Mousa Broch, The Shetlands, Scotland
Mousa Broch located on the island of Mousa in The Shetland Islands, off the north coast of Scotland, is the finest example of an Iron Age, drystone, round tower in the world and among the oldest buildings in Britain.
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The structure dates from the Iron Age
What are Brochs?
Archaeologists differ as to the purpose of “brochs” some arguing that they were early forts or castles, while other specialists see them as dwellings for the elites of their times.
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Is it a fort or a house?
Where can Brochs be found?
Brochs can be found in the Shetland Islands, the Hebrides, Orkney and also parts of northern Scotland. There are around 570 brochs in total scattered throughout this wide, geographical area.
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Brochs are only found in Scotland
History
Mousa Broch is believed to date from around 100 BCE and is 13 meters high with thick walls and only one entrance. Mousa Broch is built in stone without the use of any mortar whatsoever.
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The clear sea and scenery of Shetland
Inside would have been two floors built of wood. Mousa Broch is referred to in Norse sagas.
Mousa Broch is well known among bird enthusiasts for its breeding European storm-petrels and the island is a Special Protection Area for the birds. Other animals to be found on the island include common and grey seals, guillemots, and also Arctic Terns.
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Mossy Island
Uninhabited
Mousa has been uninhabited since the 19th century. The island of Mousa lies off the east coast of Mainland Shetland about 24 km south of Lerwick.
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A moss-covered stone wall
Where is Mousa?
Mousa or “Mosey” means “Mossy Island” in Old Norse and Mousa has some lovely lichen and alpine-like flowers. Access to Mousa is by passenger-only ferry in the summer season from Leebitton, Sandwick, 18 km south of Lerwick.
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Wildflowers and lichen cling to the rocks
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An abandoned croft
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Stone was a more readily available building material than wood so the brochs were made from local stone
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The sea and cliffs on Shetland
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The rugged coastline of Mousa
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Sailing off the Shetland Islands in northwest Scotland
Resources
Accommodation
Hotels and guest houses in the Shetland Islands include the following: the four star Moorfield Hotel in Brae, the three star Lerwick Hotel and the Shetland Hotel, also three stars.
See here for a complete listing of hotels, guest houses and private lets on the Shetland Islands in Scotland.Shetland Articles
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Shetland Islands Map
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