West Tower, Islay House, Islay

The West Tower stands on Islay, a Hebridean island off Scotland’s west coast. It belongs to Islay House and sits beside Loch Indaal, about 100 metres north of the water’s edge. The A847 road passes a short distance to the south, keeping the tower quiet and secluded. Built in the late 18th or early 19th century, it is a small but solid stone structure measuring roughly 4.2 by 3.4 metres. Its walls rise just over five metres, giving the tower a modest yet striking presence. The tower’s design shows careful craftsmanship. The entrance is set in the north wall, while the east and west walls carry blind arches topped by round windows. The south wall is plain, pierced only by narrow slits. A parapet with battlements crowns the top, offering a low platform for views across the loch. Despite its size, the tower carries Category B listing in Scotland’s national records, recognising its historic importance. Inside, the interior is simple and unadorned. Visitors step through the north door into a single chamber lit by the round window high in the east wall. The stone floor and walls remain bare, letting the shape of the building speak for itself. From the parapet, the outlook stretches over Loch Indaal and the surrounding flatlands. The tower’s quiet position and plain lines make it an unassuming yet memorable landmark on Islay.