Orchardton Tower

Orchardton Tower is the only round tower-house in Scotland. It was built in the mid 15th century for John Carnys (or Cairns). A door at ground level leads to a cellar with a vaulted roof. Access to the rest of the tower is via an external stair to the first floor. None of the upper floors remain, but there is a spiral staircase within the thickness of the wall that leads up to the parapet and is covered by a small gabled cap-house. There are also the remains of courtyard buildings.

Location:
On minor road off the A711 about 1 mile south-west of Palnackie, near Dalbeattie
Address:
Orchardton Tower, near Palnackie, Dalbeattie, Dumfries & Galloway
Access:
Historic Scotland. Free open access at any reasonable time
Website:
For further information visit www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

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