Craignethan Castle ***
Region: Glasgow & The Clyde
© Copyright M J Richardson and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.
Description:
This is an impressive and influential castle built in the 16th century by James Hamilton, the “bastard of Finnart” as an example of how to defend against artillery fire in the 16th century.
The site chosen may have been used previously by the Douglas family who held Craignethan until the mid 15th century, but all traces of any previous castle have been removed when James Hamilton started work, unless traces survive in the squat tower-keep and maybe in the ditch and wall. The tower-keep was situated at the end of a promontory site behind a very impressive ditch and wall with towers; an outer courtyard was added after Finnart’s execution, and before the Hamiltons fled to France during the civil wars. Their flight led to the castle being partially dismantled to render it militarily useless and sold on. A 17th century house now sits within the outer courtyard, built by Andrew Hay, and forms part of the monument, which is managed by Historic Environment Scotland.