The Broch of Burrian is located on the southern tip of North Ronaldsay in the Orkney Islands.^[1] The broch stands on a small headland next to a rocky shoreline.^[2] It is separated from the hinterland by a series of defensive earthworks.^[2]

The broch has an external diameter of 18 metres and an internal diameter of 9.5 metres.^[2] The entrance passage is on the southeast side, and the walls are solid.^[1] There is a small room in the inner wall of the broch on the northeast side.^[2] The broch is surrounded by outer defences consisting of the remains of four concentric ramparts on the landward side.^[2]

The Broch of Burrian was excavated by William Traill, proprietor of the island, in 1870 and 1871.^[2] A large number of artefacts, including a significant quantity of worked bone objects, were discovered. In addition, a number of artefacts of early historic or Pictish date were found.^[2] These include a cross-slab with ogham inscription, painted pebbles and part of an iron bell of Celtic type.^[2] Part of a Pictish house was uncovered to the north east side of the broch.^[2] The finds are now in the National Museum of Scotland.^[1]

The evidence suggests two phases of occupation, both dating to the Iron Age. In the second phase, the broch was converted into a sort of wheelhouse. The second phase went on for a long time, as there were clear Pictish elements among the finds, from as late as the 7th to the 9th centuries AD.^[2] Two items (the cross-slab and the iron bell) suggest early Christian activity, although there is as yet no other evidence for monastic settlement.^[2]

• Broch of Burrian artifacts in the National Museum of Scotland
• Historic Environment Scotland. "Burrian, broch and settlement S end of Stromness, North Ronaldsay (SM1427)".