Scheduled MonumentsScotlandCairn of Humster, broch
Iron Age · Broch

Cairn of Humster, broch

Scotland
HES SM533
Period
Iron Age
Site type
Broch
Nation
Scotland
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Cairn of Humster is a broch situated in Caithness in the far north of Scotland, dating to the Iron Age. The structure represents one of the distinctive architectural forms of northern Britain during this period, characterised by its hollow-walled circular stone tower design. The broch has been substantially excavated and studied as part of the archaeological record of Caithness, contributing to understanding of Iron Age settlement patterns and defensive or domestic structures in the Scottish Highlands. The site, designated under Historic Environment Scotland records (SM533), remains an important example of Iron Age monumental architecture in this region.

Cairn of Humster, broch is a scheduled monument protected by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM533. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Cairn of Humster, broch?

Cairn of Humster is a broch situated in Caithness in the far north of Scotland, dating to the Iron Age. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM533.

What period does Cairn of Humster, broch date from?

Cairn of Humster, broch dates from the iron age period, and is classified as a broch. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across Britain.

Who is responsible for protecting Cairn of Humster, broch?

Cairn of Humster, broch is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic Environment Scotland — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in Scotland. The official designation reference is SM533.

What other scheduled monuments are near Cairn of Humster, broch?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Ulbster School, broch 125m S of Schoolhouse (7.5 km), Watenan,broch 140m N of,Ulbster (7.8 km), Watenan,fort 165m NW of,Ulbster (8 km).

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Research the area around Cairn of Humster, broch