Reproduction axehead auction raises £600 for Ness dig

The auction of a reproduction flint axehead, donated by the family of Edinburgh-based sculptor and stone carver Andy McFetters, has raised £600 for the Ness of Brodgar excavation fund.

The auction closed at midnight on Friday, April 22, and we would like to thank all the bidders for their support. Site director Nick Card will be in touch with the winner shortly.

Axehead and scale.

Andy, a talented Edinburgh-based sculptor and stone carver, passed away suddenly in 2021, and the incredibly generous donation came from his ex-partner, Fiona Jowett, who is a long-time supporter of the Ness and has worked as a volunteer on site, and their son, Xander, who has also worked as a volunteer.

The stunning axehead was created by renowned flint knapper John Lord and is c152mm (6in) long and 102mm (4in) wide.

Fiona explained: “The axe was the result of a ‘trade’ between Andy and John at an event where they were both providing demonstrations of their stoneworking techniques.

“John chose a piece of Pictish-inspired sculpture from Andy, who was very happy to receive this beautiful axe. John is really pleased to know that we have decided to auction the axe to raise funds for the Ness.”

Our thanks go to Fiona and Xander for their kind donation.