Burra Ness Broch

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60°38′27″N 0°58′59″W / 60.640926°N 0.982976°W / 60.640926; -0.982976

Burra Ness Broch
Burra Ness Broch
Burra Ness Broch is located in Shetland
Burra Ness Broch
Burra Ness Broch shown within Shetland, Scotland
LocationYell, Shetland
Coordinates60°38′27″N 0°58′59″W / 60.640926°N 0.982976°W / 60.640926; -0.982976
TypeBroch
History
PeriodsIron Age
Site notes
Public accessYes
Official nameBurra Ness, broch, Yell
Designated31 May 1934
Reference no.SM2063

Burra Ness Broch is an iron-age broch located on the east coast of the island of Yell, Shetland, Scotland.

Location

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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

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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

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  1. ^ a b c d Noonan, Damien (2000). Castles & Ancient Monuments of Scotland. p. 187. ISBN 1566491886.
  2. ^ a b c d e Historic Environment Scotland. "Yell, Burra Ness (1373)". Canmore. Retrieved 25 February 2014.
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Media related to Burra Ness Broch at Wikimedia Commons