By Bernie Bell

I know – we’re all looking forward to Christmas, but, let’s look forward a bit farther ahead, to the summer, and the digging season on Orkney.

Dates for two of the major Orkney archaeology digs for 2020 have been revealed – in alphabetical order – BRODGAR! (Ness of)

And – THE CAIRNS!

The dates for the field season at The Cairns this summer will be 15th June to 10th July.

So – get your digging gear out, check that it’s all water-proof – stock up on midgie deterrent, and, to para-phrase ‘School-Days Over’ by Ewan MacColl……

“Day-job’s over, come on now John
Time to be getting your diggin’ boots on
On with your knee-pads and your full water-proofs
It’s time you were on your way
Time to be learning the digger’s job
And working – though you don’t get paid!

Come on then, Jo, it’s time to go
Time you were working down below
Time to be handling a trowel and bucket
You start at the dig today
Time you were learning the digger’s job
And working – though you don’t get paid

 Come on then, Jim, the day is bright
Time you were in your place on site
The morning mist is lifting from Stenness
It’s time you were on your way
Time you were learning the digger’s job
And working – though you don’t get paid!”

For more about The Ness, and The Cairns……….

https://theorkneynews.scot/2019/07/20/we-went-to-the-ness-2019/

https://theorkneynews.scot/2019/07/11/the-cairns-on-a-sunny-sunny-open-day/