Dun Beag Broch, Isle of Skye, Scotland
Introduction
This afternoon, I am reporting on a historic structure, unique to Scotland, known as a broch. During the Iron Age brochs were high status residential dwellings.There remain many examples of brochs in the islands and Highlands of Scotland.
Information on Dun Beag Broch
The broch illustrated in this post is that known as Dun Beag. It can be found close to the A863, about ten miles south of Dunvegan on the Isle of Skye. The name is of Gaelic origin and translates as ‘little fort’ or ‘little hill’.
The remains shown in the images probably represent about 10pct of the original structure. When complete the building would have resembled something akin to a modern-day lighthouse. For illustration purposes an image of a near complete broch from Shetland is provided immediately below.
Brochs are typically found in prominent positions close to the coast or waterways. This positioning may be attributed to the fact that water was an important means of communication. They reached a peak of importance during the period 500 BC to 500 AD.
Structure of brochs
Brochs comprise dry-stone built towers about 10 metres ( 33 feet) in height and some 25 metres ( 82 feet) in diameter. The walls are invariably double skinned, thick at the bottom, tapering inwards towards the top which was roofed over. This is clever engineering because the walls support each other and make possible a high building of relatively lightweight form. Within the walls can be found stairways and chambers.I nternally, the brochs probably featured several internal floor levels. It is believed the design provided a good level of insulation, which was important because of the exposed locations occupied by the brochs.
Occupants of brochs
As a high status dwelling a broch may have been occupied by a local chieftain and his extended family. The broch would also act as refuge for the family, local community and valuable animals in times of trouble. Evidence suggests farming and fishing formed the basis of the local economy during the broch era.
Video clip of Dun Beag Broch
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bE-K-SE97g
Aspect of Dun Beag Broch, Isle of Skye,
Dun Beag Broch, Isle of Skye
View from Dun Beag Broch with Cuillin Hills in distance.
More information
For more information on Scottish history, brochs and many aspects of Scotland please refer Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4. This book is also available via Kindle.