House of the Binns

The House of the Binns is a manor house near the Scottish village of Blackness in the Unitary Authority West Lothian. In 1971 the building was added to the Scottish lists of monuments in the highest category A monument.

History

Perhaps the lands were already inhabited during the time of the Picts. Later, other buildings were in this place, which is recorded in 1335 as Bynnis. 1478 was there a mansion. Thomas Dalyell, a merchant of Edinburgh, the lands acquired in 1612 and began the erection of the present House of the Binns. The work continued until 1630. For his son, the General Thomas Dalziell, who defeated 1666 the Covenanters at the Battle of Rullion Green, the building was expanded. This trained there also parts of the Royal Scots Greys. Around 1810 the mansion was revised and received its present castle-like character.

Description

The House of the Binns is located on the eastern edge of West Lothian about one kilometer south of Blackness near the southern shore of the Firth of Forth. It has a roughly U- shaped layout. The North exposed front of the three-story building has a symmetrical structure. Both sides appear towers with battlements projecting stylized semicircular. The facades are plastered with Harl. Eaves blind the battlements slated pitched roof. Maybe it was originally two buildings, which were combined later. Various outbuildings complement the main building. Striking is a native of 1828 Folly on the crest of the Binns Hill.