Ardclach Bell Tower

A curiously small two storeyed tower built in the Covenanter period probably as a watch tower. Lovely location and easy to visit. Worth a stop!

Ardclach Bell Tower is something of an architectural oddity. It is small – about 4.3 metres squared overall with only two storeys. So it was two small as a home. The ground floor may have been a prison, judging by its small door and lack of windows. The floor above, reached by a narrow stone stair, has a fireplace in the north wall, with a square pistol hole on each side. There is another pistol hole in the south wall and the west wall has a small square window. A small belfry is on top of the south gable.

The tower was built in 1655 based on the only evidence which is the date carved on a stone in the south gable. There is no written evidence extant to better date the tower. The builder seems to have been Alexander Brodie of Lethen – the initials  MGB, probably standing for his second wife Margaret Grant Brodie, are carved above the second-floor fireplace. 

Alexander Brodie was a noted local Covenanter (religious dissident). His support for the Presbyterian cause had led to his estate being attacked and plundered on several occasions. One occasion was in 1645, after the Marquis of Montrose defeated the Covenanters at the nearby Battle of Auldearn.

Speculation is that Brodie may have built the tower as a watchtower-cum-prison, as a precaution against further trouble. The little belfry was a later addition. It housed the church bell for the parish kirk in the Findhorn valley below.

Contact Phone Number

01667 460 232

Websites to Visit

Nearby Towns

Nairn

Travel Directions to Ardclach Bell Tower

Travel Directions

9m South of Nairn. Signposted off the A939 to Grantown on Spey. 

Nearby Castles

  • Rait Castle

    Very ruinous castle near Nairn that needs attention if it not to slump into ruin and total dilapidation

  • Inshoch Castle

    Ruin of Z Plan towerhouse to the north of Inverness that fell into decay around early 18th century and now is now a romantic ruin. Located beside farm buildings

  • Cawdor Castle

    14th Century castle that is still inhabited by the original family. Outstanding gardens and very interesting interior make this an excellent day out. Near Nairn.

  • Brodie Castle

    16th century castle incorporating early work and including much later work. Now in care of NTS and open to public

  • Kilravock Castle

    15th century stately home which is mainly closed but can be viewed by appointment. 

Ardclach Bell Tower Cottages and Holiday SelfCatering

Cottages Nearby

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