Colzium Castle

Colzium Castle is situated approximately 500 metres to the north-east of Kilsyth, North Lanarkshire, Scotland, at an address of Tak Ma Doon Road.

History

• The present house at Colzium dates from 1783 and was extended and modernised in 1861. The estate has been used for public recreation, hosting events such as the annual Kilsyth International Carnival in mid-August, as well as weddings and parties.
• The site also features a fine walled garden and a small theatre, known as the "clock theatre". A children's adventure playground has been opened.
• The ruins of Colzium Castle are located just 100 metres north of Colzium House at the point where the driveway turns sharp left to Tak-Ma-Doon Road. The first building here was a large L-plan castle built by the Livingstons of Callendar in the mid-15th century to replace an ancient motte.
• A substantial hall block was added in 1575.
• The castle was demolished by the 3rd Viscount of Kilsyth in 1703, immediately prior to his accession to the title. The family lost the estate due to their Jacobite sympathies, and it then became the property of the Edmonstone family from Duntreath.

Architecture

The original L-plan castle was built by the Livingstons of Callendar in the mid-15th century. A substantial hall block was added in 1575. The castle's layout is characteristic of a medieval fortress, with thick walls and defensive features.

Current Status and Use

The estate is currently used for public recreation and hosts various events throughout the year. The site also features a fine walled garden and a small theatre.

Heritage Status

Colzium Castle is not designated as a scheduled ancient monument or a listed building, although it is believed to be of historical significance due to its association with the Livingstons of Callendar and the Edmonstone family.

Visiting Information

Visitors can view the ruins of Colzium Castle, which are located just 100 metres north of Colzium House. The estate also features a fine walled garden and a small theatre, known as the "clock theatre". A children's adventure playground has been opened.

Notable Features and Rooms

The site features an ice house c. 1680 in the glen of the Colzium Burn, which was excavated in 1977 and may still be viewed. The estate also contains the oldest curling ponds in the world, with Kilsyth Curling Club, the world's first recorded curling club, being founded in Kilsyth in 1716.

Battle of Kilsyth (1645)

A ring, supposedly to be the one lost by Lady Kilsyth, was reported to be kept at Colzium House. The Battle of Kilsyth took place just a kilometre to the east and is believed to have been part of the Wars of the Three Kingdoms.