Keiss Broch (Keiss South, Wic103)

Along with Whitegate and Kirk Tofts, these three brochs must have posed a formidable triangular defence against any seaborne landings by Romans. Being so close to the sea, it's not unthinkable to assume the Picts may have had the ability to hole and sink Roman galleons somehow before they actually landed any troops. Of course, archers would have been on hand as well, and they could have easily reached the shoreline from the tops of the Keiss and Whitegate brochs. It took sheer military genius to defeat the Romans, and it's very evident here even 2000 years later.

Park somewhere out of the way near Keiss harbour, and the Keiss and Whitegate brochs are easily accessible nearby. There are fences around the sites, so use the gates rather than clamber over the fences and risk damaging them.

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

Keiss broch photographs

Keiss 01

Keiss 02

Keiss 03

Keiss 04

Keiss 05

Keiss 06

Keiss 07

Keiss 08

Keiss 09

Keiss 10

Keiss 11

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.