Orchardton Tower
Ownership
Alexander Carnys took ownership of the lands around Orchardton in the 15th century, possibly as a reward for supporting James II, and it was his nephew's son who is credited with building the tower here in about 1420. It passed to the Maxwells by marriage in teh 16th century, and then in the 18th century to the Douglases (by virtue of bankruptcy on the part of Robert Maxwell in 1785. The Douglases held the property until quite recenttly, although it is likely that the castle was uninhabited since the 18th century..
By the end of the 18th century, the tower was abandoned in favor a new manor house nearby, which has been enlarged and nearly relaced by a baronial mansion in 1881.
looking down on the little barmkin and outbuildings
fireplace and the ornate piscina (a sort of ritual sink) in the main hall