Site History/ Timeline

The Maxwell's are believed to be responsible for the building of the first castle on the estate, on the site of the Courtyard Stables. “The castle was built upon a rock that was washed by the White Cart. The pool that formed here is believed to have led to the name Pollok, as the word ‘poll’ means pool in Gaelic.”

Laighe Castle, ‘Low Castle’, was the third to be built upon the site between 1518 and 1536. Functioning until 1747, when the demolished remains were incorporated into the courtyards east wall.

Sir John Maxwell 3rd Baronet (1752-1758) is credited for demolishing Laighe Castle, and building nearby Pollok House, the bridge over the White Cart Water, and the Stables Courtyard.

The Complex “underwent significant changes and additions in the 19th Century.”