Mousa Broch
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Mousa Broch is the finest example of a broch in Shetland, and is the tallest still standing broch in the world. It dates from around 100 BC to AD 100, during the final period of broch building.
Located on the island of Mousa, it stands some 44 feet (13 m) high and is accessible via a single entrance at ground level. Once inside, a visitor may ascend an internal staircase to an open walkway at the top. It is the only broch which is complete right to the top, including the original internal stairwell. It is built of dry stone with no mortar, thus any disturbance could cause a great deal of damage.
It is mentioned in extant sources as being used as a place of defence during invasions, as well as a lovers' hideout.
In January 2005 it was announced that archaeologists used 3D laser scanning to catalogue the structure in detail for possible repairs. With the scans it is now possible to see how the structure was constructed in detail.
