Outstanding Features
- Equestrian Centre - The Centre is a purpose built venue, unique within the city, providing tuition in horse riding and horsemanship for all levels of competence, from the complete beginner to the more advanced rider.
- Natural History - The park has an outstanding diversity of wildlife, habitat and plant life. Ranging from open grassland, scrub land, deciduous and coniferous woodland to the riverbank environment.
- The park is home to sixty species of birds, either resident or seasonal visitors.
- The diversity of fauna and flora within the park is truly outstanding given the relatively close proximity to the hustle and bustle of the city Centre.
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Facilities
The park is patrolled regularly by the Ranger Service and has a wide variety of facilities to suit all age groups.
- Equestrian Centre
- woodland and river walks
- Orienteering Course
- 18 hole golf course
- two childrens play grounds
- the play area adjacent to the Old Castle Road/Seil Drive entrance is suitable for older children
- the play area near the Equestrian Centre is more suited to younger children
Local Facilities
- Public toilets
- Linn Golf Pavilion
- Equestrian Centre
- Public telephone
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Events in the Park
The Countryside Ranger Service operates a series of events throughout the year including:
- wild flower planting
- rhododendron clearing
- bug hunts
- bird and bat watching
- river dipping
Activities and events can be arranged for groups and schools who want to learn about the natural environment and history of the area.
History
In 1919 the city purchased 180 acres of land that is now known as Linn Park at a cost of £10,000.
- Linn Park was originally part of Hagtonhill, which belonged to the Maxwells of Pollok.
- In 1820 the land was sold to Colin Campbell of the ‘sugar’ Campbells who owned a West India Shipping Line. He named the land “The Lynn” and built the Mansion House - now derelict - as a summer residence also creating much of the woodland and gardens.
- In 1840, John Gordon of Aitkenhead purchased “The Lynn” estate and made additions to the house. He is also thought to have planted the Lime Tree Avenue, which runs through the park, to commemorate the marriage of his daughter to ‘Black Mungo’ another of the Campbell’s in the 1850’s.
- In 1927 the lands of Cathcart Castle, over 18 acres, was added at a cost of £2,300.
- The 4 acre area known as Court Knowe was added in 1933 at a cost of £150
The history of the area can be traced back much further.
- Cathcart Castle was built around 1450 and was demolished in 1980 for safety reasons.
- It once belonged to Alan de Cathcart who fought for Scotland’s independence
- Mary, Queen of Scots is reputed to have stayed in the Castle prior to the Battle of Langside in May 1568
- She is said to have looked on from Court Knowe across Old Castle Road - once the castle moat - as her hastily formed army was defeated by the smaller but better organised force lead by the Regent Moray.
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Travel
- Bus - Various routes operate from the city centre to Clarkston Road and Carmunnock Road
- Rail - Trains operate from the city centre to Cathcart or Muirend and from there it is a 15 to 20 minute walk to the park
- Parking - Car parking is available at Simshill Road adjacent to the Linn Golf Pavilion or on street parking on surrounding roads
- Cycling - The park is suitable for cyclists although care must be taken in some areas and on loose fill paths
- Walking - The park can be accessed from
- Netherlee Road at Greenock Avenue
- Old Castle Road at Seil Drive
- Simshill Road / Old Castle Road
- Clarkston Road at Netherlee Road.
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Contact Details
Land and Environmental Services General Enquiries
Phone: 0141 287 5108
E-mail: land@glasgow.gov.uk
Equestrian Centre
Phone: 0141 637 3096
Linn Golf Course
Phone: 0141 633 0377
Public Transport Journey Information
Traveline Scotland
Phone: 0871 200 22 33
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