Gilnockie Tower

Nestled in the hamlet of Hollows in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland, lies a 16th-century tower house known as Gilnockie Tower. The name Gilnockie is derived from the Scottish Gaelic phrase “Geal Cnocan,” meaning “Little White Hill.” The tower has a rich and intriguing history, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in Scottish history and architecture.

Built around 1520 by Johnnie Armstrong, a famous Border outlaw, Gilnockie Tower has been through a lot over the years. In 1528, the tower was burned down by Sir Christopher Dacre, the English Warden of the Western Marches. In 1530, Johnnie and 50 of his followers were hanged by James V after being tricked into joining a hunting party. Despite the tragedy, the tower was rebuilt, only to be damaged again by English raids in the 1540s. The tower was once again rebuilt, complete with a new parapet walk and a beacon stance on the gable.

In 1978, the tower was bought by Major T.C.R. Armstrong-Wilson and underwent a full restoration. The tower was re-roofed and floors were reconstructed at four levels. Authentic oak doors were fitted to all rooms, and the interior was plastered and fitted with electricity and water. Gilnockie Tower is now a Category A listed building and all work was carried out in consultation with the Scottish Development Department (Ancient Monuments).

After undergoing major repairs between 2015 and 2018, Gilnockie Tower and the Clan Armstrong Centre were opened to the public in April 2018. The tower now houses an authentic clan leader’s house complete with a furnished Grand Hall and Master Bedroom. The tower also holds the Clan Armstrong Museum, which showcases many artefacts related to the Clan Armstrong and has a special section dedicated to Neil Alden Armstrong, the first man on the moon. In 2019, Gilnockie Tower was awarded a 4-star rating from Visit Scotland, making it an internationally recognized destination for anyone interested in the Armstrong Clan’s history.

The tower itself is a simple rubble-built tower house of four storeys plus an attic, measuring 10 by 7.6 meters at the base. The basement comprises a vaulted cellar with gun loops, and a spiral stair in the south-west corner leads up to the first floor, which is devoted to a hall. Above this are two further rooms, with the attic space above the crow-stepped gables. At the top of the wall, corbels show the presence of a parapet walk, which was sympathetically brought up to date during the recent repair program. A notable feature is the beacon stance, corbelled out from the south gable at the highest point of the building.