Author: Sigurd
Wednesday wildlife – spring is coming!
We’ve had a few gorgeous sunny days here in Orkney – and the signs that spring is on the way are everywhere. Including in this week’s batch of photographs from… Read more
The Stone of Odin
Until the winter of 1814, the holed monolith stood to the north-west of the Stones of Stenness. But although its special place in the customs, traditions and folklore of the people of Orkney is well documented, we know remarkably little about the stone itself. Read more
Wednesday wildlife – down by the lochs
This week’s pictures from site director Nick Card.
… Read more
Skara Brae – the abandonment
The idea that Skara Brae was abandoned overnight in the face of a cataclysm is entirely incorrect. Unfortunately, like many myths surrounding the settlement, it is still often presented as indisputable fact. Read more
Skara Brae – the date and extent of the settlement
In 2017, a re-evaluation of Orcadian radiocarbon dates suggested that occupation at Skara Brae began around 2900BC, but was abandoned a short time later. The site was re-occupied between 2800-2700BC and finally abandoned around 2500BC. But are we seeing something else? Read more
Skara Brae – the houses
Skara Brae followed the pattern since noted at other Orcadian Neolithic settlements – houses were built, inhabited, abandoned and rebuilt, usually on the same site. Read more
Skara Brae
Hailed the best-preserved Neolithic village in northern Europe, Skara Brae stands on the southern shore of the Bay of Skaill, in Orkney’s West Mainland. Read more
Online lecture – The Stonehenge Hidden Landscapes Project and the Durrington Walls Pits Circle
The Society of Antiquaries of London lecture, The Stonehenge Hidden Landscapes Project and the Durrington Walls Pits Circle, by Professor Vincent Gaffney.
The Stonehenge Landscape Project has carried out… Read more
Wednesday wildlife – wintry weather
A definite wintry feel to this week’s offering from site director Nick Card.
… Read more
The Ness dig – a video introduction
New to the Ness of Brodgar? Wondering what the excavation is all about? Here’s our new seven-minute video summary of the site.… Read more
Walk the Ness Neolithic Trail
Although visitors can’t come to Orkney at present due to the Covid pandemic travel restrictions, we’re all looking forward to a time when things get back to some semblance of… Read more
Ness book declared ‘a stunning accomplishment’
The Ness of Brodgar interim monograph has been hailed a “stunning accomplishment” by Mike Pitts, editor of British Archaeology magazine.
In his review in the March/April issue, he highlights that… Read more
Wednesday wildlife – birds of a feather
We’re under a thick blanket of snow at the moment, so this week its a few of site director Nick’s photographs from late January, when things were not quite so… Read more
The knowes, howes and barrows around the Ring of Brodgar
Although the Ring of Brodgar dominates the surrounding area, the stone circle is but the tip of an archaeological iceberg. Read more
