Archaeology Notes

Event ID 700775

Category Descriptive Accounts

Type Archaeology Notes

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/700775

NS42SE 2 4995 2320

(NS 4995 2320) Auchinleck Castle (NR) (remains of)

OS 6" map (1967)

The ruins of Auchinleck Castle occupy a strong position on the banks of the Lugar Water. Only a part of one wall, a few arches, and other fragments remain. It is built on the point of a rock and is believed to have been surrounded by a moat; the drawbridge is said to have reached another rock nearby. This castle was superseded in the 17th century by Auchinleck Old House (NS52SW 4).

Little is known of this land before 1241; it was apparently held in demesne by Walter Stewart (G W S Barrow 1973).

J Paterson 1863

The remains consist of the lower courses of walls, with one wall, containing an arched opening, standing to a height of some 4.0m. The structure, which is of early appearance, is of local red sandstone, standing on an isolated outcrop dropping sheer to the Lugar Water and Dippol Burn. A stone causeway gives access from the S.

Visited by OS (JFC) 21 June 1954

The tree-covered remains of the castle, impressively situated on a rock stack, are generally as described. Part of the interior has been quarried out of the solid rock and the walling has augmented the natural defences. A narrow, rock-cut path climbs the S side of a vertical rock face to the summit.

Visited by OS (MJF) 20 October 1980