The Iron Age

Brochs and Iron Age Orkney

Brochs (ON Borg, stronghold) are a type of building unique to Scotland, especially the north, and of which there are over 100 examples in Orkney. Most of the brochs which have been excavated were cleared out in the 19th century, but recent excavations of the roundhouses at Quanterness (St Ola), Pierowall (Westray), Tofts Ness (Sanday) and Bu of Cairston (Stromness), and of the brochs at Howe (Stromness) and Old Scatness (Shetland), combined with a reappraisal of sites such as Gurness (Evie) and Midhowe (Rousay), have thrown much light on the subject.

Aerial view of the Broch of Gurness showing the surrounding settlement, banks and ditches

and much more...