Amisfield Tower

Amisfield Tower is a four-story stone building in Tinwald with three two-story turrets and one flat-topped corner, built from rubble walls and red ashlar stone in the upper sections. The structure combines functional defensive elements with carefully worked stonework that underscores its historical importance.

The Charteris family built this tower around 1600 when sturdy stone structures offered protection for property during unstable times. In 1636 the estate passed to John Dalziel of Newton during the Wars of Three Kingdoms.

The building shows features of Scottish defensive design with an ornamented oak door depicting Samson, now housed in the National Museum of Scotland. These decorative details reveal how wealthy families furnished their homes with meaningful symbols and fine craftsmanship.

The property functions today as a venue and accommodates up to 20 guests in the tower itself. A separate pavilion on the grounds holds up to 180 people and allows for different types of gatherings and celebrations.

Inside, preserved painted borders on the walls show lion faces, a rare decorative detail from that era of wealthy homes. All defensive gun slits in the tower are placed exclusively in the upper levels, pointing to strategic planning for defense.