Kerelaw Castle, 12th century fortified castle ruins in Stevenston, Scotland.
Kerelaw Castle is a ruined castle in Stevenston, North Ayrshire, Scotland, with three standing walls, Gothic windows, and a corner turret on the northeastern side. The remains are surrounded by overgrown vegetation and enclosed by a protective fence, next to which an information board has been placed.
The castle was built around 1191 by Stephen Lockhart after receiving a land grant from Richard de Morville. It was burned by Lord Montgomerie in 1488 and later rebuilt.
The walls of Kerelaw carry carved coats of arms that are thought to have come from the nearby Kilwinning Abbey. These stone reliefs show how closely tied the Scottish nobility and the religious communities of the area once were.
The ruins can be seen from outside the protective fence without entering the site, so no special access is required. The ground around the walls tends to be uneven and muddy, so wear sturdy shoes and choose a dry day if possible.
In 1545, nine fishermen from nearby Saltcoats held leases on the castle in exchange for ferrying the Earl's furnishings between Finlayston and the castle each spring and autumn. This arrangement shows how local fishermen were pulled into the domestic routines of the nobility.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
