Overview→

Penkill Castle

The oldest part of the castle, which is a high square block with quoin-turrets and an enclosing wall and gate, was built by Adam Boyd in the 16th century. A newer more commodious portion was added by Thomas Boyd in 1628. The castle in its present state was the work of the late Spencer Boyd. The Boyds were related to the Earls of Kilmarnock, whose last chief met his fate on the Tower Hill of London in 1746, for taking part in the rising on behalf of Prince Charlie. Penkill Castle is thus one of the oldest inhabited houses in Ayrshire, and stands picturesquely on the edge of Penwhapple Glen, about half a mile above Old Dailly Churchyard. {From Rev.R.Lawson's 'Places of Interest about Girvan'}.

The castle became ruinous but was restored in 1857 by William Bell Scott, the Pre-Raphaelite artist and poet. The castle was sold in the 1980s and is still privately occupied. {from The Castles of Scotland, by Martin Coventry}

For more information on Penkill Castle, follow this link