Thomaston Castle

Thomaston Castle is a medieval fortification in Kirkoswald, South Ayrshire, built of red sandstone with partial walls and a tower set among agricultural fields. The ruins display typical defensive features of Scottish castle architecture from that era.

The castle was built in the 13th century for a nephew of Robert the Bruce, marking an early phase of Scottish castle building. By 1500, Alan McIlvaine took control of the property and established a new line of ownership.

The castle was long associated with the McIlvaine family, who served as wine suppliers to the powerful Earls Kennedy. Visitors can still trace this connection to local nobility through what remains of the structure today.

Access is via a public footpath, and the entrance is reachable during daylight hours when the gate is open. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear since the ruins sit on uneven ground and there are no facilities on site.

A moat once surrounded the fortress and traces of it can still be seen today, revealing the original defensive strategy employed here. This feature was recognized as worthy of protection when the ruins received scheduled monument status in 1998.

Location: South Ayrshire

Location: Kirkoswald

GPS coordinates: 55.34830,-4.77737

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:06