KirkTofts Broch (Keiss West, Wic 108 )

Along with Keiss broch and Whitegate broch, these three form a formidable triangular defence against any seaborne landings by Romans. Kirk Tofts is an extensive site with many outbuildings surrounding the broch. I guess it could have been a garrision to support the Whitegate and Keiss brochs. Once the Roman threat was over, the broch appears to have grown through another phase or two, and I believe at some point there was even a small church built on the site using stone from the broch. There is much to see here between the grassy mounds, but making sense of it all would need the skills of an expert broch archeologist.

Park somewhere in Keiss and it's just a short walk along the road to the entrance to the broch. Be very careful on the site as there are many chambers and passages hidden between the grassy mounds.

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

Kirk Tofts 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.