Scottish Castles Association

Gilbertfield Tower, a scheduled ancient monument, stands adjacent to the farm of that name near the town of Cambuslang in what was industrial Lanarkshire.

It is a 17th century L-plan tower house, vaulted, but sporting an unusual scale-and-platt staircase which ascends to the hall on the first floor. The tower finishes in a steeply pitched roof adorned with dormer windows and corner turrets. Throughout, the masonry is of the highest quality.

Old coal workings bought about its collapse in the 1950s and what has survived is badly cracked. See our article about Gilbertfield Past and Present here.

It is therefore heartening that rescue could be on hand due to a projected housing scheme. It is incumbent on developers to take cognisance of such monuments before planning permission is granted. This is not necessarily welcomed due to additional costs but in this case the intention is to make Gilbertfield a ‘visitor attraction’ – whatever that may be!

Nothing is guaranteed, and similar projects have run into the sand, but anything to save this striking building from collapse has to be welcomed.

Article by Scottish Castles Association member Brian McGarrigle.