Did you know Mains Castle is the oldest inhabited residence in East Kilbride? It stands proudly overlooking James Hamilton Heritage Loch. This splendid castle is a testament to Scottish history. Mains Castle dates back to 1450.
The story of Mains Castle is rich with royal connections. Princess Euphemia Stewart and David Lindsay occupied it first in 1478. David Lindsay was the Provost of Glasgow. Imagine them walking these very halls.
Over the centuries, Mains Castle faced turbulent times. In 1679, Claverhouse Dragoons fired cannonballs at it during a skirmish. This happened after the Battle of Bothwell Bridge. If you look closely at the lower walls, you can still see the cannonball marks today.
The castle fell into dilapidation for 200 years. But the Victorians restored it in 1883. The restoration was short-lived. A storm in 1922 collapsed the roof. It remained derelict until the 1970s.
A painstaking eight-year restoration began. It lasted from 1977 to 1985. Mike Rowan restored Mains Castle for modern living.
The walls of Mains Castle are incredibly thick. They range from six to ten feet. This provides a sense of security and history. The spiral turnpike staircase rises through the building. It was cunningly designed. It turns clockwise. This gave a right-handed swordsman an advantage. Intruders would have struggled fighting their way up.
Inside Mains Castle the ground floor was designed for gatherings. The ground floor houses a banqueting hall. A minstrels gallery overlooks it on the floor above. The original guardroom has been converted. It is now a cloakroom. It even has a stone-clad cistern.
The Great Hall features flagstone floors. Roughly-hewn stone walls and solid oak beams make this space atmospheric. It serves as the main kitchen and living room.
The third floor once housed the original ladies quarters. It has an exquisite hand-painted ceiling and an en suite toilet. The Lairds room is another double bedroom. It boasts stripped timber floors and an en suite shower room. Solid oak beams adorn the ceiling. A small recess held valuable salt.
The parapet provides access around the castle. It offers splendid views. The grounds extend to almost four acres. They border the northern bank of the loch.
Mains Castle sits on land gifted by Robert the Bruce. It has witnessed centuries of Scottish history. Its restoration has earned awards. It won a Saltire award for its reconstruction and renovation. It blends history with modern comfort. Mains Castle is a true Scottish treasure.
Mains Castle is a private residence today. However, it can be viewed from the circular path. This path goes around the edges of the loch. It offers a glimpse into this fairy-tale castle. A slice of Scottish history awaits.