Loch Doon Castle

Loch Doon Castle
Ayrshire
Doon Castle
Location
Grid reference:	NX48419501
Location:	55°13’34"N, 4°23’6"W
History
Information
Condition:	Rebuilt as a ruin

Loch Doon Castle is a castle which until the 1930s stood alone on an island within Loch Doon, in the hills in the very south-east of Ayrshire.

In the 1930s, the loch was harnessed for a hydro-electric scheme, which raised the water level and would have submerged the castle, and so Loh Doon Castle was dismantled and rebuilt on the side of the loch.

Loch Doon Castle was built in the late 13th century on an island within Loch Doon (55°13’26"N, 4°22’42"W). The castle consists of an eleven-sided curtain wall. The castle was in the hands of the Earls of Carrick in the 13th century. During the mediæval wars of Scotland and England it was held by the governor Sir Gilbert de Carrick (Gille Brighde), who surrendered it to the English. It was soon recovered by the forces of King Robert I of Scotland.

In 1306, the Corrie family were the hereditary keepers of Castle Loch Doon, and 57 years later, owing to the marriage of Sir Robert Corrie to Lady Susanna Carlisle, added greatly to their possessions in Dumfriesshire. The castle later fell to the English and was re-captured in 1314. The castle was besieged in 1335.

During the 15th century the castle was in the hands of the Kennedy family. The castle was taken from them by William Douglas, 8th Earl of Douglas after a siege in 1446. Having been given back to the Kennedy family the castle was again taken from them by William Crauford of Lefnoris in 1511. The castle was destroyed in the 16th century by King James V of Scotland as part of a general policy of reducing the power of the barons of Galloway.

The original site and the relocated remains are designated as scheduled ancient monuments.

Outside links

• Loch Doon or Balliol Castle - YouTube