Damsay
Broch (Medieval)(Possible), Settlement (Period Unassigned)
Site Name Damsay
Classification Broch (Medieval)(Possible), Settlement (Period Unassigned)
Canmore ID 306530
Site Number HY31SE 77
NGR HY 39030 14160
Datum OSGB36 - NGR
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/306530
- Council Orkney Islands
- Parish Firth
- Former Region Orkney Islands Area
- Former District Orkney
- Former County Orkney
Orkney Smr Note (May 1995)
Large mound , both high and extensive situated on the E shore of the freshwater loch at the N end of Damsey. A post-medieval 2 storey building has been inerted into one side of it up to the level of the top of the downstairs windows. Assorted drystone walling can be seen on the shore side of this mound at various levels. It is certainly a large enough mound to be the site of the 'casteli' as refered to in the Orkneyinga Saga.
If I saw this mound without the 'casteli' references I could quite well believe that there is a broch within. The shape of the mound roughly follows the 5m contour as is shown on the 1:10000 map, although it extends for an additional c.20m on the 3 sides away from the shore.
Information from Orkney SMR (JG) May 1995
See Whitworth 1997 No.5
