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Auldhouse Castle was built in the 17th century on the ancient lands of the High Stewards of Scotland.
Often described as a mansion rather than a castle because of its small size, it stands to the south of Auldhouse Park on the south side of Glasgow.
The land was granted to the Maxwells in 1344 along with many other estates in the area.
The L-shaped tower is the only surviving building on the site. It is believed to have been built either by George Maxwell, minister of Mearns, or his son John, minister of Eastwood and the High Kirk of Glasgow.
There is a lintel over the kitchen fireplace that is dated 1631.
After John's death, the next Auldhouse Maxwell to inherit the castle, along with the lordship of Pollok, was another George, who was famous for persecuting women accused of witchcraft.
In 1676 he became ill with a fever while visiting Glasgow, his sickness was put down to witchcraft.
Eventually a widow was accused of causing the illness after an effigy of George, with pins in it, was allegedly found in her cottage. She and four of her family were hastily found guilty of heresy and were taken to Paisley where they were strangled and burned.
George soon recovered but died later that year.
After his son died without leaving an heir, Auldhouse passed to the Maxwells of Blawarthill and since then the castle has passed through many hands.
It has been used as a children's home and was recently converted into a series of private flats.

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