The Brochs are a unique to Scotland and there is around 500 known, mostly in the northern and western Scotland and the Scottish islands. In Orkney the brochs were surrounded by villages which is unusual as in the rest of Scotland Brochs often stand alone as single buildings.
The brochs of Gurness and Midhowe (on the Orkney island of Rousay) are approximately 2000 years old and illustrate how people used to live in the Iron Age.
The Broch of Gurness is looked after by Historic Scotland and there is a small charge for entrance. As you are able to explore all of the broch we enjoyed our visit to this historic site, and children will love the adventure. Historic Scotland has a small exhibition about the brochs and you can buy Guides on this broch and other historic sites on Orkney. The shop also sells Orkney ice cream and we also enjoyed this a lot. One thing to mention is that the shop does not sell cold drinks so remember to bring water or juice with you, although there is a local shop nearby if you forget.
The Broch of Gurness with views to the islands of Rousay and Eynhallow
Picture of the Broch of Gurness from the beach. The Broch at Gurness is protected from coastal erosion using a wall. The sea has eroded many coastal areas and the broch at one time probably had a lot more land surrounding it. The nearby Sands of Evie are lovely and well worth spending a day at with a barbeque.
Books on Orkney (Amazon UK Store). Books are also available on Orkney from Amazon.com and in other currencies from Amazon - see top of page.
Created using Coral Painter
Duck on nest at the Ring of Brogar
Larger image of this computer generated picture of the small island off Stromness - Inner Holm.
Kirkwall harbour and town
