Ousdale Broch & Borg Village

Within the rugged ravines of Caithness, Ousdale Broch stands as a testament to Scotland’s ancient past. This Iron Age drystone tower, dating back over 2,000 years, is one of the best-preserved brochs in the region. Its strategic location near the Caithness-Sutherland border, overlooking the Ousdale Burn, hints at its historical significance in defence and settlement. ​

In recent years, the broch has undergone significant conservation efforts led by the Caithness Broch Project. Between 2015 and 2020, the project stabilised the structure, cleared invasive vegetation, and enhanced visitor access with a new trail and informative signage. These efforts have preserved the broch for future generations and revitalised interest in Scotland's Iron Age heritage.​

Today, visitors can explore the broch's intricate features, including its narrow entrance passage, intramural chambers, and remnants of a spiral staircase. The site's proximity to the ruins of Borg, a post-medieval clearance village, adds another layer to its rich historical tapestry. ​

Our Visit to Ousdale Broch & Borg Village

Hot on the heels of our visit to the Emigrants Monument, it was fitting that we would visit one of the clearance villages next. It was just by luck, as my wife and I were looking for the Ousdale Broch. We visited Carn Liath Broch, near Golspie, two years ago. It was a fascinating visit, so we were keen to explore another broch and see how it compared.

Ousdale Broch Car Park

The Ousdale Broch has a great little gravel car park provided by the Caithness Broch Project. The parking space is enough for about six cars, and directly opposite is the entrance to the long, winding path leading to the broch.

The Path to Ousdale Broch

Again, through the hard efforts of the Caithness Broch Project, a well-made path cuts through the dense heather. The path is covered in rabbit poop so watch your feet!

The landscape is pretty bleak here, with no trees, just desolate heather-covered hills. The valley with the broch is picturesque, though, and it's possible to see out to sea and view the offshore wind farms.

Borg Village

About halfway along the broch path lies the remnants of Borg, a post-medieval clearance village that once witnessed the sweeping changes of the Highland Clearances. The name 'Borg' derives from the Old Norse word for "fort" or "castle," likely referencing the nearby Iron Age broch, which highlights the area's deep Norse connections.

Archaeological evidence suggests that Borg was inhabited from around 1560 through the 18th and 19th centuries. The village comprised at least nine structures, including traditional longhouses and smaller circular buildings that may have served as kilns or sheep pens. Records indicate that it was deserted by 1877, with the roofs of the houses removed. The hard-working tenant farmers were forced to leave during the Highland Clearances.

We could see the outlines of these buildings amidst the moorland, offering a poignant glimpse into the lives of those who once lived in Borg. It's a bit of a shame that the stones for the village were likely robbed from the ancient broch, but I guess needs must!

The Caithness Broch Project has undertaken efforts to retrace and document the village's history, aiming to illuminate the stories of its former inhabitants.

Arriving at Ousdale Broch

The final section of the path leads us alongside a farm fence and down to the broch. The broch has a fairly low profile, so it's hard to see much of it until you are upon it. Another fantastic information board lies directly next to it, packed with amazing facts.

A small entrance passage first drew my eye, but it's not until you are up on the wall head that you can truly appreciate this ancient structure. The large circular drystone structure is impressive - the remaining circular staircase gives a window into the lives of the broch builders.

The broch has an internal diameter of about 7m, a wall thickness of 3.6 to 4.4m, and an external height of 1.5m. The broch floor is filled with fine stone chips to protect it from visitors.

According to the information board, a human skeleton was discovered in 1891, buried face down on the stairs. Creepy!

The broch is built between the confluence of two burns—Ousdale Burn and Allt a Bhurg Burn—which both meet the North Sea a short distance away. The deep ravine must have been a very scenic place to live two thousand years ago.

Viewing the wind farms from the ancient broch was quite the juxtaposition.

Caithness Broch Project

Founded in 2013 and gaining charitable status in 2016, the Caithness Broch Project (CBP) is a grassroots organisation dedicated to promoting and preserving the rich archaeological heritage of Caithness, a region with the highest concentration of brochs—Iron Age drystone towers—in Scotland. With over half of all known broch sites located in this area, CBP aims to spotlight Caithness as a premier heritage tourism destination. Historic Environment Scotland has also provided funding and carried out conservation work on the broch.

FAQs on Ousdale Broch

How difficult is the walk to Ousdale Broch?

It's a relatively short walk, but the return trip is a little challenging as it has a constant uphill gradient back to the car park. Environmental factors can make this worse—it was quite windy when we visited, so an uphill walk being blasted by wind wasn't much fun. In good conditions, walking up the hill might be less taxing.

Is the walk suitable for dogs and children?

Yes, most of the walk is just over moorland, there are some steeper drops nearer the broch, so care is needed the closer you get to it. The return trip to the car park may be challenging for kids.

Are there any facilities at the Broch?

No, just a car parking area and information boards. There are no toilets, a cafe, or a visitor centre. Public toilets can be found in Helmsdale and Dunbeath.

Videos of Ousdale Broch

Key Information

• Ousdale Broch is over 2,000 years old and one of the best-preserved Iron Age brochs in northern Scotland, located near the Caithness-Sutherland border.

• The Caithness Broch Project led major conservation work from 2015 to 2020, stabilising the broch and creating a new visitor path and signage.

• The walk to the broch is around 1km each way, with a well-maintained path, though the uphill return can be challenging, especially in windy weather.

• Borg Village, a nearby clearance village, dates back to at least 1560 and was abandoned in the 19th century during the Highland Clearances.

• Visitors can explore broch features like a narrow entrance, intramural chambers, and a partially intact spiral staircase within the thick drystone walls.

• The broch sits dramatically between two burns, Ousdale Burn and Allt a’ Bhurg Burn, just before they reach the North Sea, offering stunning views.

Conclusion

Visiting Borg Village and Ousdale Broch is a fascinating experience, made all the better by the fantastic Caithness Broch Project. The Broch and village offer a valuable insight into understanding Scotland's deep-rooted history and the communities that once thrived in its northern landscapes.