Orkney Venus (Westray Wife) found on the Links of Noltland

Westray Wife's headless husband?

The discovery was made on the Links of Noltland at the same site as the Westray Wife (Orkney Venus), the earliest representation of a human figure to be found in Scotland.

The Orkney Venus, a 5,000-year-old female carving which was found last summer, was just 4cm tall and composed of sandstone.

The new find is the same size and shape as the original Venus but is made of clay and is missing its head.

Culture Minister Fiona Hyslop said: "It is excellent news that a second figurine has been found at the Links of Noltland dig, giving our team of archaeologists more information in piecing together what we can know about the lives of our ancient ancestors on Westray.

"Although these figurines are tiny, their significance is huge and it's exciting to speculate whether there may be more, waiting to be discovered."

The Orkney Venus, known locally as the Westray Wife, is currently on display at the Westray Heritage Centre.

Westray and Papa Westray are two of Orkney's Northern Isles. Both of these islands are easy to get to by foot or car with good air and sea links.

With a wide range of accommodation including hotels, bed and breakfast, self-catering, hostels and camping, all budgets and tastes are catered for.

There is plenty to do in Westray and Papa Westray, whether you're interested in walking, crafts, nature watching, sailing, or just relaxing, there is something here for everyone.

In a world of hustle and bustle, of deadlines and dramas, Westray and Papa Westray offer you a chance to truly unwind.

It is said that you can sometimes see all four seasons in a day Orkney, Westray and Papa Westray can be enjoyed whatever the season and whatever the weather:

Spring means longer days, flower-rich meadows, lambs and calves in the fields, nesting birds and walks on clean empty beaches.

Summer brings big skies with spectacular sunrises and sunsets, walking and bird watching, maybe taking in the puffins from late April to late July: sailing (the Westray Regatta in July), archaeologists, whales and the longest day when it never really gets dark.

Autumn is a time for bracing walks along our rugged coast with spectacular seas crashing against rocks, and maybe you will spot some seal pups, then retire to the comfort of an open fire and a warm welcome in your hotel or guest house. In the evening it's harvest moon and time for the "Merry Dancers" (Aurora Borealis).

Winter with its short days, the sun barely leaving the horizon providing spectacular sunrises (and you don’t even need to get up early to experience them!) and clear night skies with millions of stars. Sometimes wild weather, always a warm welcome.