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Continue reading →: A Guide to Nether Horsburgh Tower in the Scottish BordersNether Horsburgh Tower, near Innerleithen in the Scottish Borders, is a ruined 16th-century tower house. It is historically linked to the Horsburgh family and later to the Stewarts of Shillingshaws after its sale due to family debts. The tower occupies…
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Continue reading →: Exploring Dryhope Tower: A Glimpse into Scottish Border HistoryDryhope Tower is a significant ruined peel or tower house located in the valley of the Yarrow Water near St Mary’s Loch in the Scottish Borders. Historically serving as a defensive structure, this sturdy-looking tower stands on a shelf of…
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Continue reading →: The secrets of Orchardton Tower: Scotland’s unique round fortressOn a quiet rise above the Galloway coast sits a large stone cylinder. Weather‑worn and roofless, Orchardton Tower has stood for over five centuries. As the only free‑standing round tower house in mainland Scotland, it is a singular survivor from…
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Continue reading →: Fast Castle: a dramatic Scottish ruinWhen it comes to dramatic locations, Fast Castle takes some beating. There may not be much remaining today, but getting there, and experiencing its extreme position, will take your breath away. Located near Coldingham in the Scottish Borders, Fast Castle…
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Continue reading →: Smailholm Tower: A Glimpse into Medieval Border LifeThe beautifully preserved Smailholm Tower was built in the mid-15th century by the Pringle family (then known as Hoppringle). At the time, they were wardens of Ettrick Forest for the Black Douglases. Often described as a silent sentinel, Smailholm Tower…
Exploring Scotland’s Historic Places
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Welcome to Thistle & Time. Here you can follow my exploration of Scotland’s many historic places.
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