Glasshouses on North Wall of Walled Garden, Auchincruive Estate Policies, St. Quivox

A range of timber framed 'lean-to' glasshouses. Brick bases with timber frames. Decorative cast iron spandrels.

The Auchincruive Estate was owned by the Wallace family in the 13th century. There were a variety of owners until the 18th century when James Murray of Broughton sold it to Richard Oswald, entrepreneur and merchant, in 1764. The estate remained in the Oswald family until 1925, when they sold it to a local farmer John M Hannah, who gifted it to the West of Scotland Agricultural College in 1927, under whose ownership it remains (1999).

The original formal landscape at Auchincruive dates from the 18th century, however this is now vastly reduced and was remodelled circa 1830, after which the walled garden was probably built. The lodge at the E end is the Head Gardeners House, whilst the range of buildings along the central service corridor were potting sheds and further gardener accommodation.

The garden is an interesting mix of formal and informal planting, although much of this has been carried out in the 20th century, only some of the original yew trees remaining. (Historic Scotland)

December 2009: External inspection reveals that the structures are disused and derelict. The timber frames appear rotten and much of the glazing is missing. The glasshouses have been fenced off for safety reasons.

March 2012: Local planners report the glasshouses remain in poor condition. The central section is thought to be the oldest surviving glasshouse.

16 May 2012: External inspection finds since the previous site visit glazing loss has continued. Plants on the inside are growing through holes in the roof or pressing against the glazing, threatening further damage.

16 September 2014: External inspection finds the glasshouse remains in much the same condition as seen previously. Plant growth within the building has increased.