Lennox Tower

Heritage Site in Midlothian

Scotland

Lennox Tower

28 Weaver's Knowe Crescent, Currie 1960s Wimpey private housing on an estate to the west of Edinburgh. Semi-detached, three bedrooms, two &#039;public&#039; rooms and kitchen. Gas fire but no central heating. See <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/479755">NT1768 : 1960s housing estate, Currie, suburban Edinburgh</a> for an aerial view of the estate; this house is the one to the left of the pylon visible in that picture. For information, it cost us £3650. — 28 Weaver's Knowe Crescent, Currie Credit: M J Richardson

Lennox Tower is a historic building located in Midlothian, Scotland. Situated on the outskirts of Edinburgh, the tower is a significant heritage site that attracts visitors from around the world.

The tower was originally built in the 15th century as a fortified house for the powerful Stuart family. It served as a residence for various noble families over the centuries, including the Lennoxes, Hamiltons, and Dukes of Richmond. The tower's architecture reflects its medieval origins, with its imposing stone structure and defensive features such as narrow windows and thick walls.

One of the tower's most notable features is its four-story tower house, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Inside, visitors can explore various rooms, including a great hall, a kitchen, and a chapel. The interior is adorned with original features, including ornate fireplaces, decorative carvings, and painted ceilings.

Lennox Tower played a significant role in Scottish history. During the 17th century, it served as a refuge for supporters of Mary, Queen of Scots, during the turbulent political climate of the time. Later, in the 18th century, it became a center for agricultural innovation under the management of the Duke of Richmond.

Today, Lennox Tower is managed by Historic Environment Scotland and is open to the public. It offers guided tours, educational programs, and hosts special events. The tower provides a fascinating glimpse into Scotland's medieval past and is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and architecture lovers alike.

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Lennox Tower Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.893/-3.318 or Grid Reference NT1767. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

28 Weaver's Knowe Crescent, Currie

1960s Wimpey private housing on an estate to the west of Edinburgh. Semi-detached, three bedrooms, two 'public' rooms and kitchen. Gas fire but no central heating. See NT1768 : 1960s housing estate, Currie, suburban Edinburgh for an aerial view of the estate; this house is the one to the left of the pylon visible in that picture. For information, it cost us £3650.

M J Richardson

Farmland at Easter Kinleith

Barley stubbles and pasture, leading up to Warklaw Hill.

M J Richardson

Barley stubble at Easter Kinleith.

Looking north to the Lomond Hills of Fife, just visible on the centre horizon 40km away.

M J Richardson

Winter cereals at Kinleith

Looking across the trees lining the Kinleith Burn towards Capelaw Hill.

M J Richardson

The view from the top of Currie Kirkgate

A good viewpoint for the whole of western Edinburgh, with Currie in the valley of the Water of Leith beyond the field. Corstorphine Hill is the wooded hump on the right, and the Gyle and Hermiston Gait business and shopping areas provide most of the whiteness on the left.

M J Richardson

Farmland at Kinleith

Looking west across barley stubble to a gappy shelter belt.

M J Richardson

Currie Brig on the Water of Leith

A bridge crossed by General Dalziel at the head of his dragoons on their way to crush the Covenanters at the battle of Rullion Green in 1666. Link

kim traynor

House by the Water of Leith

From the location and the weir upstream, this is probably a former mill, downstream from East Mills Bridge.

Jim Barton

Kirkgate and bridge, Currie

Currie Kirk is behind the photographer in this view to the bridge crossing the Water of Leith, taken from the path on the old railway line.

Jim Barton

The Riccarton Arms, Currie

Inn by the A70 Lanark Road, named after the former Riccarton House, now the campus of Heriot Watt University.

Jim Barton

George Heriot Wing, Heriot-Watt University

The Edinburgh Campus occupies the parkland that once surrounded Riccarton House, demolished in 1956. The University acquired the site in the late 1960s and the first departments moved out of Edinburgh city centre in 1973. George Heriot (1563-1634) was jeweller and financier to the Royal Family, and the trust established in his name helped to fund the transition in 1885 from the original Watt Institution and School of Arts to Heriot Watt College. The College became a university in 1966. The George Heriot Wing houses university administration, plus the Health Centre in the part of the building nearest the camera. In the background is the Lord Balerno Building, also home to university administration.

Jim Barton

Main entrance, Heriot-Watt University

The statue of James Watt used to stand outside the university's Chambers Street building in central Edinburgh.

Jim Barton

The Lawn, Heriot-Watt University

A view down to the lawn between two yew trees, part of the formal gardens laid out in 1755 for Riccarton House which used to stand not far from this point. The gardens include a collection of trees and shrubs planted in the 19th century by the owners of the estate, the Gibson-Craig family. The centre of the lawn was once used as a curling green, flooded and frozen in winter. (Source: the nearby information board.)

Jim Barton

The Velvet Walk, Heriot-Watt University

A grassy level walk between shrubs and trees in the formal gardens laid out in 1755 for the estate around Riccarton House.

Jim Barton

Cameron Smail Library, Heriot-Watt University

The library occupies the site of Riccarton House, which was requisitioned as a military headquarters in the Second World War. Post-war the house fell into disrepair and was demolished in 1956. The Riccarton Estate was chosen as suitable for relocation of the university from its central Edinburgh buildings, which began in the early 1970s. The library is named after James Cameron Smail, principal of the then Heriot Watt College from 1928 to 1950.

Jim Barton