Stevenston, Scotland is home to Kerelaw Castle, built in the 12th century. The castle has a very turbulent history. First held by the Lockhart’s who were given a land grant, it was passed to the Campbell’s of Loudoun and then to the Cunninghame’s of Kilmaurs. In 1488, while in the Cunninghame’s possession, the castle was burned to the ground as a result of a feud with the Earl of Eglinton. As an act of vengeance, the Cunninghames burned Eglinton Castle.

Rebuilt in the late 15th century, the castle became the home of the Abbot of Kilwinning. Purchased by Sir Thomas Boyd in 1609, it was quickly sold back to the Cunninghame family. The mid-1600 saw the castle sold to John Hamilton and became the Hamilton family’s home until Alexander Hamilton built Kerelaw House in 1787. At that point the castle was abandoned.

After Alexander’s death in 1838, the property that houses the Kerelaw Castle and Kerelaw House was sold to Gavin Fullerton. North Ayrshire Council has taken over ownership of the Kerelaw Castle ruins and it is a fairly notable tourist attraction. If you are a hardy soul, you may want to explore the woodland upstream from the castle. The woods, glen, river, ancient footbridge, and view are well worth the exploration.

Little is left of the Kerelaw Castle ruins. Three walls remain in varying states of decline. Also surviving is the Gothic windows in the south wall. Kerlaw House was purchased from the Campbell family in 1969 by a private company and was demolished. All that remains is the driveway that led up to the house.

This castle has an incredible amount of history that you can soak up while you visit this bit of the past.

Photo Credit: Dreamer84

Coal mining was the town’s mainstay for several centuries until the coal pits were mined out toward the end of the 1800’s. During the 1900’s, explosive and chemical production was the town’s lifeblood. The town was devastated when ICI closed plants and reduced its presence in the town. Although the ICI site was taken over and is operated as Nobel Enterprises, the level of production is at a much smaller scale.

Nobel Enterprises manufactures nitrocellulose, which is commonly known as guncotton. In 2007, some 1500 to 1700 tons of nitrocellulose were destroyed in a major fire. Fortunately there were no serious injuries and property damage was minimal.

This downturn has had a sustained effect on the economy. Once an area that boasted three train stations, one closed in 1932 with the second closing in 1966.

Given the history of this town, in addition to Kerelaw Castle, there are some points of interest that you can visit. A unique sundial on Old High Road in Mayville dates back to 1773 although it sits on a pedestal from a later date. The manse on Schoolwell Street was built in 1787 and incorporates parts of the original manse in it. In addition, there was an addition to the building in 1885. The details of this building are fascinating to see. Wandering around the town will take you to the many other buildings and features steeped in history.

One of the highlights of any visit to Stevenston is a stroll on the beach. Stevenston Beach is the location of the last of the fully forming sand dune system in North Ayrshire. The dunes and beach are an ever-changing tableau. Unusual species like Snow Bunting, Babington’s orache, and Isle of Man Cabbage are abundant here.