Auchenhard Tower in the Mist

Image: © Ian Dodds Taken: 11 Dec 2020

Described as both a gothic picturesque folly and a hunting tower by online references. There is no reason of course it can't have been both. It is situated on the North bank of Breich Water, and belonged to, and quite possibly still does belong to Auchenhard House, which is just a bit further up the bank. The date of construction is unknown and is thought to be at some point between the late 1700s and the early 1800s. Interestingly, the house and grounds were bought by James 'Paraffin' Young, the local shale oil industry pioneer, who lived there while overseeing the construction of the massive Addiewell Chemical Works nearby, and remained in his ownership until his death, upon which they passed to his company. Remarkably the house, and neighbouring Auchenhard Farm, which he bought along with the house, weren't actually bought out from oil company ownership until the 1980s. The house itself was derelict since the 1960s, but was restored about 15 years ago. Christmas lights were twinkling in the house window today, so all still in good repair as the professionals would say.

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