Polnoon Castle

Polnoon Castle stands as the remains of a medieval fortress situated on a tree-covered mound with steep slopes descending to Polnoon Water. The ruin displays sections of stone masonry and is now covered with vegetation, with most of the original structures buried beneath the ground.

Sir John Montgomery built this castle in the late 1300s after obtaining ransom money from Henry Percy following the Battle of Otterburn in 1388. The construction of this stone fortress represented a direct result of his military success and the wealth that victory brought.

The original Montgomery family coat of arms that once hung at the castle entrance now adorns the doorway of the Cross Keys inn in Eaglesham, preserving a piece of local identity.

The ruin is covered with vegetation and located on uneven ground, so sturdy footwear and careful footing are essential. Exploring the site requires patience since many structures lie buried and are not immediately visible to the eye.

The walls in the northeastern corner show clear evidence of vaulting, suggesting the fortress was solidly built despite its small size. These architectural details hint at sophisticated medieval construction techniques that went beyond basic fortification.