Killochan Castle

Killochan Castle is a 16th-century L-plan tower house about 3 miles (4.8 km) north east of Girvan, South Ayrshire, Scotland, north of the Water of Girvan, and south of Burnhead.[1]

Towards Killochan Castle in 2007.

It is well-preserved and occupied.

History

From the 14th century the Cathcart family owned the property. Robert Cathcart of Killochan died at the battle of Flodden in 1513. When the Kennedys of Cassillis and Bargany feuded the Cathcarts supported their Bargany neighbours, with John Cathcart, who built the castle, commanding the rearguard at the battle of Pennyglen.[2]

The present castle, dating from 1581, probably replaces an earlier one on the same, or a nearby, site.[1][2] A wing was added in the 18th century. The castle was occupied by the Cathcart family, intermittently, until 1954.[1]

Structure

Killochan castle has been described as one of the finest fortified houses in south Scotland.[2] The castle has a five-storey main block, lying east to west, with a higher wing extending northward at the east end.[2] In the re-entrant angle there is a square stair tower, while there is a round tower, with a corbelled-out parapet at one corner. The top of the tower is crowned by two bartizans.[1]

There is an unusually high parapet on the south side, while the eaves are unbroken by dormers. [2] [3]

There are shot-holes in the walls, while the entrance is defended by a parapet-level machiolated projection.[1]

A wide scale-and-platt stair leads from the entrance to the first floor; whence other floors may be reached by way of a turnpike stair in the re-entrant angle. The hall, and an adjoining chamber, are on the first floor.[1]

The basement, which contained the kitchen and two cellars, is vaulted.[1]

Oak wall panelling removed from the castle, and displayed at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, has carved figures of members of the Cathcart family.[4]

The 18th-century wing has two storeys.[1]

It is a Category A Listed Building.[3]

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References
  1. Coventry, Martin (2001). The Castles of Scotland. Musselburgh: Goblinshead. p. 223 ISBN 1-899874-26-7
  2. "Killochan Castle". Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland. Retrieved 2016-08-16.
  3. "Killochan Castle". British Listed Buildings. Retrieved 2016-08-16.
  4. Wall panelling of carved oak, from Killochan Castle. NMS H.KL 124.

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