Braes of Ha'Breck, Wyre, Orkney

Excavation and post-excavation

Funded by Orkney Islands Council, Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, Orkney Archaeology Society, LEADER European Funding and individual sponsors.

In 2006, I discovered a prehistoric settlement site during a walkover survey of the island of Wyre. This was then the subject of several seasons of survey and excavation (2007-2013). To date, five Early Orkney dwellings (both timber and stone-built) with associated middens, working areas and a domestic stone quarry have been revealed on the site. Significant numbers of round-based pottery, stone tools, flint, and fifteen polished axe heads have been recovered, which, along with a large volume of carbonised cereals, represents one of the most significant Early Orkney domestic assemblages in Scotland.