Crawford Castle
Medieval fortress where William Wallace struck a legendary blow against English occupation during Scotland's fight for independence.
Crawford Castle, also known as Lindsay Tower, stands as a substantially ruined medieval fortress on the north bank of the River Clyde near Biggar in South Lanarkshire. Built in the 12th century, this strategic stronghold guarded the crucial Mennock Pass and served as the administrative centre for the Barony of Crawford, one of southern Scotland's most influential baronies. Today, visitors can explore the atmospheric remains of this historically significant site, which witnessed pivotal moments during the Wars of Scottish Independence.
A brief summary to Crawford Castle
- Biggar, Crawford, ML12 6TZ, GB
- Duration: 0.75 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
Local tips
- The castle is not maintained and structurally unsafe—admire the ruins from a safe distance and do not attempt to climb or enter unstable structures.
- Visit during clear weather for the best views across the River Clyde valley and to safely navigate the uneven terrain around the motte and bailey earthworks.
- Combine your visit with nearby Crawfordjohn village and other historical sites in the Clydesdale area to explore the region's rich medieval heritage in a single day trip.
- Bring binoculars or a telephoto lens to examine architectural details from a distance, including the remaining stonework, curtain wall sections, and any visible coats of arms.
- Research the site before visiting to fully appreciate its connection to William Wallace, the Lindsay family, and the Wars of Scottish Independence—context enriches the experience significantly.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Information Boards
Getting There
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By Car from Biggar
From Biggar town centre, travel south on the A702 for approximately 5 kilometres toward Crawford village. Follow signs for Crawford and continue for 1 kilometre past the village. The castle ruins are located on the north bank of the River Clyde, approximately 800 metres north of Crawford. Parking is available in Crawford village or nearby lay-bys along the A702. Journey time is approximately 10–15 minutes. No entrance fee is required as the site is open access.
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By Bus from Biggar
Local bus services operate between Biggar and surrounding villages, with services to Crawford available several times daily. Journey time from Biggar is approximately 20–30 minutes depending on the service. From Crawford village, the castle ruins are a 15–20 minute walk north along country lanes toward the River Clyde. Check local transport schedules in advance as frequency varies seasonally. Bus fare is typically £2–4 per journey.
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Walking from Crawford Village
From Crawford village centre, follow country lanes northward toward the River Clyde for approximately 800 metres. The terrain is gently rolling with some uneven ground. The walk takes 15–20 minutes and is suitable for most fitness levels, though sturdy footwear is recommended. The final approach involves navigating around the motte and bailey earthworks, which are uneven and potentially muddy after rain. No facilities are available at the site itself.
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By Taxi or Ride-Share from Biggar
Taxis and ride-share services operate from Biggar town centre to Crawford village and the castle vicinity. Journey time is approximately 10–15 minutes. Typical fare is £15–25 depending on exact pickup and drop-off points. This option is most practical if you have mobility limitations or prefer not to walk from the village. Advance booking is recommended, particularly during peak tourist seasons.
Crawford Castle location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
Discover more about Crawford Castle
Medieval Foundations and Strategic Significance
Crawford Castle emerged in the 12th century as a motte and bailey earthwork, likely constructed by the Crawford family before 1175, though some sources suggest construction by Thor, Lord of Crawford, or his son. The castle's strategic location on the north bank of the River Clyde, approximately half a mile north of Crawford village, made it an ideal defensive position guarding the Mennock Pass—a vital gateway from England into the upper Clyde Valley. This commanding position controlled one of the main travel routes through southern Scotland, a corridor of such importance that it had been fortified since Roman times. Archaeological excavations have revealed evidence of a Roman fort that occupied the same site between 80 and 170 AD, garrisoned by approximately 300 troops. The castle's prominence reflected its role as the administrative centre for the Barony of Crawford, at that time the largest and most influential barony in southern Scotland.The Lindsay Dynasty and Changing Hands
The castle's ownership evolved significantly over the centuries. The Lindsay family inherited the barony through a marriage around 1154 when William Lindsay wed the younger daughter of Thor, Lord of Crawford. It was probably William Lindsay who constructed the stone castle by 1175, establishing the family's long association with the site—so enduring that the castle became known as Lindsay Tower. From its earliest days, the Clan Carmichael of Meadowflat served as hereditary constables of the castle, a position they retained under successive owners until 1595. Over the following centuries, the castle passed through the hands of various noble families, including the Earls of Dunbar and the Earls of Crawford. In 1488, following the accession of James IV, the barony transferred to Archibald Douglas, 5th Earl of Angus as a reward for supporting the young prince's rebellion against his father James III. The Earls of Angus held the castle until 1528, when their estates were forfeited by the young James V. After 1542, the barony returned to the Earls of Angus, and in 1633 the 11th earl was created Marquess of Douglas, with the castle probably rebuilt around this time.William Wallace and the Wars of Independence
Crawford Castle gained legendary status during the Wars of Scottish Independence when William Wallace stormed the fortress between Christmas 1296 and spring 1297. At that time, the castle was occupied by English forces loyal to Edward I. Wallace's assault was deeply personal—his mother, Margaret Crawford, was the daughter of Hugh Crawford, Chief of Clan Crawford and Sheriff of Ayrshire. Leading only forty men alongside his trusted lieutenant John Graham, Wallace launched a surprise attack on the English garrison. Finding the soldiers revelling inside, Graham set fire to the rafters with a burning torch, engulfing the castle in flames. This audacious strike represented a significant blow against English authority in Scotland and demonstrated Wallace's tactical brilliance in targeting strategically vital positions that controlled supply routes and communication lines.Architectural Evolution and Physical Remains
The visible ruins of Crawford Castle reflect centuries of modification and rebuilding. The earliest earthworks comprise a motte approximately 5 metres high, surrounded by a ditch, with a bailey measuring roughly 45 metres by 33 metres to the southwest. Upon the remains of the motte stand the ruins of a square stone enclosure surrounded by a curtain wall, with evidence suggesting round towers may have occupied each corner during the 16th or early 17th centuries. A three-storey range of buildings on the southwest, featuring an attic and vaulted basement, dates to the 16th or 17th century. A second range was added to the southeast in the 17th century, creating more spacious accommodation. Much of the currently visible stonework likely dates from the 17th-century rebuilding by the Marquess of Douglas. Notably, stone from the old castle was robbed to construct the nearby Castle Crawford Farm, and four stone tablets bearing coats of arms, one dated 1648, were built into the walls of Castle Crawford House.Decline and Legacy
By the 17th century, Crawford Castle had begun its decline in importance. The Union of the Crowns in 1603, which united the Scottish and English crowns under James VI of Scotland (James I of England), fundamentally reduced the strategic need for border fortifications. The castle subsequently passed to the Duke of Hamilton before being sold to Sir George Colebrooke in the 18th century. After a period of use as a farmhouse, the building was abandoned at the end of the 18th century, and much of its stone was repurposed for local construction projects. Today, only fragments remain—parts of the tower, sections of the curtain wall, and earthworks—yet these ruins powerfully evoke the castle's medieval past and its turbulent role in Scotland's history. The site is protected as a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic Environment Scotland, ensuring its preservation for future generations of historians, archaeologists, and visitors.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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