Portencross Castle

Portencross Castle stands on a rocky promontory beside the Firth of Clyde in North Ayrshire, about three kilometres from West Kilbride. Fortifications have existed on the site since the 11th century, though the present tower dates from the mid-14th century. A violent storm stripped the roof in 1739 and the castle gradually fell into ruin. It was recognised as a scheduled monument in 1955 and later appeared in the BBC series Restoration. The castle’s earliest name was Arneil, held by the de Ross family before Robert the Bruce granted it to Sir Robert Boyd in 1315. Boyd’s grandson rebuilt the castle on its current site, overlooking the Clyde. King Robert II is thought to have signed fifteen charters here between 1371 and 1390. The Boyds kept the castle until 1737 and made several additions, including upper attic rooms and a spiral staircase. After the storm, local fishermen continued to use the shell of the building. Inside, the oblong keep rises three storeys with a garret and a taller wing at one end. The ground floor is vaulted and has two entrances, one at ground level and another on the first floor. The Friends of Portencross Castle have restored the ruin and maintain it as a small museum. Visitors can walk through the vaulted hall and climb the restored staircase to the upper rooms. Outside, the castle overlooks the wide estuary and distant hills, offering quiet views of the Clyde coast.