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. The Dhuine, Farr, Sutherland
  11. Dun Osdale, Dunvegan, Skye
  12. Dunrobin Wood, Golspie, Sutherland
  13. East Kinnauld, Strath Fleet, Rogart, Sutherland
  14. Houstry Broch, Dunbeath, Caithness
  15. Kierhead, Port of Menteith, Stirlingshire
  16. Kilphedir, Strath of Kildonan, Sutherland
  17. Leckie, Gargunnock, Stirlingshire
  18. Livilands, Stirling, Stirlingshire
  19. Ousdale, Latheron, Caithness
  20. Sallachy, Loch Shin, Lairg, Sutherland