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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.

The discovery of the Ness complex
About the Site
The Deepdale Standing Stone, Stromness, Orkney (Sigurd Towrie)

The Deepdale Stone

Head north along the road south-west of the Stenness loch and a single standing stone will be clearly visible on high ground to the north-west. Located in the parish of Stromness, the Deepdale Stone stands 1.8 metres (6ft) high. Read more
Jim Richardson Featured

Another happy contributor…

It’s been a strange year – of that there is no doubt – and we’ve reached the end of 2020. Although it will be remembered for the things we couldn’t… Read more
Barnhouse Settlement - House 2

Barnhouse – House Two

For three centuries the Barnhouse settlement was dominated by a structure unlike any of the others in the village. Labelled House Two, it was also unique among Neolithic buildings in Orkney until the Ness of Brodgar complex appeared on the scene in 2003. Read more
Rhind Lectures 2020: Number 6

Rhind Lectures 2020: Number 6

All change around 2500/2400 BC? End of the ‘Scottish Neolithic’ and the future of Neolithic studies   The last of this year’s Society of Antiquaries of Scotland’s annual Rhind lectures,… Read more
Rhind Lecture 2020 Number 5

Rhind Lectures 2020: Number 5

‘Not just a load of old balls’: Late Neolithic developments and the creation of a new world order   In this year’s Society of Antiquaries of Scotland’s annual Rhind lectures,… Read more
Rhind Lecture 4

Rhind Lectures 2020: Number 4

Making sense of funerary monuments and funerary practices   In this year’s Society of Antiquaries of Scotland’s annual Rhind lectures, Dr Alison Sheridan is bringing together the most up-to-date research… Read more
Rhind Lectures - No 3.

Rhind Lectures 2020: Number 3

An everyday story of country folk?   In this year’s Society of Antiquaries of Scotland’s annual Rhind lectures, Dr Alison Sheridan is bringing together the most up-to-date research to show… Read more
Rhind Lectures 2020: 2

Rhind Lectures 2020: Number 2

The Big Picture and Regional Narratives   In this year’s Society of Antiquaries of Scotland’s annual Rhind lectures, Dr Alison Sheridan is bringing together the most up-to-date research to show… Read more
Rhind Lecture Number 1

Rhind Lectures 2020: Number 1

Neolithic Scotland: Changing Perceptions, New Approaches, Plethora of Data, and Contested Narratives   In this year’s Society of Antiquaries of Scotland’s annual Rhind lectures, Dr Alison Sheridan is bringing together… Read more