Castles of Clan Montgomery
Eglinton Castle
Eglinton Castle, near Kilwinning in North Ayrshire, was the ancestral seat of the Montgomery chiefs and later the Earls of Eglinton. The original medieval castle was burned during feuds with the Cunninghams in 1528, and a grand Gothic-style mansion was built on the site in the late 18th century. The castle featured four towers, a central keep, and an enormous courtyard, making it one of the most impressive aristocratic residences in Scotland. It was abandoned in the 1920s and partially demolished, but its ruins remain a dramatic feature within Eglinton Country Park. The site reflects the Montgomerys’ wealth and influence during their peak.
Ardrossan Castle
Ardrossan Castle, overlooking the Firth of Clyde, came into Montgomery hands in the 14th century through the marriage of Sir John Montgomery to the Ardrossan heiress. The castle served as a key Montgomery fortress and was linked to the early Lords Montgomery and later the Earls of Eglinton. The site is also associated with the legend of “Wallace’s Larder.” Though largely ruined today, sections of the red sandstone keep and outer walls remain. Its location and history tie it closely to the rise of the Montgomerys in Ayrshire.
Polnoon Castle
Polnoon Castle near Eaglesham was built by Sir John Montgomery using ransom money gained from the capture of the English commander Hotspur at the Battle of Otterburn in 1388. It served as the seat of the Montgomerys of Eaglesham and was strategically positioned above Polnoon Water. The castle was abandoned by the 17th century and is now only traceable through earthworks and scattered stone remains. The site represents the clan’s military success and rise in status during the medieval period. It was once a fortified symbol of Montgomery power in Renfrewshire.
Skelmorlie Castle
Skelmorlie Castle, overlooking the Firth of Clyde near Largs, has been a Montgomery residence since 1502 and remains privately occupied. Built by George Montgomery of Skelmorlie, the tower house was extended in the 17th century with a Renaissance wing. The castle served as the seat of a prominent cadet branch and was closely involved in regional politics and trade. Restored in the 19th century, the castle retains its red sandstone walls and distinctive corbelled turrets. It is one of the best-preserved Montgomery tower houses still standing.
Giffen Castle
Giffen Castle near Beith was the caput of the Barony of Giffen, acquired by the Montgomerys in the 15th century. The site was used by the heirs of the Earls of Eglinton and may have once been a strong stone tower or hall house. By the 18th century, it had fallen into ruin and was dismantled. Today, no visible remains survive, but the site is known through historical records and local place names. Giffen was an important part of the Montgomery estate network.
Hessilhead Castle
Hessilhead Castle, near Beith, was held by a cadet branch of the Montgomerys until the 17th century. The original L-plan tower was later expanded and remodeled by Francis Montgomerie of Giffen. The building fell into disuse and was deliberately destroyed in the 20th century for safety reasons. Only traces of rubble and landscaping remain today. Its story reflects the evolution and decline of lesser Montgomery seats over time.
Lainshaw Castle
Lainshaw Castle, in Stewarton, was home to the Montgomerys of Lainshaw, a cadet line closely involved in the clan’s feuds with the Cunninghams. The castle was sacked in 1488 and later rebuilt, eventually giving way to Lainshaw House, a Georgian mansion. The house remained in Montgomery hands until the late 18th century. Today, Lainshaw House stands on the original site, but little survives of the medieval structure. The estate marks the family’s shift from military power to landed gentility.
Little Cumbrae Castle
Little Cumbrae Castle, also known as Wee Cumbrae Castle, was built by the Montgomerys on a rocky islet in the Firth of Clyde. Constructed in the 16th century, it served as a watchtower and hunting lodge for the Earls of Eglinton. The structure was abandoned by the 18th century but its ivy-covered tower remains visible today. The castle’s isolated location gave it strategic importance for controlling maritime traffic. It symbolizes the Montgomerys’ reach along the Ayrshire coast.
Seagate Castle
Seagate Castle in Irvine was the Montgomerys’ urban stronghold, built in the mid-16th century by the 3rd Earl of Eglinton. It served as a residence for the Earls when attending business in town or traveling by sea. The castle features Renaissance detailing and portions of the original tower, gatehouse, and courtyard walls remain. Though roofless, the ruins retain decorative carvings and heraldic panels. Seagate stands as a rare example of a clan townhouse stronghold.
Stanecastle
Stanecastle, located near Irvine, was acquired and restored by the Montgomerys in the 18th century. Originally a 16th-century tower built by the Francis family, it became part of the Eglinton estate and was converted into a Gothic folly. The square-plan tower was preserved and altered to suit Romantic tastes. It served more as a symbol of heritage than a functional residence. It survives today as a picturesque reminder of Montgomery landholding in the region.
Castles Loosely Associated with Clan Montgomery
Brodick Castle
Brodick Castle, on the Isle of Arran, was granted to Lord Montgomery by James IV in 1488 as a reward for loyalty. Though never permanently held by the clan, the grant sparked rivalry with the Cunninghams and strengthened Montgomery influence in the west. The Montgomerys garrisoned the castle briefly before it was reassigned. Today, the castle remains a major historic site. Its link to the clan marks a turning point in their regional power.
Lochranza Castle
Lochranza Castle was recaptured by Sir Robert Montgomery of Skelmorlie in 1600 during a rebellion on the Isle of Arran. Acting on behalf of the Crown, Montgomery expelled the MacAlisters and restored the rightful owner. Though not a Montgomery residence, the action demonstrated the clan’s military role in regional affairs. The ruined L-plan tower still overlooks Loch Ranza. Its story includes a chapter in Montgomery military history.
Kerelaw Castle
Kerelaw Castle, near Stevenston, was a Cunningham stronghold sacked and burned by the Montgomerys in 1488 during a clan feud. Though never held by the Montgomerys, it became a key target during the violence that followed James III’s downfall. The feud shaped Ayrshire politics for decades. The castle remains a ruin, with some stone walls and earthworks visible. It represents the darker side of inter-clan rivalry.
Aiket Castle
Aiket Castle, in Dunlop, was the home of the Cunninghams of Aiket, who were involved in the 1586 murder of the Earl of Eglinton. In the subsequent retaliation, Montgomery allies stormed and reportedly destroyed the castle, and the laird was killed. Though rebuilt and later restored, the castle remains tied to one of the bloodiest moments in Montgomery-Cunningham history. It is now a private home. The event cemented Aiket’s place in clan legend.
Montgreenan Castle
Montgreenan Castle, also called the Bishop’s Palace, was the residence of Jean Cunningham, who lured the 4th Earl of Eglinton to his death in 1586. Her brother was killed by Montgomery forces at the castle gate in revenge. Though not a Montgomery holding, the site is forever linked to their history. The castle is now a ruin, partially obscured by woodland. It marks the climax of the deadly Cunningham-Montgomery feud.
References
Coventry, M. (2010). The Castles of Scotland (5th ed.). Musselburgh: Goblinshead.
Tabraham, C. (2005). Scotland’s Castles. London: Batsford.
Historic Environment Scotland. (n.d.). Castle Records and Listings.
Montgomery, A. (1900). The History of Clan Montgomery. Glasgow: Clan Montgomery Society.
RCAHMS. (n.d.). National Monuments Record of Scotland.
National Archives of Scotland. (n.d.). Feudal Records and Property Disputes, 15th–17th Century.