Old Scatness
An Iron Age stone-tower village excavated beside the airport, where in summer costumed guides recreate ancient life.
Old Scatness was discovered in 1975 during road construction for Sumburgh Airport. It contains an Iron Age broch and exceptionally well-preserved roundhouses and Pictish and Viking buildings, some with walls up to two meters high. Run by the Shetland Heritage Trust, the site opens in summer, when guides in Iron Age dress demonstrate weaving and cooking, and a reconstructed roundhouse is on display, which makes it good for families. Opening days are limited, so check in advance. Admission is about £7. The site is about 2 kilometers from Jarlshof.
Opening hours
About Jun–Aug, on select dates
Nearby sights
- Jarlshof
- Sumburgh Head
- Shetland Croft House Museum
- St Ninian's Isle
- Broch of Mousa
- Scalloway Castle & Museum
- Broch of Clickimin
- Up Helly Aa