Ardrossan Castle

Ardrossan Castle stands on a rocky ridge above the town of Ardrossan in North Ayrshire. Built in the 12th century, it was owned first by Clan Barclay and later by Clan Montgomery. The castle includes a 15th-century keep, vaulted kitchens, cellars and a deep passageway with a well. Its name comes from the Gaelic words for ‘height’ and ‘rocky promontory’. The castle was partly destroyed during the Wars of Scottish Independence and later rebuilt before falling into ruin. The castle is linked to William Wallace through local ghostlore and to Sir Fergus Barclay, known as ‘the De’il of Ardrossan’. Cromwell’s soldiers demolished much of the structure in the 17th century, using the stone to build Ayr Citadel. The Privy Council of Scotland met here in 1546, a rare departure from Edinburgh or Stirling. In the 19th century it appeared in Sylvan’s Pictorial Handbook as a landmark with fine sea views. Visitors find the ruins of the keep and gatehouse, with parts standing to the corbels of the parapet. The vaults beneath are known as ‘Wallace’s Larder’ after the slaughter of an English garrison. A chapel once stood a few hundred yards inland, where Sir Fergus Barclay is said to be buried. The rocky hill offers views over the town and the sea, while nearby stones bear marks said to be the Devil’s hoof prints. The site remains a scheduled monument, its stones scattered but still recognisable.