Kirkhope Tower, Tower house in Ettrick Valley, Scottish Borders, GB.
Kirkhope Tower is a defensive tower built from local stone with a square footprint, rising four stories plus a garret above the parapet wall. Small windows punctuate the outer walls, emphasizing its protective purpose within the Ettrick Valley landscape.
The tower dates to the early 16th century, when Scottish Parliament required landholders in the border region to build fortified structures for protection. This mandate arose from the unstable political situation between Scotland and England at that time.
The tower was home to Walter Scott of Harden, a notorious Border Reiver whose story lives on in local ballads and regional folklore. His name remains tied to this place and shapes how people understand the wild times along the border.
Visitors must contact the owner directly to arrange access, as unaccompanied visits are not permitted. Entry to the parapet area requires advance permission and is not guaranteed for all visits.
The ground floor contains a vaulted chamber with a small door designed to barricade quickly, showing how residents could defend themselves in moments of danger. Oak-joisted timber floors in the upper rooms divide the living spaces and reveal skilled craftsmanship from centuries past.
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