Kirkhill Castle ruins stand in the gardens of a house at Colmonell in Ayrshire. It is a typical small L-plan tower house of the 16th century.

The tower is at the end of a private driveway, so please respect the owner's privacy.

~ History ~

1589 ~ Following their acquisition of lands following the Reformation the Kennedy family of Bargany build themselves a tower house.

1651 ~ Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Kennedy of Kirkhill Castle fights for King Charles II at the Battle of Worcester. He is captured and imprisoned, his lands forfeit.

1680's ~ Following recovery of their estates, Thomas's son is knighted Sir Thomas Kennedy of Kirkhill, Lord Provost of Edinburgh.

1843 ~ The castle and lands are sold to Colonel Barton of Ballaird, a hero of the Battle of Waterloo. He builds himself a mansion next to the castle.