Crookston Castle was built by the Stewarts of Darnley around 1400, and is set within earthworks constructed in the 12th century.

James responded by bringing the cannon Mons Meg from Edinburgh and bombarding the castle, virtually destroying its western end and ensuring a quick surrender.

[5] The yew was felled in 1816,[9] and a model of Crookston Castle, now on display in Pollok House, was carved from its wood.

[5] Following several years of abandonment, the castle was partially restored by the Maxwells in 1847, to honour Queen Victoria's visit to Glasgow.

[15] Crookston Castle sits atop a natural hill, emphasised by the early ring ditch, which can still be seen.

A straight mural stair leads up to the right, while ahead is a barrel-vaulted basement with slit windows and a well.

A turnpike stair in the south-east corner gave access to another storey above the hall, as well as upper rooms in the eastern towers.

The poets Robert Burns, William Motherwell and Robert Tannahill have all mentioned the castle in their works, while Sir Walter Scott, in his 1820 novel The Abbot, suggested Mary, Queen of Scots, watched the Battle of Langside from beneath its yew tree, although the topography makes this impossible.