Over 2,000 years ago in the Iron Age, a broch on an islet towered against the water of Loch an Sticir, North Uist, in the Outer Hebrides. Over 1,000 years later, at the height of the Lordship of the Isles in the 14th century, a grand medieval hall was built into its ruins. Drawing on archaeological evidence, documents and oral histories, Dr Emily Gal discusses what we know about the fascinating site at Dùn an Sticir, and how it has been reimagined through digital technologies in the Uist Unearthed app.
Dùn an Sticir
The impressive remains of Dùn an Sticir are located on a small islet within Loch an Sticir in North Uist. The site is reached by traversing three well-preserved causeways separated by two islets – the larger known as or ‘Isle of the Bad Counsel’. On reaching the site, the lower courses of the circular broch wallsin this way? Perhaps it was the site’s proximity to Port nan Long (Newtonferry), the main landing point for travel to and from Lewis and Harris during the medieval period. The ready-made source of stone is also likely to have been a factor, as well as the site’s significance as a monument from more ancient times.
