Arnot Tower, 16th century tower house in Scotlandwell, Scotland
Arnot Tower is a 16th century stone structure near Scotlandwell with four main floors and a vaulted basement. Its thick walls reveal its design as a defensive residence for a prominent local family.
The Arnot family built this fortified residence around 1507, though earlier defensive structures occupied the site from 1400 onwards. The location held strategic importance for controlling the surrounding region.
The tower was home to the Arnot family for centuries, shaping the local identity of this rural area. Their presence left traces in the region's storytelling and land ownership patterns.
The ruins stand near the village of Scotlandwell and are accessible through the grounds of the current Arnot Tower House. Getting there is straightforward since the site sits in a rural area with clear pathways.
Local poet Michael Bruce wrote verses in 1760 about a secret romance between an Arnot daughter and a Balfour from nearby Burleigh Castle. This romantic story was retold for generations afterwards and inspired artistic works.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
