Overgrown recreation fields south of the railway tracks once defined part of Croftfoot. These fields were bequeathed to the community in the 1930s. They represent just one chapter in this Glasgow suburb’s evolving story.
Croftfoot is located on the southeastern side of Glasgow. It is bordered by Castlemilk and King’s Park. Rutherglen’s Spittal and Bankhead also border Croftfoot. Croftfoot sits within the Linn ward of Glasgow City Council. Historically, it was part of Renfrewshire’s Cathcart parish.
The name Croftfoot comes from an old steading. This steading was located at the eastern end of Croftfoot Road. Here, the Castlemilk Burn enters a culvert. This is downstream from the former Castlemilk House site.
Much of Croftfoot’s housing consists of grey-roughcast cottage flats. MacTaggart & Mickel built these in the 1930s. The Western Heritable Investment Company originally rented them out. These homes went on sale in the mid-1950s. Many have been upgraded since. In 2007, many residents received council tax refunds. Their homes had been incorrectly placed in a higher band. This error dated back 14 years.
A few exceptions exist to the prevalent housing style. Sandstone workers’ cottages stand on Croftpark Avenue. These cottages date from the mid-19th century. They were part of a rural estate.
Croftfoot has several amenities. A large Church of Scotland church sits in the neighborhood’s center. Built in 1936, it has historic links to the Gorbals district. Croftfoot Primary School is directly across from the church. It feeds into Kings Park Secondary School. Roman Catholic churches and schools are in Castlemilk and Simshill. Carmunnock Road features shops, a United Free church, and Croftfoot Bowling Club. The bowling club was founded in 1954. A Baptist church is located on Castlemilk Road near Spittal. The Croft is the area’s only public house and restaurant.
Regarding green spaces, a former 9-hole golf course was once a local landmark. The Western Heritable Investment Company donated it to the city. Established in 1934, the golf course was dug into a steep hillside. It became derelict. In 2020, the local authority landscaped the area. They planted trees and added footpaths. This coincided with flood prevention work.
Croftfoot railway station serves the area. First Glasgow bus routes 5 and 75 also serve Croftfoot. These routes were designed for the city’s tram network. Traffic congestion is common on the narrow side streets. Commuters often park near the station which lacks a formal car park.
Croftfoot’s location means vehicles from the north must detour via Spittal or Menock Road. These detours add distance to journeys. A derelict property on Croftfoot Road was renovated. The transformation cost £100,000. The house had been abandoned for a decade. It was an eyesore for neighbors.
Living in Croftfoot offers proximity to the countryside. Cathkin Braes Country Park is nearby. It is also easy to get into Glasgow city center. Croftfoot station provides convenient railway links. The M74 and M77 motorways offer quick access for motorists. Glasgow’s international airport is also easily accessible. Croftfoot Primary and St Mirin’s Primary serve the area. Kings Park Secondary is available for older children.
So, as we stand here in Croftfoot, remember its layers of history. From its cottage flats to its repurposed golf course and community church, it is a testament to Glasgow’s vibrant suburban life.