A most
attractive and elaborate tower, Elcho stands on a low rock overlooking the Tay. Built in
the latter half of the 16th century for the Wemyss family, it is owned by the
Earl of Wemyss and March, though it has been in state care since 1929. There are remains
of a courtyard, with a chapel and a round tower with a kiln. West of the castle is an old
orchard. An old quarry on the north front of the castle may have been the source for the
stone, but where the dressed stone came from is unknown. An old doocot is positioned near
the farm. The doorway, with yett, in the re-entrant leads to the ground floor that has
three vaults – the kitchen with a serving hatch and a bread oven and cellars. A wide
turnpike lads to the first floor, where the great hall and the laird’s chamber are.
Three lesser turnpikes lead to the upper floors, a number of which are missing, though old
joists survive. The stairs reach the parapet walks, with two small rooms with fireplaces
at the tower heads that are reached from the wall walk.
The castle has a wide
selection of latrines, one of which is located at the top of a turnpike stair, and another
is the north wallhead like a small outside privy! |
