Do you want to see archaeologists in action across Orkney this summer?
Excavation season is nearly here and there are four digs planned where you’ll be able to watch ancient history uncovered in real time.
For 2025 you can catch experts at work at Neolithic, Iron Age, and Norse sites, and find out more about Orkney’s early people and their stories.
All the excavations are open to the public and archaeologists are always happy to down tools and take visitors on a time-travelling journey. There are often open days and scheduled tours on offer too.
Take a look at our guide below to discover what’s on offer across the islands this summer.
The Cairns
This dig is definitely worth a visit if you’re crossing the Churchill Barriers to explore South Ronaldsay. 2025 will be the penultimate season at The Cairns, an Iron Age settlement with a huge 22-metre-wide broch at its heart.
There are other buildings visible here too, with evidence of Norse habitation. The site was discovered in 2003 with excavation work beginning three years later. Since then, the dig has revealed finds including a bronze pin, pottery, and even ancient human remains.
It’s all part of an archaeological research project investigation prehistory of the wider landscape in the surrounding area.
- When are the dig dates?
The Cairns excavation begins on Monday 9 June and runs until Friday 18 July.
- Can I visit?
Yes, the dig is open to all, with visitors welcome between 10am and 4pm on weekdays. There will also be an open day at the dig on Friday 4 July.
- How can I find out more?
Visit the UHI Archaeology Institute website, or find the dig on Facebook.
Swandro
Swandro is arguably Orkney’s most unique excavation, with the dig taking place right on the shoreline of Rousay. This is very much archaeology on the edge.
The site is gradually being destroyed by coastal erosion so each summer season takes on increasing importance.
The archaeology here is incredible, though. Sites and structures including a Neolithic tomb, Iron Age buildings, Pictish remains, and even a Norse settlement have been found over the years.
This is a really special place to visit, with a dedicated team of archaeologists all focused on uncovering as many secrets here as possible before the sea washes it away for good.
- When are the dig dates?
The Swandro excavation begins on Monday 16 June and runs until Friday 8 August.
- Can I visit?
Visitors are very welcome between Thursday 19 June and Monday 4 August. The team usually works Sundays to Thursdays and any unexpected closures or openings will be advertised on social media. If you arrive when archaeologists aren’t working, feel free to view the information boards but do stay outside the safety ropes and don’t enter the site itself.
- How can I find out more?
Visit the official website, or find the dig on Facebook and Twitter.
Skaill Farm
This is traditionally one of the smaller archaeological excavations in Orkney, but it still manages to span more than a thousand years of Orcadian history.
Work here is focused on exploring the farmstead which was in use from the Viking-era right through to its abandonment during the Rousay clearances in the 19th century. The project has uncovered some fascinating finds, including the remains of a large Norse hall, as well as evidence of more recent habitation.
It’s very much a community-focused dig, working closely with islanders to offer school outreach programmes and training placements for local residents.
Skaill is only a short hop from the Swandro dig too, providing the perfect excuse for a day trip to Rousay to explore the island’s fabulous history and archaeology.
- When are the dig dates?
The Skaill Farm excavation begins on Monday 7 July and runs until Friday 25 July.
- Can I visit?
Yes, visitors are more than welcome between 10am and 4pm on weekdays during the dig season. There's also an open day planned for Saturday 19 July.
- How can I find out more?
Visit the UHI Archaeology Institute website.
Spurness
Archaeologists and students from the UHI Archaeology Institute will return to Sanday this summer to continue exploring this fascinating Early Bronze Age site.
The dig is part of the Northern Exposure project that looks at the changes that occurred at the end of Neolithic Orkney. Work here began in 2018, uncovering an Early Bronze Age structure with ‘double house’ architecture, as well as other interesting elements.
The site overlooks the beautiful Bay of Stove where a massive Neolithic settlement was found in 1980, highlighting the importance of the wider area.
This year, it’s hoped excavation work will uncover the lower courses of the suspected structures here.
- When are the dig dates?
The Spurness excavation begins on Saturday 2 August and runs until Friday 16 August.
- Can I visit?
Yes, the dig is open to visitors during the day for the duration of the excavations.
- How can I find out more?
Visit the UHI Archaeology Institute website.
All the digs are weather dependent, so on inclement days there may be no archaeologists on site or tours available. Please check individual websites and social media pages for detailed information, including access, parking and tour group visits.
Follow the UHI Archaeology Institute on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Read more about Orkney’s ancient history and plan your trip to the islands.