This brutal block of a castle dominates the skyline on a hillock above Dundonald village. Exuding power even as a ruin, it’s difficult to imagine it was ever a particularly comfortable place to stay. Nevertheless, Robert II lived here until his death in 1390. The Laigh Hall is the most impressive part, but don’t miss the vertical extremities of the castle – the Great Hall, now open to the elements, and the pit prison, accessed by a vertical ladder from above.
Dunure, South Ayrshire★★ Dunure's castle is a 13th century ruin, for centuries the stronghold of the Earls of Cassilis, which really rewards thorough exploration. When you first approach from the inland side, its very ruinous state and the offputting presence of a neighbouring skate park don't do the site…
Maidens, South Ayrshire★★★★★ For sheer variety, Culzean (pronounced cull-ane) surely tops Scotland's long list of castles - and it's probably also the National Trust for Scotland's flagship property. Home to the Earls of Cassilis until the 1940s, the 18th century castle's magnificent design has few peers, neither inside nor…
Portencross, North Ayrshire★★ Until 2007, Portencross Castle was a seemingly unloved ruin perched precariously above an exposed rocky inlet on the Firth of Clyde. Given that parts dated from 1360, it was perhaps fortunate that it was still standing at all. But in a dramatic change of fortunes, the…