Condition

3
Broch mound
Iron Age
1704
Orkney

Description

Fragments of walling and structural remains have been partially exposed by coastal erosion in the seaward side of a large amorphous mound. The exposure measures 25m by 14m and stands up to 2m high. Previously, a substantial circular wall was visible, as was a passage leading to a secondary structure. These are now not clearly visible, although portions may survive beneath the dense vegetation. Now, only a fragment of walling, which may be the inner face of a gallery or intra-mural cell, is visible. While the site has undoubtedly been damaged by coastal erosion, the section face appears is not continuously receding but rather it is being removed in spurts, with periods of vegetation regeneration in between. The highest point of the mound lies behind the current section face and it would appear that the major part of the structure, which is most likely to be a broch, remains relatively intact. ShoreUPDATE 10 May 2015 The mound is generally well vegetated, a short section of structural walling is visible in the coast edge on its south side, the remainder of the coastal side of the mound appears stable. The interior of the mound has been damaged, possibly by stone robbing. A post-medieval sheep pen has been constructed on top of the mound, probably built of the stones from the structure. The site is fenced off so not currently at risk from stock erosion.

Location

328240.00
1010390.00
27700
58.9746284
-3.2498622

Submitted photographs

Image Date Caption User
Broch mound and walling, SW side 25/04/2019 Broch mound and walling, SW side Alexandria4
Broch mound and walling, SW side
Cummi Howe showing the mound and visible walling in relation to the sheep pen 11/05/2015 Cummi Howe showing the mound and visible walling in relation to the sheep pen training1
Cummi Howe showing the mound and visible walling in relation to the sheep pen
Cummi Howe showing the sheep pen built on top of the mound 11/05/2015 Cummi Howe showing the sheep pen built on top of the mound training1
Cummi Howe showing the sheep pen built on top of the mound
Cummi Howe view of the mound and the coast edge 11/05/2015 Cummi Howe view of the mound and the coast edge training1
Cummi Howe view of the mound and the coast edge
Cummi Howe mound with stonework 11/05/2015 Cummi Howe mound with stonework training1
Cummi Howe mound with stonework

Submitted updates

Update id Date User
3241 25/04/2019 Alexandria4
Tidal state High
Site located? Yes
Proximity to coast edge < 10m
Coastally eroding? not eroding
Threats vegetation growth; structural damage/decay
Visibility above ground Limited visibility (partial remains)
Visibility in section Limited visibility in section
Access accessible on foot (no footpath)
Local knowledge don't know
Description Fragments of walling and structural remains have been partially exposed by coastal erosion in the seaward side of a large amorphous mound. The exposure measures 25m by 14m and stands up to 2m high. Previously, a substantial circular wall was visible, as was a passage leading to a secondary structure. These are now not clearly visible, although portions may survive beneath the dense vegetation. Now, only a fragment of walling, which may be the inner face of a gallery or intra-mural cell, is visible. While the site has undoubtedly been damaged by coastal erosion, the section face appears is not continuously receding but rather it is being removed in spurts, with periods of vegetation regeneration in between. The highest point of the mound lies behind the current section face and it would appear that the major part of the structure, which is most likely to be a broch, remains relatively intact. ShoreUPDATE 10 May 2015 The mound is generally well vegetated, a short section of structural walling is visible in the coast edge on its south side, the remainder of the coastal side of the mound appears stable. The interior of the mound has been damaged, possibly by stone robbing. A post-medieval sheep pen has been constructed on top of the mound, probably built of the stones from the structure. The site is fenced off so not currently at risk from stock erosion. Site updated 25/04/2019 Site is unchanged. No active erosion. Site is as previously described
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