Heritage
Tombs of the Isles
This community archaeological project was delivered from 2020 - 2023 by ORCA and involved research and field surveys at selected Neolithic chambered tombs in the North Isles.
28 events were held across the Isles including drop-in sessions, site visits, geophysical surveys and Art and Archaeology workshops.
The project website provides detailed information about neolithic burial tombs across the North Isles, collated during the project, alongside new 3-D imagery of selected sites and a downloadable leaflet. Visit Tombs of the Isles - Archaeology Orkney to find out more.
A full resolution version of the leaflet below can be downloaded at 'Tombs of the Isles' report and free leaflet/map available to download - Archaeology Orkney
Industrial Heritage of the North Isles
This project was delivered from 2023-2024 by ORCA, exploring industries that have flourished in the North Isles, including peat extraction, kelp burning, farming and fishing, as well as some smaller scale activities.
Community research focused on key sites or a specific industrial activity – with at least one selected for each island. 28 events were held across the Isles including drop-in sessions, site visits, mapping activities and Art and Archaeology workshops.
A new website was created to house the research undertaken and includes a downloadable leaflet and 3-D images of selected sites. Visit From peat spade to tangle trade - Archaeology Orkney to find out more.
A full resolution version of the leaflet below can be downloaded here Free industrial heritage leaflet/map available to download - Archaeology Orkney
Gan Nort: The Oral History of the North Isles
Covid-19 drastically disrupted the initial delivery of this project. Orkney Research Centre for Archaeology (ORCA) with Dr. Tom Rendall as project lead were about to kick off training sessions with interviewers across the isles and begin meeting people when the pandemic struck. There was no option but wait until things had settled and rather than divert to a digital option the decision was made to wait until people could meet face to face again. The project re-started in the summer of 2021.
There's a dedicated website where you can find out more about the project and the full project report is available there to download, but some of the highlights are: 93 people were interviewed across 10 islands. Almost all interviews were transcribed and are now held with Orkney Library & Archive. 5 people gained skills in interviewer roles and there's now a fantastic record of life and experiences of people living in the north isles from this point in time.
Gaan Nort: The oral history of the North Isles - Archaeology Orkney Website
Gaan Nort: The Oral History of the North Isles Summary Report by Dr. Tom Rendall
