Archaeology & History

'Extraordinary discovery' teased at Neolithic site on Orkney

By T.K. Randall
November 28, 2025 ·  4 comments

Image: Ness of Brodgar Excavations (file photo)
Credit: Stevekeiretsu / CC BY-SA 4.0 (adapted) The site, which sits on a strip of land between two lochs, remains one of the most important archaeological sites in the British Isles and had until recently been the focus of excavations spanning over 20 years.

Work at the site officially ended last year, but now, following what has been described as an "extraordinary discovery" using 3D radar technology, excavations have resumed there once again.

As things stand, however, the team is refusing to reveal exactly what the discovery might be, leading to a great deal of speculation and debate.

Ness of Brodgar is home to the remains of some 40 Neolithic structures dating back almost 6,000 years, making it one of the most significant prehistoric settlements on Orkney.

Speaking to BBC News recently, archaeologist Nick Card offered a vague teaser of the new find."We think this is so unusual that it could add a new chapter to the history of the Ness," he said.

"It's at a bit of the site where there doesn't seem to be any deep archaeology, so it's not like we're getting into another 20 years of excavations."

"The archaeology that will be uncovered will be quite different. Don't expect three-dimensional Neolithic buildings. Possibly it is not Neolithic, I think probably later, but it could be contemporary."

Sadly, we will have to wait a while longer to learn exactly what it is the team has found.

Whatever it happens to be, though, it should at least be worth the wait.


Source: BBC News | Comments (4)

Tags: Orkney