The hidden chamber within Carn Liath Broch: A mystery still shrouded in ancient

Carn Liath, also known as Grey Cairn, is an Iron Age broch in Sutherland, Scotland, situated near Golspie on the A9 road. It falls under the care of Historic Environment Scotland. The broch has an external diameter of about 19 metres and an internal diameter of approximately 10 metres. Its walls are notably thick, and the entrance passage spans over 4 metres in length. The entrance is adorned with elaborate door checks and a bar-hole for controlled access. To the right of the entrance passage, there is a small guard cell.

Remnants of additional stone buildings can be found around the site. The site was first excavated in the 19th century, but the entrance passage was no longer visible by 1960. A more extensive excavation took place in 1986, during which the existence of a hidden chamber within the broch was discovered. While the chamber was not constructed during the Bronze Age, as the site was occupied during that period, the 1986 excavation concluded that it was built after the broch. The purpose of this chamber remains a mystery, as it contained no human remains or artifacts.

Today, visitors can still explore the hidden chamber, offering a unique perspective on Scotland’s ancient architecture and history.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons