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Burnof Brecksie
Building (19th Century)(Possible), Chromite Quarry(S) (19th Century) - (20th Century), Spoil Heap(S) (19th Century) - (20th Century)
Site Name Burnof Brecksie
Classification Building (19th Century)(Possible), Chromite Quarry(S) (19th Century) - (20th Century), Spoil Heap(S) (19th Century) - (20th Century)
Canmore ID 340471
Site Number HP50SE 201
NGR HP 59653 03811
NGR Description CENTRED
Datum OSGB36 - NGR
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/340471
- Council Shetland Islands
- Parish Unst
- Former Region Shetland Islands Area
- Former District Shetland
- Former County Shetland
Field Visit (24 April 2010 - 1 May 2010)
Four quarries and their associated spoil heaps are situated in rough peaty pasture to the N of the sheepfold HP50SE 202. The smallest quarry (HP 59666 03741) measures about 6m from NE to SW by 5m transversely, while its immediate neighbour, located 10m to its NE (HP 59680 03758), measures about 15m from NE to SW by 6.5m transversely. The third quarry (HP 59637 03783), which is situated about 45m WNW of the latter, measures about 8m from N to S by 7m transversely, while the fourth quarry (HP 59702 03834), situated 100m to the NNE of the sheepfold, measures 17.5m from N to S by 8m transversely. In addition, there are a number of narrow trench-like quarries or test-pits associated with spoil heaps to the N (HP 59717 03850) and to the W (centred HP 59589 03780).
The four quarries are shown on the 1st edition of the OS 6-inch map, which identifies them as having been excavated for the extraction of chromate (Shetland 1882, Sheet VIII). The map also illustrates a rectangular structure about 15m to their S, which may be a roofless building. However, on the second edition of the map (Zetland 1902, Sheet VIII) this is shown to have been replaced by a square enclosure, which probably represents an early form of the sheepfold.
Visited by RCAHMS (DCC) 24 April -1 May 2010.
