Vinquin

HY32NW 13 3269 2830.

(HY 3268 2830) Brough (NR)

OS 6" map, Orkney, 2nd ed.,(1900).

This site is so broken up by quarrying and obscured by vegetation that it is impossible to be quite sure that the OS classification is correct. The remains cover an area of about 75ft from north to south by 66ft from east to west and the site commands a wide view of the surrounding district. Traces of stonework can be seen here and there in the turf, but these do not suggest any distinct plan.

RCAHMS 1946.

The turf-covered remains of a broch, situated on the summit of Vinquin Hill in an excellent defensive position.

The flat-topped mound measures c. 19.0m. in diameter and 1.8m. high, with three small upright slabs protruding through the turf on the top. During the last war a pit was dug into the summit, to a depth of c. 1.5m., when a human jaw-bone and a possible human leg-bone were discovered, together with a large quantity of stones suitable for building. (Information from Mr A B Marwick, Whitemire, Evie, Orkney).

At a distance of about 10.0m. from the base of the mound there is a turf-covered stone-built rampart, 0.8m. maximum height, surrounding the broch except in the east, where it is destroyed by cultivation. Elsewhere it is greatly mutilated by quarrying. The area between broch and outer rampart is pitted with small quarry-holes but on the SW side can be seen an upright stone suggesting the remains of outbuildings.

Resurveyed at 1/2500.

Visited by OS (NKB) 4 June 1967.