Snabrough broch, broch on Unst, Shetland Islands, Scotland, UK
Snabrough broch is a large circular stone structure dating to ancient times, standing on a small hill on the Shetland Islands. The thick walls form a defensive ring, and nearby sit the remains of other structures including burnt mounds and low stone walls from early settlements.
The broch was built many centuries ago from locally sourced stone and likely served for defense and as a dwelling for ancient families. Over time, many such structures fell into ruin, but Snabrough broch remained comparatively well-preserved.
The name Snabrough reflects the Scandinavian heritage of these islands from Viking times. The structure and surrounding settlements show how early inhabitants organized their homes and adapted their building methods to the local landscape.
The site is free to visit and accessible via small roads and walking paths, with signs explaining the ruins as you explore. Visitors should note that the remains are fragile and respectful exploration is necessary to help preserve the site for future generations.
The broch stands on a hill alongside burnt mounds, which are ancient hearths possibly used for cooking or crafts in the surrounding settlements. This combination reveals that inhabitants built a network of specialized locations for different activities.
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