Whispers of history surround Bedlay Castle. It stands as a testament to centuries of Scottish heritage. Bedlay Castle, nestled between Chryston and Moodiesburn, dates back to the late 16th and 17th centuries. Originally, the land belonged to the Bishops of Glasgow. It was confirmed as such by both King David I and King William I. One story even suggests that Bishop Cameron had a house or castle here.
Bedlay Castle truly began its story in 1580. James Boyd of Trochrig, the Protestant Archbishop of Glasgow, granted the land to his relative, Robert Boyd, 4th Lord Boyd of Kilmarnock. Robert Boyd built the first Bedlay Castle on a volcanic crag, overlooking Bothlyn Burn. It offered natural defenses. Watercourses protected it on three sides. The approach was from the south. This original structure was a two-story tower house with an attic, measuring approximately 13 by 7.5 meters. A square stair tower jutted from its northeast corner. Inside, vaulted cellars lay on the ground floor, with a hall above. Later, an extra storey was added to the stair tower. This new floor was accessed by a spiral staircase.
The Boyds held Bedlay Castle until 1642. Then, James, 9th Lord Boyd, sold the property to James Roberton. Roberton, grandson of John Roberton, 9th Laird of Earnock, eventually became Lord Bedlay. The Robertons significantly expanded the castle. They added a large extension to the west in the late 17th century. This extension mirrored the original building’s height. It housed a single room on each floor. Round towers marked the western corners. Due to the lower ground level of the extension, an extra floor was added below, accessible from the ground floor, even containing a hidden room under one of the towers. The Robertons continued to reside at Bedlay Castle until 1786.
In the 18th century, a two-story linking block was built on the north side. Large sash windows were installed, modernizing the castle. The grand hall was divided into two rooms. Later owners, the Campbells of Petershill, added their own touches. They brought garden ornaments from their demolished Petershill property. This included stone balustrades and gate piers. Bedlay Castle has passed through many hands. It remains privately owned today, continuing its legacy as a residence.
Bedlay Castle has also been associated with ghost stories. The “ghost” of Bishop Cameron, a large bearded man, is said to haunt the halls. Some claim to have heard a horse and carriage in the lane beside the house, a remnant of an old coach road. Even the Campbell mausoleum, originally on the grounds, was said to be haunted until its relocation.