Introduction

This evening I am posting information on the pleasant country town of Strathaven, about twenty-six miles south of Glasgow.

Information on Strathaven

Strathaven has a population of 7.500 and is very well kept as befits its conservation area status. The name translates as ‘Valley of the River Aven. ‘Aven’ is probably a corruption of Avon as in Avon Water which runs to the south of the town.

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Strathaven is not marketed as a mass tourist destination but, nevertheless, has much to offer the visitor, viz:

Strathaven Castle

This is located on a promontory above the town.

A brief chronology of this castle is as follows:

• First castle erected in 1170s by the Baird family whose ancestor fought at the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
• First stone castle built around 1350. This was burnt down in the 1450s, possibly by King James II. By this time the castle was in hands of the Black Earls of Douglas. Around 1455 the castle seems to have been deliberately slighted.
• Around the mid 1400s the castle was gifted to Sir Andrew Stewart, Lord Avondale, a supporter of the King.
• Lord Avondale built the castle in the form that we know today.
• In 1534 the castle passed to Sir James Hamilton of Finnart. This person was a  military architect who served King James V as Master of the King’s Works.
• The castle passed to the Marquesses and Dukes of Hamilton in 1611 in whose hands it remained until 1912.
• Today the castle is a romantic ruin which is accessible  by the public.

More information on Strathaven

Churches: There are churches for most denominations including the impressive 18th century, Strathaven East Parish Church.

Brewery: The Craigmill Brewery has 36-barrel-capacity. Unusual original features include an 18th century 500-gallon stone-clad brewing kettle. The beer list includes five regulars and nine specials, available in everything from 500ml bottles to 80 litre kilderkins. There’s a visitor centre, shop and tap / function room, with selected beers for sampling.

Hotels and eateries: There are a few good eating places The Strathaven Hotel, which dates from the late 18th century, has good ratings.

Park: Strathaven Park boasts open spaces and lovely flower beds. The Powmillon Burn (stream) is an attractive feature flowing on its way to meet the River Avon.

Industrial History: The town prospered in the 18th and 19th centuries as a weaving town. A former mill building still exists. More information on Scotland’s industrial history can be found here.

Visiting Strathaven

The two former railway stations have long been closed leaving road access as the only option.

Strathaven may appeal to visitors who have the time and inclination to quietly connect with a pleasant rural town.

More information

For more information on Scotland for the tourist please refer Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN. 978-1-9161332-0-4.