Tour Scotland photograph of Craignethan Castle, South Lanarkshire, Scotland. A ruined Scottish castle in South Lanarkshire, Scotland. It is located above the River Nethan, a tributary of the River Clyde. The castle is two miles west of the village of Crossford, and five miles north-west of Lanark. Built in the first half of the 16th century, Craignethan is recognised as an excellent early example of a sophisticated artillery fortification, although its defences were never fully tested. The castle is notable as the last purpose built fortress to be constructed in Scotland. The barony of Draffane, in which Craignethan was located, was a property of the Black Douglases until their forfeiture in 1455. The land was granted to the Hamilton family, and in 1530 was given by James Hamilton, 1st Earl of Arran to his illegitimate son James Hamilton of Finnart. James Hamilton of Finnart had travelled in Europe, and had become an accomplished architect and military engineer. Appointed Kings Master of Works, he was responsible for the defences at Blackness Castle, as well as the renaissance facades of Linlithgow Palace. At Craignethan, he set out to build a "showcase" to display his talents in both domestic and military architecture. Despite his earlier Royal favour, Hamilton was executed for treason in 1540, and his properties were forfeit to the crown. The Hamilton family, in the person of the 2nd Earl of Arran, regained Craignethan Castle two years later.
Photograph of Craignethan Castle, South Lanarkshire, Scotland.
Photograph of the interior of Craignethan Castle, South Lanarkshire, Scotland.
Photograph of the interior of Craignethan Castle, South Lanarkshire, Scotland.
Photograph of the interior of Craignethan Castle, South Lanarkshire, Scotland.
Photograph of the interior of Craignethan Castle, South Lanarkshire, Scotland.
Photograph of the main entrance, Craignethan Castle, South Lanarkshire, Scotland.
Photograph of the Tower House Doocot, Craignethan Castle, South Lanarkshire, Scotland.
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
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