Fingerprint specialist drops in at Ness HQ during Scottish road trip
Professor Kent Fowler, from the University of Manitoba, paid us a visit last week during his road trip around Scotland. Read more
From 2004, 20 years of excavation on the Ness of Brodgar revealed a huge complex of monumental Neolithic buildings from the centuries around 3000BC.
Without parallel in Atlantic Europe, the site’s three hectares are filled with huge stone structures containing spectacular finds.
These made the Ness one of the most important archaeological sites in the world today, changing our understanding of Neolithic Orkney and shining a new light on the prehistory of northern Europe.
Fieldwork ended in 2024 and the focus is now on the post-excavation analysis of the data gathered. This will lead to full publication with much more available online.
In addition, we will continue working with local communities and schools to develop educational and other resources.
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.
Video: Update on 2024 season at Blomuir chambered cairn now available
The recording of Dr Hugo Anderson-Whymark's Orkney Archaeology Society talk the 2024 excavation season at the Blomuir chambered cairn is now available. Read more
Vinquoy chambered cairn, Eday
We begin a series of posts looking at the Neolithic in Eday with the Vinquoy chambered cairn. Read more
Have a go at geophysical survey with two free workshops in June
We are running two free events next month to give beginners a basic understanding of the geophysical survey process and what it can tell us. Read more
More examples of the ‘complex and endlessly varied’ pottery from the Ness
More beautiful examples of Neolithic ceramics catalogued during the post-excavation process. Read more
Worked-stone specialist’s welcome return to the Ness
We were delighted to welcome our worked-stone specialist, Ann Clarke, back to Ness HQ this week. Read more
Project update for Orkney Tourist Guide Association members
A group from the Orkney Tourist Guides Association (OTGA) visited the site on Tuesday evening for an update on the Ness project from director Nick Card. Read more
Timber, stone and grain – the Braes of Ha’Breck settlement, Wyre
Between 2007 and 2013, excavation by Dr Antonia Thomas and Dan Lee, of the UHI Archaeology Institute, revealed a cluster of five early Neolithic buildings at the Braes of Ha’Breck, Wyre. Read more
Excavation over time – Structure Twelve’s eastern annexe in 3d
We've pulled together a series of 3d models showing different stages excavation in Structure Twelve’s eastern annexe. Read more
Was there more to Neolithic ‘dressers’ than just a set of shelves?
In the years since Skara Brae’s excavation, there has been much debate over the role, and significance, of the so-called “dressers” that have become icons for the site. Read more
Puzzling but precise – intrigued by impressions on pottery sherds
We find fingerprints, cord, basketry and other impressions left in damp pottery while pieces were made in the Neolithic but some new examples have left us puzzled and intrigued. Read more
A henge at Staneyhill in Harray?
Another large ditch-and-bank enclosure in Orkney's West Mainland. But is it actually a Neolithic 'henge'? Read more
Farewell Keith – one of Brodgar’s most familiar faces passes away
It was with great sadness that we learned of the sudden passing of Keith Brown - a familiar face to the many thousands of Ness visitors over the years. Read more
Video: Exploring prehistoric Scotland
History Hit TV's 'Mysteries of Prehistoric Scotland' series, filmed in 2022, is now available to all as a single documentary. Read more
The Overbigging enclosure – an ‘elaborate and rather enigmatic monument’
Neolithic or later? A look at the large ditch-and-bank enclosure, near Overbigging, about 480 metres north-west of Maeshowe. Read more
Comet Stone tops the list of post updates
It’s been all go again this week, online and off. As well as starting to put together our Easter 2025 newsletter, we’ve been planning our new website and working behind the scenes to get everything ready. Read more
New book completes Neolithic trilogy
Our own Mark Edmonds has recently completed the third in a trilogy of books, 'Midhowe', with photographer Rebecca Marr. Read more
Trust’s £357k award sees ‘Tomb of the Eagles’ purchase move a step closer
Plans to reopen the Isbister chambered cairn took a step closer this week with the Scottish Land Fund awarding £357,705 to the South Ronaldsay and Burray Development Trust. Read more
