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 | |
| Coordinates | 55°26′37″N 3°06′28″W / 55.443579°N 3.1076625°W |
| Site history | |
| Built | 16th century |
History
editAdam 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
editOnly 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]