Ness of Burgi, Scatness, Shetland Isles, Scotland.
This Gatehouse Fort (also known as a Blockhouse Fort) is one of a small number examples of this type of site found in the Shetland Isles. The site is thought to date from around 100BC, so broadly contemporary with broch sites which share some architectural features. This type of site consists of a rectangular drystone structure with a central passageway across the narrow part of the rectangle, with a chamber (cell) on each side of the passage. At Ness of Burgi the gatehouse fort is situated on a rocky promontory overlooking the sea, the structure is further on the landward side by two ditches and a bank (wall).
Ness of Burgi was excavated in 1935, pottery was found which was similar to that found on broch sites. Consolidation work on the structure was carried out in the 1970s, the site is now in the care of Historic Scotland and is maintained in a safe condition for visitors.
Date Photographed: 30 September 2015
Model created using Agisoft Photoscan
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