Preserving Gunsgreen House. Sharing its stories. Securing its future.
by Alaister White, Trustee Gunsgreen House Trust -Sept 20206
GUNSGREEN HOUSE
A Hidden History on Eyemouth Harbour
Welcome to one of Scotland’s most intriguing historic houses.
Standing proudly beside Eyemouth Harbour, Gunsgreen House combines Georgian elegance with a remarkably colourful past. Built for merchant John Nisbet, the House became closely associated with the smuggling of tea, brandy and tobacco – and was designed, quite literally, with secrecy in mind.
Today Gunsgreen is being cared for and restored as an important part of Eyemouth’s heritage, telling the story of the people, trade and communities that have shaped this remarkable corner of the Scottish Borders.
A HOUSE WITH A SECRET
Gunsgreen House was built in 1753 for John Nisbet, a prosperous Eyemouth merchant, and designed by John Adam, one of the most celebrated architects of 18th-century Scotland.
But Gunsgreen was no ordinary merchant’s house.
During the 18th century, imported goods such as tea, brandy and tobacco were subject to heavy taxation. Tea was particularly valuable – and particularly heavily taxed.
Nisbet became involved in the lucrative and illegal trade in smuggled goods arriving by sea.
Gunsgreen’s position beside the harbour was perfect for the business.
The House’s extensive cellars provided concealed storage and access towards the waterfront, while ingenious features within the building helped hide contraband from the authorities.
One of the most fascinating features is the secret tea chute, built into the fabric of the House, through which loose tea could be moved and concealed.
Smuggling was dangerous and highly profitable. Cargoes could be seized, ships intercepted and fortunes lost.
Eventually Nisbet’s activities caught up with him. Following repeated seizures and legal action, he was declared bankrupt in 1789. His rival, Alexander Robertson, acquired Gunsgreen at auction.
FROM MERCHANT’S HOUSE TO COMMUNITY TREASURE
After John Nisbet’s time, Gunsgreen passed through a succession of owners and uses.
The building eventually became a guest house and later served as the clubhouse of Eyemouth Golf Club.
By 1998, however, Gunsgreen was empty and had fallen into serious disrepair. Years of institutional use had taken their toll: windows were broken, interiors had been dismantled and the future of this remarkable building was uncertain.
That year marked a turning point.
The Gunsgreen House Trust was established as a registered Scottish charity with the aim of rescuing, restoring and conserving the House and making its history accessible to the public.
Since then, the Trust and its supporters have undertaken a remarkable programme of restoration, furnishing and conservation.
Gunsgreen has once again become an important part of the life and identity of Eyemouth.
NISBET’S TOWER
Look beside Gunsgreen and you will see the small historic building known as Nisbet’s Tower.
The Tower is an intriguing survivor of Gunsgreen’s earlier history. It is understood to have been the House’s doo’cot (dovecote) and is shown on early maps associated with the property.
Its connection with Gunsgreen and John Nisbet has given it the name by which it is known today.
Like the main House, the Tower has had many chapters in its history. It has now been carefully renovated and given a new lease of life as unique holiday accommodation for two people.
From its position beside the harbour, Nisbet’s Tower provides wonderful views across Eyemouth and the sea – a fitting reminder of the maritime world that was so important to Gunsgreen’s story.
GUNSGREEN AND THE SEA
Gunsgreen’s story cannot be separated from Eyemouth Harbour.
For centuries, the sea brought people, goods, opportunities and dangers to this part of the Berwickshire coast.
The same harbour that supported legitimate fishing and trade also provided opportunities for smuggling.
Today, the House offers a fascinating window into the wider history of Scotland’s coastal communities – from seafaring and fishing to trade, smuggling, tourism and the changing relationship between coastal towns and the sea.
The Trust’s plans will increasingly explore these wider stories, placing Gunsgreen’s history within the much bigger story of Eyemouth and Scotland’s east coast.
THE GUNSGREEN HOUSE TRUST
The Gunsgreen House Trust was established in 1998 to preserve Gunsgreen for the public benefit and ensure that its historic importance is not lost.
The Trust’s charitable objectives include:
- Preserving Gunsgreen House, its related buildings, gardens and grounds.
- Caring for historic objects and collections associated with the House.
- Encouraging public access, education and study of Gunsgreen and its history.
- Exploring the maritime, trading and social history of Eyemouth.
- Connecting Gunsgreen with the history of other important properties and communities across Berwickshire.
But the Trust’s ambitions go beyond simply looking after an old building.
The aim is to make Gunsgreen a living heritage resource – a place where people can discover the past, participate in activities, learn new skills and contribute to the future of their community.
GUNSGREEN’S NEXT CHAPTER
The Trust is now working towards an exciting new chapter for Gunsgreen.
The vision is to create a more expansive, dynamic, engaging and inclusive visitor experience, bringing the stories of the House and Eyemouth to life through new interpretation, exhibitions and activities.
Plans include:
A NEW HERITAGE CENTRE
The proposed development will create a new heritage centre across the cellar, basement and ground-floor levels of Gunsgreen.
Visitors will be able to explore the House’s history through innovative and digitally interactive displays, discovering the people who lived and worked here and the communities connected with Gunsgreen.
BETTER ACCESS
A key ambition is to provide improved accessibility, including a lift connecting the cellar, basement and ground floor, enabling many more people to experience the House.
CAFÉ AND RETAIL
Plans include new café and retail facilities within the basement, creating a welcoming place for visitors to spend more time at Gunsgreen and generating income to help support the Trust’s charitable work.
MORE FOR THE COMMUNITY
The Trust wants Gunsgreen to become a place for everyone – from schoolchildren and families to older residents, community groups, researchers and visitors.
Future activities could include exhibitions, workshops, talks, traditional skills training, community events and projects exploring Eyemouth’s social and economic history.
A WIDER COASTAL STORY
Gunsgreen will increasingly explore themes including:
Seafaring • Smuggling • Fishing • Lighthouses • Coastal Communities • Victorian Seaside Holidays • Marine Conservation • Offshore Energy
The result will be a heritage attraction rooted firmly in Eyemouth, but connected to the much wider story of Scotland’s coast.
HELP US SECURE GUNSGREEN’S FUTURE
Gunsgreen’s story is not finished.
The Trust is currently raising funds to protect the building, undertake essential repairs and transform the visitor experience.
The immediate programme includes essential building repairs and work to develop the detailed plans and specifications for the new heritage centre.
A major capital project is then planned for 2026–2029, creating the new heritage centre and improving access and facilities.
The Trust has appointed professional fundraising support, with assistance from the UK SharedProsperity Fund, and has been developing applications for major heritage funding with the National Lottery Heritage Fund to help turn these plans into reality.
The House has also recently faced a significant challenge from water ingress affecting the historic cellars. Remedial work is being undertaken, while the Trust works towards reopening and improving the museum and heritage facilities.
YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS
The rescue of Gunsgreen House has only been possible because of the generosity of funders, trusts, organisations and individuals over many years.
Support has come from organisations including Historic Scotland, the Heritage Lottery Fund, Scottish Borders Council, the Architectural Heritage Fund, Coastal Communities Fund and many charitable trusts and private benefactors.
Now we need the next generation of supporters.
Your donation, sponsorship, volunteering or involvement can help ensure that Gunsgreen remains at the heart of Eyemouth for generations to come.
Help us preserve the past – and create Gunsgreen’s future.
A PLACE FOR EYEMOUTH
Gunsgreen is more than a historic building.
It is part of Eyemouth’s identity.
The Trust wants the House to become a place where local people can meet, learn, celebrate their heritage and help shape its future – while also attracting new visitors and supporting the wider economy of the town.
With increased visitor numbers, hospitality, events, merchandise and accommodation, Gunsgreen can become a sustainable heritage business that contributes to the regeneration and prosperity of Eyemouth.
COME AND DISCOVER THE SECRET
Stand beside the harbour and imagine Eyemouth in the 18th century.
Ships arriving from across the North Sea.
Merchants doing business.
Fishermen bringing in their catch.
And, somewhere in the darkness, contraband being quietly brought ashore.
Behind the elegant Georgian façade of Gunsgreen lies a story of ambition, wealth, risk, secrecy and survival.
The story began with John Nisbet.
Now you can help write the next chapter.
GUNSGREEN HOUSE TRUST
Gunsgreen House
Gunsgreen Quay
Eyemouth
Berwickshire
Tel: 01890 752062
Email: info@gunsgreenhouse.org
Website: www.gunsgreenhouse.org
Registered Scottish Charity No. SC028062
Preserving Gunsgreen House. Sharing its stories. Securing its future.