Broch of Clickimin

The Broch of Clickimin is an ancient fortification just out of Lerwick. Located on a promontory into the lake, it provided a wonderfully defensive home or base for its builders. Staggeringly, it dates to as far back as 400BC, though it may have replaced something older. It is surrounded by a defensive wall- these folk were taking no chances. One wonders why they built so impressive a fortress in so remote a place as Shetland; it certainly wasn’t for the benefit of visiting Englishmen. I dare say these ancient builders knew what they were doing and would barely have gone to so much trouble for nothing.

If anything, such primeval defences are testimony to humans’ corruption. Although cleverly and wonderfully constructed, it was designed to keep its owners safe from other humans. Marauders, thieves, invaders, troublemakers: this blockhouse was intended to keep them all at bay. I grew up at a time when old folk boasted of how they would go out and never lock the door, yesteryears were so safe. I had never the heart to explain they probably owned nothing worth pinching; had they done so, those unemployed mortices and yales would have proved rather more useful. 

It seems that in every age and clime, some humans would spoil, steal, rob and destroy other humans and their goods. Our in-built covetousness, lust and envy has led us to construct strongholds and keeps to save us from each other. Some of our best and oldest buildings are reminders of our depravity. 

Shetlanders were living in this building when the Christ was born in Judaea. Cut off from the wider world- though not from human corruption- these northern folks would have known little of God’s remedy for our depravity- the Gospel. Castles and walls may withstand brigands and outlaws, but they cannot keep us safe from ourselves. Only Christ Jesus’ blood can break vice’s iron grip and withstand the sinful nature’s besieging power.

My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me. Psalms 144:2