Drumcoltran Tower

Drumcoltran Tower is 9 miles southwest of Dumfries, 6 miles northeast of Dalbeattie, off the A711 road, by the very small Village of Beeswing where there are signs to the Tower. There is a small car park by the Tower, built from the 1550s for Edward Maxwell.

The Tower is open all year, Free to visit. There are no floors left, but you can climb the spiral staircase and walk around the top for great views all around and over the modern Farm below. Postcode: DG2 8LF

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Drumcoltran Tower was built for Edward Maxwell in the 1550s, a younger son of Lord Maxwell.

The Maxwell's were the most powerful family in the area at that time with their main stronghold of Caerlaverock Castle being 16 miles southeast. They were a famous Roman Catholic, Jacobite family.

It is thought Drumcoltran Tower was built to help control this area where the main road runs between Dumfries and Dalbeattie.

1750 - the Tower passed by marriage to Captain John Maxwell who also inherited Cardoness Castle in 1752. Cardoness Castle is 24 miles southwest.

A House was built next to the Tower around that time with the House and Tower used to accommodate farm labourers.

1900s - the wooden floors were removed from the Tower after becoming unsafe.

1900s - the Tower was used as a farm store.

1951 - the Tower was taken under the care of Historic Scotland.

Maxwell History