Clan Hamilton - Craignethan Castle - Framed & Mounted Photo Print

Craignethan Castle, nestled above the River Nethan's bend in South Lanarkshire, stands as a symbol of the Hamilton family's architectural prowess and their turbulent history. Originally a property of the Black Douglases, the barony of Draffane was granted to the Hamiltons after the Douglases' forfeiture in 1455. James Hamilton of Finnart, a renowned architect and military engineer, embarked on constructing this fortress in the 1530s. His vision was to create a masterpiece that showcased his expertise in both domestic and military architecture.

However, the Hamiltons' relationship with the crown was a complex one. James Hamilton of Finnart faced execution for treason in 1540, leading to the castle's brief possession by the crown. Yet, the Hamiltons reclaimed it soon after. The 2nd Earl of Arran, who later became Duc de Châtellerault, expanded the castle, adding a vast outer courtyard. His opposition to Mary, Queen of Scots' marriage to Lord Darnley, however, led to his exile and the surrender of his castles, including Craignethan.

Despite its tumultuous past, the castle's architectural brilliance is undeniable. Its defences, primarily facing the west, and the central keep within a walled courtyard, are testament to the Hamiltons' strategic and architectural acumen.

Our aerial landscape photography print of Craignethan Castle offers a spectacular perspective. If you're considering a landscape photograph of Scotland as a way to visualise your ancestral connection to Clan Hamilton or as a gift with personal meaning, this print of Craignethan Castle provides a beautiful immersive scene that transports you to the past.