Page:The castellated and domestic architecture of Scotland from the twelfth to the eighteenth century (1887) - Volume 1.djvu/290

 THIRD PERIOD 270 - SAUCHIE TOWER exist, but they are fast decaying and falling down. The fourth story contained bedrooms, and the attic, on the level of the parapet, was (as at Clackmannan) no doubt for the garrison. The corbels of the angle turrets and battlements are well preserved, and are peculiarly placed in relation to one another (Fig. 219). The stone roof of the pentagonal stair turret is also noteworthy. On the outside of the turret there are stone steps to enable the watchman to climb up to the gutter behind the turret roof, which would thus form a look-out post. We also find here an interesting fragment of the original wall of the enceinte, with remains of a circular tower and long loop (Fig. 220). These have now been incorporated in a very picturesque specimen of the sort of buildings which the proprietors erected in their courtyards against the enclosing walls in the seventeenth century. This building is much later than the period we are now treating of, but it is good of its kind, and is here illustrated along with the older buildings. From an interesting account of this castle, written by Mr. Bennett, Secretary of the Alloa Archaeological Society, we learn that the barony of Sauchie was granted by Robert Bruce, in 1324, to Henry de Annand. It afterwards was divided between two coheiresses, his descendants, who married William Brown of Colston, and James Schaw of Greenock. The Schaws ultimately acquired the whole property. The tower was in all probability built by James Schaw of Sauchie between 1430 and 1440. The mansion on the west wall (Figs. 222, 223) was erected by one of his descendants in 1631. The tympanum over the entrance door contains the Schaw arms and motto, " I mein weill," together with the above date. On each side stands a figure with a scroll containing the legend BY PROMTS MADE RESTORED YE BE TO HAVE A BLESSED ETERNATTY. On the left-hand dormer window is the motto, " EN BIEN FAISANT," and on that on the right, " JE ME CONTENTE." " The two phrases," says Mr. Bennett, " may be taken as forming one sentence and freely translated, ' In well-doing I satisfy myself,' a paraphrase of the Schaw motto." KINNAIRD TOWER, PERTHSHIRE. Kinnaird Tower is situated in the Carse of Gowrie, about three miles from Errol Railway Station. It is perched on the summit of a grassy knoll, on the southern slope of the Carse hills, in a situation of great beauty and security. It is isolated from the heights behind by a deep dell, through which a little burn runs, and, commanding the situation on all other sides, the fortalice at the time of its erection must have been a place of great strength and security. The building is in a fine state of preservation, having been thoroughly renovated a few years ago by the late Sir Patrick Murray Threipland, Bart.