Tuesday 14 May 2013

Broch Dreams


Being inspired is a great human attribute. There's no accounting for the cause of curiosity and compulsion. Gilbert Goudie was a schoolboy living in Edinburgh when he became fascinated by the Broch of Levenwick, some 17 miles below Lerwick on the east side of Shetland's South Mainland.


He went on to explore and become an authority on the structure. His diagram of the construction, before it was damaged in a gale of 1900, is a centrepiece of a new exhibition at the Shetland Museum and Archives.


Brochs have their devotees; beaches their enthusiasts. The Beach of Levenwick (above) has the look of a place that will attract many. Young Gilbert went to the broch with his spade and 'kaishey', while others would be delighted just to take these pieces of kit to the sands.

Scottish Islands Explorer - this blog has its 98 'Members'. Make it a ton?

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