Lochwood Tower

The Johnstones held the property from the 14th century, and it was their main stronghold. In 1643, the family were created Earls of Hartfell, and in 1660, Earls of Annandale. The second Earl of Annandale and Hartfell, was created Marquess of Annandale in 1701. The Maxwells and Armstrongs burnt it in 1585. It was rebuilt, and James VI of Scotland and Ludovic Stewart, 2nd Duke of Lennox stayed on 11 October 1592. The castle was abandoned around 1724.

Lochwood Tower, a Motte-and-bailey castle overlain by a later stone castle, lies on the east of a promontory about 600 m long and 400 m wide, which thrusts northwards into an area of largely-unreclaimed moss. The tower, which was once a strong castle, incorporates some 15th-century work. Not much remains above the level of the vaulted basement. There was a courtyard contained by a wall, which contained the kitchen and other buildings. The hall would have been on the first floor of the main block, with private chambers above. The entrance, which led to a wide turnpike stair, was in the wing. On the north was a hillock 'apparently in part artificial' named 'The Mount', a circular…