The Picts and their Brochs
as being descended from the old Vikings may add to our boast by claiming to have a blending of Pictish blood in our veins.
There are a few place-names in Shetland that may be regarded as commemorative of the Pictish occupation, such as Pettasmog, which Dr. Jacobsen regards as signifying the hiding-place of the Picts. Then there is Pettaster in Unst, Pettigarth in Whalsay, Pettafirth in Bressay, and Pettadale and Pettawater in Nesting. In olden times Pettadale was spoken of as the chief haunt of trows or hillfolk. To pass Pettawater alone after nightfall required an extraordinary nerve. On the top of the hill overlooking this lonely lake there is a cup-shaped hollow, like the crater of an extinct volcano, called Da Byre o’ Hookame, probably from being used as a hiding-place for cattle.
I shall now add a few descriptive notes with reference to some of the brochs, particularly with reference to those that have escaped public notice.
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