Nearby to Abbey St Bathan’s in the east of the Scottish Borders is the remarkable Edin’s Hall hill fort and a rare example of an Iron Age broch in the southern Scotland. The site contains a variety of Iron Age structures over several occupations, making it a particularly interesting site to investigate.
Brochs are circular drystone constructions that only exist in Scotland. They began cropping up in the country between 400 and 200 BC. They are typically found in the north and west of Scotland, so to have such a well preserved example existing in the lowlands makes Edin’s Hall even more unique. Moreover, the broch at Edin’s Hall is substantially larger than typical brochs, with a diameter of 22 metres.
To the left, an aerial view of the remarkable broch.
The broch stands to the west of the enclosed remains of an early Iron Age fort defended by multiple ditches and ramparts. This space also housed a settlement of roundhouses. It is likely that these roundhouses preceded the broch yet continued to be used in conjunction with the broch’s construction.
To the right, a wider view of the hill fort and broch looking down from the north.
Historic Environment Scotland maintain the site and you can read more about its fascinating story here.
