Nybster Broch Project

2011 saw the commencement of a major new programme of community archaeological research, centred around the broch village complex at Nybster, Auckengill, Caithness.

The Caithness Archaeological Trust has joined forces with AOC Archaeology Group to instigate a new programme of excavation and recording of the dramatic broch village, situated on the promontory headland at Auckengill, north of Keiss in Caithness. The archaeological programme involves a series of excavations and conservation work on the site, aiming to better understand the development of the settlement through the Iron Age and Early Historic periods, and to better present the site to the visiting public. The first phase of excavations took place from Tuesday 26th April to Sunday 8th May.  

Nybster broch is one of the most spectacular Iron Age settlements in northern mainland Scotland, and having been cleared and uncovered by Sir Francis Tress Barry in the 19th century is one of the more accessible broch villages in Caithness. Excavations by the National Museum of Scotland in 2005 demonstrated that despite Tress-Barry’s clearance of the site, much of the original Iron Age and Norse period archaeology remains intact, and the site presents an exciting opportunity to explore the archaeology of the ‘long Iron Age’ in Caithness. Located a short walk from the newly opened Caithness Brochs Centre, the 2011 excavations will allow locals and visitors to Caithness to get involved in hands-on research into Scotland’s brochs.

The Nybster broch project provides an opportunity for volunteers from the local community and further afield to get involved in archaeological research. We will be running a series of training workshops, lectures and guided tours designed to allow volunteers, visitors and school children the opportunity to learn archaeological recording techniques and to gain firsthand experience of the study of our past.

Note from the Highland HER

The above information has been taken from the Nybster Broch Project website.

All of the information from these excavations will eventually be added to our records for this site. In the meantime, take a look at the project website to find much more information, including details of the upcoming excavations starting Monday 1st August. Plus you can follow the project's Dig Diary to keep up to date with events as they happen!