Yarrows Broch (South Yarrows, Cairn of Yarrows, Broch of Yarrows)
There is much history here. The settlement around the broch was probably built as extentions onto the structure after it was completed. The second entrance was most probably pushed through at this time, but originally my guess it was simply the entrance to the stairs to the first floor gallery. The broch is sited on a promontory jutting into the loch and there was originally a ditch separating the broch from the shore. It appears as if a secondary interior wall was added later. Apparently the broch was excavated around 1866 and five human skeletons were discovered, one of which was wearing a 13th /14th century brooch. The broch has obviously gone through much change since it was originally built.
Access is easy and well marked out, and there are stiles and gates to make accessing the broch a family affair. The broch is in a ruinous state however, so care should be taken around the structure, and take note that the interior of the broch is now marshy and waterlogged owing to the loch being dammed and the water levels raised.
Reproduced by
permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of HMSO. © Crown
Copyright. All rights reserved.
Yarrows broch photographs
Yarrows broch 01
Yarrows broch 02
Yarrows broch 03
Yarrows broch 04
Yarrows broch 05
Yarrows broch 06
Yarrows broch 07
Yarrows broch 08
Yarrows broch 09
Yarrows broch 10
Yarrows broch 11
Yarrows broch 12
Yarrows broch 13
Yarrows broch 14
Yarrows broch 15
Yarrows broch 16
Yarrows broch 17
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.