Scanned image of elevation scale drawing of broch wall. Annotated 'Ballacharn Broch, Watten. 1905. Elevation of South Wall'. Ink and wash.

Description Scanned image of elevation scale drawing of broch wall. Annotated 'Ballacharn Broch, Watten. 1905. Elevation of South Wall'. Ink and wash.

Date 1905

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

Catalogue Number SC 876730

Category On-line Digital Images

Scope and Content Watercolour of inside elevation of Bail a' Chairn broch, Caithness, Highland Bail a' Chairn broch (also known as 'Acharole' or 'Ballacharn'), Watten, Caithness, is now a conspicuous grassy mound on flat land with stones protruding through the turf. The site was excavated by Sir Francis Tress Barry (1825-1907) in 1904. Interestingly, the broch was filled in before the excavation was completed by the order of the proprietor. This watercolour by John Nicolson (1843-1934) shows the inside of the south wall and depicts many features typical in brochs such as aumbreys (niches) and entrances to cells and galleries. Nicolson clearly shows the fine quality of the drystone coursing in the broch wall. Nicolson painted this piece in 1905. Nicolson was born in Stemster, John O' Groats and lived at Nybster for most of his life. A skilled artist with an interest in the archaeology of the county, he aided Barry in the excavation of numerous sites. Importantly, he also illustrated in sketches and drawings many of the artefacts and structures uncovered. His illustrations are crucial to understanding early Caithness broch excavations, as often his drawings are the only record of the sites. Source: RCAHMS contribution to SCRAN.

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File Format (TIF) Tagged Image File Format bitmap