Broch of Gurness — Attraction in Mainland

There is a lot of confusion amongst some reviewers as to the age of this site; it is not Neolithic at all but Iron Age (roughly 3,000 years later). Not that this detracts from the fascination of the site. Indeed, we heard three separate groups of visitors say that they found the site more interesting than Skara Brae and it is easy to see why they might say this with the complex profusion of houses and other buildings crowded around the mass of the broch tower, the whole surrounded by intriguing ditches and walls. Plenty for the imagination to feast on and all set in a spectacular location looking across the waters to Rousay and Eynhallow To make matters even better, we were lucky to visit when the custodian Kevin was on duty with his truly encyclopaedic knowledge of brochs and the area. Thank you for...

Brochs are very interesting and intriguing. Built before written history....Substantially built with significant human resources of the era. This site is a great example - as not only the central Broch but the layout of the village around it clearly visible. Passionate on-site staff happy to give impromptu explanations and indoors there is a small interpretative exhibition with cool artefacts. You can walk the streets and the houses of this ancient village in a beautiful scenic part of Orkney looking towards the island of Rousay which also has many burial chambers - known as Cairns - that you can intimately explore. We are from Australia and were visiting for a week - after Ring if Brogdar area, this was the next best archaeological experience - but the smaller sites are pure fun so...

The Brough of Gurness is perhaps the single most impressive site in the Orkneys. The sheer density of the remains of this defensive tower and integrated dwellings and the clarity with which it can be perceived are astonishing. It would be helpful to read up about the history and what you can see, as the signposts only reveal basic information, and so many details and insights can be seen if you know what you're looking at, and what to look out for. The setting is stunning, if you make your way there via the high Moors you can appreciate the location facing the northern Islands. Bring your picnic along, there are no facilities there with exception of...