Orkney - Hidden Scotland

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Orkney, an archipelago off Scotland's northeastern coast, is renowned for its rich archaeological sites, dramatic coastal scenery, and vibrant wildlife. Home to ancient stone circles, Norse heritage, and picturesque villages, the islands offer a unique blend of history and natural beauty. Orkney's distinctive culture and landscapes make it a captivating destination for explorers and history enthusiasts.

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Interesting news from Orkney

'Extraordinary discovery' at Orkney Neolithic site

Archaeologists will resume excavation at the Ness of Brodgar in Orkney after new three dimensional radar scans revealed an unexpected find. The team describe the discovery as unlike anything uncovered during 20 years of previous work and suggest it may not even be Neolithic. Ground Penetrating Radar was used to map the entire site and produced an anomaly that contrasts with the straight lines and rectangular forms typical of earlier structures. A small trench will be opened in July 2026 to investigate the feature. Earlier buildings remain covered for preservation.

Objects from Viking-age hoard on display in Orkney

More than 70 items from the Burray Hoard are now on display at Orkney Museum in Kirkwall, loaned by National Museums Scotland. The hoard was discovered in 1889 and contains nearly two kilograms of silver, including arm rings and pieces of hacksilver, buried around 1000 AD. This is the first time in more than 35 years that the collection has been shown in Orkney. The display offers a direct view of Viking Age wealth, craft and exchange, highlighting the significance of the find within the wider story of Scandinavian presence in the Northern Isles.

Rare 5,000-year-old pottery found at Ness of Brodgar

Archaeologists working at the celebrated Neolithic site of Ness of Brodgar in Orkney have discovered pottery fragments dating back around 5,000 years. The sherds include grooved-ware ceramics, a style associated with ritual and domestic use in the late Neolithic period. The find adds to the site’s importance for understanding prehistoric life in Scotland, capturing new detail about craft, culture and everyday objects from that era. Project leads say the ceramics reinforce the Ness of Brodgar’s role as a cultural centre of the time and open fresh lines of investigation into its ancient community.

Orkney to Host International Island Games in 2025

Orkney will welcome over 2,000 athletes from 24 islands when it hosts the International Island Games for the first time in July 2025. Events will run from 12 to 18 July across venues in and around Kirkwall, with competitions in football, archery, sailing, swimming and more. A major upgrade of local sports facilities is already underway, and around 900 volunteers have signed up to support the games. The opening ceremony will take place at Bignold Park and is expected to draw a large crowd. Organisers hope the games will bring lasting benefits to sport and tourism in Orkney.

Norse Stories Return to Orkney

New interactive displays at Orkney Museum, unveiled in June 2025, are bringing the islands’ Viking past vividly to life. The refurbished permanent gallery explores daily life under Norse rule with artefacts, animations and immersive audio drawn from local saga history. Highlights include a reconstructed longhouse, weaponry, and personal items uncovered across the archipelago. With links to Shetland, Norway and beyond, the exhibition sheds new light on the cultural legacy that shaped Orkney for centuries. Entry is free year-round.