Blairquhan Castle was completed in 1842 for Sir David Hunter Blair (son of a banker and Lord Provost of Edinburgh). The castle is set in a 2000-acre estate 14 miles south of Ayr near the small village of Straiton. The estates castle, lodge, dower house and six cottages are now available for holidays, special events and weddings. The castles full history, tour of rooms, gardens, information on shooting, fishing, weddings, corporate events and occasional guided tours can be found at www.blairquhan.co.uk.

Carnell Castle (mansion house). The tower of Carnell was built in the 16th Century for the Wallace’s. Carnell was extended to what can be seen today by the architect William Burn in the 1840s. Set in a 2000 acre estate, Carnell offers accommodation, weddings, falconry, archery, shooting - clays, pheasant and grouse. For the full history, tour of Carnell’s rooms, gardens and bookings visit www.carnellestates.com. Carnell is situated between Kilmarnock and Ayr.

Culzean Castle was completed in 1792 for David Kennedy (10th Earl of Cassillis). The Kennedy’s handed the castle and estate over to the National Trust for Scotland in 1945. Views of the castles interior and Eisenhower apartments that are available for holidays and weddings can be found at www.aboutscotland.com/culzean. Culzean Castle is situated approximately 10 miles south of Ayr.

Glenapp Castle was completed in 1870 for James Hunter (Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Ayrshire). The present owners offer the castle for holidays, corporate events and weddings. Numerous sporting and leisure activities can be arranged for guests. More information on the castles history, views of rooms, gardens and information on accommodation can be found at www.glenappcastle.com. Glenapp Castle is situated near the small village of Ballantrae on the southwest coast of Ayrshire.

The earliest parts of Kelburn Castle date back to the13th Century. The castle was built for the Boyle’s (Earls of Glasgow) and still remains in that family to this day. Since 1977, much of Kelburn’s grounds have been opened to the public and the castle has been made available for holiday accommodation, conferences, banquets, receptions and weddings. Guided tours can be arranged when the castle is available. More information and views of the castles interior can be found at www.kelburncastle.com. Kelburn Castle is situated about one mile south of Largs.

Law Castle is situated in the hills overlooking West Kilbride. This castle was built for Princess Mary, eldest daughter of James 11 (Stewart) upon her marriage to Master Thomas Boyd (later Earl of Arran). Thomas and his father Lord Kilmnarnock had to flee Scotland when they were accused of kidnapping King James III. Mary divorced Thomas soon after and married Lord Hamilton. The castle passed to the Bontine family in 1670. They
abandoned the castle though time leaving it to fall into a ruinous state. Work to restore Law Castle began in the 1990s. Law Castle is now available for holidays, corporate events and weddings. More information can be found at www.lawcastle.com.

The earliest parts of Sundrum Castle were built in the 14th Century for the Sheriff of Ayr, Sir Duncan Wallace (relation of William Wallace). The castle has changed ownership many times with its present day looks being attributed to work carried out in the 1790s. The full history, interior views and how to book holiday apartments in the castle can be found at www.sundrumcastle.com. Sundrum Castle is situated about 4 miles east of Ayr.