HISTORY

Cathcart Castle, at the Cathcart end of the park, was built around 1450, and was finally demolished due to its derelict state in 1980.

The castle once belonged to Alan de Cathcart, who fought for Scotland's independance. 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 the Old Castle Road - as her hastily formed army was defeated by the better organised force which was led by the Regent Moray.

Old Castle Road was once the castle moat.

You can see a monument dedicated to the Mary Queen of Scots visit on the Court Knowe area.

Linn Park was originally part of Hagtonhill, which belonged to the Maxwells of Pollok, who also own Pollok Country Park. In 1820, the land at Linn was sold to Colin Campbell, who owned a West India Shipping Line, and was in the sugar business. He named the land "The Lynn", and built the mansion house 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 line, in the 1850's.

In 1919, the city purchased the 180 acres of land that is now known as Linn Park at a cost of £10,000.

In 1927, the lands of Cathcart Castle, over 18 acres, was added at a cost of £2,300, and the 4 acre area known as Court Knowe was added in 1933 at a cost of £150.

In 2007, renovation of the then derelict Linn Mansion House was completed, and is now a development of 4 private homes.