Burroughston Broch, Orkney, United Kingdom

Burroughston Broch is an Iron Age structure located on the island of Shapinsay. Excavated in the mid 19th century, Burroughston Broch is still well-preserved. The drystone walls are up to four metres thick in some parts and there is a complete chamber intact off the entrance passage. Some remains of stone fittings are evident in the interior.

The walls of Burroughston Broch have an external diameter of around 18 metres, and an internal diameter of around 10 metres. From the outside, the building appears as a grassy mound, and little of the outer wall is exposed.

The entrance passage is on the east side, and is about 4 metres long, 1.2 metres wide and 1.8 metres high. There is an elongated guard room opening from the left side of the passage. Inside the broch, the outer face of the upper gallery is still visible, and traces of an opening to the upper gallery are still apparent. A deep well is present in the broch floor: the upper part being dry stone masonry, the lower being cut into the rock.

In the sloping area in front of the broch entrance are traces of 'out-buildings' now covered with turf. A wall, ditch and rampart, which probably once encircled the broch, are still evident around the structure.

References:

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User Reviews

Michiel Belmans (15 months ago)
A beautifully preserved Iron Age broch, really a must do if you're on Shapinsay!

Paul Hoch (18 months ago)
A remarkable place where history comes alive. On top of that: There is a McDonalds. 5/5!

Kevin Law (2 years ago)
Doesn't look much from the distance and outside but well worth the walk down the path to take a better look.

Jim Badger (3 years ago)
The best kept secret on Shapinsay, a very peaceful place.

Lauren Moss (3 years ago)
Very well preserved broch with a chamber in the wall which fascinated our kids. It's blessed with a peedie beach to itself and although there were no seals, there was plenty of interesting bird and insect life to be seen!

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