Penkill Castle, 16th-century castle in Dailly, Scotland
Penkill Castle is a 16th-century fortress built around a square three-story tower, later expanded with a modern eastern wing. The building sits near Penwhapple Glen in South Ayrshire, blending older stone structures with newer additions.
The Boyd family built the original tower in the 1500s and expanded it into an L-shaped structure by the 1600s. This family held strong connections to the Earls of Kilmarnock and guided the castle's growth across the centuries.
The staircase inside holds a series of murals created in the 1850s that illustrate scenes from a famous Scottish poem. These painted walls reflect the artistic interests and connections of those who lived here during that period.
You will need to contact the castle in advance to arrange a visit, as it is not open on a regular public schedule. Getting in touch before you come allows you to discuss the best time and conditions for your trip.
In the late 1800s, Alice Boyd became the first female to lead the castle, breaking a male-only tradition that had lasted since the 1500s. Her role was remarkable for the time and marked a turning point in how the estate was managed.
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