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.

Also located within the town are very historic monuments that pull tourists from around the world. One of those places is the Neolithic Tomb in Douglas Park. The Neolithic area is the period of time beginning about 9500 BC and is also labeled the New Stone Age. This is when human technology began to make incredible advancements forward with farming, metal tools, and irrigation.

The Neolithic Tomb in Douglas Park is also known that the Haylie Chambered Tomb. Discovered in 1772 by James Wilson of Haylie, this tomb was once covered over by stones. These cairns of stones are manmade structures that are often in the form of a cone. The original cairn was removed for the building of dykes upon the estate. Inside the tomb, the remains of five bodies were found. Originally the tomb was found in the early twentieth century, when major excavation was done, and has been dated back to about 3000 BC. Historically important, the tomb marks the graves of a people known as the Beakers.

The Beakers were a cultural phenomenon that swept through Europe during the late Neolithic period. They were named ‘Beakers’ because of their distinct pottery style, which resembled a beaker with a pronounced inverted bell shape.

The Haylie Chambered Tomb is complete with the original capstone and is commonly listed as one of the main attractions to the visitors of Largs. In addition to the other attractions in the area, such as the Pencil Monument, Kelburn Castle, and Three Sisters; the Haylie Chambered Tomb, or the Neolithic Tomb, is one of the places visitors frequently seek out. Located in a clearing behind Douglas Park, the tomb is very easily accessible.

No visit to the Scottish seaside town of Largs is complete without a visit to this historic place that cements the role of Scotland in the stages of human advances and evolutionary process.

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.