The ‘Lochview’ Standing Stones
Thousands cross the Ness of Brodgar annually. But, if noticed at all, a pair of standing stones between the two stone circles probably don’t get a second glance. Read more
Category: Around the Ness
Wasbister settlement and disc barrow
During the Bronze Age, people gravitated towards the sites of already ancient monuments to bury their dead. As a result, clusters of barrow mounds can often be found around chambered cairns and other Neolithic monuments. 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
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
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
The Barnhouse Stone
A solitary lichen-crowned megalith stands in a field about half a mile to the south-east of the Stones of Stenness. Read more
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
Barnhouse – Structure Eight
Around 3000BC, some 200 years after the founding of the Barnhouse settlement, a “building of monumental proportions” was erected on the site of a meeting area on the village outskirts. Read more
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
The Barnhouse Settlement
In December 1984, evidence of a Neolithic village was found 150 metres (164 yards) to the north of the Stones of Stenness, at the southern end of the Harray loch. Read more
Maeshowe – historic additions, incursions and the Norse runes
The earliest account of Maeshowe is found within the pages of the Orkneyinga saga, which says Viking warriors sought shelter in the chamber in 1153. Read more
A hearth in Maeshowe?
Back in 2016, a nineteenth century sketch had us pondering whether there might be more to Maeshowe than we see today. Read more
Maeshowe and the winter solstice
With its south-westerly facing entrance, Maeshowe’s best known attribute is its orientation towards the setting sun around midwinter. Read more
