ONE of Gala’s most iconic landmarks is to be saved from collapse.

The 400-year-old Torwoodlee Tower has played an important part in the Braw Lads’ Gathering since its inception.

And the ruined mansion also features heavily in the region’s history.

But over the latter part of the nineteenth century the upper walls and features have become at risk of collapse.

Current laird James Pringle launched the Torwoodlee Tower Fund more than a decade ago in a bid to stabilise the ruin.

And he is delighted that the £150,000 two-year project is now about to begin.

Mr Pringle, who is the fourteenth laird of Torwoodlee, said: “In 2001 we launched a campaign to raise the funds we needed to consolidate this romantic ruin.

“That year was the quincentennary of 1501 when we first came to Torwoodlee and it seemed a very apt moment to be thinking of the next 500 years.

“Now, thanks to the generosity of the Fallago Environment Fund, Historic Scotland, local people and Pringles around the world, we are in a position to undertake the two year project to stop the Tower falling down any more.

“When it is finished, it will be safe for people to look at and admire once again. We are, of course, grateful to everyone who has helped and most especially our biggest funder, the Fallago Environment Fund.” The original keep at Torwoodlee was sacked by the Elliots and Armstrongs in 1568.

And its replacement, Torwoodlee Tower, was erected by George Pringle in 1601. The Tower is a good example of the style of mansion which, about the beginning of the seventeenth century, was superseding the plainer and more traditional tower houses. The ground floor is still vaulted and provided with loopholes for defence.

There is also a shot-hole under the sill of the upper tower window.

Director of Tweed Forum, Luke Comins, who manages the Fallago Environment Fund on behalf of Roxburghe Estates and EDF Energy, was delighted that Torwoodlee Tower has been saved.

He said: “The fund was established to protect and enhance the rich heritage of the Borders and this is the biggest grant given to date in recognition of the importance of this project.”