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Ness of Brodgar

@nessofbrodgar.bsky.social
1K followers 88 following 180 posts

Ongoing project investigating a monumental Neolithic complex in Orkney, Scotland. www.nessofbrodgar.co.uk

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Ness of Brodgar @nessofbrodgar.bsky.social · 1h
Results from the 2025 geophysical surveys suggests that the circular Iron Age structure that once stood on the Trench T midden mound could have been associated with an underground chamber.
nessofbrodgar.co.uk
Geophysics hints at Iron Age chamber in the monumental midden mound
Results from the 2025 geophysical surveys suggests that the circular Iron Age structure that once stood on the Trench T midden mound could have been associated with an underground chamber.
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Ness of Brodgar @nessofbrodgar.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
A new Current Archaeology article, by Carly Hilts, is now available online.
nessofbrodgar.co.uk
Link: Statements in stone: Investigating Neolithic architecture at the Ness of Brodgar
A new Current Archaeology article, by Carly Hilts, is now available online.
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Ness of Brodgar @nessofbrodgar.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
A new page has been added to our "Structures" section, detailing what we now know about Structure Forty-Four - the circular building excavated in July.
nessofbrodgar.co.uk
What we know about our latest building – Structure Forty-Four…
A new page has been added to our "Structures" section, detailing what we now know about Structure Forty-Four - the circular building excavated in July.
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Ness of Brodgar @nessofbrodgar.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
No sign of Ness interest waning as visitors flock to Kirkwall open day On Saturday, the final day of the 2026 Orkney Archaeology Festival, we were delighted by the number of visitors to our open day in Kirkwall.
nessofbrodgar.co.uk
No sign of Ness interest waning as visitors flock to Kirkwall open day
On Saturday, the final day of the 2026 Orkney Archaeology Festival, we were delighted by the number of visitors to our open day in Kirkwall.
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Ness of Brodgar @nessofbrodgar.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Join us for a Ness open day as part of the 2026 Orkney Archaeology Festival on Saturday, September 12. 11am-3pm.
nessofbrodgar.co.uk
Archaeology festival open day on Saturday
Ness open day as part of the 2026 Orkney Archaeology Festival on Saturday, September 12. 11am-3pm.
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Ness of Brodgar @nessofbrodgar.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
The recording of the UHI Archaeology Institute's Associate Professor Antonia Thomas' recent talk to the Orkney Archaeology Society.
nessofbrodgar.co.uk
Video: Art and architecture at the Ness of Brodgar with Associate Professor Antonia Thomas
The recording of the UHI Archaeology Institute's Associate Professor Antonia Thomas' recent talk to the Orkney Archaeology Society.
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Ness of Brodgar @nessofbrodgar.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
The processing of environmental samples from the site has produced a second tiny bead fragment from Structure Five.
nessofbrodgar.co.uk
A second tiny bead from Structure Five’s occupation deposits
The processing of environmental samples from the site has produced a second tiny bead fragment from Structure Five.
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Ness of Brodgar @nessofbrodgar.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Our ongoing work at the Ness of Brodgar features in this year’s Orkney International Science Festival, which begins next Thursday, September 3.
nessofbrodgar.co.uk
Dig into the Ness at the 2026 Orkney Science Festival
Our ongoing work at the Ness of Brodgar features in this year’s Orkney International Science Festival, which begins next Thursday, September 3.
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Ness of Brodgar @nessofbrodgar.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
The few pottery sherds from the 2026 excavation are decorated (incised and cordons), had an organic temper and undoubtedly derived from Grooved Ware vessels, providing a date of at least 3200BC.
nessofbrodgar.co.uk
Grooved Ware pottery sherds from Structure Forty-Four
The few pottery sherds from the 2026 excavation are decorated (incised and cordons), had an organic temper and undoubtedly derived from Grooved Ware vessels, providing a date of at least 3200BC.
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Ness of Brodgar @nessofbrodgar.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
A report by Time Team's Martyn Williams during the third week of the 2026 excavation.
nessofbrodgar.co.uk
Video: Time Team at the Ness of Brodgar
A report by Time Team's Martyn Williams during the third week of the 2026 excavation.
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Ness of Brodgar @nessofbrodgar.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Post-excavation work continues and has produced our third example of a child's milk tooth.
nessofbrodgar.co.uk
Third example of a child’s milk tooth confirmed from Trench T deposit
Post-excavation work continues and has produced our third example of a child's milk tooth.
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Ness of Brodgar @nessofbrodgar.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Sarah Carter on another pottery shed with stamped decoration from the midden in the vicinity of Structure Forty.
nessofbrodgar.co.uk
Second example of stamped decoration found on pottery sherd
Sarah Carter on another pottery shed with stamped decoration from the midden in the vicinity of Structure Forty.
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Ness of Brodgar @nessofbrodgar.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
This week’s Time Team podcast, with Helen Geake and Martyn Williams sees Anne Mitchell answer more Ness-related questions.
nessofbrodgar.co.uk
Time Team podcast – ‘Is the Brodgar Butterfly really a butterfly?’
This week’s Time Team podcast, with Helen Geake and Martyn Williams sees Anne Mitchell answer more Ness-related questions.
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Ness of Brodgar @nessofbrodgar.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Another 3d model from Paul Durdin, this time showing Structure Forty-Four's central hearth part way through excavation.
nessofbrodgar.co.uk
Structure Forty-Four’s hearth in 3d
Another 3d model from Paul Durdin, this time showing Structure Forty-Four's central hearth part way through excavation.
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Ness of Brodgar @nessofbrodgar.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
This week's Time Team podcast, with Helen Geake and Martyn Williams, recorded during week three of the dig, features Jackie McKinley pondering what our Neolithic building might have been and Dani Wootton's potential rock art discovery.
nessofbrodgar.co.uk
Time Team podcast – ‘Orkney Neolithic site starts to reveal its secrets’
This week's Time Team podcast, with Helen Geake and Martyn Williams, recorded during week three of the dig, features Jackie McKinley pondering what our Neolithic building might have been and Dani Wootton's potential rock art discovery.
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Ness of Brodgar @nessofbrodgar.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
Last week site director Nick was interviewed for a Time Team question-and-answer session on the Ness of Brodgar....
nessofbrodgar.co.uk
Ness questions answered…a Time Team podcast
Last week, site director Nick was interviewed for a Time Team question-and-answer session on the Ness of Brodgar.
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Ness of Brodgar @nessofbrodgar.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
Hot of the digital press - a splendid new 3d model from Paul Durdin, showing the results of the 2026 excavation.
nessofbrodgar.co.uk
Explore Trench W with new 3D model
Hot of the digital press - a splendid new 3d model from Paul Durdin, showing the results of the 2026 excavation.
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Ness of Brodgar @nessofbrodgar.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
Diary extra – Trench W on the final day Drone photograph of Trench W on the final day of the 2026 excavation.
nessofbrodgar.co.uk
Diary extra – Trench W on the final day
Drone photograph of Trench W on the final day of the 2026 excavation.
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Ness of Brodgar @nessofbrodgar.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
A couple of discoveries on our last day on site.
nessofbrodgar.co.uk
Dig diary – we thought it was all over…it is now
A couple of discoveries on our last day on site.
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Ness of Brodgar @nessofbrodgar.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Dig diary – that’s all folks… The last dig diary ever. Famous last words...
nessofbrodgar.co.uk
Dig diary – that’s all folks…
The last dig diary ever. Famous last words...
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Ness of Brodgar @nessofbrodgar.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Structure Forty‑Four’s buttresses proved primary; its entrance was deliberately blocked. New walls revealed Structure Forty‑Five, an elaborate doorway and a fine spatulate tool.
nessofbrodgar.co.uk
Dig diary – Structure Forty‑Five confirmed as its neighbour’s architecture and closure clarified
Structure Forty‑Four’s buttresses proved primary; its entrance was deliberately blocked. New walls revealed Structure Forty‑Five, an elaborate doorway and a fine spatulate tool.
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Ness of Brodgar @nessofbrodgar.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
Structure Forty‑Four’s entrance, hearth and flooring clarified, but a late‑day curving wall raises eyebrows.
nessofbrodgar.co.uk
Dig diary – A narrower doorway, a deeper hearth and a mystery wall to end the day
Structure Forty‑Four’s entrance, hearth and flooring clarified, but a late‑day curving wall raises eyebrows.
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Ness of Brodgar @nessofbrodgar.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
Drone's eye view of Structure Forty-Four this afternoon.
nessofbrodgar.co.uk
Diary extra – Structure Forty-Four from above
Drone's eye view of Structure Forty-Four this afternoon.
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Ness of Brodgar @nessofbrodgar.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
We suspected it was there and the entrance was confirmed today. And may be much bigger than expected!
nessofbrodgar.co.uk
Dig diary – Structure Forty‑Four christened and its monumental entrance revealed
We suspected it was there and the entrance was confirmed today. And may be much bigger than expected!
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Ness of Brodgar @nessofbrodgar.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
Dresser in Skara Brae's House One, viewed from the entrance. (📷 Sigurd Towrie)
nessofbrodgar.co.uk
Dig diary – incised stone brings week three to a close in true Ness style
Week three drew to a close in typical Ness style - with a decorated stone...
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Ness of Brodgar @nessofbrodgar.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Hearth deposits were shallow, more foundation slabs emerged, and excavation confirmed a surrounding gully - all adding to our structure's "very odd” character.
nessofbrodgar.co.uk
Dig diary – reaching the base of the central hearth
Hearth deposits were shallow, more foundation slabs emerged, and excavation confirmed a surrounding gully - all adding to our structure's "very odd” character.
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Ness of Brodgar @nessofbrodgar.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
A 3d model of Joanne Greave's reconstructed pot from Structure Thirty-Four.
nessofbrodgar.co.uk
Diary extra – 3d model of Joanne’s ‘jigsaw puzzle’ pot…
A 3d model of Joanne Greave's reconstructed pot from Structure Thirty-Four.
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Ness of Brodgar @nessofbrodgar.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Dig diary – an external working area and possible rock art Another very productive day on site with excavation in and around the remains of our new building.
nessofbrodgar.co.uk
Dig diary – an external working area and possible rock art
Another very productive day on site with excavation in and around the remains of our new building.
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Ness of Brodgar @nessofbrodgar.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
A photogrammetry model from Paul Durdin showing one group of prehistoric ard marks in Trench W.
nessofbrodgar.co.uk
Diary extra – 3d model of ard marks
A photogrammetry model from Paul Durdin showing one group of prehistoric ard marks in Trench W.
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Ness of Brodgar @nessofbrodgar.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
A drain, a hearth and clarifying the story of our new structure.
nessofbrodgar.co.uk
Dig diary – stratigraphic detective work
A drain, a hearth and clarifying the story of our new structure.
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Ness of Brodgar @nessofbrodgar.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Today, we can say with confidence that we are looking at a hearth at the centre of a Late Neolithic building in Trench W.
nessofbrodgar.co.uk
Dig diary – home is where the hearth is
Today, we can say with confidence that we are looking at a hearth at the centre of a Late Neolithic building in Trench W.
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Ness of Brodgar @nessofbrodgar.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
Time Team’s Ness special available to all tonight Following its world premiere in Orkney earlier this month, Time Team's Ness of Brodgar special will go live to the public at 7pm tonight.
nessofbrodgar.co.uk
Time Team’s Ness special available to all tonight
Following its world premiere in Orkney earlier this month, Time Team's Ness of Brodgar special will go live to the public at 7pm tonight.
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Ness of Brodgar @nessofbrodgar.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
Today's update from the end of week two.
nessofbrodgar.co.uk
Dig diary – gneiss, soil and a shadow of something taking shape
Today's update from the end of week two.
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Ness of Brodgar @nessofbrodgar.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Work to uncover the final trench quadrant - the north-western one - got under way today, revealing another small section of the circular anomaly.
nessofbrodgar.co.uk
Dig diary – has medieval ploughing erased most of our mysterious structure?
Work to uncover the final trench quadrant - the north-western one - got under way today, revealing another small section of the circular anomaly.
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Ness of Brodgar @nessofbrodgar.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
A shorter diary than usual because it's been full steam ahead in the trench today.
nessofbrodgar.co.uk
Dig diary – three quadrants exposed
A shorter diary than usual because it's been full steam ahead in the trench today.
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Ness of Brodgar @nessofbrodgar.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
Trench TT yielded fresh clues today, including a projecting orthostat, yellow clay layers and a fragment of Grooved Ware pottery.
nessofbrodgar.co.uk
Dig diary – a planning marathon, orthostats, clay and Grooved Ware
Trench TT yielded fresh clues today, including a projecting orthostat, yellow clay layers and a fragment of Grooved Ware pottery.
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Ness of Brodgar @nessofbrodgar.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
Another bright, busy day saw new orthostats emerge within the circular anomaly, continued rubble removal along the trench edge, fresh planning and sampling — plus a fleeting false alarm over a “stone axe.”
nessofbrodgar.co.uk
Dig diary – another slice of the anomaly and the axe that wasn’t
Another bright, busy day saw new orthostats emerge within the circular anomaly, continued rubble removal along the trench edge, fresh planning and sampling — plus a fleeting false alarm over a “stone axe.”
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Ness of Brodgar @nessofbrodgar.bsky.social · 11/07/2026
Our three-day Big Ness Lego Build ended today and has been hailed a resounding success.
nessofbrodgar.co.uk
Imagination rebuilds the Ness – three days of Lego creativity comes to an end
Our three-day Big Ness Lego Build ended today and has been hailed a resounding success.
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Ness of Brodgar @nessofbrodgar.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
Week one draws to a close and what a productive one it's been.
nessofbrodgar.co.uk
Dig diary – week one ends with more prehistoric ard marks
Week one draws to a close and what a productive one it's been.
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Ness of Brodgar @nessofbrodgar.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Today's update from Trench TT as we near the end of week one.
nessofbrodgar.co.uk
Dig diary – ard marks and emerging buildings
Today's update from Trench TT as we near the end of week one.
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Ness of Brodgar @nessofbrodgar.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Dig diary – mist, mud… and an Early Neolithic arrowhead As work continued, the third example of an Early Neolithic leaf arrowhead emerged from Trench TT.
nessofbrodgar.co.uk
Dig diary – mist, mud… and an Early Neolithic arrowhead
As work continued, the third example of an Early Neolithic leaf arrowhead emerged from Trench TT.
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Ness of Brodgar @nessofbrodgar.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Dig diary - day 2: A far more forgiving day, weather‑wise, saw the cleaning of the new trench completed and excavation begin.
nessofbrodgar.co.uk
Dig diary – excavation Begins in Trench TT as visitors flock to the Ness
A far more forgiving day, weather‑wise, saw the cleaning of the new trench completed and excavation begin.
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Ness of Brodgar @nessofbrodgar.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
Dig diary - day 1: The new trench is opened, cleaned (nearly) and we're all set to go.
nessofbrodgar.co.uk
Dig diary – a new start at the Ness, even if the weather had other ideas
The new trench is opened, cleaned (nearly) and we're all set to go.
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Ness of Brodgar @nessofbrodgar.bsky.social · 05/07/2026
We’re back on site tomorrow to investigate an intriguing circular feature revealed by the Time Team ground-penetrating radar (GPR) survey in July 2025.
nessofbrodgar.co.uk
We’re back on site tomorrow. . . and here’s why
We’re back on site tomorrow to investigate an intriguing circular feature revealed by the Time Team ground-penetrating radar (GPR) survey in July 2025.
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Ness of Brodgar @nessofbrodgar.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
A virtual, online version of 2022's 'The World of Stonehenge' exhibition is now available to explore.
nessofbrodgar.co.uk
Visit 2022’s ‘The World of Stonehenge’ exhibition virtually…
A virtual, online version of 2022's 'The World of Stonehenge' exhibition is now available to explore.
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Ness of Brodgar @nessofbrodgar.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
As part of their ongoing Stenness Past, Present and Future project, our education officer Katy Firth has been helping Stenness Primary School pupils get hands-on with Ness-related topics.
nessofbrodgar.co.uk
Stenness youngsters get hands-on with Ness-related topics
As part of their ongoing Stenness Past, Present and Future project, our education officer Katy Firth has been helping Stenness Primary School pupils get hands-on with Ness-related topics.
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Ness of Brodgar @nessofbrodgar.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
Some of Orkney's tour guides were back on site on Wednesday for a special show-and-tell from site director Nick Card.
nessofbrodgar.co.uk
Guides back on site for pre-dig tour
Some of Orkney's tour guides were back on site on Wednesday for a special show-and-tell from site director Nick Card.
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Ness of Brodgar @nessofbrodgar.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
A film by UHI MA Contemporary Art and Archaeology graduate Lucy Carr-McClave is one of the finalists in the 2026 West Lothian Film Festival awards.
nessofbrodgar.co.uk
Ness documentary a finalist in West Lothian Film Festival awards
A film by UHI MA Contemporary Art and Archaeology graduate Lucy Carr-McClave is one of the finalists in the 2026 West Lothian Film Festival awards.
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Ness of Brodgar @nessofbrodgar.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
Our 2026 pottery triage project is now into its fourth week and this morning Heather hit the jackpot with another Neolithic fingerprint.
nessofbrodgar.co.uk
Another Neolithic fingerprint turns up during pottery triage operations
Our 2026 pottery triage project is now into its fourth week and this morning Heather hit the jackpot with another Neolithic fingerprint.
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Ness of Brodgar @nessofbrodgar.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
The decorated stones from the Ness of Brodgar excavation are the subject of an Orkney Archaeology Society talk by Associate Professor Antonia Thomas on Thursday, June 18.
nessofbrodgar.co.uk
OAS talk on Ness art and architecture
The decorated stones from the Ness of Brodgar excavation are the subject of an Orkney Archaeology Society talk by Associate Professor Antonia Thomas on Thursday, June 18.
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