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Portencross Castle
Everyone says that Portencross Castle was
originally known as Ardneil {various spellings}. In the map sections
below, however, Portencross and Ardneil are two distinct properties.
The two castles seem to be in occupation in 1654 and in 1775
Portencross is a ruin with Ardneil(?) occupied to the south east.
These map sections are from Joan Blaeu's Atlas of Scotland (Kyle) drawn in 1654
and Andrew Armstrong's New Map of Ayrshire drawn in 1775. They are
reproduced by permission of the Trustees of the
National Library of
Scotland
The Friends of Portencross Castle website says
that the original castle called Arneil stood on Auld Hill. In the 14th
century it was rebuilt in its current situation on a promontory at the
bottom of the hill with its new name Portencross. It remained in
occupation until damaged in a storm in 1739. However, but I
would be really grateful if anyone could enlighten me on this matter!
Do visit the Friends of Portencross Castle
website as it has full details and stories on the site at
http://www.portencrosscastle.org.uk/
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