Position of causeway in Crookston Castle's ringworks

Image: © Lairich Rig Taken: 9 Dec 2005

This picture was taken from an upper floor of Crookston Castle; see the main description: Image The existing ruined castle dates from the early fifteenth century, but the defensive earthworks were associated with an earlier (twelfth century) wooden structure that stood on the same site. As was mentioned in the main description, the position of an original causeway in the defensive ringwork that surrounds the castle site can still be discerned today. The defensive ditch is clearly visible here, but note a path that crosses it near the position of the red van (which is parked in front of a nearby lodge). It is at this point, where the path crosses the ditch, that the original causeway would have been located. In this image, on the near side of the ditch, just to the right of the path, it is just possible to make out something set into the grass. This is a plaque on a stone, and it reads: "Gatehouse - This is where the gatehouse would always have stood. The first Crookston Castle was built by Robert Croc, who gave his name to the area, before 1180. You can still see the mighty bank and ditch which protected his timber hall, kitchen, bakehouse and stables. The stone castle was built by the Stewarts of Darnley around 1400. This is a carefully planned tower house, with a smaller symmetrical tower at each corner. The castle was damaged in a siege in 1489, and although partially rebuilt was in ruins by 1600."

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