20 August 2013

Cathcart Castle, Glasgow, Scotland

 

What is left of Cathcart Castle today

This is what happens when a castle comes under the care of Glasgow. Cathcart was a massive tower house of the early 15th century surrounded by a curtain wall equipped with round towers. Its situation was dramatic, high on a rocky outcrop above the River Cart which is bridged at this point.

Cathcart Castle before demolition by the Glasgow Council
Cathcart Castle in 1904 - Demolished by Glasgow City Council in 1980
 
It was abandoned as a dwelling in the mid 1700s and the roof removed and so it lay until it came under the control of Glasgow. The castle then formed part of a public park, though the castle itself was fenced off. Numerous attempts were made to secure the future of the structure and the 'Cathcart Society' was founded for this express purpose.
All in vain, on the pretext that the castle constituted a danger to children it was demolished over a week end in 1980.


Credit: Photos and article by Scottish Castles Association (2013)
http://www.scottishcastlesassociation.com/rec-id-289-cat_id-1-highlight-2.htm



NOTE:

Some fantastic info on the parish of Cathcart can be found at http://www.scotcities.com/cathcart/cathcart.htm. You'll find history, artwork, photos, and old maps of the area. It's an interesting site by George Blaikie.