Portencross Castle

Portencross Castle is located in the village of Portencross (Scottish Gaelic: Port na Crois) near Farland Head in North Ayrshire, Scotland (Scottish Gaelic: Siorrachd Àir a Tuath, Alba). It overlooks the Firth of Clyde and is about 2 miles from West Kilbride (Cille Bhrìghde an Iar). Portencross Castle is a tower house that was constructed in three phases starting around the mid 14th century.  It was built on land given to Sir Robert Boyd of Kilmarnock following the victory over the English at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314 by King Robert I (Robert the Bruce). It was his grandson, also Robert Boyd,  that first built the castle replacing an earlier fortification nearby. After the 1600s, it was occupied by local fishermen and remained in use until the roof was destroyed in a storm in January 1739. By the 20th century, the Adams of  Auchenames owned the castle. It became a scheduled ancient monument in 1955.

Portencross Castle is built in an area that has been seen as of strategic importance for many centuries. Behind the present castle on Auldhill was an Iron Age (800 BC to 100 BC) settlement. A small castle dating to around the 11th century also stood on Auldhill. After the present castle was built close by in the 14th century it became noted for its association with Scottish royalty. In particular a  number of Royal Charters were signed at the castle and it had close links with King Robert II (2 March 1316 – 19 April 1390).  Although falling into disrepair after it was unroofed by a great storm in 1739, it has since undergone major restoration. It was restored by the Friends of Portencross Castle starting in 2007 after securing funding from various sources and with major construction work being undertaken in 2009 and 2010. It is maintained by them as a museum.

Image: Portencross Castle in 1900. William Harvey - Picturesque Ayrshire.

Link: Friends of Portencross Castle.