The construction of the Tontine Hotel was financed on the "tontine principle" - an early form of life annuity - by which the last survivor of its original subscribers would fall heir to the property. Apparently French parole prisoners were employed in its construction, and its first manager was a Franco-Belgian (Lenoir). It has a very elegant dining-room with a musicians gallery, an Adam style fireplace, and a large bow window overlooking the River Tweed.

Historical content : taken from the Town Walk