Carn Bran Broch
The broch is built on the north bank of the Loth Burn and is mostly in ruins. An original stone wall survives along the banks of the burn, and there is evidence of walls and chambers still visible among the rubble. Beneath the rubble the lower levels of the broch may stand for a considerable height.
Access is along the single track road through Glen Loth. You can see the road in the photographs below, and you can also see the Glen Loth burn which you have to cross for access. Points to note are that if the burn is in spate, you're going to need waders and a stick to cross, and if it has been raining heavily it might be wise to postpone your visit. Also, the Glen Loth road is not suitable for caravans and is not snow cleared in winter.
The story behind the name Carn Bran has absolutely nothing to do with the broch itself. Quite some time back, a bloke called Fingal and the Sutherland Chief decided to settle an issue over whose dog was the best and fought them in Glen Loth. The Chief's dog, a white breasted Scottish deerhound called Bran, was so badly hurt during the fight that it died of its injuries and was buried under a cairn of stones which was named Cairn Bran. There is a cairn maybe 50 yards or so downstream of the broch on the banks of the Glen Loth burn which may be the cairn for the dog.
Reproduced by
permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of HMSO. © Crown
Copyright. All rights reserved.
Carn Bran broch photographs
Carn Bran 01
Carn Bran 02
Carn Bran 03
Carn Bran 04
Carn Bran 05
Carn Bran 06
Carn Bran 07
Carn Bran 08
Carn Bran 09
Carn Bran 10
Carn Bran 11
Carn Bran 12
Carn Bran 13
Carn Bran 14
Carn Bran 15
Carn Bran 16
Carn Bran 17
Carn Bran 18
Disclaimer: Some brochs were built with military defensive purpose, and as such can be situated in extremely dangerous areas, such as on the edge of cliffs and ravines. Additionally, these are Iron Age structures, most of them in ruins, and they are extremely hazardous, with crumbling stone walls and hidden chambers. Existing walls, lintels, and passages could collapse at any time. The information here is provided free but it is your responsibility to ensure its accuracy, ensure your own safety, and acquire permissions for access where necessary. Accessing brochs is done entirely at your own risk.