Kelso
Kelso is an attractive town centred on a large cobbled market square
which is bordered by many fine buildings. The square has a continental look and
radiating from it are narrow streets inviting exploration.
It was at Kelso the Scottish forces often assembled their armies when preparing to invade England. Being relatively near the English Border Kelso suffered more than many places in the hands of English invaders. It was attacked again and again and in 1522 and again in 1544 the town was virtually destroyed by burning.
Bonnie Prince Charlie, Prince Charles Edward Stewart, stayed at Kelso two nights on his retreat from England.
Nearby is Kelso Abbey and Floors Castle, the home of the Duke of Roxburghe. There is a fine view of them from Kelso Bridge.
Kelso Abbey
Roxburgh Castle
Smailholm Tower
Cessford Castle
Floors Castle
A small bastle house stood at the east of the village of Smailholm but all traces of this has gone. The name occurs in documents as far back as the 11th century.
It was held by the Pringles and thereafter by the Scotts. d.
Smailholm tower or to be correct, the tower of Sandyknowe, was long the property of Lord Polworth whose ancestor Scott of Harden and Mertoun, purchased about 1772 from the Pringles. It has been sensitively restored and is open to the public.
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