Mains Castle – East Kilbride, Scotland - Atlas Obscura
Places near me Random place

Mains Castle

East Kilbride, Scotland

This castle was first occupied in the 1400s and has undergone major restoration in recent times. 

Mains Castle View all photos
Mains Castle
Mains Castle
Mains Castle
Mains Castle
11
32
Top Places in Scotland
Rockall viewed from the south.
Rockall
Rockall, Scotland
Ayr Town Hall Cells
Ayr, Scotland
'The Unsoiling of Rockall'
Toberonochy, Scotland
 See All

Situated within the picturesque James Hamilton Heritage Park lies Mains Castle, a remarkable residence that dates back to the 15th century. The land holds great historical significance as it was thought to be gifted by Robert the Bruce.

In 1478, the castle was occupied by Princess Euphemia Stewart and her husband David Lindsay. The castle suffered external damage in 1679 during the Battle of Bothwell Bridge after being fired upon with cannonballs. Remarkably, when inspected up close, there are cannonball marks on the lower walls of the castle today.

The castle has changed owners many times over the years, and in 1922, a large storm hit that collapsed the roof and caused the property to lay derelict for several years. It wasn’t until a massive restoration project between 1977 and 1985 that the castle became liveable again. The tower structure within the castle has five floors and has been restored to its former glory.

Know Before You Go

There is parking available at the James Hamilton Heritage Park. The castle is a private residence but can be seen from the circular path that follows round the edges of the loch.

Atlas Obscura Trips

NEW - Flavors of Scotland: Beyond the Haggis

Smoked seafood, single malt whisky, and warm hospitality.
Book Now
castles history & culture architecture
Community Contributors
O
Added by
Obscuravibes
s
f
Edited by
samus, faichfeild
Published
November 15, 2023
Edit this listing
Make an Edit Add Photos
Nearby
Carmunnock War Memorial
2.02 miles
Carnbooth Anti-Aircraft Battery
2.92 miles
Cambuslang Miners Monument
2.93 miles
Want to see fewer ads? Become a Member.
Near This Place
Carmunnock War Memorial
Clarkston, Scotland

Carmunnock War Memorial

This 1920's sandstone war memorial was constructed with an unusual drinking trough for horses.
Carnbooth Anti Aircraft Battery
Glasgow, Scotland

Carnbooth Anti-Aircraft Battery

This former World War II artillery defense site was built to guard the industrial city of Glasgow.
Cambuslang Miners Monument
Cambuslang, Scotland

Cambuslang Miners Monument

This striking monument pays tribute to those who died working the coal pits from the town of Cambuslang.
Blantyre, Scotland

Blantyre Carvings

These mysterious religious carvings were once thought to be thousands of years old but are actually the work of modern eccentric.
Related Places
Crawford Castle
Crawford, Scotland

Crawford Castle

These crumbling ruins are all that's left of the ancestral home of Clan Crawford.
Mackenzie Castle
Genoa, Italy

Mackenzie Castle

This Gothic revival structure has been a family home, a military base, a gymnastics center, and is now owned by one of the largest auction houses in Italy.
Dalquharran Castle
Dailly, Scotland

Dalquharran Castle

The ruins of this magnificent Scottish castle blend both Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles.
Angles-sur-l'Anglin, France

Angle sur l’ Anglin Fortress

This imposing castle has stood for nearly a thousand years.
In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

From Around the Web