Introduction

Today, I am reporting on the conservation village of Carmunnock (pop 1100) which lies five miles (8 km) south of Glasgow. Location is west of Scotland.

Information on Carmunnock

Carmunnock was previously Carmannoc or ‘monks close’, i.e. an ecclesiastical site. The actual Church site may have a Christian heritage dating back to the 8th century, possibly the Celtic Church. The current Church building (Presbyterian) dates from 1767 and replaced earlier buildings from the 12th century onwards.

Many of the older houses display interesting architecture and date from the 17th, and 18th centuries. This was a time when hand-loom weaving was an important economic activity.

Video clip. This was taken at the Village Cross, or crossroads, and captures the church and many of the heritage buildings.

Properties of historic and architectural interest

8 and 10 Busby Road, known as “Jackson’s Lands”. This dates from the 17th century and replaced dwellings occupied by monks until 1560. The structure was refurbished in the 1970s and again in1984.

Village Greens. These were used from the mid -19th century until 1930s. Purpose was for drying and bleaching sheets and table linen in context of commercial laundry activities.

Castlemilk Hall. This is a community facility donated Mr James Graham LLD in 1893.

War Memorial. This was built by Mr. William Stirling Stuart, Laird of Castlemilk and dates from 1922.

Nos.8 and 8a Kirk Road. This is an 18th century tenement with nepus gable. The building may rest on 14th century foundations It was furbished 1984. (A nepus gable is a wallhead gable on the front of a building surmounted by a chimney.It contains a window opening to allow light into an attic.) 

Parish Church.This dates from 1767 and replaced an earlier church of 12th century origin.

2 and 4 Kirk Road. These were former weavers’ cottages dating from 1798 which were restored in 1974.

Former Free Church of Scotland. This dates from 1865 and is now known as the Clason Hall; it is no longer used for worship.

Old cottages. These are located near the Church gate and date from the 17th century.

Laura’s Coffee Shop.After exploring the village, visitors can obtain refreshments at the well regarded, Laura’s Coffee Shop.

More information for tourists

Please refer Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4. This publication covers architecture, west of Scotland, Scottish history plus a wide range of other information concerning Scotland. The guide is also available via Kindle.