Mousa, Old Scatness and Jarlshof

These three sites spread over southern Shetland, provide evidence of a rich Iron Age archaeological heritage.

They show various facets of Iron Age life, Mousa is the northernmost site and is on a separate island and is renowned for its large 2,000-year-old Broch (a massive circular drystone tower). Old Scatness and Jarlshof are both remains of villages, and are located a kilometre from each other. Old Scatness shows the evolution of the large roundhouses and the gradual integration of Pictish settlers. Jarlshof is internationally renowned for showing the continuous evolution from Iron Age through Pictish settlement to te viking period. These three sites combine to create an archeological ensemble that is greater than the sum of their parts and demonstrate a highpoint of Iron Age culture in northern Europe.