Portencross Castle, Scotland
Introduction This evening, I am reporting on Portencross Castle, Ayrshire, a small but historically important castle which situated on the coast, thirty four miles S.W. of Glasgow facing the Firth of Clyde and Little Cumbrae Island. Information on Portencross Castle Portencross was recently restored at cost of GBP1M under aegis of the Friends of Portencross Castle. Brief history of the site and castle: The site had been inhabited for thousands of years, with definitive evidence of Iron Age (800BC to 100BC) settlement. The castle was constructed in three phases commencing around 1360. Originally held by the Boyd family for King Robert I (of Scotland) in recognition for support at Battle of Bannockburn (1314). The castle had close links with Scottish royalty resulting in a number of Royal charters being signed at the castle. Occupied by local fishermen after 1600s. Roof was destroyed by a gale in 1739. Became a scheduled ancient monument in 1955. C...