Craignethan Castle

This extensive and well-preserved ruin, famous as the "Tiilietudlem" of Scott's Old Mortality, has a history of much importance in the religious wars of the sixteenth century, when, as chief stronghold of the Hamiltons, supporters of Queen Mary, it was repeatedly assailed by the Protestant party, and partly dismantled by them in 1579. The oldest and central portion is a large tower house of an unusual design, and very ornate in its details. This was built by Sir James Hamilton of Finnart, the favourite of James V. The outer walls and towers are exceptionally well preserved. Located four and a half miles west-north-west of Lanark, on the west bank of the River Nethan.