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Ancient Scotland

BROCH OF GURNESS

 

Location: Off the A966 Road.  OS Map 06: HY 383268
Town: 14 miles NW of Kirkwall, Orkney.
Owner: Historic Scotland
Facilities: Parking Nearby, Gifts.
Notes: Involves Walk
Entry Fee: Yes
Open: Apr - Oct

The settlement at Gurness spans many centuries, beginning in the Iron Age, when the massive broch was constructed. Among later inhabitants were the Pits and then the Vikings. The former left behind one of their earliest symbol-stones, dating from the 6th century, while the principal Viking find was the tomb of a woman, laid to rest with bronze jewellery and iron implements.