Kerelaw Castle, Scotland

Introduction

This evening, I am focusing on one of Scotland’s more obscure castles, namely Kerelaw which is a ruin located in the midst of a social housing estate in Stevenston, North Ayrshire, a town which boasts a history dating back to the 13th century. Actual location of the castle is not easy to find, especially as there is no signage.

Information on Kerelaw Castle

Kerelaw Castle was built in the 12th century and was first held by the Lockharts. The town is, in fact, named after Stephan Loccard or Lockhart. The castle subsequently passed to the Campbells of Loudon and then to the Cunninghames of Kilmaurs. Its current ruinous state dates to 1488 when (during Cunninghame possession) it was burned by the Earl of Eglinton (Montgomerys) in context of a long running feud. In revenge the Cunninghames burned Eglinton Castle just a few miles away.

As will be evident form the images below, the ruins are unsafe and have been fenced off.

Nearby used to be situated a large house/mansion called Kerelaw House which was once home to Alexander Hamilton but this was demolished in the 1970s

For aficionados of clans Montgomery and Cunninghame who like a challenge this castle is worth a visit.

Aspect of castle


Aspect of Kerelaw Castle

Aspect of castle

More information for the visitor

Please refer Visitors’ Guide to Scotland which contains nearly 800 pages of information and images on many aspects of Scotland. ISBN is 978-1-9161332-0-4. Also available via Kindle.

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