Cleaning, geophysics and a trench extension
Day Two: Cleaning, geophysics and a trench extension 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.
The Ness’ seaweed-eating sheep and their European context
The recording of last Friday’s UHI Archaeology Institute research seminar, looking at the analysis of sheep and deer teeth from the Ness of Brodgar.The seminar, entitled 5,000 years of waiting… Read more
Back on site and ready for some serious archaeology
Day One: Back on site and ready for some serious archaeology.
We’re back! After two, long and frustrating years life has returned to the Ness of Brodgar. Read more
Structures Seven, Nine, Twenty-Two and Thirty-Four
A look at these four lesser-known buildings. Read more
Structures Eleven and Nineteen
Structures Eleven and Nineteen during the third major phase of activity within Trench P.Around 2900BC, the southern half of Structure Eight had been removed, Structure Ten erected and Structures Twelve… Read more
Wednesday wildlife – a final flurry before excavation resumes
A final selection of photographs from the dig director, Nick Card, before excavation at the Ness of Brodgar resumes next week.… Read more
Structures Twenty-One and Twenty-Nine
Structures Twenty-One and Twenty-Nine in relation to the other piered buildings in Trench P.Structure Twenty-OneThe excavated section of Structure Twenty-One, adjacent to Structure One (top).Schematic showing the suspected layout of… Read more
Structure Sixteen
Occupation Phase Two in Trench P, dating from c3100BC. Structure Sixteen is highlighted in red.The heavily truncated remains of Structure Sixteen sit directly to the south of Structure Fourteen in… Read more
Wednesday wildlife – new arrivals
Some photographs from site director Nick Card of the latest young arrivals at the Ness of Brodgar.
… Read more
Structures Twenty and Thirty-Six
The earliest phase of activity so far uncovered in Trench P, showing the location of Structures Thirty-Six and Twenty.Structure TwentyBuilt around 2900BC, Structure Ten was the last major construction in… Read more
Analysis suggests two young men left fingerprints on Ness pottery fragment
In April we shared the exciting news that the fingerprint of a Neolithic potter was found on a ceramic sherd recovered from Trench X.
We can now tell you that… Read more
Structures Twenty-Eight, Twenty-Three and Thirty-Three
The earliest phase of activity so far uncovered in Trench P, showing the location of Structures Twenty-Eight, Twenty-Three and Thirty-Three.Structure Twenty-EightThe remains of Structure Twenty-Eight lie beneath its replacement, Structure… Read more
Structures Seventeen and Eighteen
The relationship between Structure Eight (in red) and its two predecessors, Structures Seventeen (left) and Eighteen.The earliest phase of activity so far uncovered in Trench P, showing the location of… Read more
Big Howe – an Iron Age broch beside the Stones of Stenness?
Stand in the centre of the Stones of Stenness today and a short distance to the south-east, in the adjacent field, you will see a low mound. This is Big Howe, all that remains of a large Iron Age feature that once dominated an area 150 metres away from the stone circle. Read more
