Bedlay Castle

Bedlay Castle is a tower house built on a volcanic crag above Bothlyn Burn, featuring two vaulted cellars on the ground floor and round towers at the western corners. The structure combines different building phases from various centuries, showing both early and later architectural additions.

Robert Boyd, the 4th Lord Boyd of Kilmarnock, built the original structure in the 16th century, and the Robertson family extended it through the 1700s. This development over two centuries shows how the building adapted to changing needs and times.

The castle displays typical Scottish defensive design of its era, with thick stone walls and elevated positioning that provided protection for those living here. Visitors can observe from outside how the structure reflects the building practices of the period.

The castle sits between Chryston and Moodiesburn, roughly 8 miles northeast of Glasgow and remains a private residence not open for regular visits. Viewing from a distance is possible, but close access to the grounds is restricted.

The building displays a rare blend of an early two-storey tower core with later 17th-century round tower additions that were built during different periods. This combination of styles from separate eras makes it an interesting case of how Scottish castle architecture evolved over time.

Location: North Lanarkshire

Location: Cadder

GPS coordinates: 55.90578,-4.09395

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:01