What is recorded here

Kirkhope Tower is a square stone pele in the Ettrick Valley, built early in the 16th century by Walter Scott of Harden. Its small high windows, vaulted ground floor and retractable entrance stair show that it was made to keep people alive when the Border became dangerous. The barmkin wall beside it would have given cattle and tenants a last place to stand while the tower resisted above them.

Scotland's National Record of the Historic Environment records Kirkhope as Building(s) (period Unassigned), Church (period Unassigned)(possible), Tower House (medieval). The official map says its point is accurate as follows: NGR given to the nearest 10m. The record does not by itself mean that the public may enter the place.

Kirkhope Tower, a medieval tower house in the Scottish Borders, was likely built in the 15th or 16th century by a local landholding family, possibly the Hopes, after whom the site is named. It is remembered as a historic example of a defensive dwelling in a region marked by border conflicts between England and Scotland.

The historic-place record does not grant public access. Check current conditions and ownership before entering land or a building.