Lochside find for Time Team’s John
We’ve had a few finds from the loch sides - polished stone axes and pottery - but the latest emerged last Friday. Found by none other that Time Team’s John Gater. Read more
From 2004, 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.
Video: ‘The Ness of Brodgar: a Neolithic wonder in the Orkney Islands’
A video from Kieran Dodds, who visited the site at the start of the 2024 season. Read more
Dig Diary – the stunning decorated stone recovered from Structure Twenty
As we finish excavation, there's another incised stone with bands of decoration incised on both sides. Read more
Dig Diary – that’s all folks (except for two final Ness ‘butterflies’)
The end of an erea – the 2024 excavation season at the Ness of Brodgar is now over and with it our fieldwork phase. Read more
Diary extra – views from above on the last day of excavation
A selection of drone images from Tom O'Brien showing the trenches and structures today. Read more
Dig Diary – bone in drain could produce a date for Structure Twenty-Seven
One of the goals for Structure Twenty-Seven was to secure a date for the building’s construction/use. And today we've found dateable material! Read more
Diary extra – marking the first International Mark Edmonds Day
Clearly indicative of the affection, and respect for our esteemed co-director, Thursday was declared International Mark Edmonds Day. Read more
A stark reminder why the Ness buildings cannot remain uncovered
The photographs shows the extent of stone lamination on the upper walls of Structure Twelve in the last 12 months. Read more
Dig Diary – Ceiridwen adds to her tally with another decorated stone
A day of pre-photography cleaning across the site - but we still found two remarkable artefacts. Read more
Dig Diary – tracing Twenty-Eight and a record-breaking site tour
Excavation in all buildings is coming to a close and the focus is firmly on tying up loose ends. Read more
Video: Orkney set to say goodbye to the Ness of Brodgar
A marvellous, and touching, video from Orkney.com, outlining the Ness as we approach the end of the project's excavation phase. Read more
Dig Diary – did a pair of standing stones mark Twenty-Seven’s entrance?
Not the best start to the final week of excavation, but after another weather delay we got back in the trenches this afternoon. Read more
Diary extra – a few photographs from day thirty-eight
A selection of photographs from Jo Bourne. Read more
Dig Diary – a day of remarkable finds
What a day! The finds were coming thick and fast from all corners of the site today as we rapidly approach the end of week seven! Read more
