Scotland History: Glencrave Castle

By the late 18th century, the castle was recorded as a total ruin. Local farmers used the lower chambers for sheltering cattle, and much of the dressed stone was "quarried" by locals for building nearby dry-stone dykes and cottages. This practice of robbing buildings for materials was common in Scotland and contributed heavily to the decay of sites like Glencrave.

The castle changed hands several times during the 17th and 18th centuries, with various Scottish clans and families vying for control. The castle was also used as a garrison during the Jacobite Risings, a series of rebellions aimed at restoring the Stuart dynasty to the British throne. glencrave castle scotland history