Extraordinary’ Object Found at Orkney Neolithic Site

Published: 27 November 2025 Thursday. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Archaeologists are preparing to resume excavations at the Ness of Brodgar in Orkney after an unexpected discovery was revealed through advanced 3D radar technology. The site, widely regarded as one of the most significant Neolithic settlements in the British Isles, was previously the focus of over 20 years of extensive digs, which officially concluded in 2024. However, a recent phase of work using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) has uncovered an “extraordinary” object that has yet to be identified, prompting renewed interest in this historic landscape.

The Ness of Brodgar, located just southeast of the Ring of Brodgar—a Neolithic stone circle often described as Orkney’s version of Stonehenge—has long fascinated archaeologists. Excavations over the past two decades revealed 40 structures, demonstrating that this site was a thriving settlement during the Neolithic period, roughly between 3,500 BC and 2,400 BC. The buildings, characterised by straight lines and rectangular forms, included both domestic and ceremonial structures, offering a unique insight into prehistoric life in the region.

This summer, the archaeological team conducted a comprehensive GPR survey of the entire site, producing three-dimensional images for the first time. The results have revealed a feature that experts describe as “totally dissimilar to anything else we’ve uncovered.” Archaeologist Nick Card, who has been involved with the Ness excavations since 2004 and will return for the new phase, said the discovery could add a “new chapter” to the understanding of the site.

“We think this is so unusual that it could significantly expand what we know about the Ness,” Card told BBC Radio Scotland. “It’s located in a part of the site where there doesn’t appear to be deep archaeology, so we’re not looking at another 20 years of excavation. The archaeology we uncover here will be quite different. Don’t expect three-dimensional Neolithic buildings. Possibly it is not Neolithic—it may be later—but it could also be contemporary with the original structures.”

The site’s architecture and artistic motifs have long been defined by geometric precision, with straight lines and rectangular forms visible in both construction and decoration. The newly detected object, however, appears to break this pattern, hinting at an unusual or previously unknown phase of activity. While the full nature of the object remains uncertain, its discovery demonstrates the potential of modern technologies like GPR to reveal hidden features beneath the soil without intrusive excavation.

The Ness of Brodgar Trust, which oversees the site, describes it as “without parallel in Atlantic Europe.” The three-hectare settlement shows evidence of construction in multiple phases over a millennium, illustrating the evolving social and cultural practices of Neolithic communities in Orkney. Previous excavations uncovered ceremonial halls, residences, and complex arrangements of stones, walls, and floors, highlighting the sophistication of the builders and the importance of the site in prehistoric society.

The latest work has been made possible thanks to funding from the Time Team television programme, which is planning a new series to document the excavation. Card explained that the team will use what he describes as “keyhole surgery” to open a small trench, targeting the anomaly identified by the GPR survey. This focused approach will allow archaeologists to investigate the feature without disturbing the wider site.

“This particular form of GPR has never been used in Scotland before,” Card said. “The preliminary results have been remarkable, but more analysis is required. Once complete, all the data will be combined to create detailed 3D models of the site, providing a clearer understanding of the Ness’s development and any previously unseen phases of occupation or construction.”

The renewed excavation will be open to the public for four weeks in July 2026, offering a rare opportunity to witness live archaeological work at one of Europe’s most important prehistoric sites. However, previously exposed buildings will remain covered to ensure their long-term preservation, maintaining the careful balance between public engagement and conservation.

The Ness of Brodgar’s significance lies not only in its size and complexity but also in its connection to broader Neolithic practices across the British Isles. Its proximity to other ceremonial sites, including the Ring of Brodgar and the Stones of Stenness, situates it within a rich prehistoric landscape of ritual, social, and domestic activity. The discovery of this unusual object could shed light on aspects of Neolithic life that were previously unknown, offering fresh perspectives on social hierarchy, ritual practices, or architectural innovation.

Archaeologists have stressed that while the object’s function and origin are not yet understood, its discovery highlights the ongoing potential of the Ness of Brodgar to surprise and inform. “Even after decades of excavation, the site continues to reveal new stories,” Card said. “This is a reminder that archaeology is an evolving science—modern technology allows us to see what was previously invisible, and each new discovery can transform our understanding of the past.”

Experts anticipate that careful analysis of the anomaly could take months, involving both fieldwork and laboratory studies. 3D imaging and other advanced techniques will enable archaeologists to examine the object in detail, helping to determine whether it is contemporary with the Neolithic buildings or represents a later period of activity at the site.

The Ness of Brodgar has attracted international attention for its scale, preservation, and insights into Neolithic life. Researchers and visitors alike are drawn to its unique combination of domestic and ceremonial architecture, as well as its artistic embellishments, including intricate carvings and patterned stonework. The site provides a rare glimpse into how prehistoric communities organized their settlements and expressed cultural identity through construction and design.

While the upcoming excavation will focus specifically on the extraordinary anomaly, the broader Ness site continues to offer educational and research opportunities. Scholars from various disciplines, including archaeology, anthropology, and geology, contribute to the ongoing study of the area, ensuring that its findings are interpreted within a wider context of European prehistory.

In conclusion, the discovery at the Ness of Brodgar demonstrates the enduring significance of one of Orkney’s most important archaeological sites. Using cutting-edge GPR technology, archaeologists have identified an object that defies previous understanding and could offer new insights into Neolithic life or subsequent activity at the site. With careful excavation planned for July 2026 and public access opportunities, the Ness of Brodgar continues to be a site where past and present intersect, offering both scientific discovery and educational engagement. As research progresses, the “extraordinary” object may well rewrite part of the story of Orkney’s Neolithic landscape, underscoring the ongoing value of archaeology in uncovering the complexities of human history.