Whispers of forgotten castles linger on King’s Inch. This seemingly ordinary patch of land near Renfrew holds centuries of secrets. King’s Inch wasn’t always part of the mainland. It was once a sizeable island in the River Clyde.
Imagine a time when mighty castles stood here. Walter fitz Alan the first High Steward of Scotland built the first one in the 12th century. It was mostly wood with stone foundations. This strategic castle protected King David I’s interests. It stood as a bulwark against Somerled King of the Isles who attacked in 1164 with a huge fleet. The invasion failed Somerled was killed in battle near Renfrew.
The castle on King’s Inch was abandoned in the 13th century. A new stone castle rose in Renfrew’s center. Centuries later in the late 15th century Sir John Ross built Inch Castle. This three-storeyed stone fortification stood on the old castle’s site. The last Ross family member died there in 1732.
Sir John Ross’s acquisition of King’s Inch is legendary. He won it in a duel a man-to-man contest at Kempe Knowe near Paisley. He defeated a renowned English champion becoming known as “Palm-my-arm”. The King initially tried to renege on his promise but Sir John insisted on his reward.
The river Clyde changed course. Extensive dredging altered the landscape. King’s Inch was no longer an island. It merged with the mainland. Andrew Speirs of Elderslie a wealthy merchant bought the lands in 1760. He is said to have demolished Inch Castle building Elderslie House in 1777. Elderslie House designed by Robert Adam was demolished in 1924.
Braehead Power Station replaced the estate. That too was demolished. Now a shopping center and housing stand where castles once stood. The story of King’s Inch is one of power battles and changing landscapes. It’s a testament to Scotland’s rich and ever-shifting history. The echoes of battles and the whispers of kings still linger in the air above King’s Inch.