Mousa Broch and Jarlshof, Shetland
Breakfast was enjoyed while scanning the panorama of Mousa Island, Shetland, with its curious Pictish Broch, the first destination of today’s expedition. Directly after finishing breakfast coffee and donning appropriate attire we were whisked ashore in the fleet of nimble Zodiacs.
The Broch is a fortified dwelling built by the long-gone Pictish people and is unique to Shetland & Orkney, the Western Isles and the North East of Scotland. From the exterior it resembles no more than an enormous upturned flowerpot with one, small opening at the base. However once inside we discovered the true complexity and ingenuity of this sophisticated and perfectly designed structure, almost untouched by the passing of some 2,000 years. Vinnie explained its usage and construction methods and Steve illuminated the otherwise pitch-black stairs that encircle the building within the double-wall structure. From the top of the building, still accessible, we had great views of the ship and the mainland of Shetland beyond. Outwith the Broch others of our party were lucky enough to spot several species of seabirds, seals and even an otter.
While repositioning to our next port of call, President Mary Robinson, one-time president of the Irish Republic, gave an account of her personal involvement in the events of the past week in her home country. First, the official visit of Queen Elizabeth II, then the death of the ex-Prime Minister Garrett Fitzgerald (a close personal friend of President Robinson) and then the official visit of President Obama. As she pointed out these events are a significant part of current Irish politics, international relations and history. A very insightful and thought-provoking presentation.
During lunch we came alongside in Lerwick enabling us to leave the ship in the early afternoon and head out to another important archaeological site – Jarlshof in the Sumburgh Head area of Shetland. Here are the ruins of another Pictish Broch but also, one on top of the other, are ruins from the medieval period, the Viking period, the Victorian era plus the contemporary buildings of the Sumburgh Head Hotel. It is a fascinating site just to stand and look at but, again, Vinnie gave a detailed explanation of just what we were looking at, which ruins came from which period, and how it all fits into the bigger picture of Shetland history.
Back on ship and after dinner Josh, the Video Chronicler, gave a preview of the DVD he has been producing ever since we left Portsmouth (seems like a very long time ago, doesn’t it?) and what we can expect to receive from him before we leave the ship in two days time in Bergen. But tomorrow we have one more day to enjoy Shetland and, perhaps, another presentation from President Robinson.
