I found this from the history of Galashiels about Westhouses.
'To the west from Gattonside about half a mile there is a good ferry-boat
on Tweed called the Westhouses boat house. This boat, having a good pool,
and being the ordinary passage from the south to Edinburgh, is much
frequented. They have likewise a good fishing for salmon. Above the boat
is Westhouses, the old possession of the Ormistons for many years. They
have a good house here with many vaults, and gun holes on every side after
the old form. I have seen their names on the principal gate, Anno 1581.
They had the custom of the bridge while it was standing. This place was in
the possession of the Pringles of Blindlee for some time, and now belongs to
Mr Scott of Galashiels."