East Kinnauld Broch

As East Kinnauld broch is on top of a hill near Rogart, I expected it to be a military garrison. On arriving, it was clear it could have served no other purpose, sited as it was on easily defended high ground. Checking the map later, it turns out there is the site of an iron age fort just 50 yds down the hillside from it, so yes, this broch was built with military purpose. The broch is sited behind a low hill and this puzzled me until I realised that from the top of the broch you would have had a clear view over Loch Fleet while the broch would have been impossible to see from any Roman boats venturing into the loch at Littleferry.

Access to the broch is positively hazardous if you attempt to take the track which winds up the edge of the quarry directly below the broch. Step off the track, or go to the edge to look down, and chances are you're in for a drop of 100 ft straight to the bottom. This is no place for children, frolicking, or frivolous behaviour, and there is a warning sign on the gate into the quarry. Additionally, remember, this broch was built with military defensive purpose, and there are dangerous cliffs around the main broch site. Stray too far towards the edge, and it's a long way down. Ensure you have a map and know exactly what you're doing before going anywhere near this thing, and leave the children and dogs at home. You would be better attempting access by perhaps following the pylon line.

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

East Kinnauld broch photographs

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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.