Eglinton Castle

Eglinton Castle is located in Eglinton Country Park near the town of Kilwinning, North Ayrshire, Scotland (Scottish Gaelic: Cill D’Fhinnein, Siorrachd Àir a Tuath, Alba). The castle remains which include the tower and wing façade are the remains of a once large Gothic castellated mansion. It was built in 1796 by John Paterson for Hugh Montgomerie, the 12th Earl of Eglinton and replaced a 17th century castle. Financial difficulties led to the family leaving the castle in 1925 from which point it became progressively ruinous. It was used for army training for a period and being thought unsafe the shell of the house was partly demolished in 1973. Leaving the remains that can be seen today.

Eglington Country Park in which the castle remains stand covers some 400 hectacres (990 acres) and is open all year round. It is well known for its variety of wildlife as well as a range of walks and activities. Eglinton Country Park is managed and maintained by North Ayrshire Council and its Ranger Service. Further information can obtained on this link to their website. In the centre of the town of Kilwinning are the remains of the twelfth century abbey. The Tironensian Abbey of Kilwinning was founded by Richard de Morville in c.1162, reputedly on the site of a church built around the 6th century AD by the Saint Wynin and the town takes its name from this holy man. The Abbey Tower is open as a visitors centre with information on the Abbey and has other items of local interest. More information can be obtained by this link to the website of Kilwinning Abbey Tower Heritage Centre.

Image: Scotia Depicta - Eglinton Castle courtesy of the National Library of Scotland (Scottish Gaelic: Leabharlann Nàiseanta na h-Alba). Etching 1804 by James Fittler of drawing by John Claude Nattes.