Digging for Westray

New excavations have begun on Westray in the Orkney Islands, where the Orkney Venus, a tiny stone carving and the oldest representation of a human form ever found in Scotland, was revealed last year. Archaeologists are hoping that the ‘Links of Noltland’ dig will uncover more significant finds. Digs were carried out in the late 1970s and 1980s. More recent work began on the site in 2006. Many fear that the strong winds are diminishing the sand dunes that protect the site.

“The project is reaching a very exciting phase as we race against the wind to recover the archaeological remains of the extensive settlement extending for around 1,000 years from the late Neolithic to the Bronze Age,” said Historic Scotland Senior Archaeologist Richard Strachan, who is managing the project.

The dig will focus on excavating the ‘figurine building’ (where the Orkney Venus was found) and a fascinating building with cattle skulls within the wall foundations. “On site specialist analyses are providing very important evidence about how the land was managed agriculturally,” added Strachan. The Orkney Venus is now on display at Westray Heritage Centre. Visit www.westrayheritage.co.uk