Sorbie Tower, or the “Old Place of Sorbie” is a 16th Century fortified L-shaped house standing virtually complete wall to head. It is now owned by the Clan Hannay Society (acquired in 1965) and is gradually being restored. Although the current building is 16th century, there are 12th century foundations on the site. The tower was probably built by Alexander Hannay of Sorbie, who held the lands of Sorbie from 1569 to around 1612. The Hannays were an important and influential family in Wigtownshire from at least the 13th century and appear to have held the lands of Sorbie from the mid-15th century. The family’s fortunes declined during the late 16th century due to feuds and disputes with powerful neighbours such as the Murrays of Broughton, the Stewarts of Garlies and the Kennedys.
Most of the Sorbie estates were sold in 1626 to Sir Patrick Agnew, and the lands were later granted to the Stewarts of Garlies, who took possession of the Old Place of Sorbie in 1677. The last occupant was Brigadier-General John Stewart, M.P. for Wigtownshire in the British Parliament of 1707, who owned the tower until his death in 1748.
The tower is owned and cared for by the Clan Hannay Society. Over the past ten years the Clan Society has stabilised the tower, which was very fragile. They are now considering further works to fully restore the tower, and to bring it back into some form of use. All the surrounding trees however that gave the site such a presence, have sadly been removed.
http://www.sorbie.net/sorbie_tower.htm
Sorbie Tower does have something of a reputation. Redlights have been reported around the ruins and the area is said to be the haunt of a fearsome ghost of the Grey Lady, who has been seen emerging from the woods onto the driveway, watching people approach her. She is reported as being tall and elegant , but when you draw closer, she becomes grim and grey. Legend states that walking three times counterclockwise around the tower causes the Grey Lady to appear!
How to get there from The Old Smiddy: 7.7 miles (13 mins) via A746 & B7004. What3words: trespass.wonderful.dispenser