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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
Structure Eight this afternoon.

Ness of Brodgar 2019 dig dates confirmed

The dates for next year’s eight-week excavation season have been confirmed. Provided our funding plans come together, diggers will be back on site between Monday, July 1, 2019 until Friday,… Read more
A look back to 1966…

A look back to 1966…

Nothing specifically Ness related in this brilliant piece of film,, but some lovely views of Skara Brae, Maeshowe  and the Ring of Brodgar. https://tv.nrk.no/serie/sommerbrev-fra-vesterled/FOLA66001166/27-09-1966… Read more

Ross at the Ness of Brodgar…

Among the 160 diggers working at the Ness this summer was Ross Drummond, an MSc student studying archaeology at the University of the Highlands and Islands. Ross’s Ness experience was one… Read more

Trench J in 3D

An updated model of Trench J – containing Structure Five and a section of the “Great Wall of Brodgar” – created by supervisor Paul at the end of this season’s… Read more
Karen Wallis: Pigment samples in progress.

From the Art Hut

This year the Art Hut was upgraded from the wooden shed of last year to a large portacabin generously supplied by Orkney Aggregates – and the number of artists increased… Read more