Discover bowhill

Historic houses don’t get much finer than the magnificent country seat in the heart of ancient Ettrick forest

Tucked away between forests and hills on the outskirts of Selkirk sits the impressive country home of the Duke of Buccleuch.

The stories of the Buccleuch family and Bowhill are some of the oldest told in Scotland’s history – with the Buccleuch name itself originating in the 10th century. King Robert the Bruce gifted the land around to the Scott clan (ancestors of today’s Buccleuch family) in 1322, and the impressive house that stands proud in the grounds today was brought to life almost 500 years later.

Neighbour and friend, Sir Walter Scott, was a kinsman of the Scotts of Buccleuch and a regular visitor to Bowhill. The writer’s admiration for the ancestral home was recognised in his famous narrative poem of 1805, The Lay of the Last Minstrel. ‘Sweet Bowhill’ would remain close to Scott’s heart, with the landscapes around continuing to inspire and shape his writing over the years to come.

As well as being a place for literary inspiration, Bowhill has built a reputation for its internationally recognised art collection. The painting collection features everything from an outstanding series of family portraits by Thomas Gainsborough and Sir Joshua Reynolds, to fine landscapes by Claude and Ruysdael.

A small sample of the extensive Portrait Miniatures collection is also on display in the house, featuring works by Hans Holbein, Nicholas Hilliard and Samuel Cooper, including the latter’s famous unfinished portrait of Oliver Cromwell. Paintings aside, the Buccleuch collection encompasses some very fine tapestries, porcelain and silverware.

The Bowhill grounds offer activity and adventure for all, with a thrilling adventure playground, ranger-guided tours of the estate and beautiful, loch-side walks. The estate also boasts fishing, horse riding, a soft play for little ones and a bright and bustling tearoom.

Want to stay close to the action? The Bothy and The Clock Tower self-catering apartments are ideally suited for exploring the wider estate and surrounding towns and villages.

Further info

For details on guided house tours and opening times, visit the Bowhill website. Keep a look out too for a wonderful year-round programme of events and festivals at the estate – including open air performances of Shakespeare classics and festive celebrations.

Photo credits: Bowhill House