Remains of the day

by Michael R E Hopcroft

Throughout the process of housebuilding in the 1970s, 80s and 90s much of Craigends built and natural heritage was destroyed. However, if you know where to look you will still find some clues to the past.

Pumphouse
Detail of the pumphouse in Craigends wood

On the banks of the Gryfe stands this mysterious stone built structure. There have been many theories as to the function of the old building from "boat house" and "ice house" to "otter house" (!?). In reality it was a "pump house": an eperimental way of generating electricity for the estate. It has been said that it was conceived by a Prisoner of War during WW2 but that it never actually worked.

Home Farm House
Craigends Home Farm House
"Home Farm" is the only inhabited building that remains from the country estate. It was the factor's house and stood adjacent to a now demolished courtyard complex.
Stone arch
The rebuilt stone arch at Cunningham Gardens
This stone arch is a relic from the old country estate, predating the "modern" mansion house built in 1857. Sited on a disused path through the woods it stood as a romantic reminder of Craigends long after both mansions had been destroyed. In 1998 it was dismantled and reconstructed at a new site to make way for the new private houses that were built at Cunningham Gardens.
Family crest
Cuninghame family crest in situ at Cunningham Gardens
This stonework was once part of the entrance gable of Craigends House. Salvaged by Renfrew District Council during the house's demolition in the 1970s it was returned to Craigends in 1998, at a prominant position in Cunningham Gardens.
Perimeter wall
Perimeter wall at southern boundary of Craigends
This six-foot-high stone wall encircled most of the estate. Sections of it can still be found stretching all the way from Gryffebank Avenue to Berl Avenue (via Woodburn Place), and from Leeburn Avenue to Neuk Crescent.
Walled Garden
Only remaining wall of former Walled Gardens at Crawford Road
Only one wall remains of the once grand walled gardens. The remainder were demolished when O'Brien Homes built Crawford Road on the site in the 1990s. It had previously been proposed as the site for a new Primary School to serve the local community.
Gryfe Bridge
Gryfe bridge from north bank, upstream
Built in 1794 this stone bridge is still in use today, but those that walk across it today have little to remind them of its ancient heritage. In the 1970s the stone parapet was removed and replaced by ugly metal barriers that remain to this day. A better view is granted when seen from below.
Locher Bridge
Locher Bridge
Built in 1762 by William Cuninghame, the 10th Laird of Craigends, this small bridge spans the Locher Water. Adjacent to this was site of the now demolished South Lodge: the main entrance to the estate.
Icehouse
Possible site of Icehouse
The Icehouse is found in the woods not far from the Gryffe Bridge. An ancient way of storing ice it was a large hole in the ground, accessed from a hatch. While it is likely that the internal structure remains no discernable features remain above ground.
Well
Well
This well was sited on the terraced lawns in front of Craigends House. It is now heavily overgrown.
Terrace steps
Inside the well of the terrace steps just North East of the site of Craigends House
Of the steps that once bordered the lawn terraces only the well of one remains (the steps themselves have been removed). The three others were demolished by Taylor Woodrow when building Cunningham Gardens in 1998.
Underground tunnels
Stone lined hole east of site of Craigends House
This stone lined hole, found in the woods near the site of Craigends House, could be an entrance to a now infilled underground tunnell. Such tunnells are well remembered by children who played in the estate during the 1960s and 1970s.
Iron fencing
Fencing, which once bounded the north approach to Craigends House, now running parrallel to main road near Neuk Crescent
Small sections of Iron fencing like that pictured can still be found throughout Craigends estate. They were used most often to delimit the parkland from wooded areas. Sections - often buckled and deformed - can be found at Neuk Crescent, Ardgryffe Park, Beatrice Gardens and Thistle Lane.
Boundary walls
Stone wall - with Rhododendron overgrowth - lining the River Gryfe, at Gryfe Wood
Low lying walls such as this one remain dotted around the woods of the estate, and are a clue to the old estate management.
Ornamental trees
Two prominant Douglas firs on the east approach dwarving the figure in the foreground, by Carmalite Lane
Perhaps the best testament to Craigends' past is its ancient woodlands, and ornamental trees. Although many were destroyed - despite their protected status - by O'Brien Homes and Taylor Woodrow in the 1990s many splendid specimens remain including Cedar of Lebanon, Douglas Fir, Wellingtonia and others. Most of these were planted around 1857, but many are much older. The Craigends Yew, on the banks of the River Gryfe, is thought to be over 600 years old.
Avenues
Avenue from Craigends House to Gryfe Bridge
Some of the old avenues that once criss-crossed the estate are still discernable, and used by locals today. The path that leads from Cunningham Gardens to the Gryfe Bridge is perhaps the best example. When looking closely remains of the red blaze that covered this once well-maintained road can still be seen.
Scattered masonry
Scattered masonry in Craigends wood, near Thistle Lane
Scattered around the remaining woodland on the estate can be found many small pieces of archaeological evidence. Amongst these are exposed Victorian water pipes, pottery, glass, and variously shaped stones.



Get in touch

Hello, I'm Michael Hopcroft.

I grew up in Craigends (1982-2001).

Please get in touch if you have any memories, stories or photos of Craigends that you'd be willing to share.

I look forward to hearing from you!