Condition

2
Broch
Iron Age
3593
SMR279
Orkney

Description

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
Panorama of Buryan Broch, looking NE 09/12/2014 Panorama of Buryan Broch, looking NE training1
Panorama of Buryan Broch, looking NE
Structures in coast edge to NW of main broch tower 09/12/2014 Structures in coast edge to NW of main broch tower training1
Structures in coast edge to NW of main broch tower
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. 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
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.
Showing eroding base of section below main broch structure and modern cairn, looking NW 09/12/2014 Showing eroding base of section below main broch structure and modern cairn, looking NW training1
Showing eroding base of section below main broch structure and modern cairn, looking NW
Deposits exposed SE of main broch structure, possibly associated with farmstead. Looking NW 09/12/2014 Deposits exposed SE of main broch structure, possibly associated with farmstead. Looking NW training1
Deposits exposed SE of main broch structure, possibly associated with farmstead. Looking NW

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

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