Shinness Broch (Loch Shin broch, Croft Cottage broch)

It's a fair bit from here to the Dalchork and Sallachy brochs, so I'm pretty sure there must have been a cairn or two somewhere in between to complete the communications chain. There may even be cairns below the surface of Loch Shin. The remains are situated on a low knoll overlooking the Loch, and the broch has been reduced to a mound of rubble. Enough of the outer face of the wall survives to show that it measured 16.6m in diameter.

Take the A838 from Lairg. The broch is at the bottom of a field, very close to the road. There could be sheep around, so take care of the farmer's land and close the gate.

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

Shinness broch photographs

Shinness 01

Shinness 02

Shinness 03

Shinness 04

Shinness 05

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.