Mine Howe, Orkney
27 December 2000

In September 1999, local farmer Douglas Paterson, of Tankerness in Orkney, rediscovered a remarkable underground structure which had remained half forgotten and almost consigned to the annals of local folklore since its original discovery over 50 years ago. Time Team geophysicist John Gater gave viewers a 'taster' of this enigmatic structure in the 1999 Time Team Christmas Special, and this summer Time Team filmed the excavation of the Mine Howe site for a special documentary shown at Xmas 2000.

Click here for background information on Mine Howe from the Orkney Archaeological Trust.

Don't miss our Panoramic VR gallery offering you the chance of a virtual trip around Mine Howe and many of the ancient monuments of Orkney.

Orkney Archaeological Trust
You can read all about the excavation online at the Orkney Archaeological Trust website, where there is an illustrated excavation diary as well as background and other information. You can also view some of the results of John Gater's geophysics survey.

Orkneyjar
The Orkneyjar website (from the Viking for 'seal island') is another excellent source of information about Mine Howe and Orkney's prehistoric heritage.

Visiting Mine Howe
Mine Howe is on private land owned by the Paterson family, who welcome visitors wishing to see this unique monument. The monument itself, encircled by a massive earthen ditch, stands within a site which revealed more secrets from the past during the excavations that took place last summer and were filmed by Time Team. An exhibition of photographs is on show on site, illustrating the recent re-opening and the archaeological dig.

Please telephone 01856 861234/861209 for further details or to book in advance (requested for larger parties). There is a small admission charge.

Back to the Time Team Past programmes page

Back to the 2001 series page