Ardstinchar Castle

Ardstinchar Castle is located in the coastal village of Ballantrae, South Ayrshire, Scotland (Scottish Gaelic: Baile na Tràgha, Siorrachd Inbhir Àir a Deas, Alba). 

Above Ballantrae stands the ruin of Ardstinchar Castle, a reminder of Scotland's Auld Alliance. The Auld Alliance (Scots for "Old Alliance"; Scottish Gaelic: An Seann-chaidreachas) was an alliance made in 1295 between the kingdoms of Scotland and France. The uniting factor in this long-lasting association between the two countries, which was never actually officially revoked, was their numerous conflicts with England. Ardstinchar Castle was built in the fifteenth century by Hugh Kennedy, one of the sons of Sir Gilbert Kennedy of Dunure. He was known as "Friar Hew" as he was a fully-ordained Dominican priest. Also he is famously described as Joan of Arc's (French: Jeanne d'Arc) Scottish Captain. There is an excellent biography available about this fascinating man written by Jean Brittain “Hugh Kennedy of Ardstinchar: Joan of Arc’s Scottish Captain”.

The story of Hugh Kennedy is quite remarkable. A journey from Priest, to soldier, diplomat, counsellor to kings, to Archdeacon of St Andrews and much more in between. Perhaps the most fascinating part of his tale is the time he led troops for Joan of Arc at the Siege of Orléans (1428–1429). This was during what is known as the Hundred Years' War. Which was a series of conflicts in Western Europe from 1337 to 1453. It was waged over the right to rule the Kingdom of France between the House of Plantagenet and its cadet House of Lancaster, rulers of the Kingdom of England, and the House of Valois. Scottish forces served with the French military throughout most of the Hundred Years' War. Joan of Arc (c. 1412 – 30 May 1431), nicknamed "The Maid of Orléans", is considered a heroine of France for her role during the third and final phase (1415 - 1453) of the War.

Hugh Kennedy died in 1454 after what can be described as a life of adventure with many twists and turns. His descendants lived in Ardstinchar Castle for more than a century. Mary, Queen of Scots visited the castle in 1563. By 1770, sadly the castle had fallen into disrepair. Stones from it were used for the construction of a three-arch bridge over the River Stinchar, as well as several houses and an inn in Ballantrae. 

Link: Ballantrae - The Gateway To Carrick.