Tushielaw Tower is a 16th-century tower house, about 2.5 miles (4.0 km) north and east of Ettrick, Scottish Borders, Scotland, and west of Ettrick Water.[1]

Tushielaw Tower
Remains of Tushielaw Tower
Tushielaw Tower is located in Scottish Borders
Tushielaw Tower
Tushielaw Tower
Coordinates55°26′37″N 3°06′28″W / 55.443579°N 3.1076625°W / 55.443579; -3.1076625
Site history
Built16th century

History

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Adam Scott, known as the king of the Borders, or the king of thieves, built the tower in 1507,[1] having received a feu charter from James IV of Scotland.[2] He was beheaded by order of James V of Scotland in 1530,[1] for "theftuously taking Black-maill".[2] A version of the ballad The Dowie Dens of Yarrow may originate in the murder of Walter Scott, son of Robert Scott of Thirlestane by John Scott of Tushielaw.[1]

Structure

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Only a basement, fragments of a courtyard, and a ruined outbuilding remain.[1] The basement, which is lit by roughly formed slits in its four walls, has its entry to the west. In the north gable there is an ambry.[2]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e Coventry, Martin (1997) The Castles of Scotland. Goblinshead. ISBN 1-899874-10-0 p.321
  2. ^ a b c "Tushielaw Tower". Canmore. Retrieved 7 June 2021.

55°26′37″N 3°06′28″W / 55.443579°N 3.1076625°W / 55.443579; -3.1076625