Mugdock Castle
Mugdock Castle Details
Mugdock Castle, ruined C14 courtyard castle of Grahams updated with 2nd towered courtyard in C15 abandoned C18 for Buchanan Castle
- Closest To: Milngavie,Bearsden,Glasgow,Lennoxtown,Strathblane
- Access: Free Public Access
- Grid Reference: NS545772
The ruins of Mugdock Castle are in a public park and are accessible at all reasonable times. It was built on a ridge of high land projecting into a loch in the 14th century, possibly replacing an earlier manorial site with a motte to the north-west. The castle was originally a fortified courtyard of irregular size and shape with square towers, but was massively extended in the 15th century by Patrick, the first Lord Graham.
The castle remained Graham property until its double sacking during the civil war – first by Lord Sinclair in 1641, and again by Argyll in 1644. Argyll was himself executed in 1650, and the Grahams regained Mugdock, building a new mansion on the site, which was abandoned in the 18th century, and replaced with a baronial mansion, itself now demolished. Mugdock is definitely worthwhile visiting, although it is quite a walk from the public car parks.
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