Anna Ritchie, a prominent archaeologist known for her significant excavations in Orkney, passed away at age 82. Her work at sites like Buckquoy and Skara Brae reshaped understandings of Pictish and Viking history. Beyond excavations, Ritchie was a prolific writer and educator, influencing many in the field of archaeology.

• 01Anna Ritchie led her first excavation at Buckquoy in 1970, uncovering Pictish stone buildings and contributing to the understanding of Viking influences.
• 02She co-directed excavations at the Neolithic settlement of Skara Brae and discovered the Knap of Howar, the earliest known domestic buildings in north-west Europe.
• 03Ritchie published extensively, producing two or more works annually from the 1970s through the 2010s, including the notable book 'Scotland: Archaeology and Early History' co-authored with her husband.
• 04She was the first female president of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland and served on the governing bodies of several archaeological organizations.
• 05Ritchie was appointed OBE in 1997 for her contributions to archaeology and continued to write until her passing, including a memoir published in 2022.

Ritchie's work has significantly influenced the field of archaeology in Scotland, shaping educational practices and archaeological standards.