With a surplus of abandoned buildings and ancient ruins scattered throughout the country it is no wonder why Scotland has earned a reputation as a place rich in mythology and rumours of haunted locations. For example, Scotland’s castles - of which Visit Scotland estimates there were once as many as 3,000 - correspond to Scottish clans and remind us of our bloody history with hard-fought battles that forever shaped Scotland into what it is today.
The Scottish architectural legacy is one world-famous for good reason with other incredible examples of craftsmanship like our revered churches and influential Scottish figures like Charles Rennie Mackintosh. However, in the modern era many of these majestic buildings have been left to withstand the punishment of time without any sort of maintenance or repair, leaving a wealth of stunning architecture to perish.
That’s why we asked our Scotsman readers: “What abandoned building or ruin in Scotland would you like to see restored?" In response, we received a treasure trove of inspired nominations that we have collated into this list of twenty-five Scottish buildings that we would like to see restored to their former glory.
5. Invergarry Castle
Invergarry Castle dates from the early 17th century when it acted as the seat of the chiefs of the MacDonnells of Glengarry; an influential branch of Clan Donald. The castle’s position, which overlooks Loch Oich on Creagan an Fhithich (Raven’s Rock), was considered very strategic for the time of its creation during rampant clan warfare. | via WikiCommons and pastpin on Flickr
6. Urquhart Castle
Urquhart Castle is located on the bank of Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands (home of the famous mythological beast the Loch Ness Monster.) In the 1300s, the castle was central to the Scots’ battle for independence and it eventually came under the control of Robert the Bruce after he ascended to the throne as King of Scotland. | Peretz Partensky on Flickr
7. Cathkin Park
Cathkin Park is a municipal park in South Glasgow which was once home to the Third Lanark Football Club. It opened in 1884 with a match between Dumbarton and Queens Park. Thereafter it became one of Scotland’s major grounds, well-known for hosting Scottish Cup finals and even some international events. The last match was played there in 1967. | via WikiCommons
8. Mavisbank House
Mavisbank is a country house located outside Loanhead in Midlothian, south of Edinburgh. It is known as the “first Palladian house in Scotland” and was built in the 1720s by William Adam and Sir John Clerk of Penicuik. It is said to have been built for Sir John who was a ‘wealthy merchant and prominent figure’ during the Scottish enlightenment. | via WikiCommons