Haa of Houss, East Burra

2-storey and attic, 3-bay symmetrical merchant laird's house (now roofless shell). Random rubble walls with polished and droved sandstone ashlar dressings. Blank north gable, south gable predominantly collapsed with window dressing surviving to left at 1st floor. Stone cope and circular can on surviving north gablehead stack. Tall stair window at intermediate height centring rear (E) elevation, door at ground in bay to right.

The Laird of this house, William Sinclair, is reputed to have fought against the Earl of Caithness at the battle of Summerdale in 1529. This building appears to be one of a series of merchant laird's houses built from the end of the 17th century until well into the 19th century. Many of these haas were characterised by their tall two storey and attic form that contrasted strongly with the low stature of Shetland's other buildings at the time. Unusually, the attic of Haa of Houss appears to be a later addition as the stonework suggests the wallhead height has been increased. (Historic Scotland)

November 1990: SCT understands the haa has remained a roofless shell since 1938. The end stack and most of the gable was taken down, possibly in the 1940s. August 2000: External inspection reveals no change.

April 2010: External inspection finds the building remains disused and in a ruinous condition. It appears to be in a similar state to our previous visit.

23 June 2014: External inspection finds the building remains in much the same condition as seen previously. Full Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent for the repair and re-instatement of the building as a dwelling were conditionally approved May 2008 ref: 2008/22/PCD & 2008/23/LBC.

30 July 2018: Shetland Council advise HES that following a complaint about the condition of the haa, they have been made an inspection of the structure's south gable.

3 October 2022: External inspection finds the building to generally be in similar condition. It appears that repair works have been carried out to masonry on North elevation. Some openings have been covered with timber sheeting.