Castle Kennedy

Castle Kennedy is a ruined 17th–century tower house located about 3 miles east of Stranraer, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. The property was originally owned by the Kennedys from 1482. In 1607, John Kennedy, 5th Earl of Cassilis started the construction of the castle on the site of an earlier stronghold. After a brief period in the hands of the Hamiltons of Bargany, the property passed to the Dalrymples of Stair around 1677. The castle was constructed in an E–plan style and was originally on an island in a loch. It had four storeys and an attic, with two five–storey projecting square wings, and two seven–storey square towers in the re–entrant angles. There were large windows, evenly spaced, and shot–holes. From the main entrance was a vaulted passage that ran through the basement and connected to a newel–stair in the south west re–entrant turret. The public rooms were situated within the main block, and a series of bedchambers and associated closets were located in the wings. Unfortunately, Castle Kennedy was gutted by fire in 1716 and was never restored. The fire caused severe damage to the walls, leaving the castle in a state of disrepair. Despite this, the impressive architecture of the castle still stands today, providing a glimpse into Scotland’s history. Despite its ruinous state, the castle still stands as a reminder of the past. Its impressive architecture, including its large windows, shot–holes and vaulted passages, gives visitors a glimpse into what life would have been like during its heyday. The castle is also surrounded by a walled garden to the south which dates from the 18th century. Today, Castle Kennedy is a popular tourist destination. Visitors can explore the castle’s ruins, learn about its fascinating history, and take in the stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The castle is also a popular filming location, having been featured in the movies “Braveheart” and “Elizabeth”.