The developments on both sites have been astonishing, with many structures of major significance discovered and new information about sea levels and the likely differences in topography and landscape in the area which suggest a radical reinterpretation of the way in which the structures of the area may have been used. The excavations in the Ring of Brodgar, principally two large trenches at opposite sides of the ring, have been deeper than ever before and amongst other things should help to establish a much better idea of the real date of the structure and shed new light on the methods of construction.

It would be pointless for me to even attempt any more of a summary here – there is simply far too much and as yet, with the digging only recently coming to an end, much of the discoveries have not yet been analysed or organised into anything resembling conclusions. That work will doubtless be going on over the winter and promises to be intriguing . For now just visit the site and follow the many threads and excavation diary notes. Leave plenty of time – they’ve found an awful lot of buildings, artefacts and information and you may well emerge to find it’s already tomorrow!

In Orkney a settlement has been discovered on the Ness of Brodgar, between the Ring of Brodgar and the Stones of Stenness, that is being described as very significant – perhaps as important as the world famous Scara Brae. Early suggestions are that it may have been connected to these two famous sites, though whether it is composed of dwelling houses or ritual buildings seems to depend on which reports you read.

BBC News article – News from the Site on Orkneyjar – Background to the original excavation in 2004.

In Edinburgh Castle a fragment from a tower destroyed during a 16th century siege has been uncovered during building work. The Constable Tower was previously believed completely lost but Historic Scotland archaeologist Peter Yeoman and his team discovered a finely carved piece of a window while excavating a drain being cleared prior to a new visitor facility being built.

Tollcross Online article.