Geograph - photograph every grid square

This photograph shows the site of the former Mains of Cardross Farm, as seen from the gate of the field (see NS3976 : The approach to Mains of Cardross). Although it may not be apparent at first sight, a closer look at the trees in the background makes it clear that the green area in the foreground is raised above the surrounding parts of the field; in fact, the ground falls away rather sharply, for reasons that are explained in the WoSAS entry (see the end-note for the link).

It is thought that Robert the Bruce's residence may have been located nearby (not necessarily on the site of the old farm, but somewhere in the vicinity); for more on that subject, see NS3976 : Mains of Cardross Canal and NS3977 : The former Pillanflatt. Some disruption was caused here by twentieth-century quarrying (again, see the WoSAS entry linked from the end-note).

Regarding the quarrying, the Valuation Rolls for 1939-40 provide some clues: at that time, the proprietor of the farm itself was W.R.Filshie, but adjacent "erections at Mains of Cardross" were listed as the property of "A.A.Stewart & Sons, London Road, Glasgow", who were also using one of the sandpits beside the farm. They were a firm of contractors, but they went into liquidation several decades ago.

For the base of one of the farm buildings, see NS3976 : Site of Mains of Cardross Farm.

As for the quarry mentioned in the WoSAS entry, its associated sandpits are shown, for example, on the 1:2500 OS map from 1936. Also mentioned in that entry is the surviving section of wall from the quarry's washing plant; this is barely visible in the undergrowth near the right-hand edge of the photo. For a slightly better view, see NS3976 : Remains of quarry's washing plant; more of the wall can be seen from the other side: NS3976 : Remains of quarry's washing plant.