Link: East Mainland excavation ‘reveals ruins of huge tomb’
In August and September 2023, excavation in the East Mainland parish of Holm revealed the remains of a Maeshowe-type chambered cairn. Read more
The Ness of Brodgar complex
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.
Holm’s forgotten chambered cairn rediscovered in Orkney’s East Mainland
Archaeologists have discovered the ruins of an incredibly rare 5,000-year-old Neolithic chambered cairn that was largely destroyed, without record, in the 19th century. Read more
Video: Structure Twenty-Six flyaround
Jim Rylatt's latest drone video, this week focusing on the much-later building Structure Twenty-Six, which lies between Structures Ten, Twelve and Thirty. Read more
Wednesday wildlife – otter appearance
After lying low for the past few months, the Stenness otters are back – well, at least one of them is.
And they’re pictured among this week’s photographs from site… Read more
New 3d model of Structure Ten
The latest 3d model from Ness supervisor Paul Durdin. This one focuses on Structure Ten, the last major construction in Trench P and built around 2900BC. Read more
Video – Structure Twelve drone flyaround
Another short video from Ness supervisor Jim Rylatt, this one a drone orbit of Structure Twelve in Trench P. Read more
Structure Eight in three dimensions…
Paul's new 3d model this week is Structure Eight - the longest of the piered structures at the Ness of Brodgar complex and one of a series of contemporary Neolithic buildings raised around 3100BC. Read more
Video: Excavation site flyover
Another drone video from Ness supervisor Jim Rylatt – a flyover of the dig site from the south-eastern end of the Brig o’ Brodgar and featuring all three of the… Read more
Video: Rock art in the Holm of Papa Westray South
The fifth, and final, UHI Archaeology Institute’s Tombs of the Isles recorded talk, again featuring Dr Antonia Thomas, the Ness project’s Neolithic art specialist. Read more
Scotland Outdoors at the Ness of Brodgar – podcast available now
One of the thousands of visitors this summer was Rachel Stewart, who was recording for the Scotland Outdoors podcast - released today. Read more
Wednesday wildlife – autumn gold
A few of this week's photographs from site director Nick Card. Read more
The next best thing to being in the trench – new 3d model of Structure One

Regular readers will know that our photogrammetry guru, Paul Durdin, has been busy creating new 3d models of all the structures on site.
His latest allows you to get… Read more
Woolly open day regulars are the focus of a new book
Jane Cooper first brought some of her Boreray sheep to a Ness of Brodgar Open Day in 2019. She has now written a book on the breed. Read more
The updates continue – Structure Five, the ‘Great Wall’ and others…
The post-dig season updates continue apace, with a major update to Structure Five and the 'Great Wall of Brodgar' pages. Read more
Video: Passage Grave Art in Orkney’s North Isles
The fourth of the UHI Archaeology Institute’s 'Tombs of the Isles' recorded talks, and the second featuring Dr Antonia Thomas, the Ness' Neolithic art specialist. Read more
Orkney Museum’s exhibition of Ness artefacts extended until December
We're delighted to announce that, due to popular demand, the Ness of Brodgar exhibition in the Orkney Museum has been extended until January 2024. Read more
Wednesday wildlife – morning light
Wednesday’s upon us again, so time for this week’s photographs from Ness site director Nick Card.… Read more
Video: Art and architecture in Neolithic Orkney – a talk by Dr Antonia Thomas
The third of the UHI Archaeology Institute’s 'Tombs of the Isles' recorded talks, this time featuring Dr Antonia Thomas, the Ness' Neolithic art specialist. Read more
Trench T gets the full 3d treatment

Last time we brought you a new model of Structure Twenty-Seven, this week it’s all of Trench T.
The trench lies south-east of the main building complex at the… Read more
In light of new discoveries, Structure Twenty-Seven’s page gets an overhaul
After last year's discoveries, this summer all eyes were on Structure Twenty-Seven, the huge sub-rectangular building beneath the giant midden mound in Trench T. Read more
Wednesday wildlife – knots, skarfies and swan
This week’s selection of photographs from site director Nick Card.… Read more
