Brabstermire, Thomsonsfield

ND36NW 1 3285 6993

(ND 3285 6993) Broch (NR)

OS 6" map, (1960)

This mound, under cultivation, contains the remains of a broch whose dimensions are unobtainable. The mound was partially excavated by John Nicholson, Nybster, and from it were recovered a rotary quern, three water-worn stones, probably loom-weights, and a diminutive cup or hollowed pebble, 2 3/4 by 2 by 3/4ins. With the exception of one of the loom weights, which is in the National Museum of Antiquities of Scotland (NMAS), donated by Alexander Sinclair in 1911, these objects are in the possession of Mr Sinclair.

RCAHMS 1911; Proc Soc Antiq Scot 1911.

All that remains of this feature is a low grassy mound of indeterminate diameter, situated in a pasture field. It is now almost ploughed out but a scatter of stones still remains on and around the mound. According to Mr Gunn (Brabster, Canisbay), an excavation was carried out about 50 years ago, revealing sections of a circular wall and many limpet shells. The artifacts found during the excavation by Mr Nicholson, now deceased, and given to Mr Sinclair, also deceased, are now either in the possession of Mr Nicholson's grandson at Nybster or with Mr Sinclair's niece at Dunblane.

Revised at 1:2500.

Visited by OS (R B) 25 February 1965.

The mound containing the remains of a broch measures approximately 35.0m N-S by 21.0m transversely and 0.9m high. It had extended W into the adjacent field, but has been ploughed out.

Surveyed at 1:2500.

Visited by OS (J M) 28 April 1982.