Conservation Work Starts On Historic Tower 
VITAL conservation work has begun on the ruins of a 15th century Scottish tower house.
Newark Tower, the oldest monument on the Duke of Buccleuch’s beautiful Bowhill Estate, has been battered by invasion and centuries of inclement weather.
Now in a bid to help preserve the Borders’s unique heritage, the Duke and his team of craftsmen are beginning the first stage in a comprehensive conservation project.
And the Duke of Buccleuch is funding these works from family Trusts and funds.
Martin Purvis, Building Services Manager for Bowhill, is overseeing the painstaking project.
He said the task would take years to fully complete.
He said: “We have been monitoring the Tower, part of Newark Castle, for some time and feel that the time is now right to start work and prevent any further deterioration or possible instability.
“We are working closely with Historic Scotland as it’s of great importance that we retain the authenticity and integrity of the Tower.
“The Buccleuch family are very keen to respect and maintain the Tower to ensure it’s survival for future generations to come.
“It is a particularly delicate conservation project and great care will be taken to ensure the work is carried out to a satisfactory standard.
“As well as being a Grade A listed building, Newark Tower is also a scheduled ancient monument and should be considered a national treasure.”
The large surrounding barmkin wall is pierced with late 16th century keyhole gunloops.
Newark Tower enters the historic record in 1423ad as the "New Werk",
to replace the “Auld Werk.”
From early to mid 15th century the Tower was home to the Earls of Douglas.
The castle was attacked by English armies twice in the 16th century and fell to the forces of Oliver Cromwell in 1650.
But it is the passing of time that has taken its toll on the unique tower.
Mr Purvis said a team of three would carry out carefully scheduled repairs.
He said: “We have started a detailed inspection of the Tower and have sent mortar samples off for analysis.
“Two of the team have also been sent off on stone conservation courses and we will ensure that the conservation works remain faithful to the original details and construction.
“All the works will be carried out in the spirit of current conservation philosophy and of course relevant legislation.”
The Duke of Buccleuch is committed to preserving the heritage of buildings and monuments on all his estates for generations to come. At Drumlanrig Castle in Dumfries and Galloway an 18 year project to replace the lead turrets has recently been completed.
And at his Bowhill home the huge roof and chimney stacks have almost been entirely replaced after a marathon nine years.
Mr Purvis said Newark Tower could help compliment Bowhill House as a top visitor attraction.
He said: “We envisage carrying out a schedule of rolling repairs with a view to possibly opening up to the public in a few years.
“It is a great undertaking and one I am delighted to be part of. It’s a great thought than in centuries to come, the work we do today will still be there.”
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