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/...