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Broch of Steiro
Date Added: 10th Jul 2021
Site Type: Broch or Nuraghe
Country: Scotland (Orkney)
Visited: Yes on 27th May 2017. My rating: Condition 2 Ambience 5 Access 3
Broch of Steiro submitted by howar on 14th Jul 2016. Broch of Steiro seen from the Loop of Pool
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Log Text: As mentioned on another site the best approach is to head down to the shore from the field just before South Church and the Balfour mausoleum, being heedful of a collapsed fence. Unlike some of Orkney's brochs it sits above the shoreline. Start taking pictures from the shore before going up to investigate any further in case you slip or twist an ankle on the exposure.
"Countrywoman" visited this site in the 60s; partial collapse in 1964 brought out a building in the outer wall. In 1967, a wall-chamber was revealed and she noted a structure in the nearby shore under low banks. Strong walls had been exposed a year later. The site suffered serious gale damage in 1984.
The main feature is part of the broch tower's NE wall arc standing 4' high and having a scarcement with rubble-filled alcove thought to have been access to a stair/gallery. A later wall cuts across the wall arc at the east. RCAHMS site no. HY 51NW 10 additionally mentions a ruinous naust up against the W side and, also at the W, outbuilding traces including an edge-slab in the shoreline. Then E of the broch there is rubble covering a well-paved floor set directly on the natural.