Introduction

This evening, I am providing information on Smailholm Tower in the Scottish Borders, a haunting tower house which sits proudly on the stark landscape. The Tower is located between Kelso and Galashiels, about forty miles S.E. of Edinburgh.

Information on the Tower

Summary information as follows:

• A rectangular building constructed of black volcanic rock and red sandstone sitting atop a volcanic outcrop at a height of 650 ft above sea level.
• Founded in mid 16th century for the Pringles (or Hoppringles) who were squires of the mighty ‘Black Douglas family. Ownership later transferred during the 17th century to the Scotts of Harden from whom romantic novelist Sir Walter Scott is descended.
• The tower has five levels: Bottom two were intended for storage and top three for occupation. Surrounding the base was an outer wall or ‘barmkin’ six feet thick.
• Architecture is a function of the turbulent era in which it was constructed, defensive with gunholes.
• Over the years Smailholm was caught in various military activities and suffered from Border Reiving attacks.
• On a more peaceful note, Scottish romantic novelist Sir Walter Scott was brought to nearby Sandyknowe Farm as a child in the 1770s to convalesce.The Tower had a powerful effect on Scott’s imagination. His time here inspired his subsequent writings, particularly the Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border(1802).

Video clip

View from Smailholm Tower, Scottish Borders.

This is a quality attraction but access can be difficult requiring visitors to scramble over rough ground where cattle roam. However, such effort is rewarded by the stunning views  over the local landscape.

More information

For more information on the Scottish Borders region, Scottish castles and touring Scotland please refer Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4