There is little information available about the construction of the original keep, but it is assumed that it was built for defensive purposes rather than comfort, based on the similarity to the construction of other facilities of that time which was around 1200 AD. Sometime around 1581, David Boyle enclosed the original keep with a much larger and grander castle complex. This marked the emergence of the family’s start to power in the local community.

However, the 17th century proved to be troublesome for the Boyles and they obtained their wealth through ship building and shipping. Later, the family heavily relied upon the public service aspect of the community, especially when trying to put a stop to smuggling. John Boyle, the ruler in the 17th century, became the father of the first Earl of Glasgow. The changes that the first Earl, David Boyle, made were not unlike that of a French Chateau and stands virtually the same today, except for the Graffiti art which was done by invitation in order to stop the failing of the concrete facing on the castle, in 2007. The repairs for the concrete may start sometime this year.

Unfortunately for the Boyle family, trouble was arose in the religious controversies of the day and they became indebted by building and endowing churches all over Scotland. The buildings included a big building near Perth and one on Cumbrae. By the late 1800s they found themselves owing nearly one million pounds. A cousin, David Boyle of Stewarton, sold his lands near Irvine in order to have enough money to buy back the Kelburn Facilities at auction. Unfortunately all the rest was lost.

During the years much chaos and lore has been steeped into Kelburn Castle and the lands surrounding it. The present Earl of Glasgow and his wife Isabel started a country park in the 1977, opening the grounds and house to the public. It is truly a wonderful place to visit for those interested in history, or wishing to learn more about the castles and have fun in a modern setting with a historical base.

Sometime in the 1980s, the Viking Festival of Largs was started as a small re-enactment and celebration of the Battle of Largs. The structure known as The Pencil, a monument, marking the battle is where the finale of the festival is held. After the re-enactment of the battle, there is the burning of the longship and fireworks display as the culmination to the festival. Gaining recognition throughout the world, the festival has grown considerably and continues to thrive. Each year a dedicated committee works to organize the many events and displays that the festival holds.

Just as the battle has a history, so does this wonderful festival. You can find many references to the Vikings in the village like names of various streets, and the arcade including the Vikings who stand outside the local Fish and Chips. A more serious commemoration is the Vikingar. This is an award winnging interactive exhibit brings the myths and tales of Vikings alive through storytellers, including the Hakon Hakonsson Lecture. In 1980, this lecture was originally started by Magnus Magnusson. The Vikingar itself is an interactive model where you can learn about Viking life, their skills, crafts and trades. The Village welcomes the opportunity to share this wonderful history with school groups by bringing the the Norway of 825AD to life.

Prof. Magnus Fladmark of Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen became the new director in 2008 following the death of Magnus Magnusson. During the festival there are numerous events and displays, including an opening parade and ceremony, skate competitions, fairs, and a continental food market. The festival provides great entertainment with some great history with the re-creation of the Battle of Largs in all its glory. If you are in the area, make plans to attend, it will be an adventure you won’t forget.

Then there are the Boyles, whose primary residence was the Kelburn Castle. They were descendants of Anglo Norman soldiers and knights who migrated in after the Norman conquest of England. The Bruces originated in Normandy, and were host to some of the most notable kings of Scotland. Robert The Bruce, the most famous one, was Annandales 7th lord and led the army against the English after the death of William Wallace. This line died out in 1371 with the death of his son David, who was 11. A clan who backed Robert the Bruce in his conquests, the Campbells, were gaining much wealth and notoriety, much land in Argyle, and the marriage to one of Bruce’s sisters.

The Cathcarts, originally supported the first King Edward, under Williams rule. His son Alan later became a supporter of the Bruces and their battles. Another clan of Norman origin were the Craufurds. Sir Reginald was placed in the position of Ayr Sheriff. His sister and a man from Elderlisle by the name of Wallace, mated and produced one of the most legendary heroes of all time, William Wallace. Cunninghams were also Bruce supporters, and built Kerlaw Castle. They stem back to the battle of Largs, as well.

Clan Hamilton built Cadzow Castle after switching sides from the English to support Robert the Bruce at the battle of Sterling. The Hunters, who currently own a castle open to the public a day out of each year, were a part of the Largs viking Battle, and were anti-English when the uprisings started around 1300. A clan with origins in the Fergus family, the Kennedys, were connectioned to the Irish dating as far back as 1014, when battles against vikings were happening. Originally Norman, the Lockharts moved into the area after losing their lands during William the Conquerors conquests. Ayrshire and Lanarkshire became their home, and Symon, son of Stephen, was knighted for his support of Robert the Bruce.

Having come from Liseux, the Montgomerys were thought to be Norman. They were Bruce supporters, and were also notable for having a blood feud with the Cunningham’s over the mutual deaths of family members. The Muirs existed alongside the Bruces, and Roberts Grandchild, Robert the 2nd, married into the Muir family through Elizabeth, Sir Adams daughter, in 1346. Then, of course, come the Wallaces. House to the most famous patriot of the country, they exist in about every historical text mentionable of the time.

Take a look deeper into the history, especially if you share Scottish blood. You may be surprised, and most definitely proud of what you find if you do.

At one time this region was a highly industrialized area and included many steel manufacturing areas, coal plants, and a few notable product line items. Worldwide, the Johnnie Walker whisky label is recognized as one of the best products of its type produced and is made at a distillery in Ayrshire. Even technology and computer companies have a connection to the area, by way of Compaq buying out a native company known as Digital Equipment. Despite the highly manufacturing oriented atmosphere in the past and currently, the jobless rate in the area extends slightly above and beyond the national average.

While it has a sound foundation in economics and agriculture, it also has an intricate connection to some interesting points in history. Many notable people have called the area home, were birthed or lived in the area at some time in their life. Rumor has it that Robert the Bruce himself hailed from Ayrshire, possibly born at Turnberry Castle. Although definitive confirmation does not exist, rumor is enough to instill some pride in the local communities. Further enhancing the mystique and legendary representation of this particular region, is that Malcolm Wallace, father of the legendary William Wallace, hails from Riccarton. Two of the greatest heroes known in the history of Scotland have their roots in this county.

Ayrshire has about just about everything that one could want. There is seaside dwellings, fishing, and abundant agriculture. Many historical sites steeped in Scottish mythology and history dot the area. Places dedicated to the history not only of Scotland but Ayrshire itself frequent the landscape. Museums, town festivals, and beautiful landscapes are commonplace. A uniquely situated county on one of the most fantastic islands in the ocean, it’s a place you may find to be your destination of choice.