 Located on the Ness of Burgi is a classic example of a Shetland blockhouse fort, a defensive building once over 70 feet long and sealing off the rest of a headland.
Towards the landward site of the fort there is a double ditch with intervening rampart. The fort now stands up to 6-1/2 feet high and was possibly twice as high and originally roofed. Within the 20 foot thick walls are the remains of three cells, one of which might have been a guard cell.
About the Ness of Burgi Blockhouse Fort
Megalithic Portal: Ness of Burgi
Stone Pages: Ness of Burgi
Wikipedia: Promontory Fort
Journey to the Ness of Burgi Blockhouse Fort
The Ness of Burgi Blockhouse Fort is located at the southern end of Scat Ness at the southern tip of the South Mainland and on the west side of the West Voe of Sumburgh. Exit the A970 for Scatness and continue south to the end of the road and walk from there. Access is not easy due to the physical conditions on the Ness.
Ordnance Survey Map (HU387083)
Visitors Information
Visitors information for the Ness of Burgi Blockhouse Fort may be found at the Historic Scotland website. General information on Shetland may be found at the Visit Shetland website.
Additional Photos of the Ness of Burgi Blockhouse Fort
Path to the Ness of Burgi
Descriptive Sign at the Ness of Burgi
Approaching the Ness of Burgi
Boulder-lined Pathway to Entrance of the Ness of Burgi
Entrance to the Ness of Burgi
Inside Entrance Passageway at the Ness of Burgi
Entrance to Cell in the Ness of Burgi
Cell in the Ness of Burgi
Inside the Blockhouse Cell in the Ness of Burgi
Lintel Stone Over Exit from Cell in the Ness of Burgi
Rear of the Ness of Burgi
Close-Up of Rear of the Ness of Burgi
Close-Up of Triangle Stone in Rear of the Ness of Burgi
Looking South to Horse Holm from the Rear of the Ness of Burgi
Rampart on Landward Side of the Ness of Burgi
Looking Back at the Side and Front of the Ness of Burgi
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