Byre West Of Townhead

The byre west of Townhead is a building that likely dates from the mid-16th century and was formerly a bastle house. It features initials "T.D."—thought to be those of Thomas, Lord Dacre, who died in 1566—and the date "MDXX" on the lintel, although this date is not contemporary with the building. The structure is built from thick walls of red sandstone random rubble, with large quoins, and has been raised in height at two different periods. It has a high-pitched roof covered with graduated Welsh slate.

The building is two storeys high and consists of two bays. The ground floor entrance has been slightly enlarged but still retains its shouldered lintel and drawbar tunnel, with later windows flanking it. The upper floor entrance features a chamfered surround and an inscribed lintel, with a two-light stone-mullioned window to the left and a small single-light window to the right, both of which have been filled. There are also small chamfered surround windows on two levels in the right end wall, which have been filled as well. A large projecting buttress chimney stack is located on the left end wall. The rear wall has a similar small filled window, along with a large 19th-century entrance and plank doors, accessed by a ramp. Inside, there is a fireplace with a segmental stone arch, and a later fireplace is located on the opposite end wall.