'Smailholm Tower by kind permission of Historic Scotland. Image available

for print sales'.
Smailholm Tower is an historic Peel Tower, constructed in the 15th century or early 16th century on Lady Hill near Smailholm in the Scottish Borders. The tower on it's rocky outcrop dominates the surrounding farmland, with the immediate surrounding area looking as though it should be located much further north in Scotland.
The tower was designed as all other Peel Towers were to provide the occupants with protection from raiders south of the border. Something which happened several times throughout it's history.
Around the middle of the 16th century the tower was acquired by the Scotts of Harden and it is through this family link that Walter Scott later to become Sir Walter Scott visited Smailholm Tower as a child. The tower later in life provided the inspiration to Scott to include it in some of his works.
Smailholm Tower is now classified as a Scheduled Ancient Monument and is managed by Historic Scotland, who at the end of 2011 had the tower re-roofed using turf which is believed to be the most likely original roofing material. Smailholm Tower is one of only ten castles in Scotland to hold the coveted five star status from Visit Scotland. File 4093.