Old Dalquharran Castle

Heritage listing

Date Added 28/06/1935 Last Date Amended 21/05/2002 Type Secular: castle Local Authority South Ayrshire Parish Dailly NGR NS 27234 01874 Coordinates 227234, 601874 — The monument comprises the remains of the old castle of Dalquharran, surviving as substantial standing structures and as buried archaeology, together with an area enclosing the outer defences and infrastructure. The monument was originally scheduled in 1935. It is being rescheduled to extend protection to the whole of the archaeologically sensitive area, including important remains outwith the walls of the main tower. The old castle stands on the N bank of the Water of Girvan, c.300m SSE of the late 18th century castellated mansion (also called Dalquharran Castle), designed by Robert Adam. The old castle occupied a strong position, guarded by the Water of Girvan, marshlands, and a former moat. Originally a rectangular keep, the old castle was greatly enlarged and converted into a "stately castle" in about 1679. The first recorded laird was Gilbert Kennedy, as recorded in 1474 in a charter of Crossraguel Abbey, following which the property was acquired by the Kennedys of Girvan Mains. Towards the end of the 17th century, Sir Thomas Kennedy of Kirkhill, Lord Provost of Edinburgh, purchased the estate. The 15th century keep, from its plan and careful detailing, is an exceptional example of a castellated house. It was laid out on a rectangular plan comprising three storeys and an attic, probably with an external stair giving entrance to the great hall at first floor level. This floor was probably divided in two, with a private chamber at the E end giving access to the SE corner tower. This chamber contains an ornate aumbry, decorated with the arms of the Kennedys. A heavy buttress at the SW corner and a rectangu

From Historic Environment Scotland under OGL v3.