A month long excavation at Minehowe began today, with archaeologists returning to the site for the fourth year. Last year's excavations around the chamber revealed what was heralded as "one of the finest assemblages of Iron Age metalworking ever found in Britain" and the 2004 programme of excavations aims to focus further on the various aspects of metalworking that once took place on the site. In addition, the excavators hope to discover why there is such incredibly deep soils in certain areas of the site. Members of the public interested in the latest work at Minehowe can join one of the free guided tours of the excavation, which will run Monday to Friday at noon and 3pm. The 2004 excavation work was sponsored by Orkney Islands Council, Historic Scotland, Orkney Enterprise and Orkney College. -- Sigurd Towrie Blackhall - Kirbister - Stromness - Orkney Heritage of Orkney: www.orkneyjar.com Home: sigurd@orkneyjar.com Work: sigurd.towrie@orcadian.co.uk