Baltersan Castle

Baltersan Castle is a four-story stone structure near Maybole featuring thick walls with multiple rooms connected by a central staircase. The building currently stands without a roof and shows considerable deterioration, though its basic layout and construction remain visible.

Construction began in 1584 under John Kennedy of Pennyglen and his wife Margaret Cathcart, as recorded in entrance inscriptions. The tower was designed as a fortified residence to protect the family and their lands in this region of Scotland.

The entrance lintel displays a religious inscription about finding strength in the name of the Lord. This dedication reflects the faith of the family who built the castle and chose to display their beliefs at the threshold.

The castle requires substantial restoration work and sits about a mile and a half from Maybole on the road toward Kirkoswald. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and exercise caution, as the structure is open and lacks a roof.

A 17th-century map by Timothy Pont depicts the castle surrounded by large gardens, fruit orchards, and woodlands. Today it stands in open agricultural fields with no trace of these former ornamental and productive landscapes.

Location: South Ayrshire

GPS coordinates: 55.34279,-4.70979

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:04