Smailholm

About Smailholm

Smailholm is a small village spread over the B6397 Gordon to Kelso road. Today, it is best known for the 15th century Smailholm Tower which is a monument to the confidence of its Pringle owners, for it is a landmark for miles around. David Pringle and four sons died at Flodden in 1513 and the tower itself was attacked by the English in 1543 and again in 1546, when the garrison of Wark Castle made off with 60 cattle and four prisoners. The property was sold to the Scotts of Harden in 1645, but they abandoned the tower in favour of nearby Sandyknowe, where Sir Walter Scott stayed in his childhood. It is in the care of Historic Scotland. Smailholm Tower is one of the most evocative sights in the Border country. Its stark form is a dominant feature in the rolling landscape of the Tweed valley.