Huntershill House, Crowhill Road, Bishopbriggs

Rectangular on plan, walls covered with grey harling, quoins, 2 storeys and attic, 5 Sash windows, centre pedimented doorway in rusticated stone surround, ridge roof, skews, moulded stone eaves, end stacks. Famous as the home of Thomas Muir, the eighteenth century advocate and political martyr who was brought up here. (Historic Scotland)

At the University of Glasgow Thomas Muir came under the influence of the radical thinker, John Millar (1735-1801). He went on to train as an advocate in Edinburgh, adopting "of Huntershill" from the name of the small estate which his father had purchased.

In 1792 he became vice president of the Glasgow Associated Friends of the Constitution and of the People and began speaking widely about the need for reform of the political system to give more people the vote. He was arrested at the beginning of 1793, but fled to France. He failed to appear for his trial in February and was declared an outlaw. He planned to head to the United States, but having stopped off in Belfast he took the risk of a visit to his parents. He was recognised and arrested. His trial took place before Lord Braxfield at the end of August 1793 and he was sentenced to fourteen years transportation.

In 1796 he escaped from Australia in an American ship and sailed to California. From there he travelled to Mexico and to Cuba. Unable to get to the United States where he would have been safe, he sailed to Spain. The ship was intercepted by a British naval force and Muir lost an eye in the fight. However, he reached Spain. He was allowed to leave for France at the end of 1797 and there he was briefly feted as a reforming hero, but interest in him soon waned. He died at Chantilly in January 1799. (The Glasgow Story)

23rd June 2006: Historic Scotland is contacted by a member of East Dunbaronshire Council very concerned about the condition of the building. 20th July 2006:Bishopbriggs Herald reports that The 1820 Society has approached the Herald over their concern for the building's surivival. 12 April 2006: the Kirkintilloch Herald reports that a study has now progressed in to possible redevelopment proposals for the House. August 2007: External inspection by SCT indicates that the roof and rainwater disposal system need urgent attention to prevent damage to the structure and fabric of the building. The first floor is understood to be unoccupied due to damp. The ground floor is currently in use as part of Huntershill Outdoor Recreation Centre, however, a new replacement centre is thought to be under construction.

June 2010: A member of the public contacts SCT to advise that the original features remaining in this house were removed during the early 1970s during the redevelopment by Strathkelvin Burgh Council.

June 2011: Kirkintilloch Herald reports East Dunbartonshire Council has deemed the building, along with the surrounding sports pitch and pavilions, surplus to requirements. The Council is reported to be preparing a development brief.

October 2011: East Dunbartonshire Council report (dated March 2011) on the current Buildings at Risk notes the presence of the building on the Register nad recommends the Council encourage early action to protect from further deterioration, and ascertain the current position including potential options for separate sale/ restoration of the House.

February 2012: The Kirkintilloch Herald reports on concerns for the future of the property. The article notes the property has recently been marketed for sale. East Dunbartonshire Council is reported to be in discussion with interested parties, with a report to be submitted to councillors in due course.

9 May 2013: External inspection finds no significant change from the previous site visit. Minor repairs to the render on the East of the North elevation are evident. East Dunbartonshire Council is seeking a development partner for an overall site which includes the House. The Council is inviting offers of interest in an outline scheme which is to include the provision of a new 10 team leisure changing pavilion with creation of a new vehicular access and parking from Auchinairn Road. In return the site includes a provision for a residential development which must include the retention and restoration of Huntershill House, ideally for a community type use.

25 July 2016: Consent is being sought for alterations and change of use to form a care home ref: TP/ED/16/0444.

28 February 2021: A member of the public advises that the latter extension has been demolished. The external fire escape has been dismantled.

Ref: TP/ED/16/0444 was granted subject to conditions in September 2016.

9 May 2022: A member of the public notes a development application has been submitted for the property. Planning permission in principle is being sought (TP/ED/22/0220) for the conversion of the building back into a dwelling with 3 new build dwellings within the wider grounds.

6 January 2023: Planning Permission in Principle is being sought for conversion of Huntershill House into a dwelling, with new build dwellings in the wider site (TP/ED/22/0220).

14 February 2024: An appeal (PEA/TP/ED/23/0007) against the refusal of the planning permission in principle for 2 new build dwellings and conversion of Huntershill House to form a dwelling, has been lodged.