Cadzow Castle

Cadzow Castle stands on a hilltop one mile southeast of Hamilton in South Lanarkshire, Scotland, with origins tracing back to the 12th century as a royal hunting lodge under King David I. Built between 1500 and 1550 by the influential Hamilton family, it represents an early example of a fortress designed to withstand artillery. The castle played a significant role in Scottish history, with the Earls of Arran residing there as powerful nobles near the royal succession. Today, managed by Historic Environment Scotland, the ruins remain largely scaffolded due to structural concerns, though the surrounding country park provides scenic footpaths and views of this historically important site.