Unlike Skara Brae, visitors can walk among the Iron Age settlement at Broch of Gurness.
It is said to have a Viking grave; the skeleton of a woman with a handful of possessions was discovered in 1939.
On your way to the broch, be sure to stop by Mistra Store in Evie.
Getting There and Location
The broch sits at Aikerness near Evie on the north coast of the Orkney Mainland, about 30 minutes drive from Kirkwall along the A966. A signed track leads to the car park and a small visitor display, with the monument a short walk beyond on a grassy headland looking over to Rousay.
What You Will See
At the heart of the site is a stone broch – a tall round Iron Age tower – encircled by the remains of a whole village of interlocking houses, hearths and passages. Built more than two thousand years ago, it is one of the best-preserved broch settlements in Scotland, and later Pictish and Norse finds show how long people lived here.
Who It Suits
History enthusiasts who have already ticked off the Neolithic sites will find the Iron Age story here a rewarding contrast. The coastal setting makes it a pleasant stop even for those less drawn to archaeology, and it combines well with a drive along the scenic north coast.
Practical Tips
Check seasonal opening – it is quieter in winter,Wear sturdy shoes for the grassy, uneven ground,Bring binoculars for seals and birds on the sound,Combine with a north-coast drive towards Birsay,Allow time for the small on-site display
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Broch of Gurness?
It is an Iron Age settlement built around 2,000 years ago, centred on a stone broch tower and ringed by a village of small stone houses. Located at Evie on the Orkney Mainland, it is one of the most complete broch villages in Scotland.
How is Gurness different from Skara Brae?
Skara Brae is a Neolithic village around 5,000 years old, while the Broch of Gurness is an Iron Age site roughly 2,000 years old, centred on a defensive tower. Visiting both shows two very different chapters of Orkneys long prehistory.
