59°20′53″N 2°25′08″W / 59.348129°N 2.418916°W
 Broch of Burrian, interior | |
  Shown within Orkney Islands | |
| Location | North Ronaldsay |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 59°20′53″N 2°25′08″W / 59.348129°N 2.418916°W |
| Type | Broch |
| History | |
| Periods | Iron Age |
The Broch of Burrian is an Iron Age broch located on North Ronaldsay in the Orkney Islands, in Scotland ( grid reference HY76275138).
Location
The Broch of Burrian is located on the southern tip of North Ronaldsay in the Orkney Islands. [1] The broch stands on a small headland next to a rocky shoreline. [2] It is separated from the hinterland by a series of defensive earthworks. [2]
Description
The broch has an external diameter of 18 metres and an internal diameter of 9.5 metres. [2] The entrance passage is on the southeast side, and the walls are solid. [1] There is a small room in the inner wall of the broch on the northeast side. [2] The broch is surrounded by outer defences consisting of the remains of four concentric ramparts on the landward side. [2]
Excavations
The Broch of Burrian was excavated by William Traill, proprietor of the island, in 1870 and 1871. [2] A large number of artefacts, including a significant quantity of worked bone objects, were discovered. In addition, a number of artefacts of early historic or Pictish date were found. [2] These include a cross-slab with ogham inscription, painted pebbles and part of an iron bell of Celtic type. [2] Part of a Pictish house was uncovered to the north east side of the broch. [2] The finds are now in the National Museum of Scotland. [1]
The evidence suggests two phases of occupation, both dating to the Iron Age. In the second phase, the broch was converted into a sort of wheelhouse. The second phase went on for a long time, as there were clear Pictish elements among the finds, from as late as the 7th to the 9th centuries AD. [2] Two items (the cross-slab and the iron bell) suggest early Christian activity, although there is as yet no other evidence for monastic settlement. [2]