Animal Representations- The Bear Gate

Continuing with my theme for this week I went to the Scottish Borders to Traquair House the oldest inhabited house in Scotland to photograph the famous bear gate.  The bear gate was added to the property in 1739 only to be closed in 1745 with the intention that they would not open again until a Stuart returns to the throne.  They remain closed to this day.  There are two bears one on either side of the closed gate each holding the Stuart crest of arms. 

My husband and I enjoyed visiting the grounds of Traquair House, it has been a long time since we were last here, but it is always worth a visit.