Photograph of part of a broch set within the landscape. there is a drystone wall in the distance

Description Photograph of part of a broch set within the landscape. there is a drystone wall in the distance

Date c. 1892 to 1894

Collection Papers of John Nicolson, antiquarian, Keiss, Caithness, Scotland

Catalogue Number E 49355

Category Photographs and Off-line Digital Images

Copy of J 8908 PO

Copies SC 876597

Scope and Content Excavations at Whitegate broch near Keiss, Caithness, Highland Whitegate broch is located on the north-east coast of Caithness, between Keiss village and Keiss Castle and was excavated by the local estate owner, Sir Francis Tress Barry (1825-1907). There is a significant concentration of such sites in the area: Keiss Road and Harbour brochs are located within a few hundred metres of Whitegate. This photograph was taken during Barry's excavations at Whitegate between 1892-3. An internal wall face in the interior of the broch has been uncovered. By modern standards, Barry's excavation methods were not ideal, but he made a record of his work, through photography and the drawings of John Nicolson (1843-1934). Barry's work is important for archaeological understanding of the prehistory of Caithness, particularly the Iron Age. Between 1890 and 1904, he excavated at least 25 archaeological sites in north-east Caithness, including a number of brochs. Many of the brochs, although in a ruinous state, can still be visited today. Source: RCAHMS contribution to SCRAN.

External Reference PHO 277

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/collection/875366