Once home to the noble Grahams, Mugdock Castle sits proudly on a volcanic rock overlooking Mugdock Loch and the surrounding landscapes.
This 14th century ruin offers a great visiting experience throughout the year. The re-built south west tower will be open to visitors this weekend.
The original east half of the castle was destroyed when the castle was twice sacked by the Covenanters during the civil wars in the 1640s. It was home of one of Charles 1st's best generals, James Graham 5th Earl and 1st Marquis of Montrose who defeated the Covenanters seven times.
Claypotts Castle is a small but complete Z plan castle built for John Strachan between 1569 and 1588. It was later sold to the family of John Graham of Claverhouse, who forfeited his lands after his death at the battle of Killiecrankie. It is now cared for by Historic Scotland.
Between 10am and 1pm, visitors will be guided around the castle by the Junior Tour Guides of Claypotts Castle School, dressed in period costume. Later visits will be self guided. Guide books, souvenirs and refreshments available at castle.
Please note parking is limited to 4/5 spaces.
Once an island in the Firth of Forth, the late 15th century Rosyth Castle was enveloped by the Rosyth Dockyard early in the early 20th century. Access to the main hall on the first floor created in 2007 by the owners Scarborough/ Muir Group greatly enhances the visitor experience.
Guided walks to the barrel-vaulted 16th century doocot will be given by the Rosyth Garden City Association from the castle on request. Free leaflet.
This landmark tower with 103 steps up to a stunning panoramic view, is the surviving tower of the 16th century parish church.
The tower also served as a lookout in time of war.
The church fell into disrepair but the walls and graveyard are still visible.
Image (c) dysart-trust.org.uk
13 th century Pele Tower restored 2001. Many unique features, including original roof beams with carpenters' marks and a fine barrel-vaulted basement.
Lived in continuously by Hunter family till 1803. Early 20th century restoration work carried out by Sir Robert Lorimer including a finely carved stone lintel of the Hunter coat of arms in the Great Hall. Now the centre of the Clan Hunter Association Worldwide.
Ground and first floor access only.
Image (c) www.scran.ac.uk
An old Norman keep built by the Lockhart family after an invasion of Anglo-Norman people in the 12th and 13th centuries. George Wishart 1545 and John Knox 1556, the Scottish reformers, both preached here as church doors were locked against them.
Home of Lodge St Peter 331 for over a hundred years.
Guided tour. Exhibition. Birds of prey display.
Demonstration by Kilmarnock and Loudoun Amateur Radio Club, call sign GMOADX, as part of Castles and Stately Homes on the Air programme.
Birds of prey display. Demonstration by Kilmarnock and Loudoun Amateur Radio Club, call sign GMOADZ as part of Castles and Stately Homes on the Air programme.
Built by the Boyds of Kilmarnock whose home it was for over 400 years, the castle consists of the Keep c. 1350 and Palace c. 1460. Gutted by fire in 1735, it was a ruin until restored by the 8th Lord Howard de Walden in the 20th century.
Exhibitions of arms and armour, musical instruments and watercolours by James Henry Nixon depicting the Eglinton Tournament of 1839.
Regret castle not fully accessible to wheelchair users. Exhibition of castle models, artefacts, 14th century coins and mediaeval banqueting in Visitor Centre. Café.
Exhibition and guided tours.
Displays by Ayrshire Philatelic Society, Ayr Photographic Society, and Ayrshire Archaeological and Natural History Society and Kyle and Carrick Civic Society. Guided tour.