Hi there! I am Giles, I'm an archaeology student (18) suffering...sorry, studying...in London. Can I first clear up that I have never been to the Orkneys despite the deepest desire within me, which I will hopefully (please) be able to fulfil this summer (2004), but a little more about that in a minute.... I have a particular fascination with the prehistory of the Orkneys, and especially the early Neolithic settlers. I have read books by VG Childe (skara Brae) as well as Renfrew, and the Ritchies, as well as regular visits to orkneyjar.com (thanks Sigurd ). This has turned from a fascination into an obsession one might say and my friends continually have a go because I never talk about anything else! Now the plea for your help, Orcadians! I am required by my course to do fieldwork anywhere in the world (great isn't it - that's why I'm on this particular course!) Any guesses as to where I chose to do mine? If any of you could provide me with contact details of people in the know who are concerned with archaeological excavations in the Orkneys, or might know people who do know (if that makes any sense), I would be ETERNALLY GRATEFUL. I know of the Orkney Archaeological Trust and have contacted them by e-mail, but so far without success. I have been involved on two digs during the past, and will have expanded my skills with a practical training course by the time the summer comes - so I won't be a burden, I promise! Anyway, thank you so much for reading this, and I can't wait to visit your wonderful place! Regards, Giles g.carey@ucl.ac.uk