Clachtoll Broch

Clachtoll broch is one of the most iconic monuments in northern mainland Britain and a Scheduled Ancient Monument. It was in a dilapidated state and choked with rubble debris. As a result, visitors could only access the broch by climbing over rubble to walk around the site on the wall head. This was both damaging to the broch and hazardous for visitors. Local concerns about the deterioration and public safety were raised in 2006 and resulted in a 2009 Conservation Management Plan funded by Historic Scotland. Further consolidation to secure the entrance area took place in 2011 and emergency propping for the south wall in 2014.

The aims of the project were to:

• Excavate the site giving visitors a unique insight into the broch’s original structure and use, as well as safeguarding it for future generations.
• Restore visitor access through the original entrance, open up the interior of the building and improve understanding of how the settlement surrounding the broch was used.
• Explore options for an architect designed structure that gives access to the broch and protect it from further wind and wave damage.

The excavations were open and free for all to participate in developing archaeological skills.

The discoveries and findings from the project have been particularly exciting, and exceeded all expectations.  Recognition of the national significance of the project came at the end of 2020 when it was nominated for the Archaeology Live ‘Rescue Project of 2021’ award. The results of the vote on the six nominations were announced at the end of February 2021, when Clachtoll Broch was awarded the ‘Rescue Project of the Year’!.

Visit the Clachtoll Broch website.

To see excavation reports when available on Open Access please click here