
Nybster was first excavated by Sir Francis Tress Barry in the late 19th century. Apart from the exhaustive excavations of the site, Tress Barry's major contribution was a rather odd tower built to commemorate his nephew. This memorial, known as Mervyn's Tower, seems to have been built with stones removed from the excavated broch, and is decorated with rather bizarre carvings of gargoyles, and set with plaques commemorating the archaeological work of Tress Barry.
Though the juxtaposition of the 19th century tower and the Iron Age broch is strange one, it does have one great positive result; you can climb Mervyn's Tower to get a wonderful overview of the excavated broch. Its the closest thing you can get to a birds-eye view without hiring an airplane!
Finds from the broch excavations include stone tools, pottery, metal objects, and pottery. Many of these finds can be viewed at the nearby Broch Centre, housed in Nybster's old school house on the main road.



About Nybster Broch
Address: A99,
Nybster,
Caithness,
Scotland, KW1 4XR
Attraction Type: Prehistoric Site
Location: Signposted off the A99 at Nybster, just south of the Caithness Broch Centre. There is a small parking area and a short walk along a signposted trail to the broch. Open access site.
Website: Nybster Broch
Location
map
OS: ND370630
Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express
NEARBY HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS
Heritage Rated from 1- 5 (low to exceptional) on historic interest
Caithness Broch Centre -
0.7 miles (Museum)
Keiss Castle -
1.3 miles (Castle)
Castle Sinclair Girnigoe -
5.1 miles (Castle)
Wick Heritage Centre -
7.7 miles (Museum)
Castle of Mey -
7.9 miles (Castle)
Castle of Old Wick -
8.9 miles (Castle)
Mary Ann's Cottage -
11.2 miles (Museum)
Yarrows Archaeological Trail -
12.9 miles (Prehistoric Site)
Nearest Accommodation to Nybster Broch:
Nearby accommodation is calculated 'as the crow flies' from Nybster Broch. 'Nearest' may involve a long drive up and down glens or, if you are near the coast, may include a ferry ride! Please check the property map to make sure the location is right for you.
Nearest Self Catering Cottages
Thurso, Highlands and Islands
Sleeps: 4
Stay from: £265.00 - 1383.00
Thurso, Highlands and Islands
Sleeps: 4
Stay from: £284.00 - 1414.00
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Nearest Hotels
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