Cathcart Castle

The footings of the tower house known as Cathcart Castle can be seen within the Linn Park in Glasgow. Although prominently positioned, the strength of the site cannot be appreciated due to mature planting. The lands of Cathcart were held by a family who were probably Flemish in origin from the 12th century.

The footings are of the 15th century great tower probably founded by the first Lord Cathcart in 1450, and the surrounding rectangular courtyard which was provided with round towers, almost certainly a later addition. The tower was of the “great tower” type, with a first floor entrance, and was four storeys tall. It remained the seat of the Lords Cathcart until 1546, when it was purchased by Gabriel Semple, whose descendants occupied the tower for about 200 years. In 1740 the castle was deroofed, and abandoned in favour of a new house nearby. The ruined old tower was demolished in 1980, considered dangerous, and the footings stabilised, but today there is little here to indicate the extensive history of the site, the main use of which appears to be a drinking den.

HES Canmore database entry

Interesting page showing photographs and reconstruction of the castle