Scottish Castles Association

Benholm Tower as it appeared in the early 1900s

Benholm provides an example of what can happen if restoration becomes entangled in red tape.

In the 1990s following a storm an entire side of Benholm Tower collapsed. The building, prior to this disaster, comprised of the tower and a range of farm buildings. Each of these adjoined an 18th century mansion, which had been abandoned after being used as a hospital during the last war.

The owner wished to restore and noting that the tower's foundations required consolidation he submitted his proposals to the appropriate authorities. Time went by - delayed response followed followed by another delayed response - until the tower took matters into its own hands and simply fell.

Benholm Tower as it is presently