Mousa Boat Trips Website

*INFORMATION*
*SOUTH MAINLAND RANGER SERVICE* GUIDED WALKS ON MOUSA
	There are optional guided walks around Mousa to look for birds, seals and wild flowers including a visit to Mousa Broch on these selected dates:- May 1st, 8th,15th 22nd 29th June 5th 12th 19th 26th July 3rd 10th 17th 24th 31st August 7th 14th 21st 28th September 4th Cost Adults £2.50 Children FREE For further information about these walks, please contact Howard on 01595 694688 or 07767 615414 (Mobile) prior to your trip. Please remember to book your Ferry trip as normal.
*SANDWICK*
The Home of Mousa Boat Trips

Sandwick is situated midway between the southern tip of Shetland and the main town of Lerwick. The Mousa Ferry runs from Leebitton, the slipway can be seen in the photo to the left, next to the impressive baronial mansion of Sandlodge.

Throughout the ages Sandwick has participated in many different industries. There are the remains of the copper mining, which was still worked at the turn of the century, in the Sandlodge area. From this northern part of Sandwick a track continues south along the coast to the significant remains of the Broch of Burraland. Although this is not in the league of Mousa Broch these two towers would once have stood guard over the Sound of Mousa. Further round the coast is the blowhole known as the Kirn on the Ness of Cumliewick. This hole is about 10m in diameter and you can look down to see the sea below. There is a cave on the coast nearby and, on a calm day, it is possible for a small boat to enter the cave and reach the Kirn. The old sheds and pier at Broonies Taing, on the south side of Sandwick, show what an important role the fishing industry played in the local community. This whole area is blessed with wonderful sheltered sandy beaches, ideal for picnics.

Sandwick is one of the most active sporting area on Shetland. It has a large modern school which has superb indoor facilities for communal use. Next to the school is the swimming pool which also boasts excellent facilities.

BROCHS

BROCHS
As Scotland entered the Iron-Age (600BC - AD500) the general feeling of unrest led to the building of a series of defensive round stone towers known as Brochs. It is unclear whether these uniquely Scottish forts were built by the invaders or the native population, but it seems they were built to provide short-term defence against siege. With limited space for the provision of stores, a few cattle could be kept within the walls and some had an in-built water supply. Although, many Brochs were built in regions routinely attacked by raiders, it is generally felt that Brochs afforded protection against a neighbour who held a grudge over a domestic dispute.

MOUSA BROCH
The Broch building period ended around AD100. During this later period they were probably seen as status symbols for their owners rather than for defence. The Island of Mousa has the best-preserved example of these ancient fortresses.
Mousa Broch is a little narrower than most but at a height of 13.3m it is almost unique. The tower structure is formed from two concentric stone walls that are made from local quarried stone. The entrance to the inner body is via a low passage through the walls. Once inside the tower you see a stone water tank that has been dug into the bedrock. The diameter of the Broch is wider at the bottom as the solid base includes three oval cells. These would have provided sanctuary and ample storage facilities. As you rise up through the tower the walls become hollow. It is possible to climb a narrow spiral staircase, between the walls, which leads to the top of the Broch. As you proceed along the staircase you can peer into six galleries, which lie between the inner and outer walls. These galleries are floored and roofed with large slabs, which probably aided the stability of such a tall tower. There were gaps in the inner wall, which would allow light into these galleries, which could also have been additional storage areas. There is evidence that the Broch could have had internal wooden floors offering protection on a number of levels. It is quite possible to walk around the top of the tower and view part of the original slanting roof that would have been constructed by other large slabs. It is felt that the height of the Broch would have been chosen because it offers a slight view of the sea to the east of Mousa. This would allow the inhabitants to see any invaders before being spotted themselves.
Most Brochs have been dismantled throughout time by succeeding dwellers who found other uses for the stone. Also, living habits changed and so such structures were no longer considered practicable or desirable. However, the Mousa example has remained more or less unchanged over the last 2000 years due, largely, to its remote location.