A crumbling stone heraldic panel catches the sunlight. It bears the date 1607. This is Gilbertfield Castle.
Gilbertfield Castle stands as a testament to Scotland’s rich history. A ruined 17th-century castle it sits on the north slope of Dechmont Hill. Just outside Cambuslang south-east of Glasgow it is a poignant reminder of a bygone era.
The castle’s history is interwoven with the Hamilton family. They owned the barony of Drumsagard where the castle resides. Construction began in the early 17th century. The castle’s L-plan tower house design is remarkably well-planned. Its stair tower was large enough for rooms and a square turnpike stair.
Imagine life within those thick walls. The vaulted basement held cellars and a kitchen with a large fireplace. A service stair connected the basement to the hall above. The hall itself had a smaller fireplace and large windows with gunloops for defense. Two more floors existed each with three rooms. At the very top in the garret two round turrets projected.
Sadly Gilbertfield Castle is now a neglected ruin. The east wall collapsed in the 1950s. Only the corbelling of the north-west turret remains. It is incredibly dangerous. Brickwork continues to fall each year. The remaining turret eventually fell down too. Today Gilbertfield Castle is a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
Despite its decay Gilbertfield Castle retains a captivating allure. The castle’s history is further enriched by William Hamilton of Gilbertfield. He lived there around the turn of the 18th century. A retired soldier and writer he was a friend of Allan Ramsay. William Hamilton notably translated Blind Harry’s epic poem. The poem recounts the deeds of Sir William Wallace. Its translation brought the work to national attention. The story of Wallace continues to inspire. Gilbertfield Castle itself continues to captivate. A silent witness to centuries of Scottish history. Its stones whisper tales of Hamiltons soldiers and poets. They bear witness to the changing landscapes of South Lanarkshire. Its future remains uncertain. Yet Gilbertfield Castle’s past will endure. It remains a monument to Scotland’s heritage.