Drumlanrig's Tower

[cessna152towser]

The frontage onto Hawick's town centre mainly comprises the 18th century addition and 18th century alterations, made after the Scotts of Buccleuch had acquired the original tower house from the Douglases of Drumlanrig and extended it to form a townhouse for the Duchess of Buccleuch. The combined building later became a hotel, until 1981, and is now a museum and visitor centre.

Turning the corner we can identify the original 16th century tower house.

Drumlanrig's Tower was the only building not burnt when the English set fire to Hawick in 1570, so is the oldest building in the town.

The cellars have been put to good use for historic displays.

Including a model of how the tower might have looked originally.

The turret staircase has been made user friendly by provision of a handrail, modern lighting and safety edging on the steps so let's go upstairs....

.......and meet the Laird in his hall

and see his fireplace.

[cessna152towser]

One chamber contains an inn cameo in recognition of the building's use as a hotel in the 19th and 20th centuries.





Drumlanrig's Tower also contains an exhibition of the late Steve Hislop's bikes and some of the trophies which he won.

But no visit to a Scottish tower house is complete without climbing to the top of the turret and going out onto the parapet

and concluding with a view from the parapet of the surrounding buildings.
The tower mill (right) and corn exchange (left) are currently undergoing restoration to provide a theatre and genealogy centre. In the background is St. Mary's Church.
Drumlanrig's Tower is open daily from Easter till the end of October. Approximate distance from Dumfries - 50 miles.
See also Pour1Malt's superb photos of Douglas of Drumlanrig's other and even grander house, Drumlanrig Castle, via this link.
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...ght=Drumlanrig

[starbkjrus]

Very nice pictures. Thanks for posting them.

By the way just how does one pronounce Buccleuch ? :confused:

[switchblade5984]

to bad there is no where like that local to where i live thatnks for the history!

[Pour1Malt]

very nice-

ta Alex...

lueks like Emma an ai have anither day trip tae dae....

slainte!

[John M.]

Very nice.

[cessna152towser]

By the way just how does one pronounce Buccleuch ?

Buck Loo

[pdcorlis]

Very interesting excursion - thanks for bringing us along.

[Scott Gilmore]

Another excellent tour, thanks.

Was Hizzie from Hawick? He was one hell of an impressive rider, especially around the Isle of man. Some of our readers may not know that Steve Hislop died in a helicopter crash (back in 2003, I think).

Regards,
Scott Gilmore

[O'Neille]

Great tour and history. I appreciate the motorcycle stuff also. Thanks, O'Neille