Old Scatness
Iron Age Broch and settlement only discovered in 1975 as a result of road building work. It is a time capsule of the period.
Old Scatness is a live archeological site rather than a museum although there are plans to build visitor centres etc in the future. The site is remarkable as it was undiscovered so long and so was never damaged or the stone ever pilfered.
The site was probably inhabited for around 2000 years. After its discovery in 1975 it lay undisturbed for another 20 years before a decade of excavation revealed an iron age Broch and post broch village. Both dated to around 400-200 BC. Some later Iron Age structures were built over the village before there is some evidence of Viking Soap Stone and Norse hearths.
Travel Directions to Old Scatness
Just off the A970 main road - follow signs
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Jarlshof
Impressive prehistoric site that was the site of human settlement for over 4000 years described as "one of the most remarkable archaeological sites ever excavated in the British Isles".
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Mousa Broch
Located on the island of Shetland - this is the world's finest surviving Iron Age Broch or tower. Located on the coast, it is dramatic and fascinating.