Scottish Castles

Local information

Castle Kennedy, Dumfries and Galloway

Location: Castle Kennedy, DG9 8BX (map and directions)

The village of Castle Kennedy sits 4 miles east of Stranraer in southwest Dumfries and Galloway, taking its name from the castle built here in 1607 by the 5th Earl of Cassilis.

Castle Kennedy © Britain Express

History of Castle Kennedy

Castle Kennedy was destroyed during the 1715 Jacobite Rising. The Cassilis family moved to a village near Stranraer and the Stair family inherited the Castle and lands in 1677.

The 3rd Earl of Stair became inspired by the gardens of Versailles, in France, and saw to it that the gardens at Castle Kennedy were remodelled in the image of these royal French gardens.

During the 19th century, Lochinch Castle was built on the property of what is today known as Castle Kennedy Gardens. Though referred to as a Castle, this elegant Victorian building was never intended for batttle and therefore lacks fortifications necessary for castles used for defence. The castle was fully self-sufficient at the time, and even pumped its own gas to light the house.

The Earl and Countess of Stair currently reside in Lochinch Castle.

Map and directions

Other castles in Dumfries & Galloway