Ness of Brodgar: Past, Present & Future Banner

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
Trench T. (Sigurd Towrie)

2023 excavation dates set

2023 marks the 20th anniversary of the discovery of the first building at the Ness of Brodgar and we’re delighted to confirm that the dates for next year’s excavation have been… Read more
Ring of Bookan, Orkney. (Sigurd Towrie)

The Ring of Bookan

A mile or so north west of the Ring of Brodger, the ditched enclosure known as the Ring of Bookan comprises a flat-bottomed ditch surrounding an oval, raised platform. Read more
Crossiecrown Bronze Age Phase

The Crossiecrown settlement – part two

Parallels with Barnhouse and the Ness of Brodgar hint that the Crossiecrown “double-house” was more than a dwelling. The quality of the internal stonework, the deposited artefacts and the fact the Red House had been “decorated” suggests we have another example of a “big house” – a structure with “enhanced ancestral significance and status”. Read more