Part of a broch survives on the coast edge at the Point of Buryan; the remainder has been eroded away by the sea. Antiquarian investigations carried out in 1880 were briefly reported by Cursiter; at this time the structure had already been damaged by erosion and it was then estimated that up to 50% had been removed. The broch is estimated to have measured between 15m and 18m in diameter, with walls up to 3.96m thick. Remains are now visible in a coastal exposure some 80m in length and up to 1m in height. The upper part of the coastal section is covered by overhanging turf, while the base is obscured by a storm beach. The visible archaeology comprises both structural stone and substantial anthropogenic deposits. The inland extent of the remains was not inspected because access was denied by the landowner. A modern marker cairn has been built at the head of the banks, above the broch remains. Refs.: RCAHMS (1946) #437; Cursiter, J W (1923) 'The Orkney Brochs' PSAS, 57 (1922-23); RCAHMS (1980) #60; Hedges, J W (1987) 'Bu, Gurness and the Brochs of Orkney' part 3 #42.
Location
377240.00
1043400.00
27700
59.2764778
-2.4011030
Submitted photographs
Image
Date
Caption
User
09/12/2014
Panorama of Buryan Broch, looking NE
training1
09/12/2014
Structures in coast edge to NW of main broch tower
training1
09/12/2014
Main broch structure, inside and outer edge of circular wall just visible in left of photo. Modern cairn constructed on inside edge of half-sectioned broch wall.
training1
09/12/2014
Showing eroding base of section below main broch structure and modern cairn, looking NW
training1
09/12/2014
Deposits exposed SE of main broch structure, possibly associated with farmstead. Looking NW
training1
Submitted updates
Update id
Date
User
1881
09/12/2014
training1
Tidal state
Mid
Site located?
Yes
Proximity to coast edge
Coast edge
Coastally eroding?
active sea erosion; has eroded in the past
Visibility above ground
Limited visibility (partial remains)
Visibility in section
Limited visibility in section
Access
accessible - difficult terrain; accessible on foot (no footpath)
Local knowledge
don't know
Description
ShoreUPDATE 23-04-2013
More or less as described.
Dry stone structural remains and cultural deposits visible in low coastal section extending northwest of the main half sectioned broch tower. Stone and cultural deposits also visible at the base of the section immediately below the main broch tower, although the coast edge is well-vegetated here. On the south east side of the main broch structure, cultural deposits exposed in the section contain coal and are more likely to be associated with the farmstead.
Regular monitoring especially following severe weather. The broch is much damaged already.Re-assign to priority 2