Scotland is a country rich in history and culture, including a wealth of abandoned places that are both eerie and fascinating.
From crumbling castles to abandoned villages, these forgotten locations offer a glimpse into Scotland’s past and a unique opportunity for exploration. In this blog post, BK Photography will look at the top 10 abandoned places in Scotland worth visiting with your camera.
10. Kilchurn Castle
The castle was once the seat of the Campbell clan but has been uninhabited since the 18th century. Visitors can explore the castle’s ruined towers up close or take photographs with the views of the loch. The ruined castle dates back to the 15th century and is one of Scotland’s most photographed abandoned places.
Where is it?
Located in the west of Scotland on the northeastern end of Loch Awe, Argyll and Bute.
How to get there?
A car park is situated on the A85 road for those wishing to walk to the castle. However, if you would like to add the loch to your foreground, there is a viewpoint and layby found in the A819 road. Roughly an hour and forty minutes from Glasgow.
9. St Peters Seminary
St Peters Seminary is a former Catholic seminary. It is considered one of the most iconic abandoned buildings in the country. This grand, modernist structure was built in the 1960s and used as a seminary until the 1980s. Today, the seminary is a striking and eerie example of mid-20th-century architecture and a popular destination for photographers and urban explorers. The seminary offers a unique combination of award-winning architecture and decay, making it a perfect location for capturing striking and evocative abandoned photographs.
Where is it?
The former seminary can be found in the village of Cardross. The village is on the north side of the river Clyde, and it is situated between the towns of Helensburgh and Dumbarton.
How to get there?
The location, hidden in a forest, can be found by parking on Carman road. Walking along the path next to the golf course will lead to the building.
8. Bangour Village
Bangour Village Hospital is a former mental health facility designed by the architect Hippolyte Blanc. The sprawling complex was built in the early 1900s and used as a hospital until the last ward was closed in 2004. Not long after, the abandoned hospital the used for the Hollywood film The Jacket, starring Keira Knightley and Adrien Brody. Furthermore, the hospital’s notorious history is said to be haunted, making it even more interesting for photographers who love the sinister and spooky atmosphere.
Where is it?
You can find the abandoned hospital west of Dechmont in West Lothian, Scotland. The small village of Dechmont is famous for the Taylor Incident. It was claimed that a local forester named Robert Taylor had narrowly missed being pulled aboard an extraterrestrial spacecraft in 1979.
How to get there?
Follow M8 to Carnegie Rd in West Lothian. Take exit 3A from M8. Recently, property developers have started regenerating the site for residential purposes. Needless to say, access may prove to be difficult.
7. Clune Park Estate
Next up is the Clune Park Estate. A once-thriving housing estate now resembles a ghost town. It is considered one of the most intriguing abandoned places in the country. This community complex was built in the late 19th century to house the growing number of shipyard workers.
Today, the estate is home to just a handful of residents. The decaying estate’s church closed in the 1990s, and the school soon followed. You’ll have plenty of photo opportunities with the estate’s dilapidated architecture and large, imposing structures. Due to its fallen state, it was best known for once having the cheapest flats to buy in the UK. Similarly to many of these abandoned places in Scotland, there is talk of demolishing the site.
Where is it?
The Clune Park Estate is located in Port Glasgow, Scotland—just a short distance from the Ferguson Marine shipyard.
How to get there?
Approaching the Newark roundabout in Port Glasgow from the A8 Greenock road, take the first exit. Next is another roundabout about which you will again take the first exit to the site.
6. Lennox Castle
Lennox Castle is a former asylum and hospital designed by the architect David Hamilton. Hamilton’s other famous work was the building that is currently the Gallery of Modern Art in Glasgow. This grand, gothic-style castle was built in the 19th century and was used as a mental health facility until the late 20th century. Today, the castle ruins are a striking and eerie example of Victorian architecture.
Where is it?
The structure is located 12 miles north of Glasgow. More recently, part of the land was sold to Glasgow Celtic, who built a large training complex which opened in 2007.
How to get there?
Parking near the training ground, we found ourselves walking along the path for roughly 15 minutes before we arrived at the castle to explore the grounds.
5. Braehead Tunnels
Braehead Tunnels are a series of abandoned underground tunnels in Scotland. However, they are not technically tunnels. . The tunnels are dark and damp and have a great atmosphere, making them a perfect location for capturing striking and evocative abandoned photographs. A rumour was going around that a huge homeless man was living there. This turned out to be true. My brother and I met him and had a quick chat. He declined my offer to take his picture. Braehead Tunnels are a must-visit location for anyone interested in capturing the beauty of abandoned and underground architecture.
Where is it?
The tunnels are next to Glasgow’s main motorway, the M8. Just a short distance away from the popular Braehead shopping centre.
How to get there?
Unfortunately, there isn’t much information about this area on the internet. Therefore it was a difficult place to find initially. The tunnels are popular with graffiti artists who can hone their skills due to the secret location. With this in mind, I message the famous Glaswegian graffiti artist, Smug, who kindly explained how to gain access. There is a pathway across from the Barrhead Recycling Centre. The path can flood, so bring your wellies.
4. Loch Long Torpedo Range
Loch Long Torpedo Range is a former naval testing facility. This industrial complex was used as a testing facility for naval torpedoes. During World War 2, thousands of torpedos were fired along the loch. The large pier is also popular with people fishing. Loch Long Torpedo Range is a must-visit location for anyone interested in capturing the beauty of abandoned industrial architecture and Navy history. The complex’s industrial architecture, with its concrete structures, metal pipes and machinery, creates a dramatic contrast with the natural beauty of its surroundings.
Where is it?
The former test site is in Arrochar. The village is near the head of Loch Long, on the Cowal peninsula in Argyll and Bute, Scottish Highlands.
How to get there?
Many visitors park on the layby of the A83 motorway to access the site. If you’re lucky, you can park next to the old entrance, which large concrete blocks have blocked off.
3. Cambusnethan Priory
Cambusnethan Priory is a former religious complex, and it is considered one of the most iconic abandoned buildings in the country. The priory was built in 1820 and was used until 1984. Today, the priory is in better condition than many other buildings on this list. This is due to the hard work of Friends of Cambusneathan House. I met one of the volunteers when I was there exploring the site. The priory offers gothic architecture, with its pointed arches, stone carvings, and towering spires.
Furthermore, the priory’s rich history, including its association with the Knights Templar, adds an extra layer of interest for photographers who love Scottish history.
Where is it?
This magnificent house’s address is Castlehill Rd, Overtown, Wishaw, North Lanarkshire, Scotland.
How to get there?
Although there’s a path to the site, please know it’s in bad shape. Hence why I recommend you make your way there from the nearby cafe.
2. Hamilton Graves
Hamilton Cemetery is a spooky resting place. Known locally as the three graves. The cemetery features ornate Victorian headstones and a metal fence. Due to its location, which is set in a quiet and secluded area at the foot of the hills, it provides a sense of tranquillity and remoteness that adds to the mysterious atmosphere of the place. The burial ground and its monuments offer a glimpse of the past of the area’s wealthy landowners. For this reason, it’s another fascinating abandoned place to visit in Scotland.
Where is it?
This is a unique and intriguing abandoned site hidden in the family’s large estate near Cochno road in Clydebank, just west of Glasgow.
How to get there?
The cemetery is a short distance west of Edinbarnet House. There is a car park nearby for those who are travelling by car.
1. Dunmore Park House
Finally, we have Dunmore Park House. The abandoned ancestral mansion was built in 1820. It was partially demolished in 1972 for suspected tax reasons, and it now last in a ruinous state. Dunmore Park is also home to the Dunmore Pineapple folly and the Elphinstone Tower. Due to the proximity to these three iconic structures, I have decided to place this as the number one abandoned place in Scotland. Needless to say, if you enjoy taking photos of these forgotten relics, you will not be disappointed.
Where is it?
The Dunmore Park estate is in Airth, Falkirk, Scotland. You can make your way there with a one-hour journey from either Glasgow or Edinburgh.
How to get there?
To access all three of the sites, it’s best to park in the small car park at The Pineapple. From there, it’s a 20-minute walk to Dunmore Park House. Along the way, you’ll pass the Elphinstone Tower.