Lauderdale

The boundaries of his fief are still unclear, but the town existed before de Morville's arrival,[7] the Lauder family already holding various lands direct from the Crown prior to this, part of which was the estate attached to Whitslaid Tower.

[8] The Lordship passed to his grandson, John Balliol, and after his forfeiture Robert The Bruce granted it to Sir James Douglas, his great supporter.

Towards the southern end of Lauderdale is the town of Earlston, an ancient superiority of the Earls of Dunbar or March.

"Robertus de Lauuedirr tunc noster seneschallus" witnessed a charter of "Patricii de Dunbar, comitis Marchie" during the reign of Robert the Bruce, and "Robetus de Lawedre, consanguineus noster" (a cousin) witnessed a charter of "Georgii comitis Marchie" relating to Sorrowlessfield, a still extant property on the (A68) road south of Earlston in the reign of Robert III.

In the north Lauderale ends at part of the Lammermuir Hills where they reach 1733 feet,[11] where in winter the weather can be severe, often leading to road closures.

The principal country house is Thirlestane Castle, the seat since 1595 of the Earl of Lauderdale, and where annual horse trials are held.