Introduction
Tonight, I am posting information on Johnstone Castle which is located in the town of Johnstone. Actual position is off Tower Road. Nearest major town is Paisley (3.5 miles) in S.W.Scotland whilst Glasgow is 15 miles to the east.
Aspect of castle
Information on Johnstone Castle
By Scottish standards this castle in not of great antiquity. Moreover, it is now surrounded by residential housing.
A brief chronology is as follows:
- Acquired by the Houstons of Milliken in 1773.
- Enlarged by George Houston in 1771 and 1812, principally in castellated style.
- A key architectural feature is the barrel-vaulted rooms on ground floor.
- Much of the house was demolished in 1950 leaving what is visible today: the central tower along with crow-stepped bartizaned section of older date.
The castle’s most famous visitor was the composer, Frederic Chopin who stayed as a guest in 1848.
Much of Johnstone’s feudal heritage has disappeared. With the death of the last Laird in 1931, Johnstone Castle fell into disrepair before being largely demolished in 1950. The remaining tower was purchased in 2001 and is now a private residence. On the site of the former grounds now lies two housing estates, Johnstone Castle and Cochrane Castle. Embedded within Cochrane Castle is the Cochrane Castle Golf Club, which once held the world record for the longest hole.
Today, the castle appears to be maintained in good condition.
Aspect of castle
Side elevation
Side elevation
More information for the visitor
The publication, Visitors’ Guide to Scotland includes a section on castles and Scottish history. This book is heavily illustrated and contains a wealth of information. The ISBN is 978-1-9161332-0-4. Also available via Kindle.