By Bernie Bell

I was going to say that this is the time of year when the Orkney archaeologists start planning for this season’s digs, but I think the truth of it is, that they start planning the next dig as soon as the present dig finishes – as well as doing all the post-excavation work!

Unfortunately, for the last couple of years some of the digs haven’t been able to take place. Last year, the dig at the Ness of Brodgar happened on a more limited scale https://theorkneynews.scot/2021/07/19/small-is-beautiful-2/ , but the other two Orkney ‘big digs’ – The Cairns https://theorkneynews.scot/2021/04/30/the-life-and-times-of-the-cairns-2/ , and Swandro – weren’t possible.

The Ness dig is due to happen this year, and a Newsletter has gone out from the Swandro dig folk letting us know that the diggers should be on site there this summer too!!

Caz Mamwell has put together a review/over-view of the Swandro dig and its finds so far, and if folk want to read up on it in preparation for this year, here’s the newsletter…..

https://mailchi.mp/009b91528556/happy-new-year-from-the-swandro-dig-team?e=6703a5d7a6

……which features what, for me, is the prize find – the stone which has a Pictish Blacksmith’s handprints on it – I repeat –  A STONE WITH A PICTISH BLACKSMITH’S HANDPRINTS ON IT!

There are also the dig diaries to check out and follow…. https://www.swandro.co.uk/blog

What might they find this year?