Vote now! Ness in the running for two Current Archaeology Awards
We’re delighted to announce that the Ness of Brodgar is in the running for two titles at the 2024 Current Archaeology Awards. 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.
Thursday throwback: excavation under way in Trench P in 2015
We've got a blast from the past this evening after recovering a forgotten (and assumed lost) cache of video footage from a defunct hard drive. Read more
Wednesday wildlife – heron encounter
This week we're down by the lochside with site director Nick Card. Read more
Location, location location – Neolithic buildings and the importance of place
Behind the structural issues encountered at the Ness lies an apparent importance ascribed to specific places in the Neolithic. Read more
‘Rediscovering a lost Neolithic tomb’ – OAS talk recording now online
The recording of the Orkney Archaeology Society (OAS) talk on the rediscovery and excavation of a Maeshowe-type chambered cairn in Holm. Read more
2004 excavation report available to download
Earlier this year we posted the 2003 DSR and today the 2004 report is available to download. Read more
Wednesday wildlife – otter and cubs
Site director Nick's photographic record of an unforgettable encounter with an otter and her cubs down by the Stenness loch. Read more
New stock of woodturned bowls and ebony spatulae added to online shop
We have new stock of woodturned bowls and spatulae in the online shop - two of the bowl-and-spatula set and four spatulae on their own. Read more
Focus on finds – Structure Ten’s sea eagle foundation deposit
In August 2019 there was great excitement on site following what appeared to be the discovery of a second human arm bone in Structure Ten. Closer examination, however, revealed it to be the wing bone of a sea eagle. Read more
Structure Twenty-Eight closes the book on 2023’s building updates
In the best traditions of leaving the most complicated until last, we finish the 2023 building updates today with Structure Twenty-Eight - one of the earlier buildings underlying Twelve. Read more
Wednesday wildlife – under the rainbow
This week's photographic offering from site director Nick Card. Read more
Link: Rebuilt dig diary revisits the 2008 excavations at the Ring of Brodgar
The summer of 2008 saw two excavations on the Ness of Brodgar - ours and a month-long dig at the Ring of Brodgar. Read more
New additions to the shop and Christmas last order dates
We’ve been busy putting together a new range of items that we hope will tempt you to do some at least some of your Christmas shopping with us. Read more
Explore the ‘Central Midden Area’ – another two 3d models added to the archive
Today we're looking at the 30-metre-square section of Trench P known as the "central midden area". Read more
Wednesday wildlife – a day in Stenness
This week's photographic selection from site director Nick Card. Read more
Link: Ness dig features in German documentary on megalithic architecture
The Ness of Brodgar featured in a new television programme broadcast in Germany last night. Read more
Two new models: Structure Twelve and its eastern annexe
Paul Durdin's latest annotated 3d model, this time covering Structure Twelve - once one of the finest buildings within the Ness of Brodgar complex. Read more
Wednesday wildlife – a goldcrest and squabbling herons
After Storm Babet scuppered any outdoors photography last week, site director Nick is back with some of his avian neighbours on the Ness of Brodgar. Read more
First overview of Grooved Ware pottery in 25 years published this week
Revisiting Grooved Ware Understanding Ceramic Trajectories in Britain and Ireland, 3200–2400 cal BC, edited by Mike Copper, Alasdair Whittle and Alison Sheridan, presents a series of papers offering both regional and thematic perspectives on the ceramic style. Read more
Drone views of Structure Twenty-Seven
Drone footage of Structure Twenty-Seven from Professor Scott Pike and Jim Rylatt. Read more
Donation from artwork sales give Ness funds a welcome £2k boost
Ness funds received a welcome boost today, with a £2,000 donation from one of our artists in residence, Jeanne Rose. Read more
Structures Fourteen and Sixteen – updated 3d model
From the longest piered building at the start of the month, this time we've got the smallest - Structure Fourteen and its neighbour Structure Sixteen. Read more
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
