Feature Image Credits: Orkney.com
The Broch of Gurness ― an Iron Age heritage site in Orkney, Scotland ― has been damaged in an incident of vandalism. A broch is an Iron Age drystone hollow-walled structure found in Scotland, used possibly as defensive and offensive structures similar to fortifications.
A stone slab which is part of the Broch of Gurness, and metal grille over a well in the floor were damaged in the incident. The incident is believed to have occurred any time between December 25 and January 7.
The police on Orkney appealed to the public for information on the incident. A post on their official Twitter page read: “We are looking for witnesses in relation to damage to a metal cover at the Broch of Gurness. It is reported to have happened between just before Christmas and 07/01/2021.”
The Iron Age site, which can be found on the northern shore of the main Orkney island near Evie, dates back to between 500 BC and 200 BC. It is considered to be one of the most impressive broch village site in Scotland.
Ever since lockdown restrictions were enforced in the country, the site has been closed to the public. The broch is popular among tourists and visitors.
A similar historic site in Aberdeenshire was also a target. In a spate of attempted break-ins, doors and locks at the Dunnottar Castle, near Stonehaven were damaged on at least two separate occasions this month.