Field Visit
Date 1999
Event ID 882229
Category Recording
Type Field Visit
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/882229
This broch, which was excavated in the 19th C, lies on the coast edge and is eroding. It is located on a small headland, separated from the hinterland by a series of defensive earthworks, forming a promontory fort of sorts. A large number of artefacts, including an extensive assemblage of worked bone objects, were recovered during excavation. In addition, a number of artefacts of early historic or Pictish date were found. These include a cross-slab with ogham inscription, painted pebbles and part of an iron bell of Celtic type. Part of a Pictish house was uncovered to the north east side of the broch and there are topographical indications that further structural remains may survive in the surrounding area. The site is very badly undermined by coastal erosion and is vulnerable to largescale collapse. A number of small exposures containing archaeological deposits occur along the seaward side and there are numerous rabbit scrapes in the broch interior and surroundings. Ref.: Traill, W (1880) 'Results of excavations at the broch of Burrian, North Ronaldsay, Orkney, 1870-1871', Arch Scotica 5, 2, 1880, 341-64 ;RCAHMS (1946), #201; MacGregor, A (1975) 'The Broch of Burrian, North Ronaldsay, Orkney', PSAS 105, 1972-4, 63-118; RCAHMS (1980), #68; Hedges, JW (1987) 'Bu, Gurness and the brochs of Orkney, Part 3', BAR, Brit series 165, 105-8.
Moore & Wilson 1999.
Coastal Zone Assessment Survey, 1999
