DOCSLIB.ORG

Semple Trail Nature, Heritage, Landscape and Leisure

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Semple Trail Nature, Heritage, Landscape and Leisure Semple Trail Nature, heritage, landscape and leisure Welcome to the Semple Trail Take time to enjoy all that the Semple Trail offers: wildlife and flora, history and heritage, vistas of land, water and sky. The Semple Trail Heritage Project from mute swans and greylag (STHP) recognises connections geese on the loch to great spotted between the land, its natural history woodpeckers drumming in the and its human heritage. Visitors woods. can now enjoy access to the trail’s Whether you use the trail to enjoy its carefully conserved treasures, natural history, its heritage or simply landscape and wildlife. for a country walk, this booklet will The area offers the simple pleasures add a new dimension to your visit, of outdoor walks, sports and leisure. providing the background to the It forms a circular route, 14km natural and human history of (9 miles) long, with shorter walks Castle Semple. leading off it. Paths wind through To find out more about the trail, farmland, woodland and loch please visit www.clydemuirshiel. sides—all of which vary in mood and co.uk/semple-trail where you can interest as the seasons change. also complete our short survey and The trail is home to a wide range of add your comments. wildlife including otters, badgers and roe deer. Over 100 bird species are known to visit the nearby reserve, The history of Castle Semple The landscape we enjoy today has been shaped over 500 years by the work of three families. The Sempills, the MacDowalls and the Harveys sought to improve and develop the land to support their business and leisure interests. The Semple Trail is rich in the built and natural legacy of the families. William MacDowall, Robert Hunter of Ayr Scotland’s ‘Richest is commissioned Commoner’, sugar to build a mansion planter and slave house in place of trader, buys the the original Castle estate Semple 1314 1474 1505 1727 1730 The Sempills were James III of Scotland Lord John Sempill rewarded for grants land in builds the first Castle their support for Howwood to and the Collegiate Robert the Bruce at Lord James Sempill Church Bannockburn with lands in the Lothians and Largs THE SEMPILLS THE MACDOWALLS Images clockwise from top-left: Castle Semple House; plan of Castle Semple Estate 1907; curling on Castle Semple Loch. The Semple Trail The mansion house Heritage Project is demolished and is delivered to its remaining wings conserve some restored as private of the estate’s residences remaining treasures 1814 1905 1924 1960s 2015 Major John Harvey The railway is built The mansion house buys the Castle through the estate is largely destroyed Semple portion of by fire the estate THE HARVEYS MODERN DAY A designed landscape In the late 1720s and early 1730s new owner William MacDowall demolished the original Castle Semple. In its place, he built Scotland’s Local landowner James Adam, who first Palladian mansion. Wings of in 1813 purchased Barr Loch and the mansion still remain as private 100 acres of Castle Semple Loch, residences. More evident today oversaw a drainage scheme to drain is the work of the garden expert Barr Loch but keep Castle Semple William Bouchert. Between 1727 Loch full of water. Thanks to some and 1730, Bouchert diverted the clever water engineering, Barr Loch burn behind Castle Semple to create soon became Barr Meadows and and feed the fish ponds and three Adam's scheme kept 170 acres of cascades. It is thought that much former loch-bed dry and under crop of the stone used to construct the for more than 131 years. However, cascades came from historic local the structures that kept the quarries located immediately south meadows dry were not adequately of Lochwinnoch, by Barrbank Wood. maintained and, in 1946, the sluices at the end of Barr Meadows failed, Beside the ponds an ice house flooding the land once more and was built to serve the mansion’s recreating the Barr Loch that we kitchens. Intricate carving over recognise today. a nearby cave suggests that this might be an earlier attempt at an ice By the early 19th century, the estate house. The MacDowall family altered had been heavily forested with the landscape for both pleasure tree plantations, including exotic and profit. In the early years of their species like Portuguese laurel, ownership, the MacDowall’s partially Swedish whitebeam and Turkey drained the loch to create more oak, some of which still flourish valuable agricultural land. However, today. The plantations on the by 1800 a new weir had been built estate were so extensive that below Castle Semple loch to raise in 1809 they had been valued the loch’s level to provide water for at £30,000 (around £2million in the mills on the banks of the Black today’s money) and were deemed Cart water. the largest in the country. Historic structures Collegiate Church The Collegiate Church The Collegiate Church was founded John Sempill was killed fighting in 1504 by John, Lord Sempill. One the English at the Battle of Flodden of only 42 such churches in Scotland in 1513 alongside James IV and and outwith any bishop’s control, 5,000 fellow Scots. His son had it was served by a college of priests the Collegiate Church extended to whose chief duty was to offer up house his father’s tomb. The church prayers for the souls of the fell out of use after the Protestant Sempill family. Reformation of 1560 but survived as a burial enclosure. The grotto The Cascades The grotto was originally built spot reminded visitors of the family’s during the time of the 2nd William wealth. A more contemporary form MacDowall as a fashionable addition of the grotto currently sits in to the grounds. This peaceful picnic Parkhill Wood. Kenmure Temple The temple was built in 1758 to 1780s this area doubled as a formal provide the MacDowall’s and their park for the family’s deer which at guests with another vantage point the time were considered to be an over the impressive estate. In the exclusive asset. The cascades, ice house and cave John Sempill's Tomb The category B listed cascades The cave would have been another were established in the early 18th desirable feature when it was built century. They were created at a in the 18th century. Both it and the time when it was very fashionable nearby 19th century ice house were to have formal gardens with water used to store ice which would have features. Surviving examples are rare, been cut out from the adjacent especially in Scotland. cascade ponds. Ice would be stored through to the summer to help preserve perishable food. The grotto "Lookooteries" Tod's Seat The landscape, history and natural delights of Castle Semple are illustrated by "Lookooteries"; individually designed features located around the trail, each taking inspiration from the area’s rich wildlife, heritage and industry. Tod's Seat | A flight of steel birds Johnshill | The striking high-backed marks this Lookooterie which sits in seats at Johnshill face south over the a peaceful spot at the end of the Aird loch and offer tranquil views of the Meadow Trail path. trail and the village of Lochwinnoch. Lochshore | Located a short stroll Parkhill | Take shelter in the seats from Castle Semple Visitor Centre, beneath the giant Semple Trail map the imposing folded map plots the at Parkhill. The map illustrates how site and lists its wildlife while carved water shaped the landscape and Lochshore stones translate birds’ names into points out Castle Semple Loch, Barr the Lowland Scots tongue. Loch and Black Cart Water. Visitor Centre Curling Rink | The Courtshaw Hill | This Lookooterie loch was used for winter curling and interprets the rich local textile this Lookooterie pays tribute to the heritage. A woven metal seat refers "Roaring Game." Lochwinnoch was to the former works in Lochwinnoch one of very few places in Scotland and Howwood whose industrial where curling stones were made. pasts include blanket making, silk and linen weaving, carpet making, cotton spinning, bleaching and finishing. Visitor Centre Curling Rink Johnshill Parkhill Courtshaw Hill Heritage restoration In 2015 work began to conserve the important historic features in Castle Semple Country Park to safeguard them for the future. The category B listed cascade complex was in particular need of attention, with the original elements now almost 300 years old. Much of the sandstone used in A substantial amount of debris had the upper and middle cascades built up in the ice house pit and this was showing signs of decay. was carefully removed, recorded A significant amount of damage and the underground drain cleared. had been caused by sprawling Some of the excavated material has vegetation and in the case of the been left in place at the ice house middle cascade, extensive tree entrance, including evidence of an roots. Specialists in conservation old internal door and associated undertook the delicate task of ironwork. removing this material whilst It is assumed that the nearby cave managing the flow of water in and is an example of an earlier ice around the cascades. A significant house. During the conservation amount of existing stone was works a substantial drain was reused and complemented with uncovered approximately three feet new stone of similar appearance. below ground level which ran from The adjacent ice house was the cave and deposited into the in relatively good condition cascades, adding large weight to and showed no signs of water this theory. Like the ice house, the penetration. Over the years, cave is in relatively good condition attempts to repoint the outside and required only minor works had created a messy exterior and to clear and improve its floor and this was removed and re-done in a remove overhanging vegetation.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Castle Semple, Lochwinnoch Castle Parkhill Wood Parkhill from “Heartlands” by Betty Mckellar, 1999 NCR7
    Mature woodlands, distant views to the Firth of Clyde, a medievalCastle church, Semple, the traces of anLochwinnoch old formal estate, and a loch shore – this route certainly has plenty of variety. In Parkhill Wood you’ll see lots of changes with the passage of the seasons. Bluebells in spring, bright summer flowers, the rich reds and russets of autumn foliage, and bright winter berries attracting feeding birds. Enjoy it at any time of year ! Start and finish Castle Semple Visitor Centre, about 500m from the centre of Lochwinnoch (grid reference NS358590). There are signposts to the Centre in the village, which you can reach by public transport. Distance 8 km (5 miles). Allow 3 hours. Terrain Mixture of excellent flat paths and narrower woodland paths. Some muddy sections. No stiles but The golden finger of a solitary sunbeam shaft some gates. Shows silver silhouettes against the green Of poplar, hawthorn and ash And the slender birch, Ghosts adrift Like grey chiffon Floating in the wisps of twilight Castle Semple, Lochwinnoch Castle Parkhill Wood Parkhill from “Heartlands” by Betty McKellar, 1999 NCR7 5 7 8 3 6 4 9 2 1 Cycle routes N 0 0.2 miles 0 250 metres © Crown copyright. All rights reserved Renfrewshire Council O.S. licence RC100023417 2008. 1 From Castle Semple Visitor Centre car park, walk along the shore of Castle Semple Loch in front of the Centre building. Continue along the shore path. There are plenty of seats along here. 2 At a path junction with a lifebuoy and signboard, turn left up the hill.
    [Show full text]
  • The Semple Trail
    DISCOVER THE SEMPLE TRAIL This belongs to: Use your passport to help you discover Can you work out the answers to all of all the Semple trail has to offer! these questions about the Trail? Get hands on with Learn to identify some of the many creatures these fun activities you’ll come across on the Semple Trail Learn all about the past and present of Keep your eyes peeled to find as many the Semple Trail with these fun facts of our resident creatures as you can THE LOCHSHORE ALONG FROM CASTLE SEMPLE For many years people have curled on the loch when it has frozen over. Lochwinnoch Curling Club was formed away back in 1827, and many big competitions were held in the area during the 19th century. Go and visit the curling rink ‘lookooterie’ just in front of Castle Semple Visitor Centre. Looking inside the rink will help you answer the following: How much does an Olympic curling stone weigh? In what year was curling first played at the winter Olympics? Lots of ducks and swans live at Castle Semple loch. How many can you see today? In Scottish Folklore, whooper swans are said to be a good omen. Here’s how you tell the difference between a whooper swan and a mute swan: WHOOPER SWANS have straight yellow beaks and whoop when in flight. What piece of equipment was said to be the first MUTE SWANS have orange beaks and a black used in Scotland to build a road between the Barr patch between their eyes.
    [Show full text]
  • South Renfrewshire Access Network Initiative
    SOUTH RENFREWSHIRE ACCESS NETWORK INITIATIVE CONSERVATION STATEMENT & MANAGEMENT PROPOSALS Prepared for Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park on behalf of The SRANI Partnership by Land Use Consultants November 2008 37 Otago Street Glasgow G12 8JJ Tel: 0141 334 9595 Fax: 0141 334 7789 [email protected] CONTENTS 1. Background to the Conservation Statement ................................... 1 Scope of the Conservation Statement ...................................................................................................1 Location.........................................................................................................................................................1 Conservation Statement Aims .................................................................................................................1 Limitations.....................................................................................................................................................1 Ownership of the Conservation Statement..........................................................................................2 Remainder of the Report ..........................................................................................................................2 2. Stakeholder Interests & Consultation............................................... 3 Introduction..................................................................................................................................................3 Stakeholder Consultation..........................................................................................................................3
    [Show full text]
  • Semple Trail
    Further information Castle Semple Visitor Centre Lochwinnoch PA12 4EA | 01505 842 882 RSPB Lochwinnoch Visitor Centre Lochwinnoch PA12 4JF | 01505 842 663 How to find Semple Trail Discover the By bike: NCR7 By train: Stations at Lochwinnoch and Howwood By Car: Car parks at Castle Semple Visitor Semple Trail Centre and RSPB Lochwinnoch Sections of the Semple Trail are accessible to wheelchair users. Please contact the visitor centres for more information. Howwood Kilmacolm M8 and Glasgow Paisley Howwood Kilbarchan Station Lochwinnoch Castle Semple Visitor Centre A737 A760 RSPB Visitor Centre History KilbirnieLochwinnoch Station and Heritage Beith THIS PROJECT WAS PART FUNDED BY THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT AND THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY Several of the historic structures within Castle RENFREWSHIRE LEADER PROGRAMME Semple estate have recently been restored and are now accessible. These include the impressive cascade complex and its adjacent ice house and cave. The nearby Category A listed Collegiate Church dates back to the early 16th century. View the octagonal Temple from the foot of Kenmure Hill and discover the grotto which rests within Parkhill's woodland. Landscape Many of the area's features date back to the 18th and 19th centuries and can still be appreciated today. Visitors can walk paths that were once carriage The Semple Trail offers drives and admire the historic tree plantations. Seven new and unique viewpoints (see map visitors of all ages a chance to overleaf) are located along the trail, each discover, learn and have fun. offering a place to sit and discover important parts of the area's heritage. Picnic on the loch shore, visit an RSPB hide or climb up to the viewpoints and explore the paths that loop through the impressive woodland.
    [Show full text]
  • Castle Semple Loch – It's History & Hydrology
    Castle Semple Loch History & Hydrology Castle Semple Loch is situated to the southeast of the Renfrewshire hills in the Lochwinnoch Gap. The loch is 25 kilometres south west of Glasgow and 15 kilometres east of Largs. The village of Lochwinnoch is sited at the northwest end of the loch. Geology and Geomorphology The loch is situated in a glacial trough between two sections of the Clyde Plateau lava. The underlying rock is basaltic lava laid down in the Carboniferous Period 320 -270 million years ago. The glacial trough is overlain with sediments belonging to the Carboniferous Limestone Coal Series with more recent alluvial deposits on top. An area of boulder clay intrudes along the eastern edge of the Barr Loch. History of Castle Semple Loch It is likely that Castle Semple Loch was at one time joined to the lochs of Barr and Kilbirnie and in more recent times, the New Statistical Account for 1836 refers to them as being united on occasions of great rainfall. It was only in 1735 that a wooden bridge was constructed across the narrow channel between Castle Semple Loch and Barr Loch. At this time Colonel William MacDowall deepened the outlet of Castle Semple Loch for two miles in length. This made it possible to obtain a hay crop from around the area of the Barr Loch. The Castle Semple Estate Plan, around 1767, shows that a drainage channel cut through the Barr Loch created meadows at Barr, Aird and Peel. There was further work, by the second William MacDowall in 1773, on the drainage channel in the middle of the Barr Loch to improve water flow to Castle Semple Loch.
    [Show full text]
  • Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park Tel 01505 842 882 Email [email protected]
    Look out for events celebrating food and drink in Scotland’s largest Regional Park. Walks & Talks Volunteering Our Countryside Rangers co- If you would like to get involved with ordinate most events and are conservation activities or countryside management, have fun and learn available to give advice on walks, new skills, you can! wildlife or any countryside issue. Contact them at Centres. Thursdays 12.30 – 15.30 hrs at Castle Semple. Saturdays 10.30 – 14.30 hrs with Greenock Cut Ranger Team. Lochwinnoch Community Walk takes Sundays 10.00 - 12.00 hrs Youth Group place every Monday - meet 10.30 hrs at the (12-18). Castle Semple. More details of McKillop, Lochwinnoch, allow 1.5 hours. group and individual opportunities available can be found on our website. Outdoor Activity Courses Semple Trail such as kayaking, sailing, Heritage archery, map and compass Project (STHP) skills run all season primarily at WATERSPORTS Castle Semple. Look at the back pages, The STHP aims to involve online for course dates or contact the communities in the natural & built Centre for group bookings. Castle heritage of this area and the ancient Semple is an RYA Sailability Centre of Excellence fully equipped to help Semple clan. Download the 12km budding sailors with disabilities, contact route guide from our website. Look us to discuss your needs. out for new seats, signage and interpretation this season! Please NOTE • All events, walks and activities must be booked in advance unless otherwise stated. Bike Hire at Castle Semple • For walks and land based activities you should Mountain, comfort and children’s always have warm clothing, waterproofs, walking bikes plus tandems and trailers.
    [Show full text]
  • Clyde Muirshiel Park Authority
    CLYDE MUIRSHIEL PARK AUTHORITY Report to Joint Committee On 2nd September 2016 Report by Head of Planning & Housing : Renfrewshire Council SUBJECT Semple Trail Heritage Project 1.0 Purpose of Report 1.1 The report seeks to inform Members of the success of the recently concluded Semple Trail Heritage Project. 2.0 Recommendation 2.1 It is recommended that Members of the Joint Committee: x Note the achievements of the Semple Trail Heritage Project as outlined in the Heritage Lottery Fund evaluation report. 3.0 Background 3.1 Over the period 2012-2016, the Semple Trail Heritage Project was successfully delivered through a funding package of £860,000 secured from Heritage Lottery Fund, Renfrewshire Council, Renfrewshire LEADER, Historic Scotland, Forestry Commission Scotland, Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park, RSPB and Legacy 2014. 3.2 The main aims of the project were: x Encourage people to explore the area by creating ‘heritage destinations’ x Enhance biodiversity x Improve access and interpretation x Restore key heritage features (Cascades, ice house, cave and grotto) and x Deliver a programme of engaging activity for local communities and visitors. 4.0 Key Achievements 4.1 The key achievements of the project include: x Over 2km of new or upgraded paths x Two new footbridges and a new fishing/viewing platform x Creation of visitor destinations along the trail route x Restoration of key listed structures, and x Delivery of activities involving over 2500 participants, particularly through the Windows on Wildlife project. 4.2 The project has been delivered on budget and has benefitted significantly from added volunteer value.
    [Show full text]
  • Castle Semple Collegiate Church
    Property in Care (PIC) ID: PIC116 Designations: Scheduled Monument (SM90067) Taken into State care: 1949 (ownership) Last reviewed: 2014 STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE CASTLE SEMPLE COLLEGIATE CHURCH We continually revise our Statements of Significance, so they may vary in length, format and level of detail. While every effort is made to keep them up to date, they should not be considered a definitive or final assessment of our properties. Historic Environment Scotland – Scottish Charity No. SC045925 Principal Office: Longmore House, Salisbury Place, Edinburgh EH9 1SH © Historic Environment Scotland 2018 You may re-use this information (excluding logos and images) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit http://nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open- government-licence/version/3/ or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: [email protected] Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned. Any enquiries regarding this document should be sent to us at: Historic Environment Scotland Longmore House Salisbury Place Edinburgh EH9 1SH +44 (0) 131 668 8600 www.historicenvironment.scot You can download this publication from our website at www.historicenvironment.scot Historic Environment Scotland – Scottish Charity No. SC045925 Principal Office: Longmore House, Salisbury Place, Edinburgh EH9 1SH CASTLE SEMPLE COLLEGIATE CHURCH SYNOPSIS Castle Semple Collegiate Church stands near the north end of Castle Semple Loch, close to its western shore and 1¼ miles NE of Lochwinnoch.
    [Show full text]
  • Kenmure Hill Centre Lochwinnoch
    Renfrewshire START/FINISH: Castle Semple Visitor Kenmure Hill Centre Lochwinnoch Climb the iconic Temple hill to see the remnants of the 18th Century Georgian designed landscape. Fabulous views across the historic Castle Semple estate and rural Renfrewshire. On whin dust trails, tarmac path and grassy trails. Paths can be muddy in wet weather. 3 gates and 3 kissing gates. 5.5 miles / 8.9 km Allow 2-3hrs moderate More information Collegiate Church Founded in 1504 by Temple Built shortly after Castle Semple John 1st Lord Sempill it is a late example of House in the early 1730s the Temple sits atop only 42 such churches in Scotland. It was Kenmure Hill. The hill is surrounded by a deer served by a college of priests whose duty was dyke – a boundary ditch stone faced on one to pray for the soul of the Sempill family. side (called a ha ha), it could not be seen at a distance giving the impression that the deer The original design was a plain austere were free to roam. rectangular building with a small tower on the west side. Evidence for a stair against the Many people think that the Temple was a place north wall suggests that there was an upper to view the hunt or a lovers trysting place. loft. The south wall has three highly unusual However, it was originally built as a feature of windows (reconstructed in the later 1970’s) the designed landscape also known as a folly. with eccentric curved decorative bands. The Route OS Map 1:25000 Explorer 341 or 1:50000 Landranger 63 • From the Visitor Centre head along the • Retrace your way along the cycle track.
    [Show full text]
  • July to December 2015 Feeling Fitter 29 Part of Renfrewshire Walking Network
    July to December 2015 Feeling Fitter 29 part of Renfrewshire Walking Network Wednesday and Community Walks around Renfrewshire In association with Why Should I Go Walking? Walking is a great way to stay healthy and benefits are plentiful. Below are a few of the benefits that you can expect to gain by maintaining a level of walking which suits your ability. • Helps control weight • Builds and maintains healthy bones, muscles and joints • Improves the function of your heart and lungs • Relaxes you • Reduces signs of stress and anxiety • Gives you more energy • Reduces high blood pressure and cholesterol • Increases self confidence • Keeps the brain active Why not build up your walking programme If you are starting out on your first walk build up your fitness gradually and join one of the many health walks in your local community, meet lots of new friends and chat while the miles disappear and before you know, its time for a well earned cuppa, whilst reflecting on your morning’s exercise. Next on the programme is level 1A which is slightly longer than your health walk but you know you are ready for the challenge! Moving on to Level 1B which is slightly more adventurous than the last level, incorporating more inclines and walking for a slightly longer distance. Last level on the Renfrewshire Walking Network programme is Level 2 which incorporates all levels adding in rougher ground, longer time and distance walking but just as enjoyable with lots of company along the way! So whatever level you start at there is a walking group in Renfrewshire for you.
    [Show full text]
  • Castle Semple Loch: History & Hydrology
    Castle Semple Loch: History & Hydrology Castle Semple Loch is situated to the southeast of the Renfrewshire hills in the Lochwinnoch Gap. The loch is 25 kilometres south west of Glasgow and 15 kilometres east of Largs. The village of Lochwinnoch is sited at the northwest end of the loch. Aerial image 2003 Geology and Geomorphology The loch is situated in a glacial trough between two sections of the Clyde Plateau lava. The underlying rock is basaltic lava laid down in the Carboniferous Period 320 -270 million years ago. The glacial trough is overlain with sediments belonging to the Carboniferous Limestone Coal Series with more recent alluvial deposits on top. An area of boulder clay intrudes along the eastern edge of the Barr Loch. History of Castle Semple Loch It is likely that the Loch was at one time joined to the lochs of Barr and Kilbirnie. The New Statistical Account for 1836 refers to them as being united on occasions of great rainfall. A ferry was used until to cross the narrow channel between Castle Semple Loch and Barr Loch until 1735, when a wooden bridge was constructed. At this time Colonel William MacDowall deepened the outlet of Castle Semple Loch for two miles in length. This made it possible to obtain a hay crop from around the area of the Barr Loch. Estate Plan pre 1767 Castle Semple Loch History & Hydrology Last update 2017 tel 01505 842 882 www.clydemuirshiel.co.uk The Castle Semple Estate Plan, around 1767, shows that a drainage channel cut through the Barr Loch created meadows at Barr, Aird and Peel.
    [Show full text]
  • History of Castle Semple Estate
    A History of the Semple Estate Acknowledgements This short history is essentially a chapter from the Conservation Statement & Management Proposals produced by Land Use Consultants (LUC) for Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park. This report was commissioned to inform future developments of SRANI (South Renfrewshire Access Network Initiative). The full report is available to download from the Park website at www.clydemuirshiel.co.uk. LUC wish to acknowledge substantial assistance from Dr Stuart Nisbet (Renfrewshire Local History Forum) and the local community. Figure 1: Historic sites and features in relation to the access network THE HISTORY OF THE SEMPLE ESTATE Figure 2: Timothy Pont’s map of around 1580, showing estate, Peel Tower and Elliston Castle (© NLS) Figure 3: Castle Semple Collegiate Church Introduction The Castle Semple Estate is, in many ways, a perfect microcosm of the processes that have shaped the landscapes of lowland Scotland since the medieval period. In addition to bearing the physical evidence of these processes, the high quality documentary record that accompanies the presence of such illustrious families allows episodes of building and landscape design to be tied in to the wider course of events in Scottish and world history. Early History Although the 1791-2 ‘Old’ Statistical Account of Scotland refers to the discovery of ‘canoes’ in Castle Semple Loch during drainage operations, and there are a number of prominent ancient monuments in the vicinity (most notably Walls Hill Iron Age fort, southeast of Howwood), no upstanding prehistoric sites survive on the estate. Given the intensive use of the estate lands for agriculture and the extensive settlement history of the area, it is unsurprising that such ephemeral sites do not survive.
    [Show full text]