Carloway Broch
Dun Carloway broch is the country’s second best example of a unique Scottish fort. The type of structure is exclusive to Scotland though its precise use is under dispute. originally built around 2000 years ago, the Carloway broch was used by different peoples over a wide period.
The tower is very well preserved with its highest wall extending to probably its original height. The circular double-skinned drystone walls, tapering in towards the top, provided an extremely well-designed and strongly built strong structure. Large flat stones may have roofed the tower. A narrow staircase and floored passageway is created using flat stones which also ties the concentric circular walls.
The broch commands a prominent position high on a hill with a good view of the mouth of Loch Roag and of the valley below.
It was probably originally used by a high status chief as a home and a symbol of his power with the benefit of a safe refuge if under attack. An ridge running round the internal wall could support a suspended wooden floor to provide upper level accommodation for its human occupants. Livestock would use the ground floor. Local legend suggest there is a secret tunnel from or near the broch to which enabled its occupants to either escape or obtain drinking water from the loch below at times the fort was surrounded by enemies.
The borch has two chambers on the ground floor around the open centre space. An intruder who would be forced to crouch before attempting to enter through the sole low front doorway only to be be set upon by a guard hidden in the adjacent small cell.
Even the internal design of the broch provides an strategic advantage against any enemies who did managed to breach the entrance. Attackers would be effectively constrained, perhaps trapped, on the open lower floor - easy prey for the occupants, hidden in the double walls, to pick off.
A mass attack on the upper levels would be difficult as assiliants could only ascend the narrow stairwell in single file making them vulnerable to a counter-attack.
About a thousand years after it was initially constructed islanders would have exploited its height to maintain a watch against Vikings longships sailing down the coast.
The Norse raids started from the mid-700s and the broch could have been protection for terrified villagers. In time, settled Vikings may have used the fort as a defence against raids by their own countrymen.