On Orkney’s northeast coast, the Broch of Gurness is an Iron Age settlement built around a circular stone tower. Walk among the tower’s lower walls and the remains of the houses, yards and sheds that once surrounded it, with information boards explaining what you’re seeing. A model at the visitor centre helps make sense of the site’s layout. The coastal setting looks out to sea, and children can take part in the Orkney Games Hunt. Allow time to explore the ruins rather than just stopping at the tower.
A tower within a village
The Broch of Gurness stands on the northeast coast of Orkney’s Mainland. A broch is a round stone tower, and at Gurness the tower formed the centre of a settlement. Excavations in the early 20th century showed that the village began between 500 and 200 BC.
Stone houses, sheds and yards stood around the broch. The settlement was enclosed by deep ditches and ramparts across an area about 45 metres wide. An entrance causeway was added on the east side, while the tower occupied the western half. The remains give a clearer sense of a lived-in village than a tower viewed on its own.
Reading the remains
The tower once rose to about 10 metres, but only its ground floor remains. Its inner and outer walls enclosed a space between them, where a staircase led to the upper floors. The lower part of that stairway can still be seen.
Across the site, large flat stones divide rooms and form storage spaces. You can walk around the ruins and follow the information boards to identify different parts of the settlement. The visitor-centre model is useful for seeing how the tower and surrounding buildings fitted together before you set off.
Planning your walk
Give yourself time to follow the paths through the village remains as well as around the broch. The visitor centre has a small exhibit, and staff can provide further information. Families can look for the Orkney Games Hunt activity.
The site is in Aikerness, near Evie, on Orkney. Historic Scotland members can enter without charge. Check the official site before your visit for current booking information, particularly if you have not booked in advance. Early mornings and evenings are suggested for a quieter visit.
FAQ
Where is the Broch of Gurness?
It is at Aikerness, near Evie, on the northeast coast of Orkney’s Mainland.
What can you see at the Broch of Gurness?
The site includes the lower remains of a round broch tower and the surrounding village, with houses, yards, sheds, ditches and ramparts. Information boards and a model help explain the layout.
How old is the settlement?
Excavations indicate that the village began between 500 and 200 BC.
Is entry free?
Historic Scotland members can enter free. Check the official site for current booking information.
