Drumcoltran Tower

Tower Houses always get me excited, but this one was rather special inside. The restoration work is brilliant and you can see how its occupants would have lived.

Access to the castle is via the signposted path at the front, not through the farmyard.

On entering the tower house, the ground level contains the vaulted cellar, which is split into two parts: one side is the kitchen, and the other is used for storage.

From here, let's head up the staircase to the next level.

From what was once a doorway into the second floor, it now provides a great view down into the vast space. This floor contained two chambers (bedrooms) and a latrine. You can see the fireplaces, windows, latrine and the notches where the floor joists would have once sat.

There is evidence that many of the building's windows were enlarged sometime during the 17th century.

Time to head up yet again, this time to the third floor or attic.

At this level there appears to be a fireplace and small windows. The notches for the joists show that it would have had a floor, maybe another chamber.

Just around the corner and up a few steps is a cosy little watch chamber. Personally, it's my favourite room in the tower house.

Saving the best until last, this room has easy access to the wall walk. The wall walk provides views for miles around and was once for security purposes, but now it's for pure pleasure.

Although Drumcoltran Tower passed to the Irvings in 1668, it was back with the Maxwells by the 18th century, when the surrounding farm buildings were constructed and alterations were made to the tower's interior.

The tower provided accommodation to servants on the farm until it was finally abandoned in the 1800s.

Drumcoltran Tower is now a designated Scheduled Monument with Historic Environment Scotland.

There is only one parking space, so please be mindful and park carefully.