21 September 2025 (13:00 - 15:00)
Picnic at the Crookston Castle:
It is a family picnic event at the Crookston Castle, which will include:
Display of artwork
Tours of the castle
Storytelling from The Village Storytelling Centre Storytellers, Emerging Storytellers and Community Performers
Creative workshops
Interactive creative engagement activities supporting local people to share their ideas for how the castle is used, celebrated and further developed as an asset for the community and city, contributing to the local economy by bringing visitors.
Families and community members are invited to bring blankets and a light picnic lunch while enjoying the festivities.
Tours of Crookston Castle:
We will have tours of the castle, which will be delivered by the Friends of Crookston Castle. This will allow visitors to explore this historic structure and learn more about Glasgow's past.
Overview
Crookston Castle is the only surviving medieval castle in the City of Glasgow. Perched on a hill in the heart of Glasgow, Crookston Castle is a rare survivor of Scotland’s medieval past.
Originally built in the 12th century by the de Croc family, the castle later passed into the hands of the powerful Stewart family, shaping its history for generations. It is said that Mary, Queen of Scots once visited the castle, standing under its ancient walls before her fateful battles.
The structure, now a scheduled monument, remains a proud reminder of Glasgow’s medieval roots. Today, Crookston Castle is a place where history meets community — a landmark waiting to be explored.
The castle now is administrated by the Historic Environment Scotland.
The Village Storytelling Centre, founded in 2000 by the community of Pollok, Glasgow, is the Scotland’s leading applied storytelling organisation and a centre for contemporary oral storytelling. The organisation’s vision is a world where people and communities are inspired, connected and heard.
It’s mission to improve and enrich lives across Scotland through the power of story is achieved through the work in their local community of Pollok and through collaborative projects with partner organisations, across Greater Glasgow and beyond.
Through weekly children, young people and adult programmes, community events and Village Storytelling Festival, the organisation explores the stories of people and places.
For many years the Village Storytelling Centre gathers and invites community to reimagine stories of Crookston Castle with outstanding Castle themed events and projects under their belt.
The Village Storytelling Centre has successfully organised Glasgow Doors Open Days events focused at the children, families and adults in the past with award winning track record.
This year The Village Storytelling Centre are joining forces with the Friends of Crookston Castle organisation, an association which aims to increase awareness, knowledge and enjoyment of the Crookston Castle and its neighbouring communities, and the visual artist Hannah Brackston which guarantees fun, creative and educational experience for all ages!
Limited spaces to park in the streets nearby.
The site does not have bike parking facilities.
Children should be always accompanied by adults
Comfortable and weather proof footwear is recommended.
The castle is a ruin so it is open to the elements and can be quite windy, clothing for the weather is recommended.
The castle tours will take place in a medieval castle of which, the ground floor has two steps to get in to. The rest of the floors are up several flights of stairs including a spiral staircase and ladders for the top two floors. The Castle is not wheelchair accessible and those with mobility issues will struggle to access all areas.

Address
Crookston Castle, Brockburn Road, Glasgow, G535RY