Gilnockie Tower - Historic Home of Clan Armstrong

Gilnockie Tower - Historic Home of Clan Armstrong Gilnockie Tower, a 16th century Scots Tower House and historic home of the Armstrong Clan.
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Gilnockie Tower is a typical SCOTS TOWER HOUSE, (Scottish Tower houses began to
appear in the Middle Ages, around 5th century to the 15/16th century), especially in uplands or areas that had restricted access. This strategy ensured that the local Laird had charge of his entire province, and was able to protect tactical areas within his domain exploiting a compact force of retained men. Running par

allel to that, they were an abode or dwelling for what are commonly known as a local Laird! This particular building has a unique Fire Beacon Lantern stance feature, built onto the top of the southern gable. Beacons were commonly used as warning signals, that informed the neighbouring tower and general population that something had gone wrong, or something was about to go wrong! There was as far as we can establish, beacons stretching both west and east as far as Hume Castle in Berwickshire, but crossing the Anglo-Scottish Border. These beacons were commonly used on both sides of the Anglo-Scottish Border for many purposes, almost a 15/16th century mobile phone!

🎉🏰 The Armstrong Clan Gathering & Extravaganza Weekend is almost here! ⚔️✨Join us at Gilnockie Tower for an unforgettabl...
12/06/2026

🎉🏰 The Armstrong Clan Gathering & Extravaganza Weekend is almost here! ⚔️✨

Join us at Gilnockie Tower for an unforgettable weekend packed with history, entertainment, local produce, whisky tasting, author readings, Border Reiver displays and so much more! 🍂🥃📚

🎟️ Entry is just £5 per head
💷 CASH ONLY on entry
🚘 Price includes parking and entry to the Tower
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Under 16s go FREE!

We can’t wait to welcome you all to Gilnockie Tower for what promises to be an incredible weekend ❤️🏰

🏰⚔️ A quick note for everyone planning to join us for the Gilnockie Tower Extravaganza Weekend & Clan Armstrong Gatherin...
11/06/2026

🏰⚔️ A quick note for everyone planning to join us for the Gilnockie Tower Extravaganza Weekend & Clan Armstrong Gathering on 20th & 21st June 2026.

We are absolutely delighted by the interest shown so far and are looking forward to welcoming visitors from near and far! 😊

As many of you will know, Gilnockie Tower is a historic building, and for safety reasons we are only permitted to have 39 visitors inside the Tower at any one time.

If we experience busy periods, we kindly ask for your patience. Rest assured, everyone will have the opportunity to explore the Tower and discover its fascinating history.

The good news is that while you're waiting, there will be plenty happening around the grounds to enjoy:

⚔️ Teviotdale Steel Bonnets living history displays
🏕️ Border Reiver encampments
🛍️ Market stalls

Our team and volunteers will be on hand throughout the weekend to help keep things running smoothly and ensure everyone has a fantastic experience.

Thank you in advance for your understanding and support. We can't wait to welcome you to what promises to be an unforgettable weekend at Gilnockie Tower!

📖⚕️ Did you know that a Bible was once considered part of a barber surgeon’s medical equipment? 🤔Barber surgeons traditi...
11/06/2026

📖⚕️ Did you know that a Bible was once considered part of a barber surgeon’s medical equipment? 🤔

Barber surgeons traditionally carried a Bible with them, not only to offer comfort to the sick or dying ❤️ but also to read prayers and help prepare them spiritually for death 🙏✨

If a priest was unavailable, the barber surgeon would often step in, providing both physical care and spiritual reassurance ⚕️⛪

So, while it may seem unusual today, a Bible was not an uncommon tool of the trade – it was an important part of the healer’s identity, reflecting a time when medicine, faith, and comfort went hand in hand 🏰📜

History is full of fascinating surprises… what do you think of this one? 👀

🚗⚠️ Visitor Information for Our Upcoming Event at Gilnockie Tower ⚠️🚗As we prepare to welcome everyone to our exciting w...
10/06/2026

🚗⚠️ Visitor Information for Our Upcoming Event at Gilnockie Tower ⚠️🚗

As we prepare to welcome everyone to our exciting weekend extravaganza at Gilnockie Tower, we would like to make visitors aware that parking close to the Tower is limited. 🏰

Additional parking facilities will be available in the field to the rear of the Tower, with signage and guidance in place on arrival. 🚘🌿

To help make your journey easier, we would also encourage guests to make use of the local bus service where possible 🚌✨

For bus times and travel information, please visit:
https://www.bordersbuses.co.uk/services/BORD/X95?date=2026-06-20&direction=outbound

Thank you for your understanding and support - we can’t wait to welcome you all for what promises to be an unforgettable weekend! 🎉⚔️

🌟🚶‍♂️ Embark on an Unforgettable Journey with Our Recommended Expert Tour Guides 🚶‍♀️🌟 Gilnockie Tower, your gateway to...
09/06/2026

🌟🚶‍♂️ Embark on an Unforgettable Journey with Our Recommended Expert Tour Guides 🚶‍♀️🌟

Gilnockie Tower, your gateway to the enchanting landscapes and rich heritage of Southwest Scotland, starting here in the debateable lands. As you prepare to explore this captivating region, let our recommended team of expert tour guides enhance your experience with their unrivalled knowledge and passion for storytelling. 🏰✨

Details can be found on our website by the following the link below 👇
https://gilnockietower.co.uk/guided-tours-of-gilnockie.../

📸 Snap, Share, & Shine: Gilnockie Tower’s Picture Perfect Monday🌟Happy Monday from Gilnockie Tower! 😊We have been gettin...
08/06/2026

📸 Snap, Share, & Shine: Gilnockie Tower’s Picture Perfect Monday🌟

Happy Monday from Gilnockie Tower! 😊

We have been getting some amazing shots of the Tower, inside and out, keep them coming to brighten up your week. Just look at how beautiful the fireplace looked at the recent the wedding that was held here - beautiful 😍

Post your favourite photos taken at our historic tower or during our events below 👇

Whether it’s a stunning view or a memorable moment, we want to see your best shots!

Ready, set, smile! 😊

06/06/2026

⚕️🩸 Let’s take a closer look at the Barber Surgeon’s table… 👀

From strange-looking tools to fascinating medical history, these were the instruments used to treat patients centuries ago 😳🪡⚔️

Would you have trusted a Barber Surgeon? ✨

🪡👀 They may look like ordinary sewing needles… but did you know they had a much more surprising use? 🤔Of course, these n...
04/06/2026

🪡👀 They may look like ordinary sewing needles… but did you know they had a much more surprising use? 🤔

Of course, these needles were used for everyday tasks such as repairing clothing and mending fishing nets 🎣🧵… however, they also had a far more uncomfortable purpose 😬

⚕️ If a man was injured, these very needles could be used to stitch wounds closed – and I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t fancy one of these going through my skin! 😳🩹

The first needle (the white one) was crafted from bone 🦴 – made using materials such as sheep bone, deer bone, and even fish bone 🐑🦌🐟

The second needle was handcrafted from metal ⚒️, showing how tools evolved over time.

History can be fascinating… and sometimes a little painful too! 🏰✨

🏰✨ This month, Gilnockie Tower will host its signature event — an extravaganza weekend like no other! ✨🏰On Saturday 20th...
03/06/2026

🏰✨ This month, Gilnockie Tower will host its signature event — an extravaganza weekend like no other! ✨🏰

On Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st June, the grounds of Gilnockie Tower will come alive with activity, history, and entertainment for all ages! 🎉⚔️🥃

Enjoy:
🌿 Stalls featuring local produce
⚔️ The Teviotdale Steel Bonnets showcasing the fascinating history of the Border Reivers on every floor of the Tower
📚 Author readings
🥃 Whisky tasting
🎲 Border Reiver board games
…and so much more!

And to make the weekend even more special… the Armstrong Clan will be coming home ❤️🏰

More exciting details about this unforgettable two-day event will be revealed soon, so keep your eyes peeled 👀✨

We can’t wait to welcome you to Gilnockie Tower!

🎒📚 Calling all school groups! 🎉 Looking for an educational and exciting trip for your students? Look no further than ...
02/06/2026

🎒📚 Calling all school groups! 🎉

Looking for an educational and exciting trip for your students? Look no further than Gilnockie Tower! 👍 Immerse your pupils in the captivating world of border reivers as they explore our historic 16th Century Scots Tower House. 🏰

Our knowledgeable tour guides will regale them with tales of times gone by, bringing history to life right before their eyes! 😮✨

Ready to book your school trip? 🚌 Don't hesitate to reach out! Give us a call at ☎️ 013873 71373 or email us at 📨 [email protected]

We're here to answer all your questions and help plan a memorable experience for your students! 🎓

Address

Canonbie

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+441387371373

Website

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