Brochs - The Fixtures and Fittings!

Brochs are impressive drystone towers which date from 600 BC - 100 AD. There are around 700 known brooch sites, they are particular to Orkney, Shetland and the northern tip of the Scottish mainland. They also exist on the west coast of Scotland and the Western Isles, where they are known as ‘duns’. There are at least 50 known sites in Orkney, with probably many more unexcavated. Brochs were built to around 13 metres high originally. They consist of drystone towers which had double-walls containing a staircase. Access was via a single door at ground level and inside was a large main ‘chamber’ with smaller cells constructed within. There is usually a hearth in the centre, a cooking / water tank, a well and living areas were divided up with upright stone slabs. The upper level consisted of a possible wooden gallery, perhaps for sleeping.

I have chosen to examine two broch sites in this gallery, Gurness and Midhowe. These are of particular interest since they have small ‘villages’ associated with the central broch structure. Both also have large outer defensive ditches. However, as there is lack of evidence of any fighting or conflict related to the brochs, it is proposed that brochs were a symbol of wealth and power, rather than an indication of warfare in the region. I hope you enjoy the gallery! For more information check out this video :)