The excavations at the Ness of Brodgar have started again - further work on the 'Neolithic cathedral' and lots more. Went down there today with a group for the first tour of the new season - unfortunately (or fortunately depending on your viewpoint) I'm so busy this year that I can't get down there to dig again like last year. Should maybe suggest to Nick (Card - the site director & he who coined the Neolithic cathedral tag) that he puts a geodesic dome over the site so we can dig in the winter then I can get down there. Still it was good to catch up with a few old friends who are back up for the digging season. They've got 6 weeks there and as usual the dig diary will be updated each day with photos & progress reports - available at http://www.orkneyjar.com/archaeology/nessofbrodgar/diary.htm
You can also catch up on previous seasons work there too with lots of good pics.
Got out to Westray last week with a group so got to see the Links of Noltland dig again & also to visit the Westray Wife aka the Orkney Venus again at the Westray Heritage centre - who are having a bumper year of visitors thanks to her presence. Historic Scotland have produced replicas in resin & they're selling out as fast as they can get them in stock - you can get a fridge magnet, a keyring & a little stand up version. Not to be outdone Andrew Appleby (the Harray Potter http://www.applepot.co.uk/) has made some little pottery figurines to be sold at the Ness of Brodgar in aid of site funds & he's calling them 'the Brodgar Babe' or alternatively Effie - because she's an Effigy!
http://www.orkneyarchaeologytours.co.uk/
