Historic Scotland says this 'Watch Tower' was built by Dalkeith Churchyard Association to inhibit the rifling of graves by "resurrectionists". Access to the upper floor was by means of a ladder and trap-door. The Tower was restored in 1986. A similar watch tower (only circular), built for the same purpose, can be found in St Cuthbert's graveyard, Edinburgh. But another source (Flikr) says The watchtower dates from 1827, when the activity of 'body-snatching' was at its height. Newly buried corpses were stolen so that they could be sold to the medical profession for the purpose of dissection. Dated 1827. 2-stage crenellated octagonal tower. Stugged sqared and coursed red sandstone rubble. Droved rybats and quoins. Ashlar raised cills and crenellated battlement. Doorway to NE with lintel inscribed "1827"; boarded door. Slit in recessed panel to all elevations at 2nd stage