Overview of Castle Kennedy

Located on what was once an island between the Black Loch and White Loch within the magnificent estate of Lochinch Castle, 3 miles (5 km) east of Stranraer, the substantial ruins of Castle Kennedy were constructed in 1607 by John Kennedy, the 5th Earl of Cassillis (c.1567 - 1615). It comprises a Y-plan castellated mansion of four storeys and an attic, with taller wings. The windows are generally large, and the top-most were dormers featuring decorated pediments, demonstrating this was more of a mansion than a defensive castle. Destroyed by fire in 1716, it was never restored and remains roof-less. Instead, almost 150 years later, Lochinch Castle was built a half-mile (1 km) to the northwest by John Dalrymple, 10th Earl of Stair (1819 - 1903).

The property of the Kennedy family from 1482, the lands passed to the Hamiltons around 1650 and then the Dalrymples in 1677. Fine gardens were developed around the old castle until 1747, abandoned and then re-instated in the mid-19th century.