Pringle Family History 1800-Present Day

James was succeeded by his first-born son, James the 10th Laird, who served for 50 years with the Royal Navy, rising to the rank of Vice-Admiral by 1847 when he retired to Torwoodlee and died some 12 years later to be followed by James Thomas, his son and the 11th Laird who similarly served with the Royal Navy, attaining the rank of Commander.

James Thomas took a considerable interest in county matters and was a deputy-lieutenant of Selkirkshire. He founded the Torwoodlee Golf Club which remains today with a charming 18-hole course through mature trees and alongside the Gala Water. Of nine children, James Lewis succeeded his father in 1902, becoming the 12th Laird, and served for many years as a Captain in the Lothian & Border Horse and was well loved by the people of Galashiels.

His son, James Harold, was my father; he became the 13th Laird on the death of James Lewis in 1953 but continued his work as a Chartered Accountant while looking after the interests of the Estate as well. A gentle man, my father died suddenly at the age of 64 in 1969 passing on to me, not only the title of 14th Laird, but a working estate of the traditional type along with a wonderful house and grounds, the responsibilities that accompany such a position and five hundred years of history and heritage and, above all, the joy of living and working at Torwoodlee.