The earliest human figure to be found in Scotland is to go on temporary display at Edinburgh Castle (Scotland). The Orkney Venus, which was discovered a few weeks ago, is a 5,000-year-old female carving which has the UK's first known depiction of a person's face. It will be exhibited for a fortnight - children would be given free entry to the castle during the exhibition, which ends on Sunday 1 November. Culture Minister Mike Russell, said: "It's great that people will have the chance to see this remarkable historical find for themselves."
     The carving was brought to Edinburgh for vital conservation work to protect it for the future, and so experts could carry out preliminary examinations. The object, found this summer during the Historic Scotland excavation at the Links of Noltland, on the Orkney island of Westray, will then tour other venues. The final stage will see its return to Orkney where it will go on temporary show at the Westray Heritage Centre.
     The 4cm-tall carving, known by locals as the Westray Wife, will be on show in the ante-room of Edinburgh Castle's Laich Hall along with colourful panels giving information about how and when it was found.

Source: BBC News (16 October 2009)