Jarlshof Archaeological Site

Jarlshof is a remarkable archaeological site sandwiched between busy Sumburgh airport and the seashore. Windy spot has attracted dwellers over thousands of years, first probably arrived around 2000 BC. In between waves of Stone Age, Bronze Age, Iron Age, Viking and medieval settlers, sand blew in covering the traces of their houses or else new arrivals built on to what was already there. The jumbled remains include circular stone huts with underground earth-houses, 5-600 BC; broch from around 100 AD with wheel-houses added some time during next two centuries; Viking and medieval farmsteads; and finally early 17th century Laird’s house, partly built by infamous Earl Patrick, and christened Jarlshof by Sir Walter Scott. Small admission charge. Open daily.