Wpon the morn to the Gilbank he went;—
For his deyr eyme, yong Auchinlek, duelt thar,
Brothyr he was to the schirreff off Ayr.—V. 467.
It bears the name of Gilbanke in Edit. 1594 and 1648. In the Sixth Book, v. 226, the same person is designed Awchinlek off Gilbank.
Macpherson mentions Gilbank, in his Geographical Illustrations, referring to Blind Harry; but he marks it as a place “the exact position” of which “is not known.”
But there is a property, distant only about half a mile from the Fall of Stonebyres, below Lanark, which still bears the name of Gillbank, as it is designed in Forrest’s Map of Lanarkshire. There is another place called Gill, belonging to Lockhart of Lee, on the north side of the Mouse, opposite to Jerviswood, about half a mile above Cartlane Craigs. Here are the remains of a very old castle, the walls of which are very thick. It is seated on a promontory betwixt two gullies. It has been suggested, that this might be the place referred to, as there are no vestiges of ancient building at Gillbank. But the claim undoubtedly belongs to the latter; as it not only retains the name, but in our old deeds, although with a change of orthography, is conjoined with a place called Auchinleck.—Terrae de Stanebyres, Auchinlek, Greinrig, Teathes, et Kilbank. Inquis. Retornat. Com. Lanark, (149,) A. 1625. It is given as the property of the Marquis of Hamilton. The same places are mentioned, with the addition of Over Auchinlek, ibid. (239.)
This place had been honoured to be the head-quarters of our hero, while he resided in this part of the country, at least before his open attacks on the English. For it is said;
In Laynrik oft till sport he maid repair.
Quhan that he went fra Gilbank to the toune,
And he fand men that was off that falss nacioune,