now on the post-excavation analysis of the data gathered. This will lead to full publication with much more available online.
In addition, we will continue working with local communities and schools to develop educational and other resources.
The project is mainly funded through the generosity of the public through our two supporting charities, the Ness of Brodgar Trust and the American Friends.
Wednesday wildlife – chilly mornings around the lochs
This week’s selection of photographs from Ness site director Nick Card.
All though the light is returning fast, as you’ll see the temperatures recently have been reluctant to increase…… Read more
Stone roofing at the Ness of Brodgar
A new section outlining the the evidence for stone “tiled” roofs at the Ness and what these might have looked like.
Click here to read.… Read more
First Ness excavation report available to mark 20th anniversary of discovery
The site of what is now Trench P in April 2003. (📷 Beverley Ballin Smith)The 20th anniversary of Structure One’s discovery – the first building found on site – is… Read more
Wednesday wildlife – seal and otter
Two mammalian stars of the show this week – some of the aquatic neighbours in the Loch of Stenness.… Read more
Ness dig ending in 2024 when focus shifts to post-excavation work
It has been decided that fieldwork at the Ness of Brodgar will end after the 2024 season. However, although on-site excavation will end, the Ness of Brodgar research project continues, analysing all the evidence from the past 20 years. Read more
The Ness of Onston enclosure
North of the Unstan stalled cairn is an enigmatic earthwork that separates the landward side of the Ness of Onston from the headland.
This arc of two banks and ditches runs across the width of the headland, demarcating an area to the north that is now devoid of features or visible archaeological remains. Read more
Link: Podcast puts spotlight on Neolithic megalithic structures
The Stones of Stenness. (📷 Tim Winterburn)Melvyn Bragg is joined by Professor Vicki Cummings (University of Central Lancashire), Professor Julian Thomas (University of Manchester) and Susan Greaney (University of Exeter)… Read more
Wednesday wildlife – back outside
And we’re back. With the exception of a few glorious, wind-free days, the weather hasn’t been great these past weeks. Definitely not conditions to be out and about around the… Read more
Tour Guide of the Year accolade at inaugural Orkney Tourism Awards
The Ness of Brodgar picked up the award for Tour Guide of the Year at Saturday’s inaugural Orkney Tourism Awards in Kirkwall.
Organised by Destination Orkney, 13 awards were presented… Read more
Focus on finds: small clay balls
Three of the Ness of Brodgar’s small clay balls. (📷 Sigurd Towrie)There have been many puzzling finds over the past 20 years of excavation. Among these are a number of… Read more
Rinyo Neolithic settlement, Rousay
In the winter of 1937/38, James Yorston was exploring the Braes of Rinyo, Rousay, when he came across stone slabs protruding from the turf. Yorston went on to expose the outline of two structures and portions of four others. Read more
Investigating multi-hollowed cobbles in the Orcadian Neolithic
UHI Archaeology Institute MRes student Gary Lloyd outlines his research project looking at multi-hollowed cobbles from the Ness of Brodgar. Read more
The Crantit cist burials
As we saw last time, the closure of the Crantit chamber left little or nothing visible above ground. But people came back, suggesting the site was marked and memories or traditions of its role persisted. We know this because centuries after the ancient site was sealed it became a focus for at least three Bronze Age burials. Read more
Structure Thirty-Two additions bring Trench J up-to-date
With an entry running to a mere four paragraphs, Structure Thirty-Two hadn’t received much love on the website!
But that’s been fully remedied now with an updated summary of what… Read more
Link: Excavating Orkney and Shetland from Current Archaeology archives
A selection of Orkney excavation highlights from the archives of Current Archaeology magazine.
Click to read.… Read more
