Rubbish dumped and stones removed at Iron Age tower in Shetland

Police are investigating after rubbish was dumped and stones were removed from a protected Iron Age tower in Shetland.

Officers said damage was caused to the Clickimin Broch in Lerwick between Friday, January 17, and Monday, January 20.

Rubbish was said to have been dumped inside and stones were removed from the site.

The broch – a sophisticated type of stone-built roundhouse found only in Scotland – has evidence of settlement spanning over a thousand years.

Police say it is a protected site under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 and, therefore, an offence to cause damage recklessly or deliberately to it.

Officers said the taking of stones and mistreating monuments and memorials is “extremely disrespectful”.

A Police Scotland statement read: “Officers in Shetland have been investigating damage caused to the Clickimin Broch in Lerwick. Rubbish has been dumped within the Broch and stones have been removed.

“It would appear that this occurred sometime over the weekend between Friday, January 17, 2025, and Monday, January 20, 2025.

“Many Brochs and other scheduled monuments are protected under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979, and as per section 28 of the act it is an offence to cause damage recklessly or deliberately to ancient monuments.

“Not only is it an offence, taking stones and mistreating monuments/memorials is extremely disrespectful and can risk damaging the monuments for others to enjoy and learn about.

“If you have any information about this incident, please get in touch with us via our website or through 101, quoting incident number 1204 of January 21, 2025.”