By Bernie Bell

Orkney News readers might remember me enthusing about the varied beauty of ancient beads…….

A recent posting on the UHI Archaeology Institute’s blog tells of the discovery of some little stunners, found during the post excavation work carried out on the finds from the  Swartigill dig which took place last summer.  Being a lover of baubles, bangles and bright shiny beads, I couldn’t resist sharing them with you…..

Where and what is Swartigill?………

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again – the UHI Archaeology Institute blog is most excellent.

Here’s a picture my favourite ancient bead…………………

………..very kindly sent to me by Nick Card – Director of the Ness of Brodgar dig https://www.nessofbrodgar.co.uk/ , where beads have previously been discovered…..  https://www.nessofbrodgar.co.uk/focus-on-finds-beads/ and https://www.nessofbrodgar.co.uk/dig-diary-extra-a-batch-of-beads/. And, among many other good things….. an amber bead….. http://52m3.mj.am/nl2/52m3/mhykg.html?hl=en

The Ness dig is happening this summer so you never know, there might be more!