Tower of Hallbar

The barony of Braidwood was first granted to John de Monfod in 1326, by Robert the Bruce. In 1581, the barony was transferred to Harie Stewart of Gogar, brother of James Stewart of Bothwellmuir, who was briefly Earl of Arran (Scotland) during the insanity of the third earl, James Hamilton. The tower was recorded at this time, making it likely that it was built in response to James V's edict that "tours of fence" be built on all lands over £100 Scots in value. Braidwood, and Hallbar with it, came into the possession of Lord Maitland of Thirlestane Castle, later passing through the hands of the Marquess of Douglas, before changing hands again in 1681, when it was bought by George Lockhart of…

The narrow, five-storey tower is only 7.5 m square, with walls up to 1.6 m thick. Each level originally had a single room. A winding stair, built into the thickness of the walls, wraps around and links the floors. At the basement level is a low-vaulted cellar with its own access. The main door is at the first-floor level, opening onto a small hall. Above this are two further rooms, the second vaulted. The stairs continue to a pyramidal cap-house, giving access to the east parapet walk. The west parapet walk is accessed through the garret room at this level. The parapet walks are corbelled, as is an oriel window in the south gable. A projecting garderobe was added on the west wall in the…