The site at The Crook Beach, 1 km northeast of Scar, was found in 1985 by John Dearness, a farmer on Sanday. He found bones sticking out of the ground and a small lead object, and thought that he may have discovered the resting place of a dead sailor. Dearness died before the significance of the site was realized. Appreciating the significance of the site, the archaeologists realised they had to act swiftly, as it was exposed and rapidly eroding. Historic Scotland put together a team led by Magnar Dalland to excavate the site, which took place over November and December 1991.