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Loch of Clumly is a broch situated in Orkney, Scotland. Brochs are distinctive Iron Age fortified structures dating to around the first century BC, characterised by their hollow-walled circular towers that could reach heights of up to 13 metres. This monument stands on bedrock of Middle Old Red Sandstone, formed during the Middle Devonian period, comprising conglomerate, sandstone, siltstone and mudstone deposits that characterise much of Orkney's geological foundation.
The broch would have served as a defended residence for a high-status family or community leader, its impressive architecture demonstrating both engineering skill and access to considerable resources. The thick stone walls, typically 4–5 metres wide, contained a series of internal chambers and galleries, with access restricted by a single ground-level entrance. The surrounding landscape of Orkney, with its exposed bedrock and limited timber resources, made stone the natural building material for such ambitious structures.
Loch of Clumly is protected by Historic Environment Scotland under the designation SM1423, reflecting its national significance as a surviving example of Iron Age settlement and fortification in the archipelago. The site contributes to our understanding of Orkney's wealthy and well-organised Iron Age society.
Loch of Clumly, broch is a scheduled monument protected by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM1423. View the official record →
Loch of Clumly is a broch situated in Orkney, Scotland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM1423.
Loch of Clumly, broch dates from the iron age period, and is classified as a broch. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across the UK.
Loch of Clumly, 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 SM1423.
Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Burn of Selta, farmsteads, field system and associated remains (4.8 km), Ring of Brogar, stone circle, henge and nearby remains (5.4 km), Diamond Cottage,defended promontory N of (5.6 km).
This page is just one thread. A full Aubrey report pulls together 14 strands of Loch of Clumly, broch's history, each drawn from the record and mapped to the exact spot:
Every location is different. Not every section appears for every place, only what the historical record actually holds turns up in a report.
Loch of Clumly, broch stands on Middle Old Red Sandstone (Undifferentiated), bedrock that formed in the Middle Devonian. The rock here is conglomerate, sandstone, siltstone and mudstone.