Smailholm is a classic example of a Scottish Peel Tower. It was built in the 15th century for the Pringle family. This design of Tower House was common at this period in history and was designed to be a home that could be defended if necessary. Sir Walter Scott spent some time here with his grandparents as a youth and it is said this gave him insperation for some of his later writings. Today the Tower is open to the public under the care of Historic Environment Scotland.
