It is situated directly south of the River Clyde and lies immediately west of Govan, with other adjacent areas including Shieldhall and the Southern General Hospital to the west, and Drumoyne to the south.

Although it is currently located within the Govan ward of Glasgow City Council,[1] it was in fact a distinct area separate from Govan (the boundary being the former Fairfield Shipbuilding Company headquarters and Elder Park) until 1901 when it willfully became part of the Burgh of Govan[2][3] in turn both areas were annexed to Glasgow in 1912.

Linthouse was home to the shipbuilder Alexander Stephen and Sons Limited who built many famous vessels for the Royal Navy in the 20th century.

Towards the end of the 19th century, there was a Scottish Football League club in the area, Linthouse F.C., although their ground while members of the league was Govandale Park, close to Govan Old Parish Church in the heart of the larger burgh.

The Linthouse Urban Village is an organisation promoting the Linthouse area, as part of the larger Govan Initiative organisation.