Loch of Yarrows

The Loch of Yarrows is a freshwater loch and reservoir in Caithness, in the Highland region of Scotland. It lies about two and a half kilometres southwest of the small settlement of Thrumster. The loch is surrounded by a basin that has been inhabited since the Mesolithic period. On its northeast shore stand the remains of a crannog, an ancient artificial island. A Pictish broch from between 200 BCE and 200 AD stands on the southwest shore. Just over a kilometre south of the loch is a chambered cairn that dates to the Neolithic period.

The site is worth the journey for anyone interested in early settlement remains. The crannog, broch and cairn together show continuous occupation from prehistoric times. The Ordnance Survey map of 1872 records the loch’s name as ‘Yarehouse’, though its origin is uncertain. Archaeologists recognise the area as one of the most important prehistoric landscapes in northern Scotland. The crannog remains are among the best preserved in the region.

Visitors find a quiet loch surrounded by open moorland and farmland. The crannog remains appear as a low stone platform in the water near the northeast shore. The Pictish broch stands as a low circular ruin on the southwest shore. The chambered cairn lies in open fields a short walk south of the loch. The landscape offers wide views across Caithness and a sense of ancient settlement. The loch itself is shallow and fringed with reeds, attracting waterfowl.