Oust broch

I know its not possible to say with any certainty that Oust is a broch, but really, could such a huge grassy mound be anything else? Add to that the cellar and well which have been uncovered which have also been found at other broch sites, as well as its line of sight strategic importance to other brochs such as Brimside Tulloch, Tullock of Stemster and Knock Glass, I'm erring on the side of very likely rather than possible or probable for this one.

I drove up to the farm and asked for permission to see the broch, but really there isn't anything to see other than an overgrown mound. The entire broch site is covered in nettles and rosebay willowherb and all sorts of growy thingies, and as for finding the well and the cellar, I failed miserably. I believe they are covered over with a pallette now, but I think the pallette is probably overgrown and disappearing underground itself. I wish the Scottish government and the councils cared more about our history and gave grants to folks to have these things excavated and preserved before they disappear altogether.

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Oust broch photographs

Oust 01

Oust 02

Oust 03

Oust 04

  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.