Mousa Broch, Shetland

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Located on the island of Mousa off the coast of Shetland and 13 metres tall, Mousa Broch is excellently preserved. It is thought to have been constructed in the Iron Age, around 300 BC.

Unique to Scotland, brochs are drystone roundhouses or towers formed of two concentric walls with a narrow passage and small cells. A stone staircase spirals to the top between the inner and outer walls.

This ancient dwelling is home to modern tenants: a colony of storm petrels. Though completely quiet during the day, at twilight the entire site comes alive with the call and quick wings of the birds returning and leaving their nests within the stone structure. Listen to their sounds change as you zoom in and around the building.

For more information on Mousa Broch, please visit our website. This data was recorded in connection with a PhD research project in collaboration with University of Bradford Visualising Heritage and Shetland Amenity Trust.