Scottish Castles Association

Preserving the Past for the Future

Dryhope Tower (Selkirk) - Past and Present

This gaunt, little tower is strongly situated on the Dryhope Burn in rural Selkirk in the Scottish Borders. Its appearance is the consequence of stone robbing coupled with ruin. Dryhope Tower would have originally been harled (roughcast) and attached to a barmkin (walled enclosure). It rises four floors, the basement and upper floor being vaulted.

**LEFT:** Dryhope Tower in 1900 – note the tree growing on the roof
**RIGHT:** Dryhope Tower in 2005 – consolidation work is under way

In 1592 Dryhope Tower was ordered destroyed by James VI but rebuilt in 1613. By the following century it was abandoned and allowed to fall into ruin but recently it has been rescued and splendidly consolidated by the Philiphaugh Estate.