A few kilometres to the west of Galashiels in the picturesque Scottish Borders stands Torwoodlee Tower. Perched on an elevated terrace overlooking what is now the A72 road to Peebles, it must have looked quite striking in its day.
Visitors today will see a ruin which has three partly complete sides, with only the northern end entirely missing. It is made from local whinstone rubble, and features thick walls. Of particular interest is the distinctive turret that adds to its stature and charm.
It is believed that the ground floor was divided into a three vaulted chamber, one of which would have been the kitchen. On the first floor would have been the main hall and living space, while the second floor would have housed the bedrooms. The turret housed the stairwell and main entrance to the tower.
Torwoodlee Tower was built by the Pringle family in 1601. This was at a time when the Scottish Borders was still characterised by clan conflicts and Border Reivers. The Pringles, while they are not so well documented in Reiver history, were active during the period leading up to the tower’s construction.
The Pringles would likely have had some tense dealings with the Kers of Cessford, and they had a long running feud with the Elliots. Indeed, Torwoodlee Tower itself replaced an earlier structure destroyed in 1568 by a force of Elliots, Armstrongs and other reiver clans.
But despite the need for security, the tower was built in expectation of better family fortunes and more settled times to come. This is seen by the building’s large footprint, and the number of windows in the structure. Terraced gardens also flanked the tower, which was accessed via a tree-lined avenue from the east.
George Pringle, who was the 4th Laird at the time the tower was built, died in 1637. His successor, James (5th Laird) went on to be a member of parliament.
But when King Charles II was restored as monarch, the 6th Laird, also called George, found himself on the wrong side of the King’s religious policies. George had to flee to Holland in 1684 and had his lands confiscated. He died shortly afterwards. However, the arrival of a protestant monarchy in 1689 (William III and Mary II) made way for the return of the Pringle estate to the family.
Torwoodlee Tower remained in use until 1783 when a new mansion house was built. Since then it has stood empty. Not surprisingly, a combination of time and the Scottish climate have taken their toll.
However, in 2015 a two year project began to preserve what remained of the tower and prevent it from falling down. It was achieved through generous support from the local community, and funding from the Fallago Environment Fund, Historic Environment Scotland, and Pringles from around the world.
Today, Torwoodlee Tower is a scheduled ancient monument. It is a reminder of our once turbulent past here in the Borders, and of our historical heritage. It can be reached by walking the short distance downhill from the small parking area overlooking the tower (do this by following the trail through to the wooded area and turning back on yourself). Continue through the avenue of trees and Torwoodlee Tower will be in front of you.
The ground is uneven in places so suitable footwear is advised. Also, there are no facilities at the site.
For further information please see
Thistle & Time 
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