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Craignethan Castle Picture Photograph
Craignethan Castle is now, to all intents and purposes, a ruin. However, its very setting (in a very picturesque high point overlooking the River Nethan) makes it worth a visit.
Reputed to be haunted (aren't all of Scotlands castles ??) it was also said to have played host to Mary Queen of Scots before the battle of Langside.
The oldest part is a tower house built by Sir James Hamilton of Finnart in the 16th century, defended by an outer wall pierced by gun ports, and by a wide and deep ditch with a most unusual "caponier" - a stone vaulted chamber for artillery.
Presently this property is managed by Historic Scotland
Looking East across the outer courtyard towards the tower house. Towards the front of the picture is the house of the Covenanter, Andrew Hay, which was built after he purchased Craignethan in 1659.
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