Ionad Bhroch Ghallaibh
Opens SAT 25 JULY 2009
En route to John o’ Groats, Auckengill, just north of Keiss, by Wick, KW1 4XP
Tel: 01955 631377 (season); (01955) 607034 (other)
Admission Free. May to Sept 10.30 to 4.30, Mon to Fri plus Sats Jul/Aug
Caithness has one of the richest archaeology landscapes in Scotland. The county has an abundance of chambered cairns, brochs, stone circles, settlements, castles and harbours
Central to understanding of Scottish prehistory in the centuries before the formation of the Scottish nation are the brochs – large stone towers built over 2000 years ago.
Caithness has more brochs per square mile than any other region and the area in and around Sinclair Bay on the north coast of Caithness is unique. It has the densest distribution of brochs in Scotland and has seen more broch excavations than any other area.
The Caithness Broch Centre is home to an ambitious and innovative display that presents a new story of the prehistory of the north coast of Caithness during the time of the brochs.
It has three main narratives: the 19th century community who first excavated the brochs; the community who lived in the area two thousand years ago; and the community who now work and live with the brochs.
The project is a collaboration with the National Museums of Scotland who have returned Artefacts from National Museums for display in the centre.
It is a joint venture between Caithness Archaeological Trust and The Highland Council and has been generously funded by Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Highland Leader, Heritage Lottery and Highland 2007.
