Dun Beag

The Broch of Dun Beag ( small fort ) is situated on a hill at Loch Bracadale on the west coast of the Isle of Skye in Scotland. Not to be confused with Dunbeg fort in Ireland.

Location

The location of Dun Beag is from the western side dominating the landscape. On the east side the land rises steadily, and does not give the impression of impregnability. Dun Beag may have served as a landmark for sailors to find their way into the fjord-like Loch Harport. The location of the Broch Dun Ardtreck on the south side of the entrance to Loch Harport could support this theory.

Description

The structure of Dun Beag is remarkably well preserved to about 1.5 meters. The interior of the Broch has a diameter of 11 m. The main wall is 4.3 m thick on average. As with other Brochs the walls are built as the outer and inner shell with cavities between them and openings to the interior to brighten the room. The gap between the walls left room for stone steps, which are particularly impressive at the Broch of Dun Beag.

Dun Beag is one of about 500 Broch, in particular, are to be found in the north and west of Scotland. Broch were built primarily from the last century BC to the 1st century AD. The round tower structures reached a height of 13 or more meters. There are conflicting views about its purpose, but the long preferred by Broch as " Farmstead " is shelved. Some see them as defensive structures, while others believe that they were power and prestige symbols.