Elphinstone Tower

Elphinstone Tower is a ruined early 15th century tower which once belonged to the Elphinstone family.

Parts of the tower date back to the 13th century however the main structure, a three-storey rectangular tower, was built around 1440, possibly by Sir Gilbert Johnstone who married an Elphinstone heiress.

In 1600 a mansion house was built onto the side of the tower by James Johnstoun of Elphingstoun. His daughter, Martha Johnstoun, was married to Alexander Inglis of Tarvet.

The new mansion was demolished in 1865 leaving the tower standing on its own, however by the 1950s it was unoccupied and in disrepair having been damaged by mining-related subsidence, and it was partially demolished in 1955.

Now all that remains is a section of the north wall 4.0m in height, with one doorway still intact.