The disputes
came to a head during the Cassillis and Bargany Kennedy feuds.
The Cassillis Kennedy's murdered Kennedy of Bargany in a skirmish
at Ladycross in 1601. John Mure of Auchendrane, who was present
at the Ladycross skirmish, took revenge for his friend Bargany's
death by arranging the murder of Cassillis' uncle, Sir Thomas
Kennedy of Culzean. As Mure and his son were brought to trial
in 1611 for the murder of Thomas Kennedy and executed, the
lands of Auchendrane were once again forfeited to the Crown.
Auchendrane lands passed to the Ferguson of Kilkerran and
later to Elias Cathcart of Blairston, or Nether Auchendrane
as it was re-named. In 1839, James Ferguson bought the estate
with the intention of building a new house on the site of
the ruined castle. However, this was only carried out by
J. Fairfull Smith in 1856. Nether Auchendrane served as
a nursing home for many years. With the building needing
expensive repairs, the nursing home was moved to a new location.
The house has since been put up for sale.
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