11 Impressive Abandoned Buildings in Scotland
There is something eerie but fascinating about abandoned places. There are plenty of impressive sites and abandoned buildings in Scotland.
They are melancholy reminders of previous eras with little purpose in the modern-day world. Empty and lingering, yet, they play a part in the built environment.
Scotland is an ancient land which is steeped in history. Thus, there is a vast range of forgotten places which space across centuries.
From remote ghost villages to a ruined mediaeval castle. Scotland has so many historical sites that it is not difficult to see where the myths and tales come from.
Crawford Priory
Crawford Priory is an intruding ruin in Scotland and it is a great place to visit. It is one of the most hidden abandoned buildings in Scotland.
The surroundings are delightful and the ruins of the mansions are impressive. Crawford Priory is located two miles southwest of Cupar near Springfield.
Back in 1758, the 21st Earl of Crawford originally had a simple hunting lodge built on the site. His daughter, Lady Mary, inherited the building. But, she was not happy with the original building. This lead to the creation of something more elaborate.
The Gothic-style mansion was first originally built in 1809. Extensions followed a few years later.
The large structure used to feature massive fireplaces and large spiral staircases. The building was passed through to Earls of Glasgow and the Barons of Cochrane.
Lady Mary Crawford did not use the massive building to entertain friends or locals. Instead, she lived alone with her servants and an array of pets and animals.
She adored animals so much that she even built a pet cemetery for them. You can find a tombstone in memory of her favourite deer. Once she passed away, she left offerings to her animals and servants.
In 1968, the building has been left abandoned. Now, the derelict, ruined shell is crumbling away and nature is slowly swallowing up the structure.
It is believed that Lady Mary’s ghost still cares for her animals and is seen quietly wandering through the surrounding woodland.
The house is in a dangerous condition and is fenced off with warning notices. You can still view the structure from the fence and get close enough to take some stunning pictures.
St Peter’s Seminary
The ruins of the former Roman Catholic Seminary lies about half a mile north of Cardross in Argyll and Bute. To get to the massive ruined structure you have to follow a track which cuts across Cardross Golf Club.
The ruin is four storeys high. It features a basement and a separate building which is believed to have been a chapel. This is a large and cool abandoned building in Scotland.
Built in the 1960s for training up to 100 novice priests at any given time. The institution ran into immediate problems, as soon as it was built. The Roman Catholic population began to diminish.
The modernist, brutalist-style building was too big and too expensive to run. Also, the Scottish climate was not ideal. Several leaks reported during the few years of opening.
St Peter’s Seminary has been acclaimed as a modern building of world significance. Also, Cardross is one of the only 42 Category A buildings in the Scotland, which was built post World War II.
The building has been described as the most ill-conceived to be constructed. Yet, the Category A protection marks the building as architecturally special.
Graffiti has been applied to most of the buildings. Some of the graffiti is very interesting.
In July 2020, the site was gifted to the Kilmahew Education Trust Ltd. They plan to reinstate the educational elements of the Seminary Complex.
When I visited in January 2022, the ground floor was being used by dancers and videographers. In my opinion, this building should be saved and made into a creative space for artists.
As this is a derelict building it is not structurally safe. The building can be enjoyed from a distance as it is not safe to enter.
Dunmore House
Dunmore House is an abandoned ancestral home located outside Airth, Scotland. The large old mansion is one of the six abandoned buildings in Scotland that used to be homes.
Most people will visit Dunmore Park to view the unusual Pineapple-shaped building. However, if you walk 20 minutes further into the park you will find the ruined Dunmore Park House.
George Murray, the 5th Earl of Dunmore commissioned William Wilkins in 1820 to build Dunmore House. The house was completed in 1825.
The final result was a grand Tudor-Gothic mansion and stables built to the west of Dunmore Village. It was the home to the Murray family until 1911. Then it was a private home until 1964.
In the mid and late sixties it was rejuvenated into a private school for girls. However, following this it fell into decline and multiple parts were sold off.
In the 1980s there were plans to completely demolish the building. But that never followed through.
Nowadays, the crumbling stony shell is all that is left. Half of the building is completely demolished so it is hard to imagine the true grand size of the building.
Also, It is crazy to think that this was a large home centuries ago to a family.
Once you are inside you can see old fireplaces hanging high on the walls. Also, there is an old dark dingy cellar in the basement. This was used for storing wine and lots of broken staircases.
The ruin has featured in a hospital scene in the hit US TV show – Outlander. We were creeped out while we were walking around.
As this is a derelict building it is quite unsafe to visit. While we were there we saw broken glass, needles and some rooms are so overgrown that you can not explore them.
Cambusnethan Priory
Cambusnethan Priory is located in Wishaw, North Lanarkshire. There is a small parking area next to a Jac’s Kitchen and Priory Lodge Kennels.
From there, you can walk 15-20 minutes down the road to find the ruins of the Cambusnethan Priory.
There are no fences around this structure which means you can step inside. However, the structure is unsafe and very fragile.
Inside the ruin, a lot of the rooms are overgrown. The is a paradise for urban explorers and those who love to take photographs.
There was a large fire in the 1980s which severely damaged the building. The golden sandstone shell is all that remains. Since then it has been vandalised.
The building is Neo-Gothic style and was completed in 1820. The priory is considered the finest surviving example of a quasi-ecclesiastical Neo-Gothic style building in Scotland.
When the building was finished construction, the building was a residential home for the Lockhart family. This two storey mansion was never intended to be used for Munks or nuns as the name suggests.
It is one of the few mansions that remain in this area as a lot were demolished in the 1950s and 1960s.
In the 1960s, it was used as an office for those who were designing the 60s part of Livingston. After that, the building was used as a medieval banqueting hall, restaurant and hotel.
The Friend of Cambusnethan Priory was established in 2014. The aim of Friends of Cambunethan Priory are that the building will remain accessible to the public for future generations. The proposal contains a visitor centre and a cafe in the refurbished priory.
Hartwood Hospital
Hartwood Hospital is located in the village of Hartwood near the town of Shotts, Scotland. The hospital was a former psychiatric hospital and it has been closed since 1998.
It is an unusual but spectacular place to visit. Since the closure, it has sadly fallen into ruin and has been gutted by two fires.
The hospital features the Scottish Baronial Revival style. There is high fencing around the building as it is in such a poor state.
Also, the building is unsafe and is in danger of falling down. It may not be a haven for urban explorers. But finding your way there and walking through the grounds is quite an adventure.
The clock towers are broken but are still visible and are an architectural highlight. When the building was open it was completely self-sustaining. Interestingly, the hospital had its own farm, gardens, cemetery, railway line, staff accommodation, power plant and reservoir.
The staff quarters which were built in 1931 are surrounded by a high fence across the field. The building still looks very much intact from the outside.
Many stories about mental hospitals spread whilst they are still in operation. However, ghost stories begin to haunt the living after the closure.
It is believed the hospital was carried out “included seclusions”, electroconvulsive therapy. Also, it is where Scotland’s first lobotomy – a surgical procedure which left patients in a lifeless, vegetative state.
By the 1950s, Hartwood Hospital was the largest asylum in Europe. There was over 2,500 which made it extremely overcrowded.
Hartwood Hospital began closure in 1995 due to the Community Care Act 1990. This law resulted in the closure of many Victorian institutions as a more community-focused treatment for mental health care was introduced.
Briefly, after closure, the building was used as a television studio for Lanarkshire Television.
Buchanan Castle
Buchanan Castle is a ruined mansion in Stirlingshire, Scotland. It is located about a mile from the village of Drymen.
The house was commissioned by the 4th Duke of Montrose. then it was built in 1852-1858 as a home for the Montrose family. It was the home to the Montrose family until 1925.
Clan Buchanan traditionally had the estate until the 17th century, then the Clan went bust. Clan Graham took over the estate.
William Burn was hired to design the castle. Burn was a pioneer of the “Scottish baronial style”.
The castle briefly became a hotel and the surrounding grounds became a golf course. Buchanan Castle was requisitioned for the war effort and became a military hospital.
One of the patients was Rudolf Hess, Hitler’s right-hand man. He was on a secret mission to negotiate peace with Britain when his plane ran out of fuel. While he was escaping the plane he injured his ankle.
In 1954, the roof of the building was removed and the house has deteriorated since. The walls of the house remain intact and at their full height and are considered to be in good condition.
The Buchanan Castle ruins are progressively engulfed by trees and plants.
Buchanan Castle has turrets, pinnacles and pointed towers. Moreover, many of the fireplaces are still intact. Even in daylight, the ruin is a spectacular fascinating place to visit.
Dunalastair House
This ruin is a large baronial mansion, which overlooked the eastern end of Loch Rannoch. Dunalastair House was designed by Andrew Heiton. Heiton was a Perth-based architect who also designed the Dunkeld railway station and Atholl Palace Hotel.
Dunalastair House was built for General Sir John MacDonald of Dalchosnie. This ruin was once a stately country house that was owned by the owner of Tennents.
The gutted building has many of its original features. You can see conical roofs, chimneys and a coat of arms above the main door. Rising from the Perthshire woodland, the ancient mansion is an imposing sight.
There was not enough staff to work at the house during the First World War. During World War II the building was used as a school for Polish refugees. During this period, the building was cmopletely wrecked.
During a fire, the Millais painting was destroyed in a fire in the drawing room. In the 1950s the contents of the house were sold, then in the 1960s the lead was stolen from the roof.
It is believes the house was occupied until 1952. From then on, the building deteriorated pretty quickly.
The skeletal ruin is in a dangerous condition. Thus, is not signposted and it is fenced off for safety reasons.
The Village, St Kilda
Now to the most remote and isolated part of the Scottish Isles – Hirta. Hirta is the largest island of the St Kilda archipelago.
In the shelter of Village Bay, there are stone ruins that span the ages. Including a series of tumbledown cottages built during the 19th century.
St Kilda’s abandoned settlement features the most unique abandoned buildings in Scotland.
Many young islanders emigrated, mostly to Melbourne, Australia, where they founded the suburb of St Kilda.
Life was getting tougher for the islanders and the island became more inhabitable. Events like mass emigrations, world wars, bad weather and a turbulent history of smallpox epidemics.
Several residents were unable to survive the harsh winter of 1929. Moreover, there was a death of a young woman from appendicitis and pneumonia.
This was controversial as it is conditions which would have been non-fatal on the mainland.
This led to the remaining 36 islanders petitioning the government to be relocated to the mainland.
The distinctive stone cottages were left to the elements when St Kilda. It is reported that the villagers left behind a plate of oats and an open bible in each cottage before boarding the ship.
Interestingly, the last former resident of St Kilda died in 2016. She was eight years old when she was evacuated.
Today, the islands are a double UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Some National Trust and Defence employees maintain a temporary presence on St Kilda.
Lennox Castle
In a secluded area north of Glasgow you will find the ruined Lennox Castle. Lennox Castle was constructed as a home for John Lennox Kincaid.
The castle was built between 1837 and 1841 by David Hamilton.
Glasgow Corporation purchased the castle in 1927. Then it was converted into a learning disabilities hospital which opened in 1936. The castle was home to the nurses and the grounds held 1,200 patients.
It is believed that the facilities were overcrowded, understaffed and underfunded. Former patients recall being neglected and being given cruel punishments for small offences. Also, people recall being left in terrible conditions before its closure in 2002.
It is believed that some patients were confided in the walls for more than 50 years. In 2008, the building was set alight and 13 fire serve vehicles were required to control the blaze.
Nowadays, the formerly grand Lennox Castle is now a crumbling shell. The area tends to remain empty.
The building is in a serious state of decay and it would be unsafe to get up close.
Slains Castle
Venture to the northeast coast to find one of Scotland’s most chilling ruins. This old castle is one of the most northern abandoned buildings in Scotland.
On the coast of Cruden Bay lies the remains of Slain’s Castle. The castle was originally built in 1597 by the Earl of Erroll.
Many extensions and reconstructions have occurred since then. The Earls of Erroll fell into hardship in 1919 and the castle was sold to Sir John Ellerman.
In 1925, he gave up the castle and the roof was removed to avoid paying taxes. In the 19th century, many celebrities were entertained at the castle.
Slains Castle is credited for being the inspiration for Irish horror writer Bram Stoker’s Dracula in 1895. The Crown fans will also recognise Slains Castle.
In season one of the Crown, Slains Castle stood in for Castle Mey when the Queen Mother goes to Scotland.
The castle is a Historic Environment Scotland Category B listed building. Ghostly encounters come as no surprise.
Visitors report soldiers dressed in wartime attire. Also, a horse and carriage are said to haunt the grounds, while mermaids have been spotted in the sea.
Dalquharran House
In Ayrshire, you will find this masterpiece which was designed by architect Robert Adam. In the 18th century, the original Dalquharran Castle was built.
The castle is based around a central entrance hall. It contains a top-lit central spiral staircase similar to Culzean Castle. Also, the house featured four floors and the interior was decorated in a classical style.
The Scottish Youth Hostel Association in the 1930s and also used as a school for the deaf in World War II. The new castle is also a ruin since the roof was removed to avoid local taxation in 1967.
This castle is stunning, it is a shame that it has been left to get in this condition. The new castle is a stunning building. There are courtyards and outhouses which are very well preserved.
The interior is ruined now due to the roof being taken away and some vandals trashing it.
Also, it is a great place for a forest walk to the castle. It is set in a peaceful area where you can spend a few hours walking around.
The route to finding the castle is well hidden. The castle is reminiscent of age well past, it still serves to fire the imagination.
Is It illegal to explore abandoned buildings in Scotland?
In Scotland, you can walk on private land. So, you can walk to abandoned destinations as long as you keep to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
When you are on private land be aware to respect the interests of other people. Also, care for the environment and take responsibility for your actions.
Make sure you take care while exploring to maintain your safety.
Around some abandoned buildings are overgrown plants and crumbling foundations. So, make sure to keep an eye out.
Are there abandoned castles in Scotland?
There are hundreds of castles in Scotland. Some are abandoned and others have been preserved and restored.
Historic Environment Scotland and the National Trust for Scotland are the two main trusts that look after the castles. Other ruins ar rooting away and are in a miserable state.
Final Note
The buildings listed in this post are not safe and visitors should take great care. These buildings should be approached at your own risk.
The exact location of these buildings are not disclosed. Most of the sites are enclosed by fences and are not supposed to attract attention.
The best part is having a bit of patience and determination to stumble upon the ruins. Making your trip to the ruins even more breathtaking.
I am sure the destinations on the list will get your spine-tingling. There are hundreds more derelict buildings with a great depth of history in Scotland.