History

Bowhill's colourful past has helped shape Scottish history and when you visit this historic home and gardens it is not hard to see why.

Even the Buccleuch name is steeped in legend with tales telling of how a Scott family ancestor seized a cornered buck after it turned on the king's hounds while they were hunting in a ravine or "cleuch" as it is known in the Scots tongue. 

In 1322, Buccleuch ancestors were granted ownership of the ancient Ettrick Forest, that still surrounds the house today, by the Scottish King, Robert the Bruce as a reward for services.  It reverted to the Crown in 1450 and for a hundred years was a favourite hunting ground for the Kings of Scotland.

The present house at Bowhill dates mainly from 1812.  There were many additions to it during the 19th century.  Architects involved included William Atkinson (1773-1839), William Burn (1789-1870) and David Bryce (1803-1876) by which time the house was joined with the stables to form a continuous unit 437 feet long.  Today it is one of the Scottish Borders most popular visitor attractions.

Much of this building activity took place under the watchful eye of Sir Walter Scott, a kinsman and frequent visitor, who christened it "Sweet Bowhill" in his famous poem; Lay of the Last Minstrel.

Bowhill served as a military hospital in the First World War and was occupied by the Army from 1939-45.

Since then dry rot and general wear have presented serious problems that have been tackled by a team of skilled and devoted craftsmen and volunteers.  Working diligently they have saved the original structure and even the superb 18th century hand-painted Chinese wall-papers and 19th century silk wall coverings and curtains, along with several thousand books.

Many of the impressive works of art were collected by earlier Montagu, Douglas or Scott generations or were given by King Charless II to his son, James, Duke of Monmouth and Buccleuch.