and Warden's Lodge The tower stands in a circular enclosed area of ground with a group of trees surviving from the original extensive plantings. To the left of the gate as you enter the plot once stood a neat lodge where the tower's warden or guide lived. In Archibald Adamson's time (1875) a Visitors' book existed that shows over 2000 visitors between 1857 and 1858. A number of interesting portraits were displayed, including a fine lithograph of Wallace was amongst and amongst the others were portraits of Robert Burns, King Robert the Bruce, General Neill and a full-length portrait of the Earl of Eglinton. The OS Maps indicate that the lodge stood until the 1970s, however no remains are now extant. It has also been suggested that it was demolished between 1945 and 1947, the contents being taken to Ayr Town Hall. The view from the tower battlements is of the town of Ayr, the site of Coilsfield House, Rosemount, Tarbolton, Arran, Kilmarnock, and the Carrick Hills. Ownership and access The tower was not provided with an endowment by its builders and became the responsibility of the Ayr Town Council and its successor, South Ayrshire Council. At first, as stated, a guide was employed to show visitors around, later the key was available from nearby Barnweil Hill Farm, then the monument could be accessed by arrangement with South Ayrshire Council. At present the tower is closed, although a 'Tourist' road sign exists to direct visitors to view the site. No car park exists. Flying the Saltire For many years the flag on the tower was flown at half mast on 25 September, the day on which General Neil of Barnweil was killed. Bryden records that 'the flag' was displayed on 15 May, 12 June, 12 July and 11 September, as these were the dates of the burning of the Barns of Ayr, and the battles of Biggar, Black Earnside, and Stirling in the years 1297 and 1298. Additionally the flag was raised on 24 June to commemorate Bannockburn and on the birthday of Robert Burns, every 25 January. See also Barnweill Church Wallace Monument References Notes Sources Allan, Shiela et al. (2003). Historic Prestwick and its surroundings. Ayr: AANHS. . Adamson, Archibald R. (1875). Rambles Round Kilmarnock. Kilmarnock : T. Stevenson. Bryden, Robert (1915). Ayrshire Monuments Etched by Robert Bryden. Ayr : Stephen & Pollock. Campbell, Thorbjørn (2003). Ayrshire. A