Fairlie Castle, Tower house in North Ayrshire, Scotland.
Fairlie Castle is a stone tower that rises on a natural rounded knoll above Fairlie Glen, featuring four stories and two vaulted cellars equipped with defensive gun ports. The structure reaches about 40 feet (12 meters) in height and was positioned to command views of the surrounding landscape.
The tower was built in 1521 by the Fairlie family and remained in their hands until 1656, when they sold it to David Boyle, the first Earl of Glasgow. This change of ownership shifted the building's place in local history.
The castle features in the 1719 ballad Hardyknute, which tells of a warrior who fought at the Battle of Largs. This literary connection shows how the structure is rooted in Scottish folk tradition.
The site is protected as a scheduled monument, which means any repairs or structural work requires approval from Historic Environment Scotland. Visitors should note that access is limited, as the building remains under protective conservation restrictions.
An old paved path near the tower indicates it once stood on a main route connecting Fairlie Moor to Dalry. This former transport link explains why the location was chosen for the building and its importance to regional connections.
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