Scheduled MonumentsScotlandHillock of Burroughston,broch
Iron Age · Broch

Hillock of Burroughston,broch

Scotland
HES SM1421
Period
Iron Age
Site type
Broch
Nation
Scotland
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Historic Environment Scotland

Overview

History & significance

Hillock of Burroughston is a broch situated on the Orkney Mainland, dating to the Iron Age period, likely constructed between the 1st century BC and 1st century AD. The structure represents the characteristic double-walled circular tower architecture typical of Scottish brochs, monuments of considerable defensive and prestige value in northern Britain during this era. The site's location on a prominent hillock reflects the strategic positioning favoured by broch builders, affording commanding views across the surrounding landscape. Like many Orkney brochs, this example provides important evidence for Iron Age settlement patterns and social organisation in the far north of Scotland.

Hillock of Burroughston,broch is a scheduled monument protected by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM1421. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Hillock of Burroughston,broch?

Hillock of Burroughston is a broch situated on the Orkney Mainland, dating to the Iron Age period, likely constructed between the 1st century BC and 1st century AD. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM1421.

What period does Hillock of Burroughston,broch date from?

Hillock of Burroughston,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 Hillock of Burroughston,broch?

Hillock of Burroughston,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 SM1421.

What other scheduled monuments are near Hillock of Burroughston,broch?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including The Hillock,broch 500m NNW of Ness of Ork (1.5 km), Unyatuak,mound 180m W of Bonnyhill,Monquhanny (2 km), Linton, chapel & graveyard 140m ENE of, Shapinsay (2.6 km).

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