Archaeologists are set to resume excavations at the Ness of Brodgar in Orkney after 3D radar revealed an “extraordinary” unidentified object at the site.

The Ness, a major Neolithic settlement, was previously excavated for 20 years, uncovering 40 structures dating from 3,500 BC to 2,400 BC.

Ground Penetrating Radar this summer produced three-dimensional images and highlighted a feature unlike anything previously found, possibly from a later period.

The upcoming dig will use a small “keyhole surgery” trench to investigate the anomaly, with findings helping to create detailed 3D models of the site, the BBC has reported.

Public access to the new excavation is planned for four weeks in July 2026, while previously uncovered buildings will remain covered for preservation.