The family of Burnett of Leys, with collateral - Electric Scotland

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THE FAMILY OF BURNETT OF LEYS.
sides, and one at the intersection of the sloping sides with the centre portion.
The moulding, which is an effective one of fine section, is arranged at intervals
into squares, and divides the ceiling into something like 107 panels, of varied and
interesting design. In one row the squares are alternately set diagonally, while
in the next row the diagonal squares alternate with circular bosses, upon which
are placed heraldic shields. There are four carved ornaments, in some cases
variations of the supporters of the arms on the shields, radiating diagonally from
these bosses.
The treatment is simple and effective, and, according to an authority already
quoted, "quite unique in this country."
The structure of the roof had been a good deal altered, probably about the
beginning of the i8th century, when the addition to the house was made, a stack
of chimneys having been run up on the north side. In doing this, a dormer
window, next the fire-place, had been completely obliterated from outside view,
by carrying the roof right down to the eaves and building up the lower part of
the window. This was clearly shown by the prolongation of the original oak
rafters with fir ones, and by the sole and a portion of the rybats at the sides of
the window which remained. This window and a small one which had been
bricked up in the south-east turret have now been restored, and more light
introduced into the Gallery. The west window had evidently been altered and
enlarged, as is shown by the introduction of fir beams as in the north window.
It was not considered desirable to build this window up again to its original
dimensions, partly on account of the light, and partly because the ceiling of the
recess being gone it was difficult to determine how it had been finished. The
window recess was adapted to match those of the north windows. The east
window had fortunately been left intact. The sashes of the windows were
comparatively modern, of very rough construction, and evidently makeshifts,
being considered good enough for a lumber room. These have now been
replaced by new windows, with oak sashes and iron fastenings, from designs by
Mr. Watt.
A fine piece of oak panelling and door covers the stairhead. It measures
6 feet 4 inches long and 7 feet 4 inches high, and is divided into two parts. One
of these is fixed "dead," and the other forms the door to the turret stair, and still
swings on its original hinges. It is fastened by a thumb latch, which, by a simple
contrivance, has been made to lock the door on the inside. The door and
adjoining piece of framing are divided into four panels. The stiles and panel
mouldings are cut out of the solid, and the panels are finely moulded on both
sides, the design being varied and richer in the upper panels. A moulded lintel
extends across the whole, and above this there are four square panels with