Mousa Broch

	Mousa Broch from the approach to it from the landing stage.

Mousa Broch, the most complete in Britain - which is to say the most complete in the world - is something I have long wanted to see and at last, in 2025, I made up my mind to take the plunge and travel to the Shetlands.

The day I landed after being awake all night on the ferry was beautiful and sunny and I felt I had better take advantage of it, so headed straight for the Mousa Ferry. High winds over the previous three days had kept the ferry from sailing, so there was quite a crowd waiting to board. Wanting to film without other people in the way, I had to walk at top speed for nearly a mile, but even so I was beaten to it by two young ladies.

And then they did what I hoped they would. They stopped to take a picture of each other standing in front of - and no doubt obscuring - the broch. While first one and then the other posed and they compared pictures and giggled, I caught up and plunged into the broch well ahead of them - but if you detect any heavy breathing as I climb the stairs, that's why!

On the way over the boat stopped to let us see Burraland Broch, which stands on a headland opposite Mousa. Being on the "mainland", however, it was convenient for farmers to demolish to use the stone for their farm houses, a fate that Mousa Broch escaped thanks to its remoteness.

If you ever visit Mousa, be aware that the stairs are only about two or two and a half inches wide - too narrow to accommodate your whole foot. I fell twice in the unlit part and normally I'm pretty sure-footed, so be careful!