Carn Mor Broch, Birchfield

Built on a prominent site above the Kyle of Sutherland, it is not far from the Carn Mor broch. It is a large cairn according to the 0NB, an uncertain broch according to Graham (A Graham 1949), and a much ruined broch according to Watson (W J Watson 1904). In 1888 it stood 5-6 ft high, and the overall diameter was about 65 ft. Without an archaeological excavation it is impossible to determine if it is a cairn or a broch, but the weight of evidence does tend towards a probable broch. All the records I read said there were no visible signs of stonework, but when I visited the site in February 2022 there was a hole in the rubble down into what I assume is a chamber with original stonework in situ and clearly visible (see photo 07 below).

Take the single track road from Ardgay, which runs along the south banks of the Kyle of Sutherland (it doesn't appear to have a name), and both this and the Carn Mor broch are within walking distance of the road. You can see this broch from the road, so it's easy to find. If there is livestock in the field, check with the farmer for permission for access. Parking is a simple affair as there is a wide verge and access is simple as there is a gate into the field just up from the broch. The ground around the broch is boggy in places.

Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of HMSO. © Crown Copyright. All rights reserved.

Carn Mor broch, Birchfield photographs

Carn Mor, Birchfield 01

Carn Mor, Birchfield 02

Carn Mor, Birchfield 03

Carn Mor, Birchfield 04

Carn Mor, Birchfield 05

Carn Mor, Birchfield 06

Carn Mor, Birchfield 07

Carn Mor, Birchfield 08

Carn Mor, Birchfield 09

Carn Mor, Birchfield 10

Carn Mor, Birchfield 11

Carn Mor, Birchfield 12

Carn Mor, Birchfield 13

Carn Mor, Birchfield 14

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.