Decorated stone, massive walls, and sealed buildings lie beneath the narrow land between two Orkney lochs. The Ness of Brodgar is a Neolithic archaeological site between the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness.
Excavations from 2003 to 2024 revealed a dense ritual or ceremonial complex inside the Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage landscape. The site was later infilled to protect exposed structures, but its evidence of painted stone, roof slabs, feasting, dismantling, and long use has reshaped how the surrounding monuments are understood.
What follows is drawn from published sources, with each claim labelled by how firmly it is established.
History
Activity at the Ness of Brodgar can be dated to around 3500-3400 BC. Excavations began in 2003 and ended in 2024, after which the site was infilled for protection. The site lies between the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness.
Excavation found decorated slabs, painted stones, roof evidence, large buildings, and a wall with massive foundations. Structure 10 appears to have been closed with ceremonial demolition and the slaughter of several hundred cattle. By around 2200 BC the site had been closed down and partly dismantled.
The site adds important context to Maeshowe, Skara Brae, Barnhouse, and the wider World Heritage landscape.
Connections
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Photo: Original uploader was Otter at nl.wikipedia (Original text : Hopmans) / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 Ring of Brodgar
The site lies to the south-east of the stone circle.
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Photo: Otter at Dutch Wikipedia (Original text: Hopmans) / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 Standing Stones of Stenness
The site lies to the north-west of the stones.
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Photo: Dr. John F. Burka / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 Heart of Neolithic Orkney
The Ness sits within and helps explain this World Heritage landscape.
What to look for
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Decorated stonework
The pack records decorated slabs, painted stone, and engraved building fabric.
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Infilled excavation
After the 2024 excavation season, the exposed structures were covered for protection.
Plan your visit
- Location
- 58.9972°N · 3.2156°W
- Access
- Open access
- Terrain
- Easy going
Opening & admission
The source pack does not provide reliable current admission details; verify before travelling.
- The pack states that excavations ended in 2024 and the site was infilled to protect exposed structures.
Nearby places
Carved stone · Prehistoric
Stones of Stenness Circle and Henge
Orkney Islands
The Stones of Stenness are a Neolithic monument and may be the oldest henge site in the British Isles; radiocarbon dating indicates work on the sit…
- Near Stenness
- 2 min walk from car park
- Easy path
Carved stone · Prehistoric
Ring of Brodgar
Orkney Islands
The Ring of Brodgar is a Neolithic henge and stone circle on the narrow isthmus between the Lochs of Stenness and Harray on Mainland, Orkney. It is…
- Near Stenness
- 5 min walk from car park
- Easy path
Questions people ask
- What is the Ness of Brodgar?
- It is a Neolithic archaeological site on Orkney Mainland between the Ring of Brodgar and the Standing Stones of Stenness.
- Can visitors see the excavated buildings now?
- The pack says excavations ended in 2024 and the site was infilled to protect the structures.
- Why is it important?
- It revealed decorated stone, painted buildings, massive architecture, and evidence for ceremony and closure in the World Heritage landscape.
- How long was the site active?
- The pack dates activity from around 3500-3400 BC, with closure and partial dismantling by about 2200 BC.
Sources
- Wikipedia article
- Source pack: Ness of Brodgar
Explore more: Tomb or burial places · Prehistoric · Orkney Islands
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