Ness of Burgi promontory fort, Iron Age promontory fort in Dunrossness, Scotland
Ness of Burgi is a promontory fort located on a narrow headland in the Shetland Islands. The structure consists of a stone blockhouse with two rock-cut ditches spanning across the neck of the peninsula and steep cliffs rising on the surrounding sides.
The fort was built around 100 BC as a defensive structure during the Iron Age in the region. Its construction demonstrates how early inhabitants used natural headlands strategically to protect their settlements.
The architectural design of this Iron Age structure demonstrates the advanced military engineering capabilities of ancient communities in the Shetland Islands.
The route to the fort follows a grass path along the headland and requires careful steps over uneven and rocky ground. The terrain is exposed, so sturdy footwear and caution around slippery spots are important.
The blockhouse preserves three chambers inside, making it one of only three known examples of this type in the Shetland Islands. These preserved rooms are rare evidence of how people lived and used these early fortifications.
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