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The Broch of Gurness
 Brochs (ON Borg, stronghold) are unique to Scotland and
Orkney has about 100. They developed from roundhouses which
first appeared around 700BC. Brochs typically have a large
tower, up to 20m in diameter with hollow walls up to 5m thick
at the base. The walls have an internal staircase and the
structures could be up to 15m tall. Most brochs are sited
on or near the coast, but there a number in the West Mainland
that are inland.
The Broch of Gurness at Aikerness in Evie, remains an imposing
building with its ramparts and ditches, broch tower and extensive
surrounding settlement. The site was occupied from the Iron
Age through Pictish and into Norse times.
The broch was surrounded by three massive ramparts and deep
ditches, and may well have had a tall tower. Inside there
is a central hearth and quite an elaborate underground well
with a collecting tank. The space between the broch and the
ramparts encloses a small village which could have been occupied
by 30 or so families.
The houses share walls and are furnished in stone with hearths,
cooking tanks, drains, box beds, storage cupboards and even
a toilet.
During excavation many artefacts were found, including fragments
of Roman amphorae from about 100AD, Pictish Ogam inscriptions
and other Pictish artefacts as well as a 9th century Viking
female burial.
Also at Gurness is the only example of shamrock-shaped multicellular
Pictish houses currently on view in Orkney. These were rebuilt
near the entrance as originally they were built into the
broch mound. The small museum has a shop, and an excellent
interpretation area.
Aikerness has a fine beach and is a good place to see seals,
Otters and seabirds. The links and roadside verges are also
very good for wild flowers in summer.
Other good brochs to visit include Midhowe on Rousay, Burgar
in Sandwick, Dingieshowe in Deerness, Burrian on North Ronaldsay
and Burroughstone on Shapinsay.
Another interesting development starting in about
600BC is the Earthhouse or souterrain. Typical examples at
Rennibister in Firth and Grain near Kirkwall can be visited.
These underground structures are thought to be cellars from
long-gone roundhouses. They were probably used for storage,
and any resemblance to chambered cairns is most likely superficial.
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