Burra Ness Broch

Summary

60°38′27″N 0°58′59″W / 60.640926°N 0.982976°W / 60.640926; -0.982976

Burra Ness Broch
Burra Ness Broch
Burra Ness Broch is located in Shetland
Burra Ness Broch
Burra Ness Broch shown within Shetland, Scotland
LocationYell, Shetland
Coordinates60°38′27″N 0°58′59″W / 60.640926°N 0.982976°W / 60.640926; -0.982976
TypeBroch
History
PeriodsIron Age
Site notes
Public accessYes
Official nameBurra Ness, broch, Yell
Designated31 May 1934
Reference no.SM2063

Burra Ness Broch is an iron-age broch located on the east coast of the island of Yell, Shetland, Scotland.

Location edit

Burra Ness Broch (grid reference HU55729572) is situated 2.6 kilometres south of the small village of Gutcher on the tip of the headland of Burra Ness.[1] It can be reached by a path south from the settlement of North Sandwick.[1]

Description edit

The broch has an external diameter of about 18 metres.[2] The outer wall is around 4.5 metres thick, and stands over 4 metres high on the east side.[1] Two hundred years ago the broch is reported to have been 20 feet (6.1 metres) high, and the beginning of a bell-shaped profile was clearly visible.[2] Internally a "scarcement" ledge to support an upper floor is visible some 4 metres above the ground.[1] There are signs of an upper intramural gallery, and there are traces of intramural "guard cell" on the southeast side but no remains of the entrance can be seen.[2] There are traces of outbuildings towards the north, south and southeast, and slight indications of surrounding ramparts.[2]

The ruins of a later farm can be seen about 100 metres to the south.[2]

References edit

  1. ^ a b c d Noonan, Damien (2000). Castles & Ancient Monuments of Scotland. p. 187. ISBN 1566491886.
  2. ^ a b c d e Historic Environment Scotland. "Yell, Burra Ness (1373)". Canmore. Retrieved 25 February 2014.

External links edit

  Media related to Burra Ness Broch at Wikimedia Commons