Craignethan Castle, Artillery fortress in South Lanarkshire, Scotland.
The central tower house stands within rectangular walls reinforced by corner towers, positioned above the Nethan River near Crossford village.
Built in 1530 by James Hamilton of Finnart, the King's Master of Works, who designed military structures and palace facades across Scotland.
The fortress provided inspiration for Tillietudlem Castle in Walter Scott's 1816 novel Old Mortality, following his visit to the site in 1799.
Visitors can explore the tower house, stone-vaulted shooting gallery, and examine the remains of western ramparts that protected the main structure.
The castle features Britain's rare caponier, a covered passage in the defensive ditch that allowed soldiers to fire muskets at approaching enemies.
Location: South Lanarkshire
Location: Lesmahagow
Inception: 1500s
Website: https://historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/craignethan-castle
GPS coordinates: 55.69656,-3.88532
Latest update: May 17, 2025 10:37
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