Burroughston Broch

An Iron Age tower standing sentinel on Orkney's windswept cliffs, where ancient stones meet the North Sea.

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Burroughston Broch

Burroughston Broch is one of Scotland's finest preserved Iron Age defensive towers, standing sentinel on the rugged northeastern cliffs of Shapinsay in Orkney. Built around 2,000 years ago, this remarkable drystone structure features walls up to four metres thick and offers commanding views across the North Sea. Located four miles from the ferry pier, the broch rewards visitors with dramatic coastal scenery, opportunities to spot seals on nearby rocks, and a tangible connection to Iron Age life in the far north.

A brief summary to Burroughston Broch

Shapinsay, Orkney, GB
Visit website
Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
Free
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 2 out of 5

Local tips

Allow 2–3 hours for the full experience, including travel from the ferry pier and time to explore the broch and surrounding coastal landscape. The walk is moderately easy but exposed to wind and weather.
Wear waterproof and windproof clothing regardless of season. Orkney weather changes rapidly, and the clifftop location offers no shelter from Atlantic winds and rain.
Bring binoculars for seal spotting on the rocks below the cliffs. Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
Visit during daylight hours only. The site has no artificial lighting, and the moorland terrain becomes difficult to navigate after dark.
Check ferry schedules in advance. Shapinsay ferries run regularly but with limited daily sailings, and missing the last ferry means an unplanned overnight stay on the island.

Getting There

Ferry from Kirkwall

Take the passenger ferry from Kirkwall on the Orkney mainland to Shapinsay. The crossing takes approximately 25 minutes and operates multiple times daily. Ferry tickets cost around £5–8 per adult return. From Shapinsay pier, the broch is approximately 4 miles away. No public transport connects the pier to the broch, so you must walk, cycle, or arrange private transport. Walking takes 60–90 minutes depending on pace and route; cycling takes 20–30 minutes on quiet island roads.
Cycling from Shapinsay pier

Rent a bicycle before boarding the ferry or bring your own. Shapinsay's flat terrain and quiet roads make cycling ideal. The route to Burroughston follows well-maintained farm roads heading northeast toward the island's far corner. Journey time is 20–30 minutes. No bike rental facilities exist on Shapinsay, so arrange hire in Kirkwall before departure. Costs typically range from £10–20 per day.
Walking from Shapinsay pier

Follow the island's network of straight roads northeastward toward the far corner of Shapinsay. The route is straightforward and difficult to get lost on due to the symmetrical road layout. Walking takes 60–90 minutes depending on fitness and pace. The final approach involves crossing open moorland. No formal path exists, but the terrain is navigable. Wear waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear; the ground can be boggy in wet conditions.
Private vehicle from Shapinsay pier

If you've brought a car on the ferry, drive northeast on the island's quiet roads toward the broch. Journey time is 10–15 minutes. No car hire or taxi services operate on Shapinsay, so you must bring your own vehicle. Parking is informal; park considerately near the broch approach. Remember that Shapinsay is an active farming community; agricultural machinery may be present on roads.

Burroughston Broch location weather suitability

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Windy Conditions

Discover more about Burroughston Broch

A Tower from Scotland's Iron Age

Burroughston Broch stands as one of the most impressive surviving examples of Iron Age architecture in Scotland, a testament to the engineering prowess of ancient peoples who inhabited these northern islands around 2,000 years ago. This distinctive circular tower, or broch, was constructed using dry stone masonry—carefully fitted stones without mortar—and represents a building tradition unique to Iron Age Scotland. The structure's walls, which reach up to four metres in thickness at their base, were engineered to withstand both the harsh Atlantic weather and the defensive needs of its inhabitants. The broch's design, with its hollow-wall construction and internal galleries, demonstrates sophisticated architectural knowledge that allowed these towers to rise to considerable heights while maintaining structural integrity.

Excavation and Archaeological Significance

The broch was excavated in 1861 by George Petrie and Sir William Dryden, two of Orkney's most prominent archaeologists whose work fundamentally shaped understanding of Iron Age settlement in the north. Their careful excavation revealed the internal layout and construction techniques, contributing invaluable knowledge to archaeological study. The site has remained well-preserved since that time, allowing modern visitors to appreciate the original craftsmanship and scale of the structure. The excavation work established Burroughston as a key reference point for understanding broch architecture and Iron Age life in Orkney, making it essential to anyone interested in Scotland's prehistoric heritage.

Setting and Coastal Landscape

Perched on the clifftop of Shapinsay's rugged northeastern coastline, Burroughston Broch occupies one of the most dramatic locations on the island. The broch's position commands sweeping views across the North Sea, and the surrounding landscape showcases the raw beauty of Orkney's seascape. From the site, visitors frequently observe seals sunning themselves on nearby rocks below the cliffs, adding a living dimension to the experience. The approach to the broch takes visitors through Shapinsay's characteristic low-lying, neatly ordered landscape of symmetrical fields and straight roads—a stark contrast to the wild, untamed coastline where the broch stands. This juxtaposition between cultivated inland terrain and dramatic coastal wilderness creates a memorable sense of place.

Visiting the Remote Monument

Reaching Burroughston Broch requires commitment and planning, as it lies approximately four miles from Shapinsay's ferry pier at the far northeastern corner of the island. The journey itself becomes part of the experience, taking visitors away from the island's small settlements and into increasingly remote terrain. The isolation of the site contributes to its atmospheric quality—few visitors venture this far, meaning those who do often find themselves alone with the ancient stones and the sound of the sea. The low-lying nature of Shapinsay and its network of straight roads make navigation straightforward, though the final approach involves walking across open moorland and farmland. The remoteness is not a barrier but rather an essential element of what makes Burroughston special, offering a genuine sense of discovery and connection to a landscape that has changed little in centuries.

Iron Age Life and Purpose

Brochs like Burroughston served multiple purposes in Iron Age society, functioning as defensive structures, status symbols, and communal gathering places. The tower's thick walls and narrow entrance provided protection, while the internal space could accommodate families, livestock, and stored goods. The presence of such substantial structures across Iron Age Scotland suggests a society with organized labour, architectural knowledge, and the resources to undertake ambitious building projects. Burroughston's location on the coast may have related to maritime activities, trade, or defence against sea-based threats. Understanding the broch requires imagining the lives of the people who built and inhabited it—farmers, craftspeople, and leaders who shaped the cultural landscape of Iron Age Orkney.

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Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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Burroughston Broch

A brief summary to Burroughston Broch

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Ferry from Kirkwall

Cycling from Shapinsay pier

Walking from Shapinsay pier

Private vehicle from Shapinsay pier

Burroughston Broch location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Burroughston Broch

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Burroughston Broch

A Tower from Scotland's Iron Age

Excavation and Archaeological Significance

Setting and Coastal Landscape

Visiting the Remote Monument

Iron Age Life and Purpose

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

First Nations And Orcadian Totem Pole

Churchill Barriers

The Cannon

John O'Groats Signpost

Duncansby Stacks

The Castle & Gardens of Mey

Dunnet Head Lighthouse

Bucholie Castle

Above and Beyond Tours

Mary Ann's Cottage

Caithness Broch Centre

Nybster Broch

Old Keiss Castle

Dunnet Links: St. Coomb Chapel (6th century, former site))

Whitegate broch

Unmissable attractions to see

Rendall Doocot

Taversöe Tuick

Spirit of Orkney

Sheila Fleet Kirk Gallery & Café

Orkney Wireless Museum

The Orkney Distillery & Visitor Centre

Badly Drawn Cat

St Magnus Cathedral

Grain Earth House

Bishop’s and Earl's Palaces

The Orkney Museum

The Tankerness House

The Gloup

Highland Park Whisky Distillery

Knowe Of Yarso

Essential places to dine

The Smithy Cafe

The Shore

Dil Se Restaurant

The Storehouse Restaurant with Rooms

Helgi's

Pomona Cafe

Trenabies Cafe Bistro

Twenty One

Bothy Bar

Busters Diner

Lucano

The Orkney Hotel

Empire Chinese Restaurant

Happy Haddock

Stronsay Hotel

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Anchor Shopping Centre

Orkney Souvenirs

The Orcadian Bookshop

Poundstretcher

Kairds

Logo Orkney

Starlings

Aurora Jewellery

The Original Orkney Hamper Company

The Longship

Judith Glue