Overview of Killearn

A picturesque dormitory village, situated on a hill-top beside the Endrick Water, 17 miles (27 km) north of Glasgow, Killearn lies at the north end of Strathblane and northwest of the Campsie Fells. Killearn Parish Church dates from 1882 and is B-listed. The ruined Old Kirk in the centre of the village dates from 1734 and there is documentary evidence of a church here in 1226. In the 18th century, in addition to agricultural activities, the principal industries were spinning and linen weaving. The railways brought summer visitors from Glasgow and substantial villas were built later in the 19th century to meet this demand. The Killearn Trust, dedicated to the protection of the village, was created by Glasgow businessman George Innes in 1932. The trust bought up land and historic 18th C. properties to ensure their preservation for future generations. Much of the centre of Killearn was further protected by being designated a conservation area in 1973. The historian and scholar George Buchanan (1506-82) was born nearby, and there is a substantial obelisk dedicated to him which forms a prominent landmark in the village. This dates from 1788 and was designed by James Craig (1744 - 1795), better known for laying out Edinburgh's New Town.

The Spout of Blairessan is a waterfall lying a half-mile (1 km) north of the village and tradition suggests a bloody battle was fought here between the Romans and the Caledonian tribes. The West Highland Way passes a mile (1.5 km) to the west of Killearn, following the route of the old Strathendrick and Aberfoyle railway line which closed in 1959.