Erskine is more than just a place with a big bridge… it has heart. What else does it have? Well, it has access to the River Clyde, it’s very own hospital and a history of quarrying – it’s actually quite busy. The historians reckon that the history in this area dates back to around 3000 BC… So it is another one of those places in Scotland that has seen some…stuff.
The Famous Erskine Bridge
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Erskine is first mentioned in the maps in 1207, making it exactly the same age as Liverpool, many miles to the south. It is the home of a clan, who occupied the house and estate in the area until the Lord Blantyre took it off of them in the 19th century… by that time we can only guess it was acquired using the good, old-fashioned, coin – rather than through the old laws of ‘the-clan-that-kills-it, keeps-it.’
The famous bridge in the area was begun in the 18th Century when stone quays were built to help the ferry. Reportedly there was always a fjord in the area, but this solidified what would eventually become the main thoroughfare between Old Kilpatrick and Dunbartonshire.
The 90’s saw an influx of new housing and therefore people which landed Erskine firmly in the ‘commuter town’ category something it holds on to today. This, along with its proximity to the capital, and the rather attractive surrounding countryside which has some fairly nice views along the river, makes Erskine somewhere to retire too. Erskine now has a large population of formerly high-powered workers from Edinburgh who have cashed in on the house price boom when trading down.
So if you had to spend some holiday time in Erskine, what would you get up to? We took a Five Minute Spare look, to try and find out.
The Best Erskine Attractions
Here are our favourite attractions in this Renfrewshire town…
The Lamont Farm Project isn’t just the top attraction according to the masses and Trip Advisor lovers – it’s the best attraction according to us locals, too. It’s a great place to take little ones of all shapes and sizes. They have sheep, goats, pigs, horses, little furry animals and a reptile room. All are pettable, some are feedable, and all need love and care.
This is a registered Scottish Charity and all the money you spend here goes back towards making life better for the animals. Spend freely – although it’s pretty affordable. There is a café for you to enjoy too.
This attraction is ideal for those looking for something to do in Erskine with the kids. This indoor play centre allows tiny kids the freedom of their soft play area, a nursery, and a few other things. They have different areas for different age groups, so you can always be sure that there will be something of interest for your little love. They also have gated entry just in case any of the little ones escape… presumably.
One of the many things we love about Scotland is the spirit of the people. At any given time, you can drive across country and see a handful of people picking litter, come across tended areas that aren’t council-run, or just generally see people taking care of each other. The Erskine Community Garden is one such project.
A group of locals got together and decided they wanted to preserve part of the town’s history. They applied for the ground, got it, and started a garden on it. There will be a maze, a vegetable garden, and potentially a sensory garden in future. Go along and drop in some spare change… it all goes towards helping the community!
So the castle itself doesn’t actually exist anymore – but the Estate does. Likewise, you can trace the old outline of the gardens, peruse the surrounding woodland, and maybe even find some little surprises. Probably not though. The grounds of all the old castles have gravestones somewhere. They are the most likely thing you will find.
Erskine Castle was the seat of Clan Erskine, whose chiefs have been Earl’s of Mar since back in the 13th century. Their seat is actually the house of Dun and the Dun Estate, where Scots have lived for more than 9000 years.
In Erskine, you are on the bonnie banks of the Clyde. This river snakes down through Glasgow from its source in the south. You can put a kayak or canoe in it and go for it. You can fish in it if you have a permit. You can use it like the sea and enjoy the many beaches. You can enjoy the Clyde Walkways. You can even trace the old Roman roads that run along it. You can sail in it, swim in it, and a hundred other things… just don’t pollute it. If we catch you, we will kill you (well maybe not kill you but would ask you to pick your litter up).
Other Notable Attractions
Since you are in a great Glasgow area, there are loads of other things you can do around Erskine that aren’t necessarily in the town itself. So if you are in the area, check out these thoroughly wholesome Scottish sights:
- The People’s Palace – it is almost a crime to come this close to the city centre and not take a tour of the People’s Palace. Do it, learn how cool we Scots are, and return from whence you came with a whole new appreciation of life north of the borders.
- The Necropolis – this is one of those sights that you can see from most areas of the city. The Necropolis is basically one huge cemetery. It has impressive architecture and a myriad of stories. Maybe leave the kids at home for this one.
- M & D’s – Scotland’s theme park. Definitely worth checking out but not in Glasgow. Head to Hamilton for this one, it’s worth it.
So you will find something to do in Central Scotland no matter what your tastes.
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