Traquair House, Peeblesshire

Traquair House dates back to the 12^th century when it was a hunting lodge for the Kings & Queens of Scotland. In the late 15^th century the Earl of Buchan purchased Traquair House & gave to his second son James Stewart; since then it has remained in the same family. James Stewart became the first Laird of Traquair in 1491; his descendant the seventh Laird was granted the Earldom of Traquair in 1628. The Earldom became extinct following the death of the eighth Earl in 1861; since then the owners reverted to their historical title of Laird of Traquair.

The fifth Earl of Traquair installed the Bear Gates at the top of the avenue in 1738. According to legend the gates were closed following a visit of Prince Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie) in 1745. The Earl of Traquair vowed they would never be opened again until a Stuart King sat on the throne again.