Loth Broch (Stronrunkie, Wilkhouse)

The only way we know there was a broch here is because of an old 1793 report which states that stone from the broch was used to build a farmhouse and a manse for the nearby church. The present day site is too indefinite to say with certainty that it was a broch without further archaeological excavations. The stone in the manse and farmhouse, however, is almost certainly contemporary with the stone still at the site, as is the stone in the dyke which looks unmistakably broch like, and I can see no reason to doubt the validity of the 1793 report especially as most brochs were still whole back then because they hadn't been robbed to death.

The site isn't marked on any maps I could find, and if you didn't know it was there you would miss it. Be sure to know exactly where you're going before setting off. The easiest access I found is by walking the shore from the caravan park on the links at Crackaig, but the going can be a bit rough in places.

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

Loth broch photographs

Loth 01

Loth 02

Loth 03

Loth 04

Loth 05

Loth 06

Loth 07

Loth 08

Loth 09

Loth 10

Loth 11

Loth 12

Loth 13

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.