The Early Neolithic at the Ness of Brodgar

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Trench J was focused on investigating some of the first stone structures to be built at the Ness, with artefacts dating them as far back as 3300 BC. In 2024, evidence was found of an even earlier wooden hall underneath the stone buildings, with a similar change from wood to stone as seen at some other Early Neolithic Orcadian sites.

The Ness of Brodgar is an archaeological site covering 2.5 hectares in the Heart of the Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site, in Scotland. Geophysical survey and excavations revealed a well-preserved and sophisticated complex of 5000-year-old stone buildings, unlike anything seen before in northern Europe.

Although the excavation stage is now complete, analysis of the thousands of finds, samples and records is ongoing. Please help support the project by donating to the Ness of Brodgar Trust!