East Burra, Houss, Haa Of Houss

Former merchant laird's house, now roofless shell.

2-storey and attic, 3-bay symmetrical merchant laird's house (now roofless shell). Random rubble walls with polished and droved sandstone ashlar dressings. Blank north gable, south gable predominantly collapsed with window dressing surviving to left at 1st floor. Stone cope and circular can on surviving north gablehead stack. Tall stair window at intermediate height centring rear (E) elevation, door at ground in bay to right.

The Laird of this house, William Sinclair, is reputed to have fought against the Earl of Caithness at the battle of Summerdale in 1529. This building appears to be one of a series of merchant laird's houses built from the end of the 17th century until well into the 19th century. Many of these haas were characterised by their tall two storey and attic form that contrasted strongly with the low stature of Shetland's other buildings at the time. Unusually, the attic of Haa of Houss appears to be a later addition as the stonework suggests the wallhead height has been increased. (Historic Scotland)