Tucked away on the remote and rugged isle of Mousa in Shetland stands Mousa Broch – the most well-preserved broch in Scotland and one of the finest examples of Iron Age architecture. This ancient stone structure, standing at an impressive 43 feet (13 metres), has stood the test of time, remaining nearly as intact as it was when it was built around 300 BC. Mousa Broch is more than just a structure; it is a glimpse into Scotland’s distant past and how previous communities once lived, and is sure to promise an unforgettable experience for those who visit. Mousa Broch with the Haa in the background photo © Copyright Charles Tait What is a broch? Unique to Scotland, brochs are a type of drystone roundhouse or tower defined by their circular structure and double-layered walls. Though about 500 brochs are scattered across northern and western Scotland and the Northern Isles, only a handful still stand near their original height; and Mousa Broch is the tallest and most complete among them. Walking to Mousa Broch in Shetland photo © Copyright Charles Tait All about Mousa Broch What makes Mousa so fascinating is its size. It has the smallest diameter of any broch, yet its walls are far thicker than others. It is thought that this has aided the broch’s preservation and survival, in combination with its isolated position on an uninhabited island. Historians believe that Mousa Broch served a dual purpose; both as a defensive fortress and as a residence for a powerful family. Views across Mousa Sound from the top of Mousa Broch photo © Copyright Charles Tait The broch sits in a strategic position along the coast overlooking Mousa Sound. From the top (where visitors can still ascend to today!) the panoramic view stretches across the sea providing an ideal vantage point to defend against any threats arriving by sea. Mousa Broch has also been mentioned in Norse mythology and sagas. One tale tells of a couple who sought refuge in the broch after a shipwreck while fleeing to Iceland around 900 AD. Another describes the broch as “an unhandy place to get at” for an attack. The isle of Mousa photo © Copyright Charles Tait Visiting the isle of Mousa The small isle of Mousa is uninhabited, peaceful and wild. It is now a National Nature Reserve teeming with an amazing variety of birds and sea life. Accessible only by boat, the island is open to visitors from April to September. A boat service run from Sandsayre in Sandwick (South Shetland) takes just under 15 minutes to reach the island. From the landing point, a short coastal walk of just over half a mile brings you to the broch. Around 8% of Britain’s storm petrels nest here, and you might also spot great skuas, oystercatchers, black guillemots and grey seals lazing along the shore. Approaching the isle of Mousa on the ferry photo © Copyright Charles Tait The Mousa Boat operates special evening boat trips between mid-May and mid-July giving the chance to see storm petrels returning to nest in the walls of Mousa Broch at twilight. If you plan to visit, it is worth noting that the island has no facilities, so come prepared with appropriate footwear, food and water. For more information, please visit www.mousa.co.uk.
