Smailholm Tower, near Kelso (Borders)
15C tower
Summary
- 15th century buildings
- Gift shop
- Free car parking (on site)
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Food and Drinks
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Introduction
Home to the Pringles and Scotts, Smailholm is a prominent landmark that proved inspirational to Sir Walter Scott who is buried at nearby Dryburgh Abbey.
1 April - 30 September 9.30 am to 5.30 pm
1 October - 31 March Open Weekends Only - 9.30 am to 4.30 pm
History to the present day
Smailholm’s story takes us from the 15th century to just beyond the Union between Scotland and England in 1707. The lonely tower is associated with two notable Border families – first the Pringles (Hoppringles) up to 1645; thereafter the Scotts of Harden, ancestors of Sir Walter Scott.
The Pringles, who built the tower in the first half of the 15th century, were a prominent Border family. Their position as squires of the powerful earls of Black Douglas brought them the lucrative position of warden of the Ettrick Forest. They suffered from the reivers, as did all people on both sides of the Border.
During two raids in 1544, reivers from Northumberland got away with over 700 cattle and 100 horses. The family relocated to Galashiels in the later 16th century (their burial vault was in Melrose Abbey), and in 1645 the tower and estate at Smailholm was purchased by the Scotts of Harden, near Hawick. They already had a fine house, so they leased Smailholm to a kinsman, Walter ‘Beardie’ Scott, Sir Walter Scott’s great-grandfather.
Food and Drinks
Self service tea and coffee available.
Arrival information and how to find us
Address: , Borders, , United Kingdom
6 miles west of Kelso along the A6089, St Boswells road, before turning off onto B6404. Tower visible from turn off. By Bus use A6089 – Kelso to St Boswells.
