Home is …..….is where the Broch is!

I am always amazed at just how creative and skilled our ancestors were. This is Dun Telve and is the most complete Broch in the Highlands (and the U.K.).  A Broch was an ancient ‘homestead’ and a home that was built to defy both the elements and any unfriendly hostilities.  Before I show you the interior construction, let me explain that is is thought  that Broch’s date back to a period between 1000BC to 50AD.  They are a sophisticated  and highly skilled stone construction.  Over 10 meters in height the double cavity wall construction gave both strength and insulation. ……

The entrance is low, easily blocked if needs be and surround by an additional group of stones as a further obstacle that intruders would need to negotiate…

Within what would have been a tower like construction, wooden beams would have been used to create different levels of floor.  Whilst it is not confirmed it is believed that the whole structure would have has a roof thatched with Heather….

Primitive tools and a good deal of human strength, no doubt a community commitment, created these homesteads and even more wondrous is that just a few still stand today.  This is one of several that can be found near Glenelg and are known as the Glen Beag Brochs. Found by turning south off the Road to the Isles at Glen Sheil and crossing the Ratagan Forest.

Heather Thatch Roofing was common on Crofts and Church buildings in the Highlands.  Some can still be found but sadly as Crofts and Kirks were abandoned the roof was the first part of a building to go.  Typical is the Old Crofting  community Kirk on Skye.  As the community dwindled the Kirk fell out of use (even though the Graveyard appears to have been used for much longer)……….

This is the old Kirk at Cill Chriosd, Strath Surdal, Isle of Skye. Whilst Ivy now clings to one gable end and the heavens can shine into the wee church it still appears to have some local care applied…..a few sheep are ‘employed’ to neatly graze the grass of the burial ground.

10th May

© 2014