Conservation of Torwoodlee Tower to Start Imminently

PRESS RELEASE

CONSERVATION OF TORWOODLEE TOWER TO START IMMINENTLY

The Pringle Family of Torwoodlee are delighted to announce the start of a project to stabilise Torwoodlee Tower, an iconic ruin and important local landmark. The Tower dates from 1601 and plays a large part in the history of Galashiels and in the Braw Lads’ Gathering. The remains of the Tower have become increasingly precarious in recent years.

James Pringle, the fourteenth and current laird of Torwoodlee, said “In 2001 we launched a campaign to raise the funds we needed to consolidate this romantic ruin. That year was the quincentennary of 1501 when we first came to Torwoodlee and it seemed a very apt moment to be thinking of the next 500 years.

“Now, thanks to the generosity of the Fallago Environment Fund, Historic Scotland, local people and Pringles around the world, we are in a position to undertake the two year project to stop the Tower falling down any more.

“When it is finished, it will be safe for people to look at and admire once again. We are, of course, grateful to everyone who has helped and most especially our biggest funder, the Fallago Environment Fund.”

Luke Comins, Director of Tweed Forum, who manages the Fallago Environment Fund on behalf of Roxburghe Estates and EDF Energy, said: “The fund was established to protect and enhancethe rich heritage of the Borders and this is the biggest grant given to date in recognition of the importance of this project.”

NOTES

The original keep was sacked by the Elliots and Armstrongs in 1568 and the existing old house was erected by George Pringle in 1601. The Tower is a good example of the style of mansion which, about the beginning of the seventeenth century, was superseding the plainer and more traditional tower houses.

The ground floor is still vaulted and provided with loopholes for defence and there is also a shot-hole under the sill of the upper tower window; otherwise the military aspect gives way to one of an opener and more peaceful character.

The Tower and the Pringlefamily are referenced regularly in the nineteenth century works of Hogg and Scott.

Torwoodlee Tower is situated just west of Galashiels off the A72.

For more information about see:

The works amount to £150k and will provide essential stabilisation of the structure.

For more information about the Fallago Environment Fund go to:

For more information contact:

James Pringle on 01896 752153