Broch of Gurness, Orkney (Scottish Highlands and Islands)
One of the most outstanding surviving examples of an Iron-Age settlement in northern Scotland
Introduction
Brochs are unique to Scotland. There are over 500 of them, the vast majority spread throughout the northern and western Highlands and the islands. Many of these tall circular towers stood alone, but in Orkney they were generally surrounded by sizeable villages. The broch village at Gurness is one of the most impressive. It has also been archaeologically excavated, thus providing a more vivid impression of life in the Scottish Iron Age than other comparable sites.
History to the present day
Archaeological excavations in the early 20th century showed that the village began between 500 and 200BC.
Gurness Broch was probably the residence of the principal family of the community. It also provided the last defensive resort. Within its massively thick walls the broch originally had a single central hearth, a ring of stone-built cupboards around the wall, and a sunken water feature traditionally interpreted as a well. A spiral stair led up to upper levels in the tower and to the wall-head. When the broch began to collapse, this arrangement was altered. The ‘well’ was filled in and the interior refitted with new partitions. Most of what the visitor sees today dates from this secondary phase.
The village at Gurness is the best-preserved of all broch villages. There are numerous houses. Each had an entrance leading to a large living-cum-sleeping room, off which lay smaller side rooms. The main room had a hearth, a large tank set into the floor, cupboards and sleeping spaces. Some houses had a yard outside, open to the sky, and a separate shed.
The Vikings who settled in Orkney from around 800 often used the mounds of earlier settlement sites as burial places, and this was the case at Gurness. The grave of a Viking woman was found here, along with some grave-goods – a sickle blade and a pair of ‘tortoise’ brooches. Human bones and other Viking objects, including shield bosses, suggest that Viking men were buried at the site also.
Arrival information and how to find us
Address: Broch of Gurness, Orkney, Scottish Highlands and Islands, , United Kingdom
Opening times:
1 April - 31 October: Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun 9.30am to 5.30pm
Admission prices:
Adult £4.70, Child £2.80, Concession £3.80
Public Transport: From Stromness bus stand, take Orkney Coaches no 91 to Kirkwall bus station (30 min). Take Orkney Coaches no 96 (Tingwall) to Evie, Hillside Road (30 mins). Walk 45 mins to Broch of Gurness.
