Curious about where Glasgow’s first castrated rams once grazed? That brings us to Hogganfield. Hogganfield is a district northeast of Glasgow’s city centre. It is surrounded by Blackhill, Craigend, Millerston and other Glasgow districts. The M80 separates Hogganfield from Robroyston.
Hogganfield’s history is intertwined with Glasgow’s own. The Molendinar Burn flows from Frankfield Loch. It passes through Hogganfield Loch. This burn was key to Glasgow’s siting by St Kentigern.
Back in 1795, the Thomas Richardson map showed Hogganfield Loch. It appeared mainly as bogland around Frankfield Loch. Until the 1950s, the area remained mainly marsh and farmland. Then, large-scale housing began.
Hogganfield is known for its distinct areas. Lochview was once called the “rhubarb fields”. The Pinkerton family owned it. They were mathematics teachers. They allowed housing construction leading to the Lochview estate. Lochview consists of Lochview Drive, Place, Gardens, and Crescent.
Meadowview and Willowpark sit behind Lochview. Their streets include Colintraive Avenue and Mossbank Drive. The houses here feature blonde and red brick.
Hogganfield Manor is located around the Avenue End Road side of the loch. Lochside View, a complex of apartments and townhouses, is also nearby.
The name Hogganfield comes from “hoggs”. These were first-year castrated rams. They grazed here before slaughter. This happened around the 17th and 18th centuries. The names Craigend, Westercraigs, and Eastercraigs reflect this history.
Hogganfield Loch is part of kettle ponds formed by glacial slip in the last ice age. Other kettle ponds include Bishop’s and Frankfield Lochs.
In 1923, Hogganfield Loch became a commercial enterprise. A business sold ice to Glasgow’s eateries. This ended when Scandinavian ice became fashionable.
Today, Hogganfield Loch is a public park and bird sanctuary. The rare jack snipe has been spotted here during its migration. Hogganfield Loch attracts fishermen. The park and an 18-hole golf course are maintained by Glasgow City Council.
The park was purchased in 1920. It was extended in later years. In the past, the Loch and Frankfield Loch supplied water for mills. Locals harvested ice from the loch. This stopped due to safety concerns. Two ice houses were built north of the loch.
Between 1924 and 1926, the loch was deepened for boating. The island was created. A tearoom and boat house were added by 1930. A Pitch and Putt course was also available.
The island was designated a bird sanctuary. A nature trail operated in the 1970s. It was closed in the 1980s to protect wildlife. The loch and surroundings became a Local Nature Reserve in 1998.
Hogganfield is Glasgow’s most important site for migrant waterbirds. Over 100 bird species have been recorded here. Birds like Tufted Duck and Goldeneye are easily seen. Rarer birds like the Slavonian Grebe visit. The Smew is a regular winter visitor.
The park boasts a children’s play area and an orienteering course. Sandy beaches and picnic tables are available. Lethamhill Golf Course is nearby.
So, as you stroll around Hogganfield Loch, remember its history. It is a place where industry once thrived. Now it is a haven for wildlife and recreation.