Binns, a mansion in the W of Abercorn parish, Linlithgowshire, 4 miles WNW of Linlithgow. A castellated structure, built in 1623, and enlarged about 1820, it stands amid fine old trees, ¾ mile distant from the Firth of Forth, on the western grassy slope of Binns Hill (200 feet), whose top is crowned by a conspicuous tower. Within are beautiful plaster ceilings, curious old furniture, and a collection of family and royal portraits, the latter said to have been saved from the burning of Linlithgow Palace in 1746. For more than three centuries the seat of a branch of the Dalyells, Binns was the birthplace of Sir Thomas Dalyell (1599-1685), the bearded Muscovy general, who routed the Covenanters at Rullion Green in 1666; who, in old age, adorned this mansion with ` avenues, large parks, and fine gardens, pleasing himself with the culture of curious flowers and plants; ' and who, in 1681, embodied here the Scots Greys regiment. In 1685 his son received a baronetcy, whose sixth holder, Sir John Graham Dalyell (1776-1851), was an eminent antiquary, and author of 17 works. The present and eighth baronet, Sir Robert Alexander Osborne Dalyell (b. 1821; suc. 1865), is twentieth in lineal descent from Walter, Earl of Menteith, and owner of 820 acres in the shire, of an annual value of £1795, 15s.
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