Brochs

Massive Scottish monuments thought to originate in the Iron Age, brochs are huge drystone walled structures, built upwards to considerable heights, with large inner conical chambers reaching up to the high roofs.  They were very effective in protecting anyone inside the broch from the wind and rain.  Their precise nature and function remains unknown, though it seems likely that some defensive element to them is probable; but they may equally have been used as living quarters; or a site where food and livestock were kept; or perhaps ceremonial structures for rites of passage and/or shamanic development.  Much more research is still needed into these fascinating monuments.

  1. Achvarasdal, Reay, Caithness
  2. An Dun, Berrisdale Strath, Caithness
  3. Auchensalt, Thornhill, Stirlingshire
  4. Backies, Golspie, Sutherland
  5. Baile Mhargaite, Bettyhill, Sutherland
  6. The Borg, Trantlebeg, Sutherland
  7. Borgie Farmhouse, Tongue, Sutherland
  8. Bruan Broch, Ulbster, Caithness
  9. Coldoch, Kincardine, Stirlingshire
  10. Dun Osdale, Dunvegan, Skye
  11. Dunrobin Wood, Golspie, Sutherland
  12. East Kinnauld, Strath Fleet, Rogart, Sutherland
  13. Houstry Broch, Dunbeath, Caithness
  14. Kierhead, Port of Menteith, Stirlingshire
  15. Kilphedir, Strath of Kildonan, Sutherland
  16. Leckie, Gargunnock, Stirlingshire
  17. Livilands, Stirling, Stirlingshire
  18. Ousdale, Latheron, Caithness
  19. Sallachy, Loch Shin, Lairg, Sutherland