Whitslaid Tower, Berwickshire

Whitslaid Tower is a very ruinous rectangular 16th century tower house, once three storey's high.

It is located on the banks of the Leader Water and was the seat of the Lauder family.

You can explore both the basement area and also climb the steps to the first floor, which was a lovely surprise to discover.

This was once a great hall, with the Laird's accomodation above and vaulted basement below. It was also once surrounded by a curtain wall or barmkin, with other buildings such as bakehouse, stables and mill, long since sadly vanished.

Access to this little tower is quite easy as you can park quite close to the ruin, not far off the main road.

~ History ~

1369 ~ A charter is issued to Alan de Lauder of Whitslaid, the eldest son of John Steward, Earl of Carrick, with the power to hold courts at any place in the lordship he pleases, to punish excesses, repledge men dwelling on their lands to their liberties etc., and to do any other thing pertaining to the office of bailie.

1371 ~ A charter is re-issued by the Crown to the 'ancient manor of Whitslaid' and its owner Alan de Lauder, confirming

 the lands of Whytslaid and Alan as it's feudal tenant. Additionally, half the lands of the Regality of Lauderdale and half of the fulling mill at Lauder, forfeited by King John de Balliol.

1513 ~ Sir George Lauder of Whitslaid and his brother Alexander Lauder, burgess and Provost of Edinburgh, and also  both stewards of Kirkcudbright, are killed at the Battle of Flodden fighting the English.

1565 ~ Gilbert Lauder of Whitslaid, together with his accomplicase's, are charged with the murder of George Wedderat, a burgess of Lauder. Whitslaid is fortified against attack.

1572  ~ The notorious Kerrs of Ferniehirst , Border Reivers and robbers, mass together a force of rebels along with "thieves and broken men" of the Borders. An armed muster is called, at Jedburgh, of 'fencible persons' for defence and preservation of the burgh. Numerous lairds inlcuding Gilbert Lauder of Whitslaid, attack and defeat the Kerrs men in battle.

1662 ~ A commission of numerous individuals are authorised to try two witches at Lauder. One of these being Gilbert Lauder of Whitslaid. Later, faced with financial difficulties, Gilbert sells the tower to Mr John Peter.