Scottish Castles Association

Preserving the Past for the Future


Craufurdland Castle (Ayr) - Past and Present

Situated near Kilmarnock in rural Ayrshire, Craufurdland is a Gothic castle of 1830. Look closer, however, and there is more than meets the eye.

Craufurdland past

Top: Gothic façade of 1830 with crow-stepped 17th century wing to left
Bottom: Craufurdland today - with ivy and chimney heads removed

The west wing incorporates a small tower house of the late 15th or early 16th century. This rises from a vaulted basement to a wall walk born on continuous corbelling which is a popular feature in the west. A wide-mouth gun loop is situated above ground level rather than one would expect at basement level. The interior is altered and used as a holiday let. The entire mansion is in excellent condition.

Craufurdland crenellation

Note crenellations and continuous corbelling of tower house

The east wing contains a two-storey-high mansion with a fine plaster ceiling dated 1648. This incorporates the arms of the Stewarts.

The Gothic frontage is simply a façade joining the two wings.

Craufurdland visit

SCA's visit to Craufurdland in May 2015. Note inserted doorway, enlarged windows; gun loop and corbelling

The site, like so many Ayrshire castles, is situated at the edge of a ravine.


Article by SCA member Brian McGarrigle



Added: 04 Jun 2015 Updated: 23 Jul 2015
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