Eglinton Castle Photo Gallery

Eglinton Castle - the chief seat of the Earl of Eglinton, in Kilwinning parish, Ayrshire, on the left bank of Lugton Water, 2½ miles N of Irvine. A castellated edifice of 1798, it comprises a large round keep and round corner turrets, connected by a curtain - to use the language of fortification. The whole is pierced with rows of modern sash-windows, which in some degree destroy the outward effect, but add to the internal comfort. The interior corresponds with the magnitude and grandeur of the exterior. A spacious entrancehall leads to a saloon 36 feet in diameter, the whole height of the edifice, and lighted from above; and off this open the principal rooms. All are furnished and adorned in the most sumptuous manner; and one of them in the front is 52 feet long, 32 wide, and 24 high. Everything about the castle contributes to an imposing display of splendid elegance and refined taste. Nor are the lawns around it less admired for their fine woods, varied surfaces, and beautiful scenery. The park is 1200 acres in extent, and has one-third of its area in plantation. Eglinton Castle was abandoned by the Montgomery’s in 1929 after they lost their money building Ardrossan Harbour. The castle soon fell into disrepair, which led to it being used for target practice for tanks during World War Two.

.