Craigie Castle

Craigie Castle comprises the ruins of a fortified residence in South Ayrshire that began as a vaulted hall house in the 13th century and expanded with additional chambers during the 15th century. The site included two courtyards defended by ditches and natural water features, along with underground vaulted spaces built into the structure.

The castle was built between 1230 and 1240 by the Lindsay family as a significant fortified stronghold. It came to the Wallace family through marriage in 1371 and passed through several owners afterward.

The castle shows traces of different building periods in its stonework and layout, each reflecting the families who lived here. Walking through the ruins reveals how the architecture changed over centuries as new owners made their mark.

The ruins sit in open countryside and are visible from the minor road to the north of the B730, making them easy to spot while driving through the area. The location is straightforward to find if you are exploring the Kilmarnock region by car.

Underground vaulted chambers lie beneath the ruins and were later inhabited by wildlife, creating an unexpected link between ancient architecture and nature. These hidden spaces were once part of the defensive structure and have transformed over time into natural habitats.