Kerelaw Castle, 12th century fortified castle ruins in Stevenston, Scotland.
Kerelaw Castle is a 12th century stronghold in Stevenston comprising three standing walls with Gothic windows and a corner turret on its northeastern side. The structure sits among overgrown vegetation behind a protective fence accompanied by an information board.
The castle was built around 1191 by Stephen Lockhart following a land grant from Richard de Morville. It was burned by Lord Montgomerie in 1488 but was later reconstructed.
The castle walls display carved coat of arms belonging to Scottish noble families, thought to have come from the nearby Kilwinning Abbey. These carved emblems reflect the connections between the stronghold and the religious communities of the region.
The castle ruins are viewable from outside the protective fence with an information board providing context. Plan to visit on a dry day and wear sturdy footwear, as the surrounding ground can be muddy and uneven.
Nine fishermen from nearby Saltcoats held leases to the castle in 1545 in exchange for transporting the Earl's furnishings between Finlayston and the castle each spring and autumn. This peculiar arrangement reveals how local fishermen were drawn into serving the practical needs of the noble residents.
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