Scottish Highlands - Prehistoric Sites
- Map of Prehistoric Sites in Highlands and Islands
- Map of ALL Prehistoric Sites in Scotland
- Map of all attractions in Highlands and Islands
Taking in the Highlands, and Scottish islands including Orkney, Shetland, Skye, and the Western Isles (Harris, Lewis, North Uist, South Uist, Benbecula, Berneray, Barra, and Eriskay).
Cuween is a chambered cairn, built in the Neolithic period, about 5,000 years ago. It is composed of a central chamber with 4 cells, reached by a low passage. When the chamber was excavated it was found to contain the remains of humans, dogs, and oxen.
Finstown, Mainland, Orkney, Highlands and Islands, Scotland
Heritage Rating: ?
Nearest Self Catering Cottages
On a small manmade island in Loch Horneray, on the Isle of Grimsay, stands the ruin of Dun Ban, a fortified roundhouse. Rather than thinking of the dun as a unified tower structure, it is probably more accurate to picture a cluster of beehive cells embedded in a tower. It is interesting that there was no apparent attempt to level the internal floor; it is left very rough.
Loch Horneray, Baymore, Grimsay, Highlands and Islands, Scotland
Heritage Rating: ?
Nearest Self Catering Cottages
Dun Beag is a wonderfully preserved Iron Age broch standing on a hillside with wonderful views out over Loch Harport and Loch Braccadale. The broch was apparently in use for occupation as late as the 18th century.
A863, Braccadale, Isle of Skye, Highlands and Islands, Scotland
Heritage Rating: ?
Nearest Self Catering Cottages
Despite the name, Dun Bharpa is not a dun, but an impressive chambered cairn, built about 3500 BCE. It is really quite an imposing monument, about 30 metres across and five metres high, and is the best-preserved chambered cairn in the Western Isles. The edge cairn is marked by large upright kerb stones, several of which are at least 3-4 feet high.
Craigston, Barra, Highlands and Islands, Scotland
Heritage Rating: ?
Nearest Self Catering Cottages
Dun Carloway is one of the best-preserved Iron Age brochs in Scotland (perhaps sharing that honour with Mousa Broch in Shetland). The round tower stands on a rocky hill overlooking Loch Roag, on the west coast of Lewis. The galleried walls and entrance guard chamber of the broch are still visible.
Carloway, Isle of Lewis, Lewis, Highlands and Islands, Scotland
Heritage Rating: ?
Nearest Self Catering Cottages
A very well-preserved Iron Age galleried dun looking north to the Eoligarry peninsula. Dun Cuier (Dun Chuidhir) was in use as late as the 7th century. You could even stretch a point and say that it was in use as late as the 18th century, for royalist troops occupied it during the process of putting down Bonnie Prince Charlie's 1745 Jacobite rebellion.
Cuidhir, Barra, Highlands and Islands, Scotland
Heritage Rating: ?
Nearest Self Catering Cottages
On a site beside the Strathmore River, south of the bulk of Ben Hope, stands the Iron Age circular broch of Dun Dornaigil. The broch is set in a wonderfully scenic - and bleak - location. The broch is very well preserved, with the walls still standing to a height of almost seven metres on the north-east side.
Altnacaillich, Highlands, Highlands and Islands, Scotland
Heritage Rating: ?
Nearest Self Catering Cottages
Dun Eistean is a fortified settlement occupying a tidal island in northeastern Lewis, reached only by a footbridge over a deep ravine. It is said to be a traditional power base for Clan Morrison. Remains range from an Iron Age dun to post-medieval hut foundations.
Knockaird, Port of Ness, Isle of Lewis, Highlands and Islands, Scotland
Heritage Rating: ?
Heritage Highlight: Iron Age fortifications
Nearest Self Catering Cottages
Dun Telve is a very well preserved Iron Age broch standing beside the burn of Abhainn a Ghlnne Bhig on the narrow strip of low-lying land at the bottom of Glen Elg.
Conrary, Highlands and Islands, Scotland
Attraction Type: Prehistoric - Broch
Heritage Rating: ?
Nearest Self Catering Cottages
Dun Troddan is a very well preserved broch in a stunning location in Glen Elg. The broch stands to about 25 feet high (about 8 metres) at its highest point. The walls are made of two thin shells with a gap between them. In the gap are stone stairs rising to galleries.
Conrary, Highlands and Islands, Scotland
Attraction Type: Prehistoric - Broch
Heritage Rating: ?
Nearest Self Catering Cottages