paintings of Scotland
Scottish art - painting of Traquair House

Scottish artists Painting of Traquair House

Traquair House is known as the oldest continuously inhabited house in Scotland.
Situated 30 miles south of Edinburgh. Records date it already being there in 1107 and it has just been added onto ever since.

In the wars of the Independence around the turn of the 13th century Traquair served as part of the network of tower houses built along the River Tweed to try and bring a degree of stability to Scotland's border lands.
During this period both Edward I and Edward II of England stayed at the house.
In the second half of the 1500's Traquair was significantly enlarged. The existing tower was extended to the south east. In the early 1600's it was modernised again to more or less how it looks today. The River Tweed was altered about that time to avoid Traquair being undercut. The Tweed has since flowed further to the north.

The house seemed to confront danger at every turn, it was much used by Scottish Kings for recreation, it was also a refuge for catholic priests. The Stuart's were avid supporters of Mary Queen of Scots and was even visited by Bonnie Prince Charlie any of these could have resulted in ruination
but the house lived on.

On his return from raiding England Bonnie Prince Charlie stayed there on
his way north. The fifth Earl of Traquair at that time closed the Bear Gates
after him and said they will not open again until there is another Stuart
on the throne. 260 odd years later they still remain closed.

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Traquair Castle is a unique experience for anyone visiting Scotland,
you must not miss the opportunity to stay and visit this ancient house;
a family home with a fascinating past and a vibrant present.