Excavation Archives - Archaeology Orkney

ORCA involved in discovery of possible Viking-era church on Swona

Archaeologists from the Orkney Research Centre for Archaeology (ORCA) have helped uncover what could be a 1,000-year-old Viking church on the island of Swona.

Excavation Neolithic ORCA

Three-week excavation at South Ronaldsay’s Tomb of the Eagles begins Monday

An ORCA team will be carrying out excavations around the Tomb of the Eagles in South Ronaldsay from August 24-September 11.

Bronze Age Excavation Neolithic Northern Exposure Sanday

Dig diary – looking forward to the 2027 season at Spurness

The Spurness excavation in Sanday draws to a close but we’re looking forward to getting back next year.

Bronze Age Excavation Neolithic Northern Exposure Sanday

Dig diary – an enigmatic stone artefact

Photographs of the stone artefact recovered from the wall of the Spurness Early Neolithic building.

Bronze Age Excavation Neolithic Northern Exposure Sanday

Dig diary – a wealth of discoveries makes for a perfect day on site

Today’s update from Spurness, Sanday, by Professor Colin Richards.

Bronze Age Excavation Neolithic Northern Exposure Sanday

Dig diary – drone views of Spurness building(s)

Today’s update from Spurness, Sanday, showing the scale of the monumental Early Neolithic building.

Bronze Age Excavation Neolithic Northern Exposure Sanday

Dig diary – Monumental Neolithic discovery at Spurness

More divisional orthostats suggests Early Neolithic building was more monumental than first believed.

Bronze Age Excavation Neolithic Northern Exposure Sanday

Update on Spurness open day plans

Tomorrow’s open day at the Spurness excavation site in Sanday is going ahead with tours planned every 30 minutes. The site will be open from 10am until 4pm.