Background of Portencross Castle

In the earliest times, the castle at the hamlet of Portencross (in Ayrshire) was called "Arneil" (also spelled "Arnele" and "Ardneil") and stood on Auld Hill. Several charters of the first two Stewart kings were signed at "Arnele", which led to the belief that "Portincross" (an alternative spelling) had at that time been a royal residence.

Rich in history, and with a magnificent scenic outlook, the castle is also reputed to have been the last mainland resting place for the bodies of former Scottish kings (from the times of Kenneth MacAlpine until the reign of Malcolm Canmore), which were brought by road from the east of Scotland to be ferried by birlinn from Portencross for their burial on the island of Iona.

In the 14th century, the castle was rebuilt, but not on Auld Hill. Instead, its new location was a commanding rock promontory at the bottom of the hill, extending into the Firth of Clyde.(Click here for map location.) Here, Robert II signed several more Royal Charters and it remained occupied until its roof blew off during a violent storm in 1739. While the castle walls are still intact, it is in need of repair, refurbishment and long-term maintenance.

Read More >>