The continuing archaeological dig at the Ness of Brodgar, Orkney, a stunning complex of 5000-year-old buildings, has been named research project of the year in a national awards scheme.

Excavations director Nick Card, senior projects manager at the Orkney Research Centre for Archaeology (ORCA), accepted the prize on behalf of his team at the magazine Current Archaeology’s awards ceremony at the British Museum in London. ORCA is based in the archaeology department at Orkney College UHI, part of the University of the Highlands and Islands.

The Neolithic site at the Ness of Brodgar, contained within a large walled enclosure, lies between the stone circles of Brodgar and Stenness at the centre of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site.

Following the discovery of a large notched slab during ploughing in 2003, an evaluation revealed part of a Neolithic building with internal angular architecture very similar to one of the buildings at the nearby Neolithic site of Barnhouse.

Further small-scale area excavations took place from 2004 to 2006. These investigations showed the extensive (circa 250m long by 100m wide) mound where the site was located to be largely artificial, comprising accumulations of Neolithic middens, structures and enhanced soils, associated with Late Neolithic pottery. Ongoing open area excavation from 2007 is now revealing the full complexity and spectacular nature of the site (see Orkneyjar.com for further information).

Nick said: “The discoveries at the Ness of Brodgar are dramatically changing our perceptions of this period of pre-history, as well as being built of incredibly sophisticated masonry – the walls of these temple-like buildings were lavishly carved and painted. Each summer the excavations attract thousands of visitors from around the world.

“The award is a great accolade not just for the excavation and the team behind it, but also Orkney College UHI and Orkney as a whole. It will further enhance the profile of Orkney’s archaeology and Orkney College UHI as the place to study it.”

Ness of Brodgar was runner-up in the Andante Travel Archaeology Awards 2008 and listed by the American Institute of Archaeology as one of the great discoveries of 2009.

The excavations are supported by Orkney Islands Council, Orkney College UHI, the Russell Trust, the Robert Kiln Trust, Orkney Archaeology Society, Orkneyjar, Historic Scotland, numerous individuals from around the world, and the landowners Carol Hoey and Ola and Arnie Tait.

Source: The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI)