Appeal for volunteers to help us uncover the site for the last time

We can hardly believe it, but we’ll be back on site in less than two months.

That means it’s time for our annual appeal for volunteers to help uncover the trenches. If you have some time to spare on Monday, June 24; Tuesday, June 25 or Wednesday, June 26, we’d be delighted to hear from you.

We need to remove the protective layers of black plastic, sandbags and (many) hundreds of tyres.

That done, there may also be the chance to help with the initial clean of the trenches and structures – trowels, brushes and buckets provided!

So, if you are in Orkney, of reasonable fitness and can spare some time, we promise an experience that, although hard work, will bring you as close to the archaeology as the archaeologists ever get.

We do, however, suggest old clothes, strong footwear, waterproofs and gloves.

And if the archaeology isn’t enough to tempt you to dig out the oilskins, the ever-generous Orkney Trike Tours has offered a free, two-hour excursion for one lucky volunteer and their guest. All those who help with the uncovering will have their names put in a draw to win this marvellous prize.

So, if you can help on any, or all, of the days, email nick.card@uhi.ac.uk with the times you can come and we’ll add you to the list.

Remember that although work resumes on June 24, the site only opens to the public on Wednesday, June 26.