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In this study, human remains from the Neolithic stalled cairn of the Knowe of Rowiegar, Rousay, Orkney (3620–2880 cal BC, 95.4% probability), were analysed for bone collagen stable carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) isotope ratios in order to determine the dietary adaptations of individuals buried at the site, particularly the contribution of marine protein in the diet. Collagen was extracted from bone from 13 individuals (11 males, 1 female, and 1 sub-adult), and stable isotope data generated were compared with previously-published Neolithic Orcadian faunal data, and with human and animal bone collagen isotope data from other published British Neolithic sites. The results from the Knowe of Rowiegar suggest that the dietary protein of those buried at the site was largely terrestrial in origin, which is similar to other British Neolithic bone collagen datasets, albeit with the possible minor inclusion of marine protein. Intra-group comparison highlights the potentially different dietary habits of the single female and sub-adult individuals sampled from the site compared to the interred males. Geographical variations in both humans and animals (particularly in nitrogen isotope ratios) across Britain are examined, and the consumption of marine fish and the influence of herbivore baseline variability in the study of Neolithic human diet are explored

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The 1897 colonial conference coincided with Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee and an outpouring of late‐Victorian imperial sentiment. Against this backdrop of imperial celebration, colonial leaders met with Secretary of State for the Colonies, Joseph Chamberlain, whose own views as to the importance of imperial reform were taking shape. For the most part, while grateful for Chamberlain's interests, Australian leaders feared significant imperial reform might undermine rather than reinforce imperial unity. As a result, the conference struggled to translate pro‐imperial sentiment into tangible commitments. This article argues that the meetings between Chamberlain and colonial leaders in 1897 are worthy of examination not only because they shed light on Anglo‐Australian relations but also because they provide insight into a significant period in the history of late‐Victorian British imperialism and the development of Australian federation. Drawing on the confidential proceedings of the conference, this article offers a close reading of the key imperial issues under discussion and their resonance in contemporary Australian and imperial political discourse. Moreover, it contends that the conference debates reflected not only important issues in Anglo‐Australian affairs, but also a series of broader ambitions and limitations when it came to the campaign for imperial unity in the late‐Victorian era.

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