A richly equipped ninth-century Norse grace found at Westness on Rousay was part of a cemetery investigated in subsequent years by a Norwegian expedition, and will be included in its report. One of the ornaments, a silver and gold Celtic brooch or cloak-pin, was probably made in Ireland about the middle of the eighth century - a hypothesis which the present discussion of its relationships seeks to establish. A major series of miniature-brooch pins is identified and called hinged pins. Besides normal varieties some pins hitherto dated considerably earlier are brought into the series. The Westness brooch seems to stand at the head of this series in time, as well as being the largest, most elaborate and richest known example. Though greatly inferior to the Tara brooch it reflects a significant number of that ornament's features. Its perhaps surprising imperfections are described, among other details of structure and design.