Covers coming off as excavation resumes on the Ness of Brodgar

The 2015 excavation on the Ness of Brodgar got under way this morning, with archaeologists and volunteers removing the tyres and protective covers that have protected the Neolithic site over the winter.

Thanks to public support and fundraising, this year’s excavation has been extended from six weeks to eight.

Since work on the Neolithic complex began in 2006, the cost of running the annual excavation meant it had to be restricted to six weeks — a very short time to investigate what has turned out to be remarkable site.

But this year, and hopefully 2016, the dig will run for eight weeks — starting today, Monday, and running until August 28.

The site will be open to the public, with guided tours, from July 8 until August 26.