Ness colour inspires new Neolithic research project
One of the “painted” stones from the Ness of Brodgar, showing the use of red and yellow pigment. (📷 ORCA)
An example of one of the coloured pot sherds from… Read more
The Ness of Brodgar complex
Discovered in 2003, the Ness of Brodgar site has been under excavation since 2004, revealing a massive complex of monumental Neolithic buildings dating from the centuries around 3000BC.
Without parallel in Atlantic Europe, the Ness of Brodgar’s three hectares are filled with huge stone structures containing spectacular finds.
These have made the Ness one of the most important archaeological excavations in the world today, changing our understanding of the culture and beliefs of Neolithic Orkney and shining a new light on the prehistory of northern Europe.
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 – ornithological outings
This week’s photographic selection from site director Nick Card.
… Read more
Vestrafiold – the megalithic quarry
From at least the early 19th century, Vestrafiold was considered to be a source of the megaliths found in the Stones of Stenness and Ring of Brodgar. Why? Although several quarries were traditionally said to have produced standing stones, Vestrafiold had the proof in situ - quarried, but abandoned, megaliths scattered across the hillside. Read more
Wednesday wildlife – blue skies and still waters
This week’s photographic selection from site director Nick Card.… Read more
Halykirk – dolmen or stalled cairn?
As regular readers will have noted, 19th century antiquarians were very keen to find evidence of dolmens in Orkney. Haleykirk/Helyakirk/Halykirk/Holykirk lies about a quarter of a mile to the south-east of the megalithic quarries on Vestrafiold, on the hill of Cruaday. Read more
Ness shopping opportunities!Â
We love this dramatic picture (right) of the entrance to Structure Eight, painted on site by artist-in-residence Jeanne Rose and three stunning new pieces by woodturner Michael Sinclair. Not to… Read more
Field visit and fuel burning: the ongoing story of Structure Eight
Sarah Jane Haston is coming to the end of the second year of her MRes programme looking at the charred plant remains from Structure Eight. Read more
Appeal for Meet-and-Greeters to cover this summer’s excavation
Do you live in Orkney and interested in volunteering on the Meet-and-Greet team at the Ness of Brodgar? Or maybe you live further afield but like the idea?
The Meet-and-Greet… Read more
Palaeoecological investigation of Brodgar’s past landscapes
An update on Sue Dyke's palaeoecological investigations around the Ness of Brodgar. Read more
Wednesday wildlife – encounter with a decidedly co-operative otter
This week’s photographic selection from site director Nick Card.
Nick’s no stranger to the otters around the Ness, but this one appeared particularly keen to put on a good show… Read more
The Ness of Brodgar from above
Structure Twelve supervisor Jim Rylatt is in Orkney at present, juggling hundreds of contexts to piece together a phased timeline for the building.
On one of the few reasonably pleasant… Read more
Link: Ramblings – stone circles, brochs and a west coast wander
Three Ramblings programmes from the BBC, featuring Clare Balding in Orkney.
High Winds and Hail: Featuring Martin Gray.
To the Ring of Brodgar: Featuring Sandra Miller.
Hiking… Read more
Wednesday wildlife – Brodgar birds
This week’s selection of photographs from site director Nick Card.
… Read more
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
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 –… 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… 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
