Cassillis Castle

Nestled in the scenic landscape of Ayrshire in southwest Scotland, lies the magnificent Cassillis Castle. This old castle and mansion, once held by the Kennedy Earls of Cassillis, is now a private property located near the town of Maybole. Cassillis Castle is steeped in history and has been an integral part of Scotland’s rich cultural heritage for hundreds of years.

The castle consists of a strong rectangular tower built in the 14th century and later altered with the addition of a square tower in the 17th century and large baronial extensions in 1830. The castle has 112 rooms and is set on a 285-acre estate. The tower is harled and washed in yellow, making it a beautiful sight from a distance. The basement of the castle is vaulted with a prison built into its thick walls, which are up to 16 feet thick. The 17th-century turnpike stair and a few other old features also remain intact.

Cassillis Castle has been in the possession of the Kennedy family for hundreds of years. It passed to the Kennedys by marriage from the Montgomerys in 1373 and they held the position of Stewards of Carrick from 1367 or earlier. David, 3rd Lord Kennedy, was made Earl of Cassillis in 1509 and was killed at the Battle of Flodden in 1513. The castle was the seat of the family from the 1770s until the 1940s, when the family returned to Cassillis and continued to live there until recently. In 2009, the castle was sold to Kate Armstrong, who restored the building and it was later featured in an episode of the BBC TV series “Restoration Homes”.

Over the years, the castle has been the site of many historic events. For instance, in 1601, there was a dispute over land, and John, the 5th Earl, ambushed and murdered Gilbert Kennedy of Bargany. This event inspired Sir Walter Scott’s play “Auchendrane, or The Ayrshire Tragedy”. John, the 6th Earl, was Justice General in 1649 and supported the Presbyterian cause during the Restoration. Archibald, the 12th Earl, was made the 1st Marquess of Ailsa in 1831.

One interesting story about Cassillis Castle is that it is said to be haunted by the ghost of Lady Jean Hamilton, wife of John, the 6th Earl of Cassillis. The ghost of Lady Jean, sometimes described as a “Green Lady”, is said to have been seen at a window. The story goes that Lady Jean was in love with Johnie Faa, the gypsy laddie of the old ballad, but was caught by the Earl who then hanged Johnie from a tree in front of her. However, there is no historical basis for this haunting tale and it has also been set at Maybole Castle.