Burra Ness Broch
Burra Ness Broch is an iron-age broch located on the east coast of the island of Yell, Shetland, Scotland.
 Burra Ness Broch | |
 .svg.png){kind=icon} Burra Ness Broch shown within Shetland, Scotland | |
| Location | Yell, Shetland |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 60.640926°N 0.982976°W |
| Type | Broch |
| History | |
| Periods | Iron Age |
| Site notes | |
| Public access | Yes |
| Official name | Burra Ness, broch, Yell |
| Designated | 31 May 1934 |
| Reference no. | SM2063 |
Location
Burra Ness Broch (grid reference HU55729572) is situated 2.6 kilometres south of the small village of Gutcher on the tip of the headland of Burra Ness.[1] It can be reached by a path south from the settlement of North Sandwick.[1]
Description
The broch has an external diameter of about 18 metres.[2] The outer wall is around 4.5 metres thick, and stands over 4 metres high on the east side.[1] Two hundred years ago the broch is reported to have been 20 feet (6.1 metres) high, and the beginning of a bell-shaped profile was clearly visible.[2] Internally a "scarcement" ledge to support an upper floor is visible some 4 metres above the ground.[1] There are signs of an upper intramural gallery, and there are traces of intramural "guard cell" on the southeast side but no remains of the entrance can be seen.[2] There are traces of outbuildings towards the north, south and southeast, and slight indications of surrounding ramparts.[2]
The ruins of a later farm can be seen about 100 metres to the south.[2]
References
- Noonan, Damien (2000). Castles & Ancient Monuments of Scotland. p. 187. ISBN 1566491886.
- Historic Environment Scotland. "Yell, Burra Ness (1373)". Canmore. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
External links
