Kilmahew Castle

 Introduction

This evening, I am reporting on Kilmahew Castle which is located just north of Cardross, in the council area of Argyll and Bute in the West of Scotland. Cardross is about twenty-five miles N.W. of Glasgow. 

Kilmahew Castle

 Information on Kilmahew Castle

This ruin has a long association with the Napier family who occupied the building for many generations.

The structure is in the style of a keep which was common during period 1542-1700. Substantial rebuilding work was undertaken on the south and West sections during 18th or 19th century in anticipation of re-occupation but the work was never completed. The rebuilding is in the style of architect, John Douglas.

The Castle walls are thirty-six feet high and four feet thick.

The Napiers of Kilmahew Castle are notable for being the progenitors of members who had notable contributions in the field of engineering, such as Robert Napier, the “Father of Clyde Shipbuilding,” and David, James and Montague Napier, who owned the engineering company of Napier & Son.

Here is a link to the grave-marker recording the death of Robert Napier’s daughter at Glasgow Necropolis.

View from Castle interior.

 

Ruined interior

More Information for the visitor to Scotland

The publication, Visitors’ Guide to Scotland includes sections on landscapes, castles, history, cities, gardens, islands and much more. This book is heavily illustrated and contains a wealth of information on Scotland. The ISBN is 978-1-9161332-0-4. Also available via Kindle.