Sorbie Tower
Building In Newton Stewart, Scotland
16th century tower built for Alexander Hannay, and still owned by the family today.

Sorbie Tower is a fascinating place with a rich history of the Clan Hannay, and was built in the late 16th Century. We visited this truly hidden gem in July 2024 as part of our tour around the area of Newton Stewart, and it was one of the first places we explored. Definitely off the beaten track, we were lucky to have the place to ourselves.
On the day we visited, we weren't sure whether we would be able to have a mooch inside, however after we wandered onto the grounds we were greeted by Steve Hanna who became our guide for an hour or so and took us for a peek inside. Steve gave us some fascinating insights into the history of the Hanna/Hannay family and the tower and talked very passionately about the restoration work that has begun. He admitted himself that it will be a long journey but one that he was excited to be on. After his fab tour we were able to make a donation to this exciting project, in a little hut on our way out.
The first thing that greets you in the tower grounds is the remains of a 12th-century motte, an earthen mound often associated with early medieval castles. This location, surrounded by marshland (the name Sorbie itself means dwelling amid swamps), offered natural protection to the Hannay Clan who lived here. It's upon this site that the present tower house was constructed, suggesting a desire to build upon a legacy.




The Tower was constructed around 1570-1575 and was likely built by Alexander Hannay, a prominent member of the Clan Hannay. The tower's L-shaped design, constructed from rubble masonry, was typical of the tower house style prevalent in Scotland during this period.
The L-Shape design offered several advantages including: increased living space, enhanced defence and adaptability; the L-plan could be easily extended upon by adding additional wings or chambers, allowing the tower to grow alongside the needs of the inhabitants. Sorbie Tower's specific L-shape is not perfectly symmetrical. The main block rises to three stories with an attic, while the wing extends a floor higher culminating in a gabled watch-chamber. These fortified residences served as both homes and defensive structures, reflecting the often-turbulent times.
Sorbie Tower's layout may have looked something like this:
Ground Floor: This level likely housed service areas. The north end of the main block would have been the kitchen, featuring a large fireplace for cooking and heating. Vaulted cellars in the remaining space could have been used for food storage and other practical purposes. A small vault beneath the main stairway in the wing might have served as a secure water storage facility.
First Floor: This floor contained the great hall, the central living space for the occupants.
Upper Floors: The second and attic floors probably housed private chambers, used for sleeping and storage.
Staircase: A key element of tower house design, the staircase would have connected the different floors. Sorbie Tower is said to possess a "handsome, squared scale-and-platt" staircase, an unusual feature suggesting a higher level of craftsmanship compared to some tower houses.
Machicolations: These are openings in the parapet that allowed defenders to drop projectiles onto attackers below.
Watchtower: The higher wing with its gabled chamber could have functioned as a dedicated lookout point, allowing occupants to look out for danger.




Sorbie Tower remained the seat of Clan Hannay for over a century. However, the 17th century brought a series of misfortunes for Clan Hannay. A long-running feud with the Clan Murray of Broughton escalated, culminating in the Hannays being outlawed and their lands confiscated. This devastating blow stripped them of their ancestral home at Sorbie Tower and forced them to scatter. The reasons behind the feud are unclear, but it likely stemmed from a combination of land disputes, rivalries, and the volatile political climate of the time. With the Hannays weakened by internal conflicts, the Murrays, a more powerful clan in the region, were able to gain the upper hand, securing a victory with significant consequences for the Hannays.



In 1677, the property was sold to the Earl of Galloway. The reasons behind this are unclear, but it marked a turning point in the tower's history. By 1748, with the death of the last resident, Brigadier-General John Stewart, Sorbie Tower began its descent into ruin. Exposed to the elements and devoid of proper care, the tower gradually succumbed to time.
The 20th century witnessed a renewed interest in Sorbie Tower. The formation of the Clan Hannay Society in 1962 marked a significant step towards reclaiming their heritage. In 1965, the Society received the gift of Sorbie Tower, marking a symbolic homecoming for the clan.
The clan embarked on a long-term restoration effort, determined to preserve this vital piece of their heritage. The initial focus was on stabilizing the structure, with essential repairs undertaken to prevent further deterioration. Supported by grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Historic Environment Scotland, the Clan Hannay Society has made significant strides. Scaffolding has been erected, walls have been consolidated, and the ground floor has been secured. Efforts are also underway to clear surrounding vegetation and improve access to the site. Sorbie Tower's future remains a work in progress, but the dedication of the Clan Hannay Society offers a glimmer of hope. Definitely a place to visit if you're in the area and you might get lucky too and have Steve as your guide to show you around.

Above you can see a model of Sorbie Tower how it would have looked in it's heyday. This is part of the exhibition at the Whithorn Trust Museum, another interesting place to visit and learn about the history of south-west Scotland.
You can also find some more inspiration in our list of things to do in Newton Stewart
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How To Find Sorbie Tower
Where To Park For Sorbie Tower?
Lat / Long
54.793235, 54.793235
What three words
There are a few parking spots a couple of minutes walk away.
Contributed by Sandra Clemens
I love the great outdoors and have been a National Trust & English Heritage member for years. I also love going off the beaten track and finding places like Sharp's Folly or Rothley Castle which are hidden gems in Northumberland. My favourite recent hike was climbing Red Screes in the Lake District on a whim, not fully grasping how high 776m was. It was still an achievement to conquer a Wainwright walk and I hope to do more one day.
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