Archaeology Notes

Event ID 716230

Category Descriptive Accounts

Type Archaeology Notes

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/716230

NT53NW 5 51315 39375.

(NT 5132 3936) Hillslap Tower (NR) (remains of)

OS 6" map (1967)

Hillslap Tower, which crowns a small knowe, was built in 1585, the date inscribed on the lintel above the entrance. Though roofless, it is fairly complete to the wall-head. Built on the L-plan, it has been four storeys in height, with the wing rising a storey higher, and a stair-turret projecting in the re-entrant angle above first floor level. The main block measures 30ft by 22ft, while the wing, to the NW, measures 10ft by 11 1/2 ft. The entrance, in the re-entrant angle, is protected by gunloops.

The property was also known as Calfhill, as mentioned in a charter of 1586.

RCAHMS 1956, visited 1933; A M T Maxwell-Irving 1974; N Tranter 1962

The remains of Hillslap Tower are as described.

Visited by OS (WDJ) 25 January 1961

Now restored and occupied.

N Tranter 1990.

Descheduled (formerly no. 1714).

Information from Historic Scotland, Certificate of Exclusion from Schedule dated 17 August 1992.

Excavation within the barmkin prior to renovation of the tower and its environs revealed part of the flagged and cobbled surface of the courtyard and the fragmentary remains of a building abutting the tower. It is thought that this outbuilding belonged to the original, late 16th century layout associated with the tower.

J Cannel and J Lewis 1995