Thing's Va broch

Thing's Va is a Norse name so the broch was used as a court house or assembly building or both by the Vikings, which proves brochs were still in use many centuries after the Picts built them. There is some evidence the broch may even have been used by the Vikings as a Parliament building. There isn't much to see now through the grassy mound, but sections of interior wall still poke through the undergrowth.

Access is simple enough. Park just off the single track road from the A836, walk up the road a couple of hundred yards or so and follow the old broken down fence to the stile below the broch. See the photos below. Don't block farmer's access to their fields and don't go walking through crops. There is a cairn right beside the broch with an old car perched on top so don't confuse the two.

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

Thing's Va broch photographs

Thing's Va 01

Thing's Va 02

Thing's Va 03

Thing's Va 04

Thing's Va 05

Thing's Va 06

Thing's Va 07

Thing's Va 08

Thing's Va 09

Thing's Va 10

Thing's Va 11

Thing's Va 12

Thing's Va 13

Thing's Va 14

Thing's Va 15

Thing's Va 16 (this is the view from the broch overlooking the cairn)

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.