The beautiful Yair House stands above the River Tweed, Selkirkshire, Scottish Borders

Yair House

A fine classical mansion and estate of the Scottish Borders, The Yair lies on the right bank of the River Tweed 2½ miles (4 km) northwest of Selkirk and 3 miles (5 km) southwest of Galashiels. Comprising of a square Georgian main block of three storeys and an attic with a wing attached to it. The E-facing front has seven bays and a central bow, while the rear comprises a later courtyard and U-plan service court. The plan of the principal floor is simple; the entrance leads into a circular vestibule, with the main staircase to the rear, a dining room to the left and a morning room and gun room to the right. One the first floor is a drawing room and bow-ended library. The decoration is restrained classical throughout and the fireplaces are modest. The initials "A. P." and the date of 1788 are carved above the staircase window.

Nearby is Yair Bridge built in 1759, one of 24 bridges over the Tweed which were built in this period due to the development of toll roads. It replaced the river crossing by boat or ford.

History

Designed by the Architect William Elliot, Yair house was built in 1788 by Alexander Pringle of Whytbank (1747 - 1827), who had returned from India with a substantial fortune and bought back his family estate four years previously. The lands had belonged to the Pringles from 1510, who also held nearby Whytbank Tower, but had been sold to satisfy creditors in the early 18th century.

Download the online book:

‘Select remains of John Alexander Pringle, Esq (1841)’