Barmagachan

Barmagachan is a late 17th century laird’s house which may have incorporated, or perhaps replaced, an earlier tower.

Just to the east of the building is Barmagachan motte which the tower was likely built to replace. When the tower was built is not clear however it was mentioned in the early 16th century.

By the early 15th century the property belonged to the Keith family and seems to have been split between three heiresses. One of them, Margaret de Keith, was married to John Mure or Muir and in 1459 they received a charter for the third part of the baronial lands of Crachlew, Longastir and Barmakgachin which Margaret had resigned. An Edward Mure, possibly their son, was confirmed in the lands of Barmacgachin, le Chapeltoune and Bournes in 1477.

In 1511 Peter Mure of Bermagachane and Stephen Tailyefere sold the lands of Bermagachane, Chapeltoun and Burrowness to William MacLellan of Bondby and his wife, Elizabeth Mure. The sale was confirmed by the King in the following year when William and Elizabeth were granted a licence to sell the 4 merk lands of old extent of Barmagachane, with the tower, place and mansion, back to Peter Mure.

The present building largely dates from the early 18th century and above the door is an empty recessed panel which is thought to have held an armorial panel which is now to be found in Kirkandrews Old Church. The panel is carved with the initials of Ephraim McLelland and Grizell Lindsay.