Bonshaw Tower

[2] The tower was one of a number of structures built along the Scottish border in the 1500s as protection against incursions by the English.

That ended in 1954, on the death of Sir Robert Beaufin Irving, a former captain of RMS Queen Mary.

The two-story house attached to the tower was built c.1770 but was increased in size starting in the 1840s, according to The Castles of Scotland.

[6][7][8] Historical records also speak of an earlier Bonshaw Tower, in 1298, for example, when Robert the Bruce took refuge there; the owner at the time was shown as Sir William de Irving.

[9] A travelogue from 1873 discusses the seat of the Clan, a very well preserved tower and a "plain, modern house, built during the last century".

The "crenellated low wall" was rebuilt in 1895, although earlier repairs were apparent, through the use of stones from the 16th and 17th century.

[1] Inside a modern porch is the entrance door, with the motto SOLI DEO HONOR ET GLORIA above.

Bonshaw Tower, shown in 2013