Official launch for ORCA
Story dated: May 25, 2008

A new chapter for archaeology in the county began last week, with the official launch of the Orkney Research Centre for Archaeology (ORCA).

A newly-created organisation, ORCA developed from the previous projects unit of the Orkney Archaeological Trust (OAT).

It aims to provide archaeological services to local communities, developers as well as central and local government.

These include site evaluations, watching briefs, landscape surveys, excavation, post excavation as well as related disciplines such as geophysics, illustration, training and research.

Although based in Orkney College, the organisation’s focus will not be restricted to Orkney but also throughout the Highlands and islands.

Pictured at the launch of the Orkney Research Centre for Archaeology last week are - on the left, from front: Dr Jane Downes (ORCA director), Nick Card (ORCA senior projects manager) and Dr Susan Ovenden (ORCA geophysics director).

On the right, from the left, Lord Lieutenant Dr Tony Trickett, Dr Bill Ross (Orkney College principal) and Hugh Halcro Johnston (chairman Orkney Archaeological Trust).