Abandoned Lennox Castle

Lennox Castle Hospital was a hospital located in Lennoxtown near Glasgow in Scotland. The hospital opened in the 1930s and was closed in 2002.

All that remains on the site today is the main “castle” building. The building was never a true castle, it was just built in the style of a castle.

Lennox Castle Hospital was built with the intention of providing excellent care for patients with mental deficiencies, but due to overcrowding and funding shortages, the hospital fell far short of achieving this goal. Many patients who stayed at Lennox Castle Hospital were treated very poorly. There have been claims that the treatment of patients at the hospital was inhumane. In one report, it was pointed out that many patients at the hospital were seriously underweight and malnourished. There have also been claims of physical and mental abuse towards patients from members of staff.

It has been suggested that many of the patients who were effectively locked up at Lennox Castle had no real mental illness and had no reason for being detained. There are stories of patients being held at Lennox Castle for decades before being released.

When Lennox Castle finally closed in 2002 many former patients were reintegrated into the community. Others were moved to more suitable locations where they can receive the care they need and deserve. 

We can only hope that lessons have been learned from Lennox Castle Hospital.

Ardrossan Castle ruins

Ardrossan Castle is a ruinous castle located within the town of Ardrossan, North Ayrshire, on the west coast of Scotland.

The ruins currently occupying the site are the 2nd castle to have been constructed at that location. The original castle was built by the Barclay family. The current castle is believed to date back to the 13th century.

The castle was destroyed in 1648 by Oliver Cromwell and his troops. Much of the masonry used in the castle was taken to Ayr, where it was reused to build the Ayr Citadel.

What remains at Ardrossan Castle is nothing more than a ruin, and the buildings are in an unsafe condition. It is, however, a grade-A listed structure.

As well as the ruins that can be seen above ground, there are also at least two underground areas that are currently locked and not accessible. One is believed to be a well, and the other is what remains of the cellars. No access is possible to these areas because they have been gated and locked in the interest of safety.

Ardrossan Castle is well worth a visit to have a look around. The area also provides great panoramic views out over the west coast. You can see the Isle of Aran and  Alsa Craig on a clear day.